Plan Your VisitFirst 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.
People Also Ask
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. Once on the islands, the schedule is posted on a bulletin board at the ferry dock.
The Statue of Liberty is not open for nighttime visits, but the crown and pedestal are open until 6 PM during the summer season. How long does it take to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty? Climbing to the crown of the Statue of Liberty can take up to 45 minutes.
Staten Island FerryThe 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.
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).
Yes, you can visit Ellis Island by taking a ferry. Ellis Island is free to visit, though there is a fee for the ferry ticket. Only one company has the authorization to provide Ellis Island tickets – Statue City Cruises.
Suitcases, carry-on luggage and other large parcels will not be permitted on the ferry systems or at Liberty and Ellis Islands. Bags must fit through x-ray machine opening to enter the park (opening size: 24.2” width x 17.9” height)
Ellis Island Hotel features fully renovated rooms and suites to accommodate any stay from a fun layover to an extended vacation in Las Vegas. Our affordable rates and convenient location near the Strip make Ellis Island the ideal place to drop off your bags and explore!
BATTERY AND LOWER MANHATTAN: To see the Statue of Liberty without getting on a boat, just head to the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, an area known as the Battery (subway to South Ferry or Bowling Green).
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!
Statue Cruises is the authorized concession for the park. How long do I need to visit Ellis Island? It will depend upon what you want to do while visiting. Generally, two to three hours is ample time to visit.
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.
There's no other way. Even the difference from 8:30 to 9:30 is significant so it's best to push yourself to arrive early. If it's impossible to fit the statue into your schedule first thing in the morning, you can visit in the early afternoon.
Even the Statue's official name represents her most important symbol Liberty Enlightening the World. The Statue's current replacement torch, added in 1986, is a copper flame covered in 24K gold. It is reflective of the sun's rays in daytime and lighted by 16 floodlights at night.