How do I get tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty?

Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official Statue of Liberty website (statueoflibertytickets.com) or authorized sellers. Ferries depart from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Reserve at least 2–3 weeks ahead for crown access.

Can you go inside the crown of the Statue of Liberty?

Yes, but crown access requires separate tickets that sell out months in advance. The pedestal observation deck and grounds are more accessible. Crown tickets are extremely limited — around 240 visitors per day — so book as early as possible.

How long does a typical Statue of Liberty visit take?

Visiting Liberty Island alone takes about 2–3 hours. Adding Ellis Island extends the trip to 4–5 hours. The ferry ride from Battery Park is about 15 minutes each way.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty: Complete Guide 2026

Standing proudly in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Gifted by France in 1886, Lady Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants and visitors to American shores for over 130 years.

History of the Statue of Liberty

The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its internal iron framework was engineered by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel — the same engineer behind the Eiffel Tower. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and quickly became a symbol of freedom and opportunity. During the early 20th century, immigrants arriving by ship saw Lady Liberty as their first glimpse of America and the hope it represented.

How to Get Ferry Tickets

Visitors must take an official Statue Cruises ferry — the only authorized operator. Ferries depart from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ. The round-trip ferry ticket includes access to Liberty Island grounds and Ellis Island. Pedestal access and crown tickets cost more and must be reserved separately. Book through statueoflibertytickets.com well in advance — crown tickets sell out months ahead.

Ferry departing Battery Park heading to the Statue of Liberty — Ferries to Liberty Island depart from Battery Park in lower Manhattan

What to See at Liberty Island

Liberty Island offers several distinct experiences beyond the statue itself. The museum at the pedestal level covers the statue's history, construction, and symbolism. The pedestal observation deck at 16 stories high offers excellent harbor views. The grounds feature a promenade all the way around the island with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn. Audio tours are included with most ticket types.

Ellis Island — The Immigration Museum

Included in your ferry ticket, Ellis Island is worth at least 90 minutes. The main building served as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954. The Great Hall has been beautifully restored and the American Family Immigration History Center allows visitors to search records for relatives who passed through. The island's exterior registry and dormitories have been left in deliberate disrepair as a contrast to the restored main hall.

Interior view from the Statue of Liberty crown looking down — The crown offers 25 windows and views across New York Harbor

Insider Tips for Your Visit

Take the first ferry of the day (usually 9 AM) for the fewest crowds and best morning light for photos. Book tickets at least two weeks in advance for regular access and several months ahead for crown tickets. Bring snacks — the island's café is expensive and lines are long. The ferry back to Manhattan via the New Jersey side sometimes has shorter wait times. Consider the Ranger-led tours for historical depth not covered in the audio guide.