WHERE: New York Bay
OPENING HOURS: 09:30 am - 04:00 pm
ACTIVITY: Sightseeing/City Exploration



Recognized worldwide as a universal symbol of freedom and welcome, the Statue of Liberty is not only one of the most iconic monuments in New York but also one of the most celebrated landmarks in the Western world. Located on Liberty Island, just across from Manhattan’s harbor, the colossal female figure holding a torch has welcomed millions of travelers—tourists and immigrants alike—for over a century, rising proudly over the unforgettable skyline of the city and the Upper Bay.

Today, visitors have several options for experiencing the monument—some of which allow access to the pedestal or even to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty: an extraordinary experience that lets you gaze out at the skyline through the iconic 25 windows at the top. However, these options require careful planning, as crown tickets are limited and sell out well in advance.

That’s why we’ve created this guide: to provide travelers with all the essential information to plan their visit to the Statue of Liberty. You'll learn how to purchase different ticket types (and what they include), current hours and prices, how to reach Liberty Island, and options for those seeking a deeper experience—perhaps with the help of a local guide.

How to Reach the Statue of Liberty: Ferry Options, Tickets, and Key Guidelines

Currently, the only way to access Liberty Island and visit the Statue of Liberty is by boarding ferries operated by Statue City Cruises, the official concessionaire authorized by the National Park Service. It’s important to note that there is no separate entrance fee to the monument—transportation, add-ons, and special tours are all priced separately.

Remember: Statue City Cruises is the only authorized provider of ferry tickets to the islands. While some third-party resellers exist, they are best avoided as many are scams. These unofficial tours often charge inflated prices and don’t even include stops at Ellis Island or Liberty Island. To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets directly on the official website or call +1 877 523 9849 (LADYTIX), either personally or through your travel agent.

Ferries depart from two locations:

• The Battery, located at the southern tip of Manhattan (New York City),
• Liberty State Park, in Jersey City (New Jersey).

It doesn’t matter which departure point you choose: both routes include a stop at Liberty Island—where you can visit the monument and, if you have tickets, climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty—as well as a second stop at Ellis Island, home to the must-see Immigration Museum. Visiting both islands takes time, so it’s recommended to board no later than 1:00 PM.

If purchasing ferry tickets on-site, you can pick them up at either:

• Castle Clinton (The Battery, NY),
• or the historic railroad terminal at Liberty State Park (NJ).

The ferry service runs year-round, except on Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November) and December 25. Please note that ferry operations may be suspended in severe weather, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website for updates before your visit.

Departure times vary by season, but the first ferry always departs at 9:00 AM. The last departure to the islands (and the return trip) depends on seasonal schedules.

As we’ll explore in the next section, ticket prices depend on visitor age and any extra tour options selected. Fares start at $25.50 for adults. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of current prices by age group, ticket type, and included services.

Ferry Ticket:

Children under 4 years old: free,
Children between 4 and 12 years old: $16.50,
Adults (13 and older): $25.50,
Seniors (62 and older): $22.50.

Access to the Statue of Liberty Pedestal:

$0.30 per person surcharge.

Access to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty:

$0.30 per person surcharge, with two important notes:
Not allowed for children under 4 years old,
Not recommended for visitors with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

Official Ranger Tours:

Included and free for all ages and ticket categories.

Multilingual Audio Guide:

Also included and free, with Italian language available.

Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour:

$75.50 surcharge per person, with two notes:
Available only for adults (13+),
Not included in passes or standard tickets.

Good to know: Entry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island monuments is free; the listed prices apply exclusively to ferry transportation, with additional charges for pedestal and crown access.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty Pedestal: Practical Information

One of the most popular experiences for those wishing to enter the monument is visiting the pedestal, which allows guests to admire the structure from an up-close, elevated, and panoramic perspective.

Once the upgrade is purchased, visitors can enter the base of the Statue of Liberty and climb to the top of the pedestal. The viewing platform sits about 10 stories high, with 215 steps in total. Fortunately, there is also an elevator for visitors with limited mobility, although the final section to the observation deck still requires a short stair climb.

How Far in Advance Should You Reserve Pedestal Access?

As mentioned earlier, tickets are limited and tend to sell out well in advance, especially during peak periods such as summer, weekends, and holidays. For this reason, it's strongly recommended to book early via the official Statue City Cruises website.

The two physical ticket offices mentioned earlier (The Battery and Liberty State Park) remain available, but keep in mind that availability is not guaranteed. Also important: the pedestal access upgrade must be purchased before arriving at Liberty Island, as there are no ticket sales on-site.

Tips for Picking Up Your Tickets

The best option is to book online. Visitors will receive a digital ticket, which should be downloaded in advance since internet connectivity on the island can be unreliable. Alternatively, tickets can be printed at home or picked up at the official ticket booths in New York and New Jersey (in the latter case, bring a photo ID and the credit card used for payment).

One more important note: the time shown on the ticket does not indicate the ferry departure time, but rather the time you may enter the line for the security screening. Since wait times can exceed an hour on busy days, be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Security Screening and Prohibited Items

To enter the pedestal, visitors must pass through a second security screening (similar to airport procedures), located inside a clearly visible gray building at the entrance. Some personal items may be carried, but others must be stored in lockers (available for $0.25).

Here’s a list of items prohibited inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty:

• Food and beverages (except water in clear bottles),
• Backpacks, drawstring bags, and small pouch bags,
• Suitcases, duffel bags, and oversized handbags,
• Strollers,
• Laptops,
• Long umbrellas,
• Camera tripods.

Security Rules and Allowed Items

For security reasons, the list of personal items permitted inside the crown is even more restricted than those allowed for the pedestal visit. In addition to prohibiting bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and tripods, you may not bring keys, pens, plastic bags, food, or drinks (except water in clear bottles).
The only allowed items are a mobile phone, a camera (without tripod), and any personal medication. All other belongings must be left in the designated lockers located near the secondary screening area. These lockers operate with 25-cent coins, and a change machine is available nearby for visitors who need it.
Access to the crown is also limited to 10 minutes per group, due to high demand, in order to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all visitors.

The Statue of Liberty Museum: What to See and How to Visit

The on-site museum opened in 2019 and is located on Liberty Island, right next to the statue. Entry is included with all ticket types, including basic admission, and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and symbolic meaning of the Statue of Liberty in an engaging and accessible way, even for younger visitors.

The museum experience begins with the Immersive Theater, a multimedia presentation of about ten minutes that tells the story of the statue’s creation and the values it represents—through vivid visuals, sounds, and animations.

Next is the Engagement Gallery, a section focused on the construction of the monument and historical insights about its creator, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.

The final section of the museum is truly special: visitors can leave a digital self-portrait that becomes part of a large interactive collage called Becoming Liberty. In this same space, you can also admire the original torch of the Statue of Liberty.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty: Why Choose a Private Tour

Of course, it’s entirely possible to visit the monument and climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty on your own. However, as we've seen, the logistics can be quite complex: multiple reservations, limited access, thorough security, strict timing, ferry schedules... That’s why many visitors opt for a private tour to enjoy the experience in a more relaxed and stress-free way.

A personalized private tour with an Italian-speaking guide includes hotel pickup, departure from Battery Park, and in-depth storytelling about the monument’s history. Once on Liberty Island, the guide helps interpret the symbolic meaning of “Lady Liberty” with commentary at the base, pedestal, and crown (if reserved), as well as during the museum visit. The tour then continues to nearby Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum.

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MAP - Where is located the Statue of Liberty + The Surroundings

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