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What happens if you miss the last ferry on Statue of Liberty?

You can get the latest schedule on Statue Cruises' Departure Schedule web page. If you are going to be at Ellis or Liberty Island after 4 PM, make sure that you understand when the last ferry leaves. If you miss the last boat you must swim back, and the water is really cold even in the summer.



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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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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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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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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. The National Park Service has implemented a reservation system for over a decade.

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Crown access is limited due to safety and accessibility requirements and is reservation-based through the Statue City Cruises ticketing process. Depending on the time of year, reservations need to be acquired between four (4) to six (6) months in advance. Access to the crown is by stairs only.

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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)

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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 are running late and are likely to miss your ferry, we suggest proceeding to the port to see if the ferry company will allow you to change the ticket to a different day or departure time. Keep in mind that if you do miss your ferry, the tickets are non-refundable.

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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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How many hours per day will NYC Ferry operate? The ferries will operate between 6:00am-10pm, 365 days per year.

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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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When visiting the Statue of Liberty be prepared for a long day. Queues to the ferry can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. The Statue of Liberty and museum take approximately 90 minutes to see and Ellis Island is another one hour to 90 minutes.

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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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Take the Staten Island Ferry If you want to see the Statue of Liberty for free, this is the best way to do it. This public ferry will take you to the borough of Staten Island, passing by the Statue of Liberty along the way. To get there, head to the Staten Island Ferry terminal next to Battery Park.

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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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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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When you get on, it's best to go upstairs and out the back, this way you get a great view of the skyline and bridges. We chose to stay here and were able to get great pics of the Statue of Liberty. You can also chose to go out along the right side-but some of the boats don't give you that option.

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Visitors arrive and depart Liberty Island and Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, via ferries operated by Statue City Cruises. These ferries leave from two locations: The Battery, at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.

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