How long to stay on Liberty Island?

The minimum amount of time you should leave to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is 2.5-3 hours. It may seem like a long time to carve out of your NYC vacation, but the process of getting over there is pretty tricky, and there is really a lot you should see.



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At Liberty Island, visitors can also pick up an audio-tour with their visit. The traditional tours are about an hour long, while family tours last about 50 minutes.

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The ferry ride from Battery Park to Liberty Island takes just 15 minutes. The ferry docks for about 10 minutes at each island before departing. There are only two places to catch the Statue of Liberty ferry: Battery Park in New York or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

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BEST VIEW: Hands down, the best view on land is from atop One World Observatory. Located in the southern most part of Manhattan, it's the closest observation deck to the Statue of Liberty, giving you the most intimate view possible from land.

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Our 12 year old took one look at the long queues for visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and didn't want to go. We took this 50 minute cruise instead. Saw Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty plus New York skyline. Good photo opportunities and good value for money.

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Visiting the pedestal is a great addition to your trip to Liberty Island. There are 215 steps or approximately 10 stories to climb to the top of the pedestal. There is an elevator for those who cannot use the stairs. Tickets to the pedestal are limited and can sell out in advance.

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Inevitably weekends are busier than mid-week, but it really is all relative and there is truly no quiet time to visit the statue. Our recommendation is to catch the first ferry departures Tuesday–Thursday if you really want to beat the crowds and get inside the museums ahead of anybody else.

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Visiting Liberty Island is one of the most rewarding experiences of any trip to New York City. However, visitors who wish to enter the pedestal and visit the crown must secure reservations through Statue City Cruises, the ONLY AUTHORIZED ticket seller for Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

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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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Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Your first stop will be on Liberty Island and there you can find restrooms near the gift shop, the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Pedestal.

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Bags & Backpacks Large bags are not allowed on Liberty or Ellis Islands. There are no locker facilities at the New York and New Jersey embarkation points. Backpacks, strollers and large umbrellas are not permitted in the Monument.

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Smart Casual – Jackets and shirts for men, dresses or trouser suits for women. Formal – Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, evening and cocktail dresses for women.

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STATEN ISLAND FERRY Still, without a doubt, this is the best view of the Statue of Liberty you can get for free. In fact, riding the Staten Island Ferry is one of the very best things you can do for free in NYC.

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The statue's crown has been off-limits since March 16 of 2020, when the National Park Service halted all public operations at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island because of the pandemic.

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During peak seasons, you'll want to consider purchasing tickets even earlier than usual. There's only one way to see Lady Liberty's crown, so tickets tend to sell out very quickly, as there are only approximately 500 per day.

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Sit on the starboard side, (right) as you leave Manhattan and the port side, (left) as you return from Staten Island. I've never really explored that borough but, if you're there in the summer you could see the Yankees minor league affiliate play baseball. Helpful? Sit on right hand side going out.

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Staten Island Ferry 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. Pros: Of all the free options, the ferry has the best and closest view of the statue.

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Statue of Liberty Tips
  1. Stand on the port side (right side) at the back of the ferry going out to the Statue of Liberty. ...
  2. Book ahead of time on the Government Website, for reserved tickets and skip the security lines.
  3. If you want to go up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, book your tour at least a week in advance a.


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