Statue of Liberty Ferry and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Statue of Liberty Ferry and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Get up-close with a New York icon with a 3-in-1 experience at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and round-trip ferry journey.
  • Tours & cruises
    Most popular
    Cultural & historical sites
  • Cute Star Icon
    Book your slot!
    $25.00
    /person normally
  • Calendar Icon

    Booking required

    This attraction requires advanced booking.

What you'll do

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry + Immigration Museum. Free Entry with The New York Pass®.

  • Enjoy stunning views of New York City from the Statue of Liberty.* 
  • Enjoy a free return journey from Ellis Island.
  • Experience an in-depth history of immigration in New York City.

*Does not include entry to pedestal or crown levels inside Statue of Liberty - must be purchased separately.

No New York visit is complete without an official welcome from Lady Liberty. Visit the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and explore Ellis Island, where more than 12 million immigrants were processed upon their arrival in the United States.

Pass Perk - What your ticket includes

Enjoy free museum tickets to and an audio tour of Ellis Island Museum (available in Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish).

Visiting the Statue of Liberty 

Visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York City is a must-see experience for anyone who visits the area. The best way to get there is by taking a Liberty Statue Ferry which offers daily departures from Battery Park and New Jersey. The ferry tickets include admission to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Once you've boarded the ferry, you'll be taken on a scenic journey that will take approximately 40 minutes each way, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the New York Harbor. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you approach Liberty Island, home to the famous copper sculpture known as the Statue of Liberty. On Ellis Island, explore exhibits about immigration history and be sure to check out stories shared by immigrants when they first arrived in the United States.

When purchasing your tickets for a visit to both sites, it's important to keep in mind that due to security reasons, all visitors must pass through security screening before being allowed on board. Additionally, guests are required to bring their own food and drink onto the ferry as none are available for purchase onboard.

For those looking for an even more unique experience, book a night tour where guests can experience breathtaking views of New York City after dark while passing by landmarks such as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center en route to Liberty Island. No matter what time of day you decide to visit, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever!

Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty history

A symbol of America and New York’s most notable cultural experience - the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island represent centuries of American history.  Named after its last private owner, Samuel Ellis, Ellis island once served as the main point of entry into America. More than a third of all Americans can trace their lineage to someone who passed through Ellis Island.

The first would-be-immigrant to be processed in Ellis Island was teenager Annie Moore, a teenager from County Cork, Ireland. She arrived with her 11 and seven-year-old brothers with hopes of reuniting with her family in New York. To mark the occasion an Australian treasury department official and a Catholic chaplain awarded her a $10 gold piece. Today, visitors can see a statue of the siblings in the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

Ellis Island closed as an immigration center in 1924. After which many private developers submitted suggestions for the site. The projects ranged from a rehab facility to a resort marina and even an experimental ‘city of the future’ designed by architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. None of these plans came to fruition, and after nearly 20 years in political limbo, the site opened for tours in 1976. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a plan for a historical museum came to light. Lee Lacocca, an automotive pioneer, lead a large fundraising project for the renovation of Ellis Island.

Edouard de Laboulaye came up with the concept for ‘Lady Liberty,’ and Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design it. The figurine was a gift from France to the United States of America to honor the Union’s victory in the American Revolution and the abolition of slavery. At the time the French were under the reign of Napoleon III. Laboulaye hoped the figure would inspire the French people to fight for their democracy.

The 131-year-old Statue of Liberty stands as Ellis Island’s key feature. Inspired by Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, the robed female figure holds a torch and tablet inscribed with the date of the declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. The seven spikes on the statue’s crown represent the ocean and the seven continents. The spikes illustrate the universal notion of liberty. Although her feet are not entirely visible, ‘Lady Liberty’ on Liberty Island is depicted with one foot raised, moving forward away from oppression and slavery.

The island finally opened to the public in 1990. Today Ellis Island receives over 3 million visitors each year from all around the world.
 

Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty highlights

  • Visit Ellis Island Immigration Museum and Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty.
     
  • Enjoy a round trip ferry from Ellis Island.
     
  • Experience three interactive galleries and an immersive theatre inside the Museum.
     
  • Enjoy stunning panoramic views from the Ellis Island Museum rooftop and Inspiration Gallery.


Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty facts

  • How tall is the Statue of Liberty? On Liberty Island she stands 305 ft. 6 inches from the base of the pedestal foundation to the top of her torch.
     
  • The seven rays from her crown are said to represent the seven continents.
     
  • The statue’s original torch was replaced in 1984 by a new copper torch coated in 24k gold.
     
  • For most of the 19th century, Ellis Island was used for hanging convicted pirates, criminals, and mutinous sailors. It was nicknamed ‘Gibbet Island’ after the wooden post, or gibbet that the deceased bodies were hung up on display.
     
  • After the last hanging in 1839, the island served as a depot for Navy munitions. It wasn’t until 1982 that it became a federal immigration station until its closure in 1924.
     
  • Ellis Island was used as a detention facility during WWI and WWII.
     
  • Although the Statue of Liberty herself was a gift from France, the stone pedestal that supports the statue's 225-tonne weight was paid for by Americans.
     
