Know Before You Go: Visiting the Statue of Liberty
Whether it’s your first trip to New York City or your 10th, there’s something magical about glimpsing the Statue of Liberty, one of America’s most iconic landmarks, keeping watch over New York Harbor. In fact, viewing or visiting the statue itself is a must-do on most New York tourists’ bucket lists, but getting there can require some planning.
From getting the correct tickets for ferry access and choosing the best time to visit to beat the crowds, to discovering ways to explore the statue itself, here’s everything you need to know to plan a smooth Statue of Liberty visit.
How do I get to the Statue of Liberty?
Catch a ferry from either Lower Manhattan or Jersey City, New Jersey.
To visit the Statue of Liberty, you’ll need to first head to the Battery Park ferry terminal in Lower Manhattan—the closest subway stops are on the 1, 4, 5, R, and W lines—then ride a ferry to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located.
If you’re driving or coming from New Jersey, you can depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Parking is available here, so it's generally easier and cheaper than in Manhattan. Ferries leave every 20 to 35 minutes, typically starting in the morning, but the schedule can vary seasonally.
Insider tip: Short on time? Hop on a Statue of Liberty express cruise.
What’s the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty?
Early mornings are great—and don’t skip springtime in the city.
The first ferry usually departs around 8:30am daily, making an early morning visit to the Statue of Liberty a peaceful and tranquil experience often free from crowds. The lighting on the statue is excellent at this time, too, making for great photos. Weekdays are much less crowded than weekends, and a springtime visit in April or early May is ideal as the city’s weather is mild, and the summer crowds haven't arrived yet.
Did you know?: The Statue of Liberty only closes on Christmas Day (December 25) and Thanksgiving, so this is a true year-round destination.
Do I need tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, and only one official ferry operator grants access to Liberty Island.
Visiting Liberty Island requires booking a ferry operated by Statue Cruises. There are multiple ticket options, depending on your preference: Buy a ticket solely to visit the grounds, another ticket that grants you access to the pedestal, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a ticket to climb the stairs to Lady Liberty’s crown. You can also purchase a combined ticket that includes guided tours of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, including access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Immigration Museum.
Insider tip: Pedestal and crown tickets are limited and often sell out in advance, so plan your visit early if you hope to purchase one of these.
Can I go inside the Statue of Liberty?
You can typically access the statue’s pedestal or the crown itself.
While all ferry tickets include access to Liberty Island’s grounds, pedestal and crown tickets include interior access to certain parts of the statue. A pedestal access ticket admits you to the Statue of Liberty pedestal, with exhibits on its history and construction. It also includes access to the Fort Wood level and outdoor and indoor observation decks.
The ultra-adventurous can purchase a crown-access ticket, climbing a 146-step narrow double-helix staircase from the top of the pedestal to the statue’s crown. It’s strenuous, but worth it for the views—just don’t forget to book in advance. Or, if you’d prefer, see it all from above on a helicopter tour over NYC.
How much does it cost to visit the Statue of Liberty?
The cost varies depending on the type of ticket you buy.
In addition to booking your ferry ticket, there’s an extra charge should you wish to see the pedestal or the crown. Statue of Liberty tickets start at around US$25 for adults, with discounts given to kids 5–12 and seniors over 60. Children under 4 are free. While the upcharge for the pedestal and crown tickets is minimal, these upgrades are in high demand, so purchase them in advance if you hope to make either part of your visit.
Insider tip: If you want a quick and free (yet excellent) view of the Lady Liberty, hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry, which departs from South Ferry in Lower Manhattan every 15 minutes. Alternatively, pair your boat ride with a guided tour of Manhattan attractions.
Is the Statue of Liberty accessible for wheelchair users?
Partly. Ferries to the island itself are accessible—as are the great views.
The Statue of Liberty is not fully accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility requirements. Wheelchair users can reach and visit Liberty Island, as the ferries to the island are accessible. On the island, the Statue of Liberty Fort Wood viewing deck is wheelchair accessible. However, the statue’s crown and a few other places on Liberty Island are not, as they require multiple steps to access.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow at both Liberty and Ellis Islands, and service animals are allowed access to both the ferries and the islands themselves.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about visiting the Statue of Liberty.
Where is the Statue of Liberty located? The Statue of Liberty is located in New York Harbor, just off the southern tip of Manhattan.
Why did France give the Statue of Liberty to the US? The Statue of Liberty was a gift given to the US by France to commemorate the United States centennial and celebrate the friendship between the two countries.
Who designed the Statue of Liberty? Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor, was commissioned to design the statue, initially aiming to complete it in time for the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence in 1876. However, it wasn’t actually finished until Oct 28, 1886.
How tall is the Statue of Liberty? The Statue of Liberty is 305 feet (93 meters) tall—about as tall as a 22-story building.
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