How to Reach the Statue of Liberty
Lady Liberty from New Jersey and New York
For a smooth and enjoyable journey to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, it is important to know your travel options.
Ferries to the Statue of Liberty depart from two main locations: The Battery in Manhattan, New York City, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting to your ferry departure point and then to the pretty Lady Liberty.
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.
Ferry Routes to Liberty Island
The journey to Liberty Island is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, the Liberty Statue, Ellis Island, and New York Harbor.
Be prepared for airport-style security screenings before boarding the ferry.
Ferries depart from the Battery in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
Ferries run every 20-30 minutes. The average ferry ride to Liberty Island takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes from either departure point.
The ferries feature restrooms, food kiosks, and both indoor and outdoor seating on three levels, with the open third level offering the best photographic opportunities.
How to Reach The Battery (New York)
Battery Park is the most popular departure point for visitors staying in New York City. We recommend public transportation due to potential traffic and limited parking.
Address: 1 Battery Place, New York, NY 10004.
By Subway
- Take the 1 train to South Ferry station.
- Take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green Station.
- If you’re coming from Brooklyn or Queens, take the R or W train to Whitehall St-South Ferry station.
By Bus
- Take the M15, M20, or M15-SBS to South Ferry.
- Other bus lines like M9, M20, and M22 also stop in Battery Park City.
- All bus stops are typically within a five-minute walk of the ferry departure point.
By Car
- You can drive to Battery Park via the West Side Highway (West Street south) to the Battery Place exit.
- Take the FDR Drive south to Exit 1 in Whitehall Street.
Summary
Taxis and rideshares are also readily available. However, designated parking is not available, and privately operated parking lots nearby can be expensive and difficult to find, so arriving early or using the subway is your best bet.
How to Reach Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, offers a convenient alternative, especially if you’re staying in New Jersey or prefer easier parking options.
Address: 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305.
By Car
- Take exit 14-B from the New Jersey Turnpike and follow the signs to the park.
- Paid parking is available at the park, with designated accessible spots.
- Follow signs for Ferry Parking upon arrival.
By PATH Train
- Take the PATH train to Grove Street Station.
- Then transfer to the Liberty State Park Light Rail Station.
By Light Rail
- You can take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park station. The HBLR is accessible at the Hoboken Station or the Newport Station.
- From there, follow the signs for a short 10-minute walk to the ferry landing.
- Walk or bike one mile along Audrey Zapp Drive to reach the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal in Liberty State Park.
- Parking is available at the Light Rail Station.
By NJ Transit Bus
- You can also take an NJ Transit bus that stops at the park.
- The nearest NJ Transit bus stop to Liberty State Park is at the corner of Washington Street and Montgomery Street, served by the 126 bus line.
- From there, it’s just a short walk to the park entrance.
Summary
Driving and parking at Liberty State Park is generally easier than in Manhattan. However, there isn’t a direct bus from New Jersey to Liberty State Park. You can transfer to the HBLR via PATH to get to the Liberty State Park.
Best Ways to Get to the Statue of Liberty
Here are the most common and highly recommended methods to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Statue City Cruises (offers a visit)
- The Liberty cruise offers direct access to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
- You can board the ferry at two convenient locations: Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
- You can choose between a self-guided experience or a guided tour of Liberty Island.
Other Options (offer views)
- Various boat tours also offer views of the Statue of Liberty, such as evening cruise, daytime cruise, and express cruise.
- There is also a thrilling Speedboat Ride that offers great views with a photo stop to take a photo with Lady Liberty.
- The Liberty helicopter tour takes your experience to a whole new level, offering aerial views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.
Staten Island Ferry (Free ferry offering views)
- If you’re looking for a free view of the Statue of Liberty without landing on the island, the Staten Island Ferry is an excellent choice.
- This free commuter ferry travels between Manhattan and Staten Island, offering distant but clear views of Lady Liberty as it passes.
- For the best views of the Statue of Liberty from this ferry, aim to get a spot on the right side when departing from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
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.
Should I go to Liberty from New Jersey or New York?
Let’s compare your options for visiting the Statue of Liberty from New Jersey or New York, helping you choose the best route for your visit.
| Aspect | New York (Battery Park) | New Jersey (Liberty State Park) |
| Departure Point | Battery Park, Lower Manhattan | Liberty State Park, Jersey City |
| Ferry Access | Main ferry terminal; frequent service | Limited ferry service |
| Visitor Services | Well-established with clear signage, ticket counters | Less developed services |
| Ferry Views | Stunning views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty | Less scenic compared to the Battery Park ferry |
| Travel Time | Short walk from subway and bus stations;easily accessible | Additional travel time to Liberty State Park |
| Amenities | Many amenities | Fewer amenities |
| Public Transport Options | Subway lines (1, 4, 5, R, W),bus routes (M9, M15, M20, M22, M15-SBS) | Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, paid parking facilities available |
| Parking Availability | Limited | Ample paid parking options |
For the best experience, we recommend departing from The Battery for your ferry to Liberty Island. However, if you’re already in New Jersey, you can board the ferry from Liberty State Park.
Tips for a Smooth Journey to the Statue of Liberty
For the best experience when visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, keep these essential tips in mind.
- Book your Liberty tickets in advance for a convenient ferry ride with no delay.
- Make sure you have at least 4 to 6 hours to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- You will go through airport-style security screening before boarding the ferry.
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your intended ferry departure time, as the security lines can be long, especially during peak season.
- The first ferry of the day (9 AM) has the fewest crowds.
- Large bags, backpacks, and certain other items are not allowed inside the pedestal or crown.
- Lockers are available at Liberty Island but not at Ellis Island.
- You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes.
- It can be windier on the water and the islands, so dress in layers and check the weather forecast beforehand. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) is also recommended.
- Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the incredible views, a water bottle (which can be refilled on the islands), and a photo ID for security screening.
- Many visitors opt to explore both Liberty Island and Ellis Island in a single day. If you plan to visit both thoroughly, consider starting with Ellis Island. This way, you can enjoy a seamless trip without backtracking, as the ferry route flows smoothly to both islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about reaching the Statue of Liberty.
What is the easiest way to get to the Statue of Liberty?
The easiest route is generally taking the subway to Battery Park in Manhattan (1, 4, 5, R, or W trains) and then catching the ferry from there.
How long is the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty?
The ferry ride takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes from either Battery Park or Liberty State Park.
What subway line goes to the Statue of Liberty ferry?
If Battery Park is your ferry departure point, you can take the subway to Manhattan. Several subway lines serve Battery Park, including the 1 train to South Ferry, the 4/5 trains to Bowling Green, and the R/W trains to Whitehall St-South Ferry.
Are ferries wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all ferries and facilities at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps available for convenience.
Can I visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in one day?
Yes, most visitors comfortably see both islands in one day. Plan for approximately five to six hours to explore both sites thoroughly.
