Statue of Liberty, New York

Book your entry for the Statue of Liberty

Standing on the deck of the ferry as the Statue of Liberty comes into view never gets old. That first clear look at her torch and tablet makes the whole trip feel real. But you need the right ticket to step foot on Liberty Island. This guide covers every official option from Statue City Cruises, so you can book with confidence and focus on the experience.

Current Ticket Prices (April 2026)

All tickets are round-trip ferry transportation only. The National Park Service charges no separate entrance fee to the museums or grounds. Prices are the same for U.S. and international visitors. Children under 4 ride free. Here is the clear breakdown:

Ticket Type Under 4 Ages 4–12 Adults 13+ Seniors 62+
General Admission $0 $17 $26 $23
Pedestal Reserve $0 $17.30 $26.30 $23.30
Crown Reserve Restricted $17.30 $26.30 $23.30

Pedestal and Crown tickets add just $0.30 to the base ferry price and include full access to Ellis Island and both museums. Ellis Island Hard Hat Tours add $55 for adults and seniors (ages 13+ only, limited availability). National Park passes do not cover ferry tickets. Book directly through Statue City Cruises to avoid scams from third-party sellers near Battery Park.

Opening Hours

Liberty Island and Ellis Island are open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  • Daily hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (islands close to new arrivals)
  • Ferry schedules: First departures around 9:00 AM, last return ferry around 6:45 PM–7:00 PM

Last entry for pedestal and crown access is earlier (usually 4:00 PM). Ferries run every 20–35 minutes. Always confirm the exact schedule on the Statue City Cruises site before you go, especially in April when spring crowds start building.

Choose Your Ticket

Three main tickets give you access to Liberty Island. Pick the one that matches how close you want to get to the statue and how far in advance you can book.

General Admission view
🌟 General

1. General Admission

Adult: $26 | Child (4-12): $17 | Senior (62+): $23 | Under 4: free

  • Duration: 3–5 hours on the islands (plus ferry time)
  • Includes: Round-trip ferry, grounds access on Liberty and Ellis Islands, entry to both museums, audio tours in multiple languages
  • Best for: First-time visitors who want the full classic experience without climbing inside the statue
from
$26.00
Pedestal Reserve view
🔥 Bestseller

2. Pedestal Reserve

Adult: $26.30 | Child (4-12): $17.30 | Senior (62+): $23.30 | Under 4: free

  • Duration: 3–5 hours on the islands (same as general)
  • Includes: Everything in General Admission plus access to the pedestal observation balcony (10 stories up) for harbor and skyline views
  • Best for: Visitors who want elevated views without the full crown climb
from
$26.30
Crown Reserve view
👑 Premium

3. Crown Reserve

Adult: $26.30 | Child (4-12): $17.30 | Senior (62+): $23.30 | Under 4: Restricted

  • Duration: 3–5 hours on the islands (plan extra time for the climb)
  • Includes: Everything in Pedestal Reserve plus access inside the crown (162 steep steps from the pedestal level, no elevator)
  • Best for: Fit travelers who want the iconic inside-the-crown perspective and are comfortable with stairs
from
$26.30

Tips Before You Visit the Statue of Liberty

  • Buy your tickets as early as possible, especially for pedestal or crown access. Early morning ferries (first departures around 9:00 AM) give you the lightest crowds and best light for photos. Spring and fall bring comfortable weather and fewer lines than summer.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes because you will cover a fair amount of ground on the islands. Bring a light jacket for the ferry ride even on warmer days. The security screening feels like an airport, so leave large backpacks or bags behind. Small personal bags are fine, but expect them to be checked. Photography is allowed everywhere on the grounds and in the museums. Drones are strictly prohibited.
  • Plan to spend at least three hours on the islands if you are visiting both Liberty and Ellis. Four to five hours feels more relaxed. Eat before you board or grab a quick bite at the café on Liberty Island. Download the free audio tour app ahead of time so you are ready when you arrive. Most important, double-check your ferry time the night before. Schedules can shift slightly with weather or maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy Statue of Liberty tickets in advance?

Yes. General admission tickets can sell out on busy weekends, and pedestal or crown access almost always does. Booking through the official Statue City Cruises site weeks or months ahead guarantees your spot and saves you time at the dock.

Can children ride the ferry for free?

Children under 4 ride free with a paying adult. Ages 4-12 pay the reduced child rate of $17 (or $17.30 with pedestal/crown access). Kids still need a ticket for the record.

How do I get pedestal or crown access?

You must select the Pedestal Reserve or Crown Reserve ticket when booking. Both sell out fast and cannot be added on the day of your visit. Crown access requires climbing 162 steps from the pedestal and is not recommended for young children or anyone with mobility concerns.

What is included with every ticket?

Every ticket covers round-trip ferry service from New York or New Jersey, access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, entry to both museums, and audio tours. No extra fees apply once you are on the islands.

Are there any free days or ways to visit without a ferry ticket?

No. The ferry ticket requires transportation. There is no free entry to the islands. National Park passes do not cover the ferry cost. You can see the statue from harbor cruises that do not land, but you miss the island experience.

What happens if I miss my ferry time?

Ferry tickets are date-specific but not strictly timed for departure once you arrive at the dock. Show up at the terminal with your ticket and join the next available boat after security. Still, arriving early avoids long waits during peak hours.