Quick overview

• Ways to explore: Choose from self-guided island walks with free audio or join guided tours that include narration and structured routes.
• Additional access: Some tickets offer pedestal entry for museum exhibits and extended views; crown access is available with strict capacity.
• Unique experiences: Select options include priority boarding and official guided storytelling that may extend to nearby 9/11 Memorial highlights.
• Queues & access: Timed entry plus skip-the-line features reduce wait times, though TSA-style security screening is still required.
• When to book: Book early—especially for pedestal or crown tickets—as peak times and limited slots increase sellout risk.
• Good to know: Most visits last 4–6 hours with free cancellation windows.
• Best upgrade: A guided tour with priority boarding offers smoother navigation and enhanced context.

Things to know before booking your tickets

• The only way to get to the Statue of Liberty is by ferry. Round-trip ferry rides to Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included in your tickets.
  
• Keep in mind that the ferry transfer is different from the cruise. The ferry is primarily designed as transport to Liberty Island, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The cruise will take you around the harbor near both islands but you will not be able to disembark at either of them.
  
• If you don’t know where to start, cruises and guided tours are good options that require the least amount of planning.
  
• The guided tour gives you reserved priority access to your ferry tickets.
  
• Arrive early in the day and try to catch the first ferry as crowds tend to get larger later.
  
• Both Liberty Island and Ellis Island are entirely wheelchair accessible. However, access to the crown is not suitable for guests with mobility restrictions. Service animals are allowed inside.
  
• If you're worried about leaving your pet alone all day, don’t fret. Pets are allowed on the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sightseeing Cruise.
  
• For the cruise, infants will not be provided with an extra seat and have to be seated on your laps.
  
• Go for combos or a city pass in case you want to visit multiple attractions in the city to save money and the effort of booking individual tickets.

Tips & guidelines

• Negative instinct trap: Avoid Battery Park’s crowded security after 9am; opt for Liberty State Park for shorter queues.
  
• Crowd-flow exploit: Take the first ferry from Battery Park at 8:30am to avoid boarding surges.
  
• Vantage gain: Walk along the island perimeter near Fort Wood for the best Manhattan skyline views.
  
• Comfort/safety hard stop: Use the accessible elevator at the pedestal lobby instead of the steep staircase if needed.
  
• Compliance rule: Securely stow prohibited items before secondary screening to meet TSA guidelines.
  
• Innovation tip: Snap quick photos from the museum’s outdoor balcony during clear afternoons.
  
• Plan ahead: Visit the lower observation deck at Fort Wood for a 360-degree view with less congestion.