Guided Tour of Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Visit two of the most iconic landmarks in American history – the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with an expert guide.

Think of this guided tour as having a seasoned storyteller lead you through a living library, ensuring you don’t just see the pages, but truly understand the incredible stories within.

This article covers everything you need to know before booking your guided tour of the Statue of Liberty 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.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour Tickets

This ground admission tour gets you access to the grounds of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. 

You must choose between a comprehensive 4-hour Tour or an express 2-hour Tour. 

While the express tour only covers Liberty Island, the comprehensive tour also includes Ellis Island.

The comprehensive tour starts at 9 AM, and the express tour begins at 9.30 AM and 1.30 PM.

Please note that tour guides are not allowed inside the Statue of Liberty Museum or the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Both museums are self-guided, with audio guides available for a richer experience.

Ticket prices

Note: Children under three can join the tour for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

Itinerary: What to expect

Your half-day adventure begins bright and early in Battery Park, New York City, and lasts for three to five hours.

You’ll meet your guide on the steps outside of Castle Clinton National Monument’s North Entrance within Battery Park. Your guide will have your entry tickets ready for you.

Ferry Journey

After a security screening, you’ll hop aboard a reserve-line ferry. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the New York City skyline, providing excellent photo opportunities while your guide shares fascinating stories.

Liberty Island Exploration

Upon arrival at Liberty Island, your guide will lead you on Liberty’s grounds tour, offering an up-close view of Lady Liberty.

You’ll also have time to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. Note that the guide will not accompany you to the museum.

Your experience after that depends on which tour you booked – the Liberty Express or the Comprehensive tour. 

After you have seen the Liberty Museum, the guide parts ways with the guests who booked the Liberty Express option. Then, you take a ferry to Ellis Island by yourself. 

However, the guide boards the ferry to Ellis Island with you if you have booked the comprehensive guided tour of the Statue of Liberty.

Ellis Island Journey (Part of the Comprehensive Tour)

While all guests who book an Express Guided tour explore Ellis Island and the immigration museum by themselves, the New Yorker guide shares his insights with those who opt for a comprehensive tour. 

They will also explain the various landmarks, including the American Immigrant Wall of Honor.

You also explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, but on your own. This tour comes with an audio guide, which comes in very handy because your guide cannot accompany you inside the museum.

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.

Inclusions and Exclusions

✔️ Round-trip reserve-line ferry tickets
✔️ A guided tour of Liberty Island from an expert New Yorker
✔️ Access to the Statue of Liberty Museum
✔️ A guided tour of Ellis Island (For the Comprehensive Tour only)
✔️ Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
❌ Crown and Pedestal access at the Statue of Liberty
❌ Tour guides inside the Liberty Museum and the Immigration Museum

Know Before You Go

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, please keep the following in mind.

• Remember to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour, as the ferry departs promptly. Note that late arrivals will not receive a refund for missing the tour.
• The earliest tours have the least wait times. Visitors who take the last tour will only have time to visit one of the islands.
• The tour operates in all weather conditions, so be sure to dress according to the weather.
• Be prepared for an airport-style security screening before boarding the ferry.
• Photographs are permitted, but tripods and monopods are prohibited.
• This tour usually has a maximum of 25 travellers.
• Consider taking a train to Battery Park to avoid parking difficulties.
• On busy days, such as Saturdays and Sundays, the sites can be very crowded and have significant waiting times for the ferry back to New York.
• Food and beverages are available for purchase on the ferry, as well as on Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

Is a Guided Tour of the Statue of Liberty Worth It?

Absolutely! Travelers highly recommend the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour for many compelling reasons.

• Reviewers consistently praise the guides for being knowledgeable, informative, entertaining, and passionate. They make history come alive, offer tips for efficiency, and even help with perfect photo opportunities.
• The tour includes reserve-line ferry tickets, helping you avoid ticketing hassles and providing access to the islands.
• You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Statue of Liberty and the immigration process at Ellis Island, learning facts and stories that go beyond what you might discover on your own.
• With options like the 2-hour Liberty Express or the 4-hour Comprehensive Tour, you can choose the experience that best fits your schedule and interests.
• Many travelers highlight this as a great experience for families, with guides who engage both adults and children.

Guided or Self-guided Liberty & Ellis Island Tour?

Deciding the best way to explore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island during your visit to New York City can be tough. Let us help you with your choice between these two excellent options for your Liberty & Ellis Island Tour.

If you prefer flexibility and want to explore the iconic landmarks at your own pace, a self-guided Lady Liberty and Ellis Island ticket is your ideal choice.

You’ll receive multilingual audio guides to provide fascinating details and historical context as you move through key sites, allowing you to linger at exhibits that interest you the most.

For an easy and insightful experience, a Guided Tour of the Statue of Liberty is your best bet.

Your expert New Yorker guide will manage tickets, lead you through the islands, and bring history to life with engaging stories, expert commentary, and insider tips.

We recommend this option as it enhances your experience, with an opportunity to learn from a passionate expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions by visitors booking the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour.