Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a life-changing experience in the heart of one of the world's most beautiful cities. But to make it happen, you need to be well organized and even plan ahead. In this article, we give you all the information you need to visit the Statue of Liberty.
Why visit the Statue of Liberty?
There's a good reason why over 4 million people visit the Statue of Liberty every year. This Unesco World Heritage Site is one of New York's must-sees, and even one of the USA's must-sees. Created by Auguste Bartholdi, it was donated to the United States by France in 1886 as a sign of friendship between the two nations, with the ambition of embodying the values of freedom.
A visit to Liberty Island is both spectacular for the view it affords of Manhattan and the grandeur of the sculpture, and instructive, thanks to the on-site museum that tells the story of the sculpture, as well as a visit to Ellis Island, and its Immigration Museum, which is included in our selection of the best museums in New York.
How do I get to the Statue of Liberty? What are the different options available?
The basic package to visit the Statue of Liberty, common to all tickets, always includes the ferry crossing, Liberty Island, a visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum and entry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. There are three possible options:
- Access to Liberty Island: the ferry will take you to Liberty Island, where you can walk around the foot of the Statue of Liberty, so impressive from so close, without actually entering it. If you don't book months in advance, this is often the only ticket available. The fare is $25.50 per adult and you can book it book it right here.
Another option is to book this guided tour with your licensed New York City guide.
- Access to the pedestal: you'll have access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, some 50 meters high. You can then take a tour of the statue. Tickets are limited. The cost is $25.50 per adult.
- Access to the statue's crown: you can climb up to the pedestal, but also to the statue's crown. Seating is very limited, and sold out. Tickets must be purchased 3 months in advance, when the ticket office opens. During the tiring climb up the 162 steps between the pedestal and the crown, you can admire the metal structure of the interior of the Statue of Liberty, designed by Gustave Eiffel. The view from the crown is spectacular. Admission is $25.50 per adult.
To visit the Statue of Liberty, here's the key information in a nutshell:
| Liberty Island ticket | Pedestal ticket | Crown ticket | |
| Ferry crossing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Liberty Island | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to the Statue of Liberty Museum | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to Ellis Island | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Access to the pedestal | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crown access | X | X | ✓ |
| Fare | From $25.50 per adult | From $25.80 per adult | From $25.80 per adult |
Is it possible to climb the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, it is possible to climb inside the Statue of Liberty, either by standing on its pedestal, i.e. its fifty-meter-high base, or by entering the statue and climbing up to its crown. However, places are limited for both tickets, and it's hard to get your own. Plan several months in advance.
Good to know: To climb up to the crown, you need to book a Crown Ticket, a special ticket that includes the ferry, access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, access to the pedestal and the crown. The only official site for this is Statue City Cruises, and it's the only way to get tickets for the Statue of Liberty's crown. You'll need to do this several months before your visit, as very few tickets go on sale and demand is very high.
Where do I take the boat?
An important piece of information to bear in mind when visiting the Statue of Liberty is where to board the ferry. There are two. You can choose a different pier for the outward and return journey:
- Battery Park (New York): a park located south of Manhattan, right in the heart of New York City. It's easily accessible by subway or bus. In this case, you'll visit Liberty Island first, then Ellis Island, before returning.
- Liberty State Park (New Jersey): this is a convenient option if you're staying in New Jersey, or if you're coming by car, as the pier has ample parking. If you choose this option, your tour will start at Ellis Island, then continue to Liberty Island before returning.
In either case, you'll be subject to a security check before boarding.
Good to know: The ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is included in the New York Explorer Pass, which you can book right here. Read our article on New York passes to find out more.
Where can I buy tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty?
You can buy tickets at the Castle Clinton ticket office in Battery Park, or at Liberty State Park, or online, and we highly recommend this second option as tickets go very quickly, so it's best to buy them as soon as you' re planning your trip to New York.
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How long does it take to visit?
When visiting the Statue of Liberty, it's important to allow plenty of time. Allow around half a day for your visit, the exact time will depend on the ticket you opt for.
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What are the opening hours?
The site of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last access to the statue at 3:30 p.m. The only two days the site is closed are Thanksgiving, on the fourth Thursday in November, and Christmas, on December 25. The Petit Futé team recommends reserving an early morning slot to take your time visiting the Statue of Liberty.
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Is it possible to visit the Statue of Liberty for free?
It's not possible to disembark on the island of the Statue of Liberty free of charge. However, you can get close to it by taking a free ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island, departing every 20 minutes.
You can also choose to book this express cruise, designed to be the fastest way to see the Statue of Liberty up close.
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