What Statue Cruises offers and how to book

Statue Cruises is the official ferry operator for visits to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, both located in New York Harbor. The company runs the only passenger ferries authorized to dock at Liberty Island and Ellis Island, so if you want to visit either site, Statue Cruises is your only option. You board at Battery Park in lower Manhattan, and the company operates year-round, though schedules change by season.

To visit, you purchase a ticket directly through Statue Cruises' website or at the Battery Park ticket office. Tickets are priced differently depending on which islands you want to visit and whether you want to go inside the pedestal or crown of the Statue of Liberty. A basic round-trip ferry ticket to both islands costs less than a ticket that includes access to the pedestal or crown. You can also purchase tickets for the Statue of Liberty only, or Ellis Island only, though most visitors choose both.

Ferries depart Battery Park multiple times throughout the day. The first ferry typically leaves in the morning, and the last ferry departs in the afternoon. The ferry ride to Liberty Island takes about 15 minutes, and from there you can take a second ferry to Ellis Island, which is another 15 minutes away. You can spend as much time as you want on each island before catching a return ferry back to Battery Park.

Key Takeaways

  • Statue Cruises is the only ferry company authorized to transport visitors to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, so there are no competing operators.
  • Tickets vary in price based on whether you want pedestal access, crown access, or just the ferry and grounds, so compare the ticket types before purchasing.
  • Ferries run year-round but on different schedules depending on the season, and you should check the website for current departure times before you go.
  • Security screening at Battery Park is required for all passengers and can take 30 minutes or longer during peak times, so arrive early.

Ticket types and what each one includes

Statue Cruises offers four main ticket categories. The Grounds Access ticket includes the ferry ride to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and you can walk around the grounds and visit the museums on each island, but you cannot go inside the Statue itself. This is the least expensive option.

The Pedestal Access ticket includes everything in Grounds Access, plus the ability to take an elevator and stairs up to the pedestal level inside the Statue of Liberty. From the pedestal, you can see views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline through windows, but you do not reach the crown. This ticket costs more than Grounds Access.

The Crown Access ticket includes everything in Pedestal Access, plus the ability to climb the stairs all the way to the crown of the Statue. The crown has narrow windows where you can look out over the harbor and city. This is the most expensive ticket option. Crown Access tickets are limited in number each day and often sell out weeks in advance, especially during summer months.

A fourth option is the Liberty Island Only ticket, which gives you ferry access to Liberty Island but not Ellis Island. This costs less than a ticket that includes both islands. Some visitors choose this if they have limited time or are not interested in Ellis Island.

Security screening and what to bring

All passengers must pass through security screening before boarding the ferry at Battery Park. The screening is similar to airport security: you walk through a metal detector, your bags are X-rayed, and staff may pat you down. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, but during peak summer months it can take an hour or longer. Statue Cruises recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before your ferry departure time, though arriving 60 minutes early during busy seasons is safer.

You are allowed to bring a small bag or backpack, but large luggage, suitcases, and backpacks larger than a certain size are not permitted. Glass containers, weapons, and certain other items are prohibited. You can bring a camera, phone, and personal items like sunscreen and a water bottle. The full list of prohibited items is on the Statue Cruises website.

Once you are on Liberty Island, there are no food vendors, so you cannot purchase meals or snacks there. You can bring your own food and water. Ellis Island has a cafeteria where you can purchase food and drinks, though prices are higher than off-island restaurants. Many visitors bring snacks and water for Liberty Island and plan to eat at Ellis Island or after returning to Battery Park.

Visiting Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty

Liberty Island is a small island, and most of the space is taken up by the Statue of Liberty itself and the grounds around it. If you have Grounds Access only, you can walk around the base of the Statue, visit the museum inside the pedestal (which is accessible without climbing), and take photographs. The grounds have benches and some shade, but limited facilities.

If you have Pedestal Access, you take an elevator up to the pedestal level, which is about 150 feet above ground. From there you can see out through windows and take photographs of the harbor and skyline. You can also take stairs back down or use the elevator.

If you have Crown Access, after reaching the pedestal you climb a narrow spiral staircase of 162 steps to reach the crown. The staircase is tight and can feel claustrophobic. The crown has small windows, and the views are expansive, but the space is cramped and you cannot stay long because other visitors are waiting to come up. Crown Access visitors often spend 10 to 20 minutes in the crown itself.

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours on Liberty Island, depending on which ticket type they have and how long they want to spend taking photographs and reading the museum displays.

Visiting Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum

Ellis Island is larger than Liberty Island and is home to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The museum is housed in the main building where immigrants were processed when they arrived in the United States between 1892 and 1954. The museum is free to enter with your ferry ticket, and it contains exhibits about immigration history, personal stories, photographs, and artifacts.

The museum has multiple floors and can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours to explore, depending on how much time you spend reading the exhibits. There is a cafeteria on the island where you can purchase food and drinks. The island also has outdoor areas where you can walk around and see views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.

Many visitors spend 2 to 3 hours on Ellis Island. If you are visiting both Liberty Island and Ellis Island in one day, plan for a total of 4 to 6 hours, plus travel time to and from Battery Park and time spent in security screening.

Seasonal schedules and weather considerations

Statue Cruises operates year-round, but ferry schedules change by season. During summer months (roughly June through August), ferries run frequently throughout the day, starting early in the morning and running until evening. During winter months, ferries run less frequently and may start later in the morning and end earlier in the afternoon. Spring and fall schedules fall in between.

The website shows the current schedule, and you should check it before you plan your visit because schedules change. Some days, particularly in winter, ferries may be cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues. If your ferry is cancelled, Statue Cruises will rebook you on a later ferry or offer a refund.

Weather can affect your visit significantly. Wind and rain are common, especially in fall and winter. The ferry ride can be rough in choppy water, and some people experience motion sickness. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before boarding. On Liberty Island and Ellis Island, there is limited shelter, so bring a jacket and rain gear if rain is forecast. In summer, the sun is intense, and there is limited shade on Liberty Island, so sunscreen and a hat are important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the Statue of Liberty without taking a Statue Cruises ferry?

No. Statue Cruises is the only ferry operator authorized to transport visitors to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. There are other tour companies that offer harbor cruises or views of the Statue from the water, but they do not dock at the islands. If you want to visit the Statue itself or Ellis Island, you must use Statue Cruises.

How far in advance should I buy tickets?

During off-season months (fall and winter), you can often purchase tickets a few days in advance or even the day of your visit. During peak season (June through August), Crown Access tickets often sell out 4 to 6 weeks ahead, and Pedestal Access tickets may sell out 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Grounds Access tickets are usually available closer to your visit date, but buying in advance guarantees you a spot on your preferred ferry time.

What happens if I miss my ferry?

If you miss your scheduled ferry departure, you can rebook on a later ferry the same day if space is available, but you may have to wait several hours. Refunds are typically not issued for missed ferries. Arriving early and allowing extra time for security screening helps prevent this.

Is there a weight or mobility limit for Crown Access?

Statue Cruises does not publish a specific weight limit, but the crown staircase is narrow and steep, with 162 steps. Visitors with mobility issues, heart conditions, or claustrophobia may find it difficult or unsafe. The pedestal level is accessible by elevator, which is a better option for visitors with limited mobility. You can contact Statue Cruises directly to discuss your specific situation.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onto the ferry and islands?

Yes, you can bring your own food and water. Glass containers are not permitted, so use plastic or metal bottles. On Liberty Island, there are no food vendors, so bringing snacks is practical. Ellis Island has a cafeteria, so you can purchase food there if you prefer not to bring your own.