Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by the official ferry
Two islands, two museums, one boat ticket. Battery Park, Manhattan.
The short answer
The official ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island leaves from Castle Clinton in Battery Park, and the National Park Service says Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ticket seller. A general admission ticket covers round-trip ferry transportation with stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island, plus the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Ferry prices from the NPS page: adults 13 and over $26, seniors 62 and over $23, children 4 to 12 $17, and children under 4 free.
What it is like
Everyone passes through airport-style security before boarding, and the NPS warns that waits can be an hour or more at peak times (summer, weekends, holidays). The ticket time is when you enter the security queue, not when the boat leaves. Go early, take breakfast with you, and budget a full day for both islands.
Pedestal and crown access are extra reservations. The crown means a walk up 162 steps from the statue's feet, there is no elevator, there is a minimum height of 42 inches, and children under 4 are restricted; pedestal access is open to all ages. Tickets are limited and sell out in advance. The NPS lists the add-on at $0.30.
I could not verify stroller and restroom details from the NPS pages; they refer accessibility questions to 212-363-3200. The sensible approach is to bring a carrier for under-twos and expect to be on your feet for hours.
Best time to go
Earliest ferry on a weekday.
Tips before you go
- Buy tickets only from Statue City Cruises or the NPS-linked page; it is the only authorized seller.
- Arrive early; the ticket time is for security, not the boat.
- Book crown tickets well ahead, and check the height minimum.
- Bring a carrier and snacks; this is a long day.
Where it is
Castle Clinton, Battery Park, New York, NY 10004. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
What's on here
From The New York Almanac, the next 60 days.
- Nothing listed here in The New York Almanac for the next two months. It is refreshed every week.
Nearby on the Brood List
Ride the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty
Lower Manhattan · 0.2 mile away · Free
Climb aboard the Wavertree at South Street Seaport
Seaport, Lower Manhattan · 0.8 mile away
Take the ferry to Governors Island
Governors Island · 1.0 mile away
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Civic Center, Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights · 1.1 miles away · Free
Questions people ask
How much is the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island?
The NPS lists $26 for adults 13 and over, $23 for seniors 62 and over, $17 for children 4 to 12 and free for children under 4.
Who sells official Statue of Liberty tickets?
The National Park Service says Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ticket seller.
Can small children go up the Statue of Liberty crown?
Children under 4 are restricted, there is a 42-inch minimum height and the climb is 162 steps with no elevator. Pedestal access is open to all ages.
Does the ticket include Ellis Island?
Yes. General admission covers the round-trip ferry with stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island, plus both museums.
How much does it cost?
Ferry ticket (includes both islands and both museums): adult $26, senior $23, child 4 to 12 $17, under 4 free. Pedestal or crown add-on $0.30; Hard Hat Tour $55 (13 and over).
Which subway stop is nearest?
1 to South Ferry (accessible station), 4/5 to Bowling Green (accessible station), or R/W to Whitehall St-South Ferry (not listed as accessible); walk through Battery Park to Castle Clinton. Check elevator status.
Can you take a stroller?
Not stated on the NPS pages I read; call the NPS on 212-363-3200.
How long do you need?
Most of a day.
Sources
The whole list
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