How to Buy Tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are two of New York City’s most iconic attractions. Visiting these landmarks is an absolute must for anyone coming to the Big Apple. However, buying tickets can seem a bit daunting—but don’t worry! In this article, we guide you step-by-step on how to easily and stress-free purchase tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Short on time? Where to buy tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: ticket options with ferry
• Early Access Tour to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• 60-minute sightseeing cruise around the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Best Ways to Get Tickets

There are several options for purchasing tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Here are some of the top ways we recommend:

1. Buy online: This is the easiest and most recommended option. Booking your tickets online saves you time and hassle, helping you avoid long lines at the ticket booth. You can book via the official Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island website or trusted travel sites such as GetYourGuide.
2. Book a guided tour: If you want a deeper and more informative visit, consider a guided tour. Led by expert guides, these tours provide detailed information about the history and meaning of these sites. Tours for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are not available through the official site, so we recommend booking using this link. This tour also includes the opportunity to take the first ferry of the day. One of the best New York tours we want to highlight actually circles around the Statue rather than landing—perfect for those wanting the ideal photo of the statue, Brooklyn Bridge, and NYC skyline. This cruise tour is perfect for that!

• Buy a tourist pass: If you plan to visit other NYC attractions as well, it might be convenient to get a tourist pass that includes access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island along with other highlights. Some of the most popular passes are New York Pass, New York CityPASS, and Explorer Pass.

Buying Tickets On-Site (Not Recommended)

If you prefer to buy tickets in person, you can do so at the box office at Battery Park, Lower Manhattan. However, be aware that lines can be long, especially during peak tourist times. Also, there’s no guarantee tickets will be available for your preferred date and time.

How Do Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tickets Work?

To figure out what type of tickets you’ll need, it’s important to understand how admission works. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s included and won’t miss out on anything.

The key thing to know is there isn’t a specific ticket just to visit the islands. What you really pay for with general admission tickets is the ferry ride to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. There’s actually no cost to walk around Liberty Island or go to the Statue of Liberty Museum, but you do have to pay extra for pedestal or crown access.

When booking, you’ll be asked to select a time for screening at the Battery Park ferry terminal (not for the exact ferry departure or pedestal/crown entry).

Advance reservations are required for pedestal and crown visits, with a limit of four crown tickets per order. These tend to sell out quickly—especially crown tickets—so be sure to book as early as possible. You can’t buy one ticket that includes both pedestal and crown—just one or the other.

Once you purchase, you’ll receive an email with your electronic tickets, which you need to print out and bring with you. The exception is for crown tickets, which must be picked up in person with a photo ID and the credit card used for purchase.

How Much Do Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tickets Cost?

Ticket prices vary based on type and where you buy them. Here are the official prices as listed on the Statue of Liberty’s website.

General admission for adults (ferry only) costs $23.50, while tickets that include pedestal or crown access cost $23.80. Children’s tickets are $12.00 (general admission) and $12.30 (pedestal/crown). Seniors pay $18.00 (general) or $18.30 (pedestal/crown).

Adult tickets apply to ages 13 to 62, children’s tickets to ages 4 to 12, and children under 4 are free. Ranger-led tours on Liberty Island and Ellis Island are free, and audio tours are included with any ticket.

How to Get to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The only way to reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is by ferry. There are two ferry routes: one from Battery Park in New York City, and the other from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The best route depends on your starting point, but here are the main transit options.

To reach Battery Park, you can take train 1 to South Ferry subway station or the 4/5 Lexington Avenue Express lines to Bowling Green and walk through the park.

For Liberty State Park, take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail West Side-Tonnelle or Hoboken-Tonnelle services to Liberty State Park station, or take a separate ferry from the World Financial Terminal in NYC to Liberty Landing Marina near the park.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island?

Tickets aren’t the only factor affecting your experience—the timing of your visit also matters, influencing crowds and weather.
The best time of year is during autumn (October to December) or June, right before the summer season kicks in. You’ll find pleasant weather for sightseeing and manageable visitor numbers—even though it’s still New York. The busiest (and hottest) period is the summer, so it’s generally best to avoid it if you can.

Whichever time of year you visit, aim to go on a weekday: locals and out-of-state visitors usually go on weekends. No matter the day, going first thing in the morning is smartest, as midday quickly gets busier. This tip also helps if you want to see both the Statue and Ellis Island in one day.

Additional Visitor Information

Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind during your trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island:

• Opening hours: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are open daily, except Thanksgiving and December 25. Hours vary by season, so check the official website for up-to-date details.
• Recommended visit length: Plan to spend at least half a day to fully explore both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island at a comfortable pace.
• Safety: Before boarding the ferry, you’ll need to undergo airport-style security screening. Check the official rules and restrictions to avoid surprises.
• Luggage storage: Bulky items like backpacks and strollers must be stored in lockers on Liberty Island. Lockers cost a few dollars, so bring some cash.

Hotels Near the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Since the Statue of Liberty will likely be one of your main NYC sightseeing stops, finding accommodation with easy access can be a real plus. While its location in Upper New York Bay makes staying right next door impossible, there are great hotel options in Manhattan that put you close by. If you’d rather not do all the research, here are some suggestions.

Getting tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island has never been easier. With online booking and guided tours, you can plan your visit conveniently and stress-free. Remember to book in advance and always check the official website for the latest updates. Enjoy this unique, unforgettable experience in the amazing city of New York!

Want a room with a view of the Statue? Many rooms and suites at the New York Marriott Downtown, a four-star hotel, offer spectacular views of the landmark and harbor, making it a fantastic luxury option. The hotel also has elegant rooms, an on-site fitness center, and its own burger bar.

For a smart blend of location, value, and comfort, check out the Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown. Just two minutes’ walk from Battery Park, this three-star property in the Financial District has modern rooms with great views and all the essentials for a pleasant stay.

Budget options in Manhattan are rare, but the Nap York Youth Hostel, just outside Central Park in Hell’s Kitchen, offers easy subway access to Battery Park with stylish dorms and pods, a shared kitchen, and a friendly team.

Fun Facts about the Statue of Liberty

When was the Statue of Liberty built?

The torch-bearing arm began construction in May 1876, and the finished statue was inaugurated on October 28, 1886.

How old is the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty turned 146 years old in 2022.

Who built the Statue of Liberty?

Sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the Statue of Liberty, and the metal framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel.

Why was the Statue of Liberty built?

The people of France built the statue as a gift to the people of the United States in honor of the Union’s victory in the American Civil War.

What is the Statue of Liberty made of?

The Statue of Liberty was built with a copper skin and an iron supporting structure.

Where is the Statue of Liberty located?

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, at the mouth of the Hudson River in Upper New York Bay.

Now that you have all this information, planning your visit will be much easier. With a little organization, you’ll see why skip-the-line tickets are so essential for a stress-free experience at the Statue of Liberty.