The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, and getting there starts with a subway ride to the southern tip of Manhattan and a ferry from Battery Park. A trip to the Statue of Liberty usually includes a stop at Ellis Island too, so it is a half-day outing at least. Planning the tickets in advance makes a real difference.
Why visit the Statue of Liberty
A gift from France, the statue was dedicated in 1886 and became a symbol of freedom and of the immigrants who arrived through New York Harbor. Seeing it up close, the scale is striking, and the ferry ride gives some of the best views of the Lower Manhattan skyline anywhere. Liberty Island also has a museum that holds the statue's original torch and explains how the copper figure was designed and built around an iron framework.
The same ferry continues to Ellis Island, where the National Museum of Immigration fills the restored main building. Millions of immigrants were processed here, and many visitors come to trace their own family's arrival.
Getting to the Statue of Liberty ferry by subway
Ferries leave from Battery Park, and the nearest subway stop is Bowling Green on the 4 and 5 lines, a short walk from the park. Two other stations are also close:
- South Ferry on the 1 line, at the southern tip of the park.
- Whitehall St-South Ferry on the R and W lines, next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
Inside the park, follow the signs to Castle Clinton, the round sandstone fort where tickets are collected, then walk to the security screening and ferry boarding area nearby. Allow extra time, as the security line can be long in high season.
Statue of Liberty tickets
Liberty Island and Ellis Island are run by the National Park Service, and the only authorised ferry operator is Statue City Cruises. Buy tickets through the official ticket link on the National Park Service site, nps.gov/stli, or directly from Statue City Cruises. Street sellers around Battery Park often offer harbour cruises that pass the statue but do not land on the island, so be careful what you buy.
There are three main ticket levels:
- Grounds access: the ferry, Liberty Island, the museum and Ellis Island.
- Pedestal access: adds entry to the pedestal and its observation level. These are limited in number.
- Crown access: a narrow spiral climb to the crown. Numbers are very limited, so book weeks or months ahead in busy seasons.
Expect airport-style security before boarding and again before entering the pedestal or crown. Lockers are provided for bags you cannot take inside. Prices and schedules change, so confirm on the official sites.
Best time to visit and how long
Take one of the first ferries of the day. Security lines grow quickly by mid-morning, especially in summer and on holiday weekends. Weekdays outside school holidays are calmest. On a clear day the views from the boat are excellent, but sit on the right-hand side of the ferry on the way out for the best first look at the statue.
Allow four to five hours to see both islands properly, including security and waiting for ferries. If you only visit Liberty Island, two to three hours is realistic.
Highlights of the trip
The pedestal and crown
The pedestal gives views of the harbour and a close look at the statue above you. The crown climb is narrow and steep, with small windows, but it is a memorable experience.
The Statue of Liberty Museum
The museum on Liberty Island holds the original torch, replaced in the 1980s, and tells the story of the statue's design.
Ellis Island
Do not rush the Great Hall and the exhibits on immigration. The family history resources are a highlight for many visitors.
Nearby on the same stop
Bowling Green and Battery Park are a good starting point for exploring Lower Manhattan:
- Charging Bull: the bronze bull stands at Bowling Green itself.
- Staten Island Ferry: a free commuter ferry that passes the statue, a good option if you only want a view.
- Wall Street and the Financial District: a few minutes' walk north.
- National Museum of the American Indian: in the old Custom House facing Bowling Green, with free entry.
To find more around this station, open the Statue of Liberty ferry on Around the Metro, or browse more stops on the New York subway map.