How to Get to the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty sits on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, about a mile southwest of Manhattan. You cannot drive or swim there — the only way to reach it is by ferry boat operated by Statue Cruises, the official concessionaire.
Ferries depart from Battery Park in lower Manhattan (the southern tip) and from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Manhattan terminal is easier to reach if you are already in the city; the Jersey City terminal has more parking. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes from Manhattan and 20 minutes from Jersey City.
You must purchase a ferry ticket to reach the island at all. Tickets are sold only through the official Statue Cruises website or at the terminals themselves, though online purchase is faster and often cheaper. Prices vary by season and by which level of access you choose (see the section below on ticket types).
Key Takeaways
- The only way to reach Liberty Island is by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, operated by Statue Cruises.
- Three ticket types exist: pedestal access (you ride the elevator to the base), crown access (you climb stairs to the top), and grounds-only (you stay on the island but do not enter the statue).
- Crown tickets are the hardest to get and sell out weeks in advance, especially in summer; pedestal and grounds tickets are usually available with shorter notice.
- Security screening happens at the ferry terminal before boarding, similar to airport security, and takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on crowd size.
- The statue is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas; hours change by season, so check the official website before you plan your visit.
Three Types of Tickets and What Each Includes
Statue Cruises sells three ticket levels. Grounds-only tickets let you ride the ferry to Liberty Island and walk around the outdoor grounds, see the statue from the base, and visit the museum in the pedestal. You do not go inside the statue itself. This is the cheapest option and usually has the most availability.
Pedestal tickets include everything in grounds access, plus an elevator ride up inside the statue to the pedestal level — the base of the torch-bearing arm. From there you can look out through windows and see the harbor and Manhattan skyline. You do not climb any stairs with a pedestal ticket.
Crown tickets include pedestal access plus a climb up a narrow spiral staircase of 162 steps inside the arm and head of the statue to the crown — the very top, where you look out through windows in the crown itself. Crown tickets are the most expensive, sell out the fastest, and have strict limits on how many people can be in the crown at once. If you want to visit the crown, book weeks ahead, especially in summer.
All three ticket types include the ferry ride and access to the grounds and museum. The difference is only how high inside the statue you go.
How to Book Your Ticket Online
Go to the official Statue Cruises website (statuecruises.com). Select your departure date and time. The site shows you which ticket types are still available for that date — if crown tickets show as sold out, they are gone for that day.
Choose your ticket type, number of tickets, and whether you want to depart from Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (Jersey City). Add any extras like a grounds audio tour. Enter your payment information and complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation email with a barcode or QR code — bring this on your phone or print it out.
Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your ferry departure time. Security screening is mandatory and can take 30 to 60 minutes depending on how busy the terminal is. Items like large bags, tripods, and certain tools are not allowed through security, so check the prohibited items list on the website before you go.
What to Expect During Your Visit
After you clear security and board the ferry, the ride to Liberty Island takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once on the island, you can walk around the grounds, take photos, and visit the museum at your own pace. If you have a pedestal or crown ticket, there will be a line to enter the statue — wait times vary from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and season.
The climb to the crown is steep and narrow. The staircase has 162 steps with no elevator option once you start. The climb takes most people 10 to 15 minutes going up. If you have mobility issues or are uncomfortable with stairs, the pedestal ticket is a better choice — the elevator takes you most of the way up with no climbing required.
The statue itself is outdoors and exposed to weather. There is no air conditioning inside. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and dress for the season. On hot days, the metal interior heats up significantly. Restrooms are on the island but not inside the statue, so use them before you enter.
Hours, Closures, and Seasonal Changes
The Statue of Liberty is open most days of the year, but hours change by season. In summer (roughly June through August), ferries run from early morning until evening. In winter, hours are shorter. The statue is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day every year.
Occasionally the statue closes for maintenance or due to weather. Hurricanes and severe storms can shut down ferry service. Check the official Statue Cruises website or call their customer service line before you visit to confirm the statue is open and ferries are running.
The grounds and museum are usually open whenever ferries are running. The pedestal and crown have the same hours as the grounds, but if you arrive late in the day, you may not have enough time to wait in line and complete the climb before closing time.
What You Cannot Bring Inside the Statue
Security rules prohibit certain items from entering the statue or even passing through the ferry terminal security checkpoint. Large bags, backpacks larger than a certain size, tripods, selfie sticks, and glass bottles are not allowed. Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives, are prohibited. Pets are not allowed except service animals.
The official website lists the full prohibited items list. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, leave it at your hotel or check with Statue Cruises customer service before you go. Security staff will confiscate prohibited items, and you will not get them back.
You can bring a small personal bag, a camera, sunscreen, and a water bottle (empty, to be filled after security). A light jacket or sweater is useful because it is cooler on the water and inside the statue than on land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the crown if I am afraid of heights?
The crown is at the top of the statue, and you look out through small windows. If you are uncomfortable with heights, the pedestal ticket is a safer choice — you still go high up and see the view, but through larger windows and without the sensation of being at the very top. Many people with height anxiety find the pedestal comfortable.
Do I need to book in advance or can I buy a ticket at the terminal?
You can buy tickets at the terminal on the day of your visit, but availability is not may provide, especially for crown tickets or on busy days. Booking online in advance is faster and usually cheaper. If you show up without a ticket and crown access is sold out, you can still purchase grounds or pedestal tickets if they remain available.
How long does a typical visit take?
A grounds-only visit with the museum takes about 2 to 3 hours. A pedestal visit takes 3 to 4 hours because of the wait to enter the statue and the elevator ride. A crown visit takes 4 to 5 hours because of the staircase climb and longer waits. Add time for the ferry ride and security screening before you board.
Is there food or water for sale on Liberty Island?
Yes, there is a small cafe on the island that sells snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. Prices are higher than off-island restaurants. Bringing your own water and snacks is cheaper, though you cannot bring glass bottles or large bags through security.
What if the weather is bad on my visit date?
Rain does not usually close the statue, but high winds or lightning can shut down ferry service. If weather is severe, ferries may not run or may run on a limited schedule. Check the website or call ahead if storms are forecast. If your ferry is cancelled, you can reschedule your ticket for another date at no extra charge.