  • The Statue of Liberty's arm was in Madison Park from 1876 and 1882 to raise funds to complete the Statue. Anyone could pay 50 cents to climb to the torch balcony. A kindergarten class in Iowa sent $1.35 to the fund drive. In August 1885, it was announced that the final $100,000 for the statue’s pedestal had been raised.


Don’t miss

Immersive Theater

Enjoy a 10-minute multimedia experience. The room is designed to allow visitors to roam freely. View images that shed light on the history of the Statue of Liberty and the ideals it represents. Additionally, the presentation includes a virtual fly-through inside the statue.

Engagement Gallery 

Learn about the work process of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and the team of artisans who built the Statue of Liberty. Fully immerse yourself in multimedia displays that show the project’s journey to completion, from design to fabrication and construction. 

Inspiration Gallery

This space provides visitors with an opportunity to reflect on what they have experienced in the Museum and enjoy panoramic views of ‘Lady Liberty’ and the New York skyline. Document your visit by adding a self-portrait to a digital collage called ‘Becoming Liberty.’ Liberty’s most iconic symbol, the original torch, is housed inside the gallery.

The Roof Deck

Visit the area atop the Museum to access the rooftop and view sweeping views of the iconic statue and New York Harbor.

Please Note: The museum rooftop may close at various periods in adverse weather conditions. Please check the Museum site for more information.

Additional things to know

  • Are backpacks and food permitted inside the statue of liberty? No. But you can bring them. Before accessing the entrance of the Statue of Liberty, all visitors with backpacks, food, and drinks must place these items in lockers. Lockers are located by the entrance of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
  • Is the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island? No, there are two separate islands, Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty is on Liberty Island.

FAQS

Q: What should I wear when visiting the Statue of Liberty?
A: It is recommended to wear comfortable and lightweight clothing during the hot summer months. Bring a light jacket as it can get breezy out at sea. Be sure to check local weather forecasts for any unexpected rain or wind before you leave.

Q: Is there any public transportation available for getting to the ferries?
A: Yes, both Manhattan and Jersey City offer various public transportation options such as bus, ferry, and taxi services from their respective departure points (Battery Park and Liberty State Park).

Q: How long does it take to get to the Statue of Liberty from NYC?
A: The total time spent on board varies depending on which location you board at (Manhattan or Jersey City) and how many stops along the way. On average, it takes around 30 minutes each way from either point of departure.

Q: Are there wheelchair ramps and/or elevators available onboard?
A: Yes! The Statue of Liberty Ferry is fully accessible with wheelchair ramps and elevators, making it easy for everyone to enjoy this amazing experience regardless of their physical abilities.

Q: Are there additional attractions near the Statue of Liberty that I should check out?
A: Absolutely! Make sure to visit nearby attractions such as Ellis Island Immigration Museum which tells the story of millions of immigrants who came through this port over different eras in history.

Q: Is photography allowed while visiting the statue?
A: Yes! Photography is permitted while visiting both indoor and outdoor areas throughout your visit (except inside buildings). However, flash photography is not allowed in certain sections as per guidelines set forth by park rangers.

Know before you go

Calendar Icon

Booking required

This attraction requires advanced booking.

Getting in

Present your pass at the 'reserve ticket' entrance at your chosen depature point (remember that your pass must be valid when scanned at the time of your visit). Proceed through the security screening facility before boarding the ferry.

Please note

Access to the pedestal and crown of the Statue of Liberty is not included with your pass. If you wish to add access to those parts of the statue, you will need book 'Crown Reserve' and/or 'Pedestal Reserve' tickets independently, and make reservations as soon as possible as space is limited and tours often sell out months in advance.

Children under four years old are admitted for free.

Tips for visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

  • A limited number of wheelchairs are available on both Liberty and Ellis Island for no fee, but on a first-come, first-served basis. You will need an ID to use as a deposit.
  • Guide dogs are welcome. 
  • The buildings and grounds on Liberty Island are ADA compliant. 
  • You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks to both the islands but it must be sealed. Food and drinks are not allowed in the pedestal or crown areas. 
  • There are dining options on both islands.

For more information visit the Statue cruises website.

Where you'll be

Map of location of attraction

Castle Clinton at Battery Park (Lower Manhattan) OR Liberty State Park, New York, US

Open in Google MapsExternal Link Icon

Operating hours

Please check the Statue City Cruises' website for the most up-to-date ferry schedule.

 

Closings & holidays

The Statue of Liberty is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Statue of Liberty Ferry and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

(877) 523-9849

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 365 days of your purchase date.

Find out moreChevron Icon

Got a question?

Check out our FAQs or live chat with our customer service agents now

See our FAQsChevron Icon

Why choose The New York Pass®?

Save More Icon

Mega savings

Our passes save you more than buying individual tickets – we guarantee it!
Experience More Icon

Bucket-list experiences

Enjoy world-famous sights and hidden hotspots, all handpicked by our local experts.
Always Easy Icon

All in one place

All you need is the Go City app. Simple!

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon