Do you have to take a boat to the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue Cruises ferry is the only way to get to the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island. There are plenty of options that go near it, but to physically walk on Liberty Island you have to take the Statue Cruises ferry. They are the only company with permission to transport and dock on the islands.



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Taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty is an absolute must! Not only does it offer unparalleled views and incredible experiences - it's also a great opportunity for some iconic pictures with Lady Liberty herself! Don't forget your camera – this is an experience not soon forgotten!

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General Admission tickets do not get you access inside the statue or pedestal. Pedestal Ticket: Tickets are limited and reservations are required. Pedestal tickets allow visitors to access up to the top of the pedestal, which includes lower pedestal levels. These are purchased online only through Statue City Cruises.

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Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are only accessible by ferry. The vessels depart at set times from locations in lower Manhattan and New Jersey and are easily accessible through a variety of travel options. Identify which ferry you'll take and plan how best to get there.

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Without proper planning, many people end their visit much later than expected, so make sure to leave plenty of time to see everything without feeling rushed. At a minimum, you should budget two hours for the Statue of Liberty and an additional hour if you plan to visit Ellis Island as well.

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How long is the entire trip? Sailing time to each island is approximately 15 minutes. If you remain on boat for ride only without visiting either monument, it will be one hour and fifteen minutes. If you visit both islands the time depends on the time you spend on both islands.

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It's worth the visit but you have to be fit to climb up those 315 steps, in a tiny staircase at the end. Just be aware of the security: they do not allow you to take anything with you except your tickets and your camera, if you go to the crown.

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Make sure to keep your visit to the statue shorter, so it's closer to 2 1/2 hours, and you can save some time for Ellis Island. To see all of Ellis Island would take a few hours. But if you're in a rush and don't want to skip it, I'd say 1 hour to see the highlights.

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Depending on which way you are going, if you just missed a boat, you have a 20 to 40 minute wait for the next one. The New York ferry runs from Battery Park to Liberty Island to Ellis Island and back to Battery Park.

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Staten Island Ferry The Staten Island Ferry is a free transportation service provided between Manhattan and Staten Island. Each boat is quite large, carrying over 4,000 people. But the route across New York harbor takes you directly in front of the statue.

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Being on the 9:00 am slot means there will be less crowds on the grounds of the Statue of Liberty, the Pedestal and even Ellis Island, and your visit will be much smoother. Alternatively, opt for an early afternoon visit – though at that time of day there will definitely be more people than in the early morning.

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Staten Island Ferry It makes dozens of trips a day, leaving every 20-30 minutes. Since the service is completely free, this is a great option for viewing the Statue of Liberty up close. The ferry route brings you directly across New York Harbor and right by the statue and Ellis Island.

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TICKETS FOR THE STATUE OF LIBERTY Technically, there is no cost to visit Liberty Island. What you have to pay for is the ticket for ferry passage and whether or not you would like access to the statue's pedestal or her crown. (Crown tickets have an additional fee).

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TICKETS FOR THE STATUE OF LIBERTY Technically, there is no cost to visit Liberty Island. What you have to pay for is the ticket for ferry passage and whether or not you would like access to the statue's pedestal or her crown. (Crown tickets have an additional fee).

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Other highlights include seeing the tablet from above, an up-close view of the torch, and being able to feel the thickness of the copper statue. Anyone visiting the crown must be able to walk up at least 162 steps on a confined spiral staircase.

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As a tour guide, a question I hear a lot is: “Is it worth it to see Ellis Island?” For those who have no familial connection or relation to the people who passed through, its importance and influence can often be overlooked. Which is why I am here to tell you that it is absolutely, 100% worth it.

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Pedestal Access Those with reservations to the pedestal, the stone base that the Statue of Liberty sits on top of, must secure the following items in a locker: ALL FOOD & DRINKS (except water in a clear plastic bottle) ALL BACKPACK-STYLE BAGS (including over-sized bags, drawstring bags, and backpack purses) Strollers.

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Visitors to Liberty Island can tour the grounds and, with appropriate advanced tickets, visit the Statue's pedestal and crown. Visitors can also explore the Statue of Liberty Museum.

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Plan Your Visit First ferry from mainland – 8:30 A.M. Last ferry from mainland – 3:30 P.M. Last Ferry from Liberty Island 5:00 P.M. Last Ferry from Ellis Island 5:15 P.M.

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NYC DOT operates the Staten Island Ferry, providing free service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan every day of the week, year-round.

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For an unforgettable view of the statue and Ellis Island, head to The Battery (formerly known as Battery Park). Located on the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, it's a great vantage point for taking in fabulous views of the New York Harbor, Governor's Island, Brooklyn, the New Jersey Shore, and the Verrazano Bridge.

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