Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty

Seeing Lady Liberty up close is a must-do experience. 

Knowing the expert tips from a New Yorker is essential for planning your visit to the Statue of Liberty in NYC.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from booking your tickets to exploring the islands like a pro.

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.

Visitor tips on tickets

Statue City Cruises is the only official service authorised to dock on Liberty Island and the sole provider of tickets and tours for both the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

To guarantee your access and avoid lengthy waits, we recommend you buy your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance.

You can use the digital ticket on your phone, so there’s no need to print a physical one.

For the best experience, most visitors book their Statue of Liberty tickets a few months before their visit to get their preferred date and time.

There are several ticket options depending on how you wish to experience the monument.

General admission (Reserve tickets)

These tickets include the round-trip ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, an audio tour, and access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

Pedestal access

• This ticket includes everything in general admission and grants you access inside the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal.
• It also includes exhibits on its history and construction, the Fort Wood level, and observation decks.
• Pedestal tickets are limited and often sell out in advance.

Crown access

• For the ultimate experience, you can purchase a ticket to climb the 162 steps from the top of the pedestal to the Statue’s crown.
• Crown tickets are highly limited and typically sell out four to six months in advance, especially for summer dates and holidays.
• Access to the crown is by stairs only; there is no elevator.

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.

Visitor tips on departure

To reach the Statue of Liberty, you must take a ferry from one of two departure points, Battery Park or Liberty State Park. Arrive early at your chosen departure point.

While your ticket will have a timed entry, this indicates the time you will be admitted to the security area, not a specific ferry departure.

Security lines can be long, especially during peak seasons like summer, weekends, and holidays. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

From NYC

• Your popular ferry departure point is Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
• The closest subway stops are on the 1, 4, 5, R, and W lines.
• We recommend public transport as parking in Manhattan can be difficult and expensive.

From NJ

• Your next option in the Liberty Ferry departure point is Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
• This location offers more ample and cheaper parking for cars and buses, making it a good option if you are driving.

Visitor tips on the Liberty ferry

• The ferry is the only way to access Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
• The ride to each island typically takes about 15-25 minutes.
• For the best views of the Statue of Liberty as you approach, head to the side of the boat that faces Manhattan when you first board. The Liberty boat will make a sharp turn, positioning you perfectly for an iconic picture of Lady Liberty.
• On the return trip from Ellis Island to Manhattan, the left side of the boat generally offers the best views.
• Ferry boats have capacity limitations, so it’s a good idea to be in line for the ferry at least 10 minutes before it departs to avoid being cut off.
• All ferries are wheelchair accessible and include restrooms onboard.
• If you’re short on time, consider a Statue of Liberty express cruise.

Visitor tips on arrival

Once you step on Liberty Island, the natural urge is to rush to the front of the Statue for pictures. But, to avoid battling crowds for the perfect shot, consider visiting the Statue of Liberty Museum first, or even the gift shop.

This allows the wave of new visitors to disperse, giving you a smoother experience at the Statue’s base.

For the best and most iconic photographs of Lady Liberty, head to the top of Fort Wood. This star-shaped structure, an old war fort just below the pedestal, offers a unique vantage point.

For a winning shot, have someone lie down and take the picture shooting upward, capturing the Statue towering high behind your group.

To access the top of Fort Wood, you’ll need a pedestal or crown ticket.

Don’t miss the views of Lower Manhattan, which is unique from the northern edge of Liberty Island.

On a clear day, you can see the Freedom Tower, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and even the Empire State Building.

Visitor tips on security

Be prepared for airport-style security screenings before boarding the ferry.

• If you have pedestal or crown tickets, you’ll undergo a second, stricter security check before entering the monument.
• For these checks, you will need to remove items like belts, watches, jackets, hats, and jewellery.
• To make your security checks smoother, pack lightly and avoid unnecessary belongings.
• Backpacks and large bags are generally not permitted inside the Statue of Liberty monument (pedestal and crown areas).
• Only water in a clear plastic container is allowed inside the monument; other food and drinks are prohibited.

Visitor tips on facilities

• Lockers are available on Liberty Island just before the entrance to the Statue of Liberty monument, essential for storing prohibited items like backpacks or large umbrellas.
• Locker facilities require a refundable 25-cent deposit (quarters only), so it’s wise to bring some change.
• You’ll find food kiosks on the ferries and concession stands on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island offering full meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Water fountains and refilling stations are available on both islands, so remember to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Restrooms are available on the ferries, at Liberty Island near the food areas, in the monument lobby, and on Ellis Island in the main building and near food concessions.

Visitor tips on duration

To fully experience the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island, you should spend a minimum of 6 hours.

• A basic visit to Liberty Island, including exploring the Statue’s grounds, museum, and walking around, usually takes about 2-3 hours.
• If you plan to include Ellis Island and its National Museum of Immigration, allocate an additional 1-2 hours or more.
• Factor in around 40-50 minutes total for the ferry travel to and from the islands.
• If you have crown access, be prepared for extra time for the Challenging climb of 162 steps from the pedestal to the crown, which can take up to 45 minutes.
• The audio tours for both Liberty and Ellis Islands last about an hour.
• It is always advisable to take a picture of the ferry schedule when you arrive at the dock, as departure times can change seasonally.

Frequently asked questions

Here are the most common questions visitors ask when touring the Statue of Liberty.