Where is the best place to sit on the Statue of Liberty ferry?
It's up to you where you want to stand/sit, but if you want a prime viewing spot for a picture of the statue, head to the side of the boat that's facing Manhattan. Once it turns to head to Liberty Island, you'll have the perfect view.
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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!
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).
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.
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.
Pedestal AccessThose 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.
The names of those in your party must be provided at the time of purchase. Each ticket holder will be required to show photo ID (except minors without ID) matching the name printed on the ticket prior to entering the Statue of Liberty.
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.
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.
ARE BATHROOMS LOCATED ON THE FERRIES, ELLIS ISLAND, AND LIBERTY ISLAND? Yes, bathrooms are located on our ferries, Ellis Island and Liberty Island bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
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.
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.
All ferries sailing to/from Liberty and Ellis Islands offer snack bars as well as merchandise. Food, beverages, and gift shops are available on both islands. Visitors may bring their own food and beverage to Liberty and Ellis Island.
The ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island depart every 15-20 minutes. The first ferry departs at 8:30 am in the high season and 9:00 am in the low season and the last ferry departs at 4:00 pm in the high season and 3:30 pm in the low season.
I don't think people realize just how steep and tight the stairway up is! The statue museum is amazing and it was just surreal to see it up close! The views from the ferry are better... but it is so worth it to plan ahead and book tickets to climb to the crown at least once in your life!
Statue of Liberty TicketsThere are no lockers at either departure points. Lockers are located on Liberty Island for those entering the Monument however large bags are not permitted. All weapons are prohibited. Food and drink are not allowed inside the Monument.
Is there a dress code I should follow to go inside the Statue of Liberty? There is no specific dress code to visit the statue. However, wear comfortable shoes and clothing because you'll have to do a lot of walking and climbing inside.
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.
To visit the Statue of Liberty it's highly recommended that you book your tickets online well in advance, especially if you plan to visit the Crown: in summer and for christmal you need to book up to 3-4 months in advance to guarantee your place for a tour!