USA New York Statue of Liberty Entry Tickets

Four access tiers are available. The standard Reserve ticket includes round-trip ferry service, access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty Museum, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and audio guides. The Pedestal Reserve ticket adds elevator access to the pedestal at 89 feet above ground. The Crown Reserve ticket is the most exclusive, providing access to the 354-step climb to the crown at 250 feet. All tiers include the museum and Ellis Island.

The main departure point is the Statue City Cruises terminal at Castle Clinton in Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. By subway, take the 4/5 to Bowling Green, the 1 to South Ferry, or the R/W to Whitehall St. A second official departure point operates from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, convenient for visitors arriving from Newark Airport, with a crossing time of approximately 8 minutes to Liberty Island.

The Statue of Liberty can be viewed from a distance from Battery Park in Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge Park, and from various harbor cruise tours that pass close to Liberty Island. However, to enter the grounds, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, or climb to the pedestal or crown, a Statue City Cruises ferry ticket is required. There is no other method of accessing Liberty Island or Ellis Island for general visitors.

The Statue of Liberty Museum is located on Liberty Island adjacent to the statue's base and houses permanent exhibitions including the original torch and flame that Lady Liberty carried for over a century before being replaced with the current copper-and-gold torch in 1984, now preserved in the Torch Gallery. The museum also features exhibits on the statue's construction, its symbolism, and the stories of those who built and restored it. No additional ticket is required; the museum is included in all ferry tickets.

Statue City Cruises is the ONLY vendor authorized to provide tickets and transportation to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. No other ferry company can give visitors access to the Statue of Liberty, its museum, or the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Any tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties are not official and may not provide genuine access. Always book through the official website at statuecruises.com.

Yes, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are outstanding family destinations. The ferry ride across the harbor is exciting for children. The Statue of Liberty Museum is engaging for families with accessible storytelling at all levels. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum's exhibits on the immigrant experience provide a powerful educational experience for older children. Parents should note that the crown climb involves 354 steps with no elevator and is not suitable for very young children.

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is located on Ellis Island, the second stop on the standard ferry route, in the beautifully restored main immigration building where over 12 million immigrants were processed between 1892 and 1954. Key features include the Baggage Room, the Great Hall where immigrants were inspected, the Records Discovery Center, and the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. No additional ticket is required; Ellis Island entry is included with all ferry tickets.

Crown tickets should be booked up to 6 months in advance for peak summer dates as they are the most sought-after and limited experience at the Statue of Liberty. The crown accommodates only a small number of visitors per entry window and sells out rapidly. Pedestal tickets also sell out well in advance for peak season. Standard Reserve ferry tickets typically remain available with shorter notice but booking as early as possible is always recommended.