Facilities at the Statue of Liberty
Your Ultimate Guide to a Smooth Liberty Visit
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of New York City’s must-do experiences.
Getting a close-up view of Lady Liberty and also stunning views of the Manhattan skyline requires some good planning, from booking your Liberty tickets to understanding what facilities are available on the islands.
This guide covers all the information about the facilities, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your trip to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Top Tickets
Book your self-guided tickets to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, or opt for the Guided Tour of the Statue of Liberty. For sunset views of Manhattan, check out the Circle Line 2-hour Harbor Lights Cruise, an evening cruise with a cocktail and commentary.
Water stations on Liberty and Ellis Islands
Staying hydrated during your visit to the Statue of Liberty is easy. Drinking water is available at various locations on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Water fountains are available in the Liberty Island lobby, near the restrooms.
Additionally, water refilling stations are provided on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. We recommend you bring your water bottle to use these refilling stations.
Dining on your Liberty visit
If you are hungry on your way to Liberty Island, no worries, your ferry has food kiosks.
You can find full meals, including burgers, hot dogs, and salads, at the concession stands on Liberty Island. You can also get snacks like chips, organic fruit, and ice cream, as well as various drinks, including coffee, espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes.
You also have the Crown Cafe and the Ellis Island Cafe, where you can get a snack after your Lady Liberty tour.
Locker rentals
Locker rentals are available on Liberty Island for your convenience. These lockers are located just before the entrance to the Statue of Liberty monument.
Large bags, backpacks, and several other items, such as food and beverages, tripods, laptops, strollers, and non-folding umbrellas, as well as oversized items like large flags, banners, and posters, are not permitted inside the monument.
Lockers are essential for storing your belongings, as carrying heavy items can slow you down and disrupt your Liberty experience.
The cost for lockers is a refundable 25-cent deposit, for which you receive a key. We recommend you bring some quarters as they require exact change.
Lockers are available for visitors with pedestal or crown access tickets, as only small bags, purses, and camera equipment are allowed inside these areas.
“Grounds Only” ticket holders must keep their items with them at all times.
Note that no drinks are allowed inside the monument except water in a plastic container.
Save 40% and more! The New York CityPASS is a popular discount card that helps you save 41% on your ticket costs and also guarantees seamless entry to up to five attractions.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available for visitors throughout the trip. You can find facilities on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, as well as on the ferries themselves.
On Liberty Island, look for restrooms near the food and beverage areas and in the lobby of the Statue of Liberty monument.
Restrooms on Ellis Island are available in the main building and near the food concessions.
These facilities are designed to be accessible for all visitors, including those with special needs.
Transportation
Ferry service is the only way to access Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Your reserve ticket includes round-trip service to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, along with access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Ferries depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The ferry ride to Liberty Island takes approximately 10-25 minutes each way.
During the ferry ride, for the best view of the Statue of Liberty as you approach, head to the side of the boat that faces Manhattan when you first board. Once your liberty boat makes a sharp turn, this side will offer the perfect spot for an iconic picture of Lady Liberty.
What to expect
Your visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can easily take most of a day, so it’s wise to plan.
- Parking is limited in New York City, but ample parking for cars and buses is available at Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
- Be prepared for airport-style security screening before boarding the ferry, and a second, stricter security check if you have pedestal or crown tickets. You’ll need to remove belts, watches, jackets, hats, and jewellery.
- After getting off the ferry, many visitors rush straight to the front of the Liberty Statue for photos. To avoid the initial crowds, consider heading to the Statue of Liberty Museum first, or directly to the second security tent if you have pedestal or crown tickets.
- Access to the museum is free for all visitors on Liberty Island. This 26,000-square-foot museum offers interactive exhibits, historical artefacts, an immersive theatre, and displays Lady Liberty’s original torch from 1886.
- Below the pedestal is the star-shaped Fort Wood, an old war fort offering great spots for pictures, including a unique upward shot of the Statue. To access the top of Fort Wood, you’ll need pedestal or crown tickets.
- Don’t miss the unique views of Lower Manhattan from the northern edge of Liberty Island, where you can see the Freedom Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge, and on a clear day, the Empire State Building.
- Your Liberty ticket also includes access to Ellis Island. Admission to the Immigration Museum is free. Here, you can explore exhibits on the history of immigration to the United States.
Know before you go
Follow these essential tips for a seamless and hassle-free visit to the Statue of Liberty.
- Liberty Island can be significantly colder and windier than Manhattan. Check the weather forecast the day before and on the morning of your visit to pack appropriately, including sunscreen if needed.
- Book your Liberty tickets in advance. This ensures you get the tickets for the time slots you want.
- Security is similar to an airport, requiring the removal of belts, watches, jackets, hats, and jewellery.
- Backpacks, food, and drinks are not allowed inside the pedestal. Packing lightly will make your security checks much smoother.
- You will be doing a good walk, a casual stroll of an hour, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
- The lines for the ferry and attractions get longer throughout the day. Aim to catch the first ferry of the day to beat the crowds to the museum and Ellis Island.
- Ferries have capacity limitations, so we advise you to be in line for the ferry at least 10 minutes before it departs.
- Factor in the time it takes to travel between islands while planning your day.
- The ferry schedule varies by season and is displayed at the dock or entrance. Take a photo of it when you arrive so you can easily plan your return trip without having to guess.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my pet?
No, pets are not permitted on the ferry system or in the park, except service animals that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Can I use my National Park Pass?
No, National Park passes are valid at parks that charge an entrance fee, but Liberty and Ellis Islands are fee-exempt by law.
What are my food options?
Food and beverage concessions are available on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Is parking available if I drive?
Ample car and bus parking is available at the ferry area in Liberty State Park, New Jersey, at a lower cost compared to limited and expensive private parking garages in New York City.
