Frequently Asked Questions about the Statue of Liberty 

To avoid the crowds at the Statue of Liberty, plan to visit during off-peak times.

You can plan to arrive early in the morning, especially on a weekday, as the first ferries of the day are generally less crowded.

Additionally, you can avoid visiting during major holidays and peak tourist seasons, such as summer.

The only way to the Statue of Liberty is by ferry, which departs from Liberty State Park in New Jersey and Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.

You can easily reach these parks by using different means of transport, such as the subway, bus, taxi, etc. More about how to reach.

Two ferries go to the Statue of Liberty: the Staten Island Ferry and the Statue City Cruise.

The Statue City Cruise is paid and drops you off at the Island so you can visit it properly.

However, the SI Ferry is free but does not stop at either Liberty Island or Ellis Island. It just lets you take in the view from the ferry.

The Statue of Liberty ferries start at 8.30 am, and the last ferry to the Islands departs at 3.30 pm. Visitors can return on the last ferry at 5 pm. 

Visitors typically spend about 4-5 hours exploring both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

This allows time to see all the island’s attractions, including Libetry’s pedestal, crown and Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

The ferry ride from NY’s Battery Park to Liberty Island takes just 15 to 25 minutes.

Yes, there is a direct ferry from New Jersey to the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island.

The ferry ride first goes to Ellis Island and then to Liberty Island. It operates every 25 minutes.

Parking is available near the Statue of Liberty at Liberty State Park and around Battery Park.

Visitors can easily park their cars there before taking a ferry ride to Liberty Island. Read more about parking.

The story behind the Statue of Liberty is that it was a gift from France to the United States and was built in France.

After completion, it was transported to the US in 300 pieces and was dedicated on October 28, 1886.

Yes, Liberty and Ellis Island have one cafe each, the Crown Cafe and Ellis Island Cafe, which provide refreshments and food.

Besides these cafes, various famous restaurants are near the Statue of Liberty.

Many items, such as large bags, sharp objects, and weapons of any kind (including firearms, knives, and pepper spray), are prohibited on the Statue of Liberty Tour.

There is airport-level security on both the ferry and the island.

Yes, there are storage facilities available on Liberty Island.

Visitors can use lockers located near the security screening area to store their belongings during their visit to the statue

Drones are not allowed on the ferry or near the Statue of Liberty.

Yes, there are toilets on Liberty Island. Visitors can find restroom facilities near the ferry dock area, the museum, the entrance to the pedestal and all food and beverage areas.

There is handicapped access to the Statue of Liberty, including on the ferry and on both islands.

They are all well-equipped with ramps, elevators, and other accommodations to ensure accessibility for all visitors.

Yes, Liberty Island and Ellis Island are well-connected by ferry service, which operates every 25 minutes and takes visitors from one island to another

Yes, there is an elevator inside the Statue of Liberty.

This elevator provides access to the pedestal’s observation deck, allowing visitors who cannot climb stairs to still enjoy views of New York Harbor.

Visitors must follow certain rules and regulations while visiting the Statue of Liberty.

It includes undergoing security screening before boarding the ferry and not talking about unnecessary things or food inside the statue.

Respecting the statue and its surroundings by staying on designated paths and refraining from climbing or touching the statue itself.

Before going to the Statue of Liberty, make sure to book free ride tickets and pedestal or crown tickets in advance, as they are limited in availability.

Next, arrive early at the designated time slot and wear weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes.

Also, bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and a camera in a small backpack

Gustave Eiffel designed an iron framework inside the Statue of Liberty that supports the copper exterior.

Spiral staircases and an elevator lead up to observation decks on the pedestal. There are also stairs for the crown and 25 windows offering stunning views.

The words written on the Statue of Liberty are from the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. Its most famous lines are:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Yes, visitors can still visit the Statue of Liberty’s Crown. They need to book separate tickets, which cost $25 for adults.

These tickets are only sold on its official website.

Pedestal access to the Statue of Liberty means allowing visitors to enter the statue’s base, visit the museum inside, and enjoy views from the pedestal’s observation deck.

It is available at an additional cost of $25 for adults only at the official website.

No, you cannot go on the torch of the Statue of Liberty. Public access to the torch has been closed since 1916 due to safety concerns following an explosion.

The Wall of Honor on Ellis Island is a permanent exhibit that features names inscribed on panels and commemorates the immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.

It also honors individuals and families who contributed to American society.

Visitors can explore both islands as part of their ferry ticket, starting at just $27.

At Ellis Island, visitors can see many attractions like the Immigration Museum and History Center, the Wall of Honor, scenic views of New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty.

Besides this, visitors can also relax at the Elli Island Cafe.

Each year, Macy’s kicks off the world’s largest fireworks display around 9 pm on July 4th in New York City to celebrate Independence Day. Read more about the Fourth of July fireworks at the Statue of Liberty.

Yes. While general access to Liberty Island and the statue grounds does not require a reservation, access to the pedestal and crown observation decks typically requires advance booking due to limited capacity. 

The Statue of Liberty Ferry tickets cost $27 for adults, but you can see the statue for free.

However, there is a separate fee to go inside the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty ferry ride tour includes a round-trip ferry service that stops at Liberty and Ellis Islands.

It also includes admission to all the attractions on both islands, except inside the Statue of Liberty.

The Staten Island Ferry is the cheapest way to see the Statue of Liberty.

While it offers a view of the statue from a distance, it does not stop at Liberty Island, so you won’t be able to get off and explore the island itself.

Here are three quick steps to book Statue of Liberty tickets:

1. Choose your ticket type online.
2. Select your preferred date and time.
3. Complete your purchase and receive a confirmation email with tickets attached to it

Yes, there is a guided tour available for the Statue of Liberty. This tour offers a knowledgeable visit to both islands and a round-trip ferry ride. 

Yes, arriving at the designated time slot mentioned on your tickets for the Statue of Liberty tour is advisable. This is when lines for the ferry start to form.

Arriving on time will help you take a better seat with stunning views.

Yes, Statue of Liberty ferry tickets include access to both Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located, and Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.