How to Buy Tickets for the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Access to the **Statue of Liberty National Monument** (Liberty Island) and **Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration** is **exclusively by ferry** operated by the **official concessioner: Statue City Cruises** (successor to Statue Cruises, 2021). **No private boats may dock.**
Official Purchase Channel (Required)
- Website: **statuecitycruises.com** (only authorized online seller).
- Phone: **+1-877-LADY-TIX (877-523-9849).**
- In Person: **Ticket windows at departure points:**
- Battery Park, Manhattan (NYC): **Castle Clinton National Monument** (inside fort). **Main NYC departure.**
- Liberty State Park, Jersey City (NJ): **Central Railroad of NJ Terminal.** **Often easier parking, shorter lines.**
Ticket Types & What They Include
| Ticket Type | Includes | Access | Reserve? |
|---|
| General Admission (Reserve Ticket) | Ferry + Liberty Island grounds + Ellis Island grounds + Audio tours | **Pedestal: NO. Crown: NO.** | YES – Essential. Weeks/months ahead for peak (summer, holidays). |
| Pedestal Reserve Ticket | Above + **Pedestal access** (museum, balcony views) | **Pedestal: YES. Crown: NO.** | YES – Book 3–6+ months ahead. Very limited. |
| Crown Reserve Ticket | Above + **Crown access** (162 steps, tight spiral, 254 ft up) | **Pedestal: YES. Crown: YES.** | YES – Book 6–12 MONTHS ahead. Extremely limited. **Must be physically able to climb.** |
Critical Planning Tips
- RESERVE ONLINE EARLY. **Walk-up tickets often sold out.** Crown/Pedestal sell out instantly on release.
- Security Screening: **Airport-style (magnetometer, X-ray).** **No large bags, weapons, tripods, food/drink (except water/meds).** Allow **30–60 min** for screening *before* ferry.
- Departure Point Choice: **Liberty State Park (NJ)** often has **better parking, shorter security lines, same ferry.** Check NJ Transit (Light Rail to Liberty State Park station).
- Ellis Island: **Same ferry.** Allow **2–3 hours** for both islands. **Hard Hat Tour (unrestored hospital)** = separate ticket ($$$), book separately.
- Accessibility: **Ferry & Liberty Island main areas accessible.** **Pedestal: Elevator available (reserve). Crown: NO elevator (162 steps).**
- Children: **Under 4 free (no ticket needed). 4–12 child price. Crown: Min 4 ft (122 cm) tall.**
What NOT To Do
- **Buy from street vendors / third-party sites (Viator, GetYourGuide, etc.)** – often inflated prices, "skip the line" scams (you still do security), wrong ticket type.
- **Go to Liberty Island without a ticket** – impossible.
- **Bring prohibited items** – delays everyone.
Bottom Line: **Go to statuecitycruises.com NOW. Choose date, time, ticket type (Crown → Pedestal → Reserve). Pay. Get QR code. Arrive early for security. Enjoy the icon.**
Wanderlust World