Tour · New York, USA

New York: Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island with Pedestal Access

⭐ 4.4/5 · 18,500 reviews
⏱️ 4 – 5 hours
🗣️ English, Spanish
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
$44
per adult · ferry + pedestal
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Our Take

Why we recommend this tour

Liberty Island and Ellis Island are separate stops on the same ferry loop, but most visitors treat them as one activity and burn 4-5 hours total. The key decision is whether to book pedestal access or crown access.

**Pedestal (this tour)**: ~200 steps to the base of the statue itself, interior museum, excellent views. Available day-of if you book ahead. **Crown**: 377 steps narrow spiral to Liberty's crown. Sells out 3-6 months in advance and is genuinely exhausting but unique. **Grounds only**: free walk around Liberty Island with photos, no entry to statue.

Ellis Island is emotionally hefty — the immigration museum walks through the stories of 12 million immigrants processed through 1892-1954. Allow 90 minutes minimum for Ellis Island.

Start at 9 AM. Later ferries are slower due to crowds and weather delays.

Highlights

What you'll do

  • ✓Ferry to Liberty + Ellis Islands
  • ✓Pedestal (base of statue) access
  • ✓Ellis Island Immigration Museum
  • ✓Audio guide in multiple languages
  • ✓Pre-booked entry (avoid 1-hour walk-up)
  • ✓Circle both islands at own pace
Includes

What's included

  • ✓Round-trip ferry ticket
  • ✓Pedestal access (lower level of statue)
  • ✓Ellis Island Museum entry
  • ✓Audio guide in 9 languages
Not included
  • ✕Crown access (separate ticket, book 3+ months ahead)
  • ✕Food at island cafés
  • ✕Photos at the gift shop
What to bring

Pack list

  • →Photo ID (mandatory, airport-style security)
  • →Comfortable shoes (lots of walking)
  • →Water + snacks (island cafés are overpriced)
  • →Umbrella / light jacket (weather-exposed)
Meeting point
Battery Park · Castle Clinton ticket booth
New York: Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island with Pedestal Access — New York New York: Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island with Pedestal Access — New York New York: Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island with Pedestal Access — New York
FAQ

Common Questions

Worth the pedestal upgrade?+
Yes for first-timers. You get interior access to the statue and excellent views of Manhattan from the pedestal observation level.
Crown access — should I try for it?+
Only if (a) you're fit — 377 narrow steps are a workout, (b) you're not claustrophobic, and (c) you book 3-6 months out. Otherwise pedestal is plenty.
Ellis Island worth the extra 90 min?+
Yes, genuinely. Even if you have no family link to Ellis Island, the museum is a masterclass in immigration history. Take the audio guide.
Is the ferry line really that long?+
Walk-up in summer: 60-90 minutes at Battery Park just to board the ferry. Pre-booked ticket skips this entirely — it's not optional.

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