Visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York City - Tips and Advice

Visiting the Iconic Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue has welcomed immigrants arriving to the U.S. by sea for over 130 years. Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a must for anyone traveling to New York City.

Statue of Liberty History

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States. It was conceived as a symbol of the friendship between the two nations and their shared love of liberty. The French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design the statue. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the engineer behind the Eiffel Tower, designed the inner steel framework that allows the statue to stand tall.

The Statue of Liberty was completed in France in 1884. It was then disassembled into 350 pieces and shipped to New York. The statue was reassembled on Liberty Island, standing 305 feet tall on its pedestal. On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was officially unveiled in front of thousands of spectators.

Originally the statue was a dull copper color. Over the decades, the copper has oxidized turning the statue its signature green hue. Torch in hand, the Statue of Liberty holds special meaning - lighting the way for those seeking freedom and opportunity in America.

Visiting Liberty Island

Liberty Island is located in New York Harbor, accessible only by ferry. Ferries to Liberty Island depart from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. The ferry operator authorized to transport visitors to Liberty Island is Statue Cruises.

There are a limited number of tickets available each day, so it's recommended to purchase tickets well in advance. Especially during the busy summer season, tickets may sell out weeks ahead of time.

Statue of Liberty Tickets

There's only one official Statue of Liberty ferry service that is authorized to transport visitors to Liberty Island. That operator is Statue Cruises. Tickets can be purchased on their website or in-person at their ticket booths.

When purchasing Statue of Liberty tickets, you'll need to decide:

• Departure location: Battery Park, NY or Liberty State Park, NJ
• Type of ticket: Standard access or pedestal access
• Add-ons: Audioguide, special access tours

Standard Access vs Pedestal Access Tickets

A standard access ticket provides ferry access to Liberty Island where visitors can explore the grounds and get scenic views of Lady Liberty from outside. With a standard ticket, you'll be able to see the statue at a distance, but not enter inside.

For access inside the statue, you'll need a pedestal access ticket. A pedestal ticket allows you to enter the base of the statue. You'll be able to view the original torch and see the internal structure from two levels inside the pedestal. Access is limited, so pedestal tickets are more expensive and sell out faster.

Crown Access Tickets

In the past, it was possible for visitors to access the crown on top of the Statue of Liberty's head. However, since September 11, 2001 the crown has been closed for security reasons. There is currently no public access to the crown available.

Ferry Schedule

Ferries to Liberty Island run daily, except Christmas Day. During summer, departures typically run every 20-30 minutes starting at 8:30am. During less busy seasons, ferry service starts at 9:30am.

Last ferry departures from Liberty Island back to Manhattan are around 5pm in summer and 4pm in winter. Exact ferry schedules vary month to month and can be viewed on the Statue Cruises website.

Security Screening

All visitors to Liberty Island go through airport-style security screening. Bags are screened by x-ray and passengers walk through metal detectors. Prohibited items are not allowed beyond security checkpoint. Leave pocket knives, tools, sprays, and any weapons at home.

What to See on Liberty Island

Liberty Island offers more than just the Statue of Liberty. While exploring the island, be sure to stop by:

• The walls of Fort Wood - this star-shaped fort provides the foundation for the statue
• The audio tour included with your pedestal ticket
• The Statue of Liberty Museum - tells the statue's history through exhibits and artifacts
• Ellis Island Immigration Museum - reachable via ferry

Nearby Attractions

Many travelers pair a visit to Liberty Island with a trip to the nearby Ellis Island. Ellis Island was the nation's busiest immigration inspection station from 1892 to 1954. Today, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum allows visitors to learn about that history first-hand.

Statue Cruises offers combination tickets for visiting both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. This allows you to make the most efficient use of your time exploring New York Harbor.

Another nearby attraction is Governors Island. Just a 7-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan, Governors Island offers scenic waterfront parks and views of the Statue of Liberty. It's a great budget-friendly addition if you have extra time to explore.

Statue of Liberty Hours

The Statue of Liberty is open every day except Christmas Day. Hours vary by season:

• Summer: 8:30am to 5:15pm, last entry at 3:30pm
• Spring & Fall: 9:00am to 5:15pm, last entry at 3:30pm
• Winter: 9:30am to 3:30pm, last entry at 1:15pm

Note that last ferry departures are 15 minutes prior to the posted closing times. Arrive early to give yourself enough time to go through security and explore the island grounds.

Plan Your Visit

Advance planning is highly recommended when visiting the Statue of Liberty. Start by reserving your Statue of Liberty tickets as early as possible. Then plan the rest of your day around your reserved ferry time.

The ferry ride itself takes about 20 minutes each way. You'll need at least 2-3 hours on the island to see the attractions and tour inside the pedestal. Add in travel time to the departure point, and visitors should plan to allocate at least half a day for their Statue of Liberty experience.

Keep in mind there are no food concessions on Liberty Island, so be sure to eat before or pack food with you. There are water fountains throughout the grounds to refill water bottles as needed.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island get very crowded, especially during summer and on weekends. For a more relaxed visit, consider a weekday ferry time if possible. Be prepared for lines at security screening, especially later in the day.

Visiting this iconic American landmark is an experience you'll never forget. With advance planning, your Statue of Liberty visit can enjoy smooth sailing from start to finish.

FAQs

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

Statue Cruises is the only ferry operator authorized to sell tickets and provide transportation to Liberty Island. Purchase tickets in advance on their website or at their ticket booths in Battery Park, New York and Liberty State Park, New Jersey.

What is included with a Statue of Liberty ticket?

A standard ticket includes round-trip ferry access to Liberty Island and self-guided outdoor access to the grounds. A pedestal ticket adds access to the observation decks inside the statue's pedestal. Only pedestal tickets allow you to go inside the statue itself.

When is the Statue of Liberty open?

The Statue of Liberty is open every day except Christmas Day. Hours vary by season, with typical opening between 8:30am - 9:30am and closing between 3:30pm - 5:15pm.

How much time do I need to visit the Statue of Liberty?

You'll need at least 2-3 hours on Liberty Island to take a ranger-guided tour, enter the pedestal (if ticketed), explore the grounds, and visit the museums. Add transportation time at the beginning and end.

Should I also visit Ellis Island?

Yes, combining the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island makes for a full day experience. Ferry tickets can be purchased for both attractions. Allow at least an additional 1-2 hours to tour the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.