Is the Statue of Liberty cruise worth it?

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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It's also worth noting that while the statue is visible from boats going in both directions, it is much closer to the route taken by ferries going to Staten Island. Riding the Staten Island Ferry is the best way to see the Statue of Liberty.

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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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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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With convenient highway access and ample parking, the New Jersey departure point at Liberty State Park is the optimum choice to visit the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island via auto, bus or light rail.

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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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I generally recommend not driving in Manhattan unless you have to, so if you're only visiting the Statue of Liberty for the day from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or another state south of New York, I recommend coming from Liberty State Park (the New Jersey side.)

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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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We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes (1 hour during peak travel season) prior to your scheduled tour time to allow ample time to pick up your tickets and go through the security screening process (airport-style security).

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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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If you want to go inside the Statue of Liberty, you must buy a Pedestal Access or Crown Access ticket. General Admission tickets do not get you access inside the statue. If you are interested in tours of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, read more below.

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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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Anyone visiting the crown must be able to walk up at least 162 steps on a confined spiral staircase. There is not an minimum age for the crown access but instead a minimum height requirement. Children must be at least four (4) feet (1.2 meters) tall to visit the crown.

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BATTERY PARK This park is at the tip of Lower Manhattan and has expansive vistas of the New York harbor including a view of the Statue of Liberty. You can walk along the waterfront or sit on one of the benches that look out on the water. Our guide to Battery Park lists other things you can see and do in the park.

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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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Statue of Liberty ferry facts 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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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.

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All visitors must purchase a ticket to board the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands. All tickets are available to purchase up to six months in advance. Grounds Tickets are available daily and can be purchased via the Statue Cruises website or in-person at the Statue Cruises ticket booths.

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All visitors must purchase a ticket to board the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands. All tickets are available to purchase up to six months in advance. Grounds Tickets are available daily and can be purchased via the Statue Cruises website or in-person at the Statue Cruises ticket booths.

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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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