Statue of Liberty Ferry Schedule (2026): Times, Routes, Tickets & Tips

You cannot walk or drive to Liberty Island. There is no bridge or small boat that will take you right to Lady Liberty. The only way to get there is by ferry. Knowing how the ferry works will help make your trip easy and fun instead of stressful.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know. You will learn where the ferry leaves from, the full schedule for different seasons, what your ticket gives you, what to bring, and what not to bring, and special tips that first-time visitors usually find out too late.

Two Departure Points: Which One Is Right for You?

The Statue of Liberty ferry departs from two mainland locations, each with its own advantages.

Battery Park, Lower Manhattan (New York)

Most people take the ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, New York. Battery Park is at the very bottom of Manhattan and is easy to get to by subway or bus.

Subway options:

• 1, R, W trains to Whitehall Street

• 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green

The Statue City Cruises ticket office and security check are inside Castle Clinton. Castle Clinton is an old fort that now serves as the entrance for visitors. The address is 17 State Street, New York, NY.

Ferry route from Battery Park:

• The ferry goes to Liberty Island first

• Then it goes to Ellis Island

• Finally, it comes back to Battery Park

Liberty State Park, Jersey City (New Jersey)

Another place to take the ferry is Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. This ferry station is inside the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. It is usually less crowded than Battery Park. There is a lot of parking for cars and buses, so it is a good choice if you are driving or coming with a group. You can easily get there from the New Jersey Turnpike or Interstate 78.

Ferry route from Liberty State Park:

• The ferry goes to Ellis Island first

• Then it goes to Liberty Island

• Finally, it comes back to Liberty State Park

Note: You can start your trip at one location and end at the other. But once you arrive back at either Battery Park or Liberty State Park, your ferry ride is over. You cannot get on the ferry again.

What is the Statue of Liberty Ferry Schedule

The ferry times can change depending on the season. The times below show the normal schedule for busy times of the year. Before you go, check the live schedule.

Ferry Schedule from Battery Park (New York)

Ferries depart roughly every 20-25 minutes. The first departure is at 9:00 AM.

Return-only trips (peak summer season):

Ferry Schedule from Liberty State Park (New Jersey)

The first ferry from Liberty State Park leaves at 9:00 AM. Keep in mind that the ferry does not run from early January to early March in winter. Battery Park ferries run all year round.

Return-only trips:

Last Ferry Times to the Statue of Liberty in Different Seasons

The first ferry from the mainland leaves at 9:00 AM all year. The time for the last ferry going to the islands and the last ferry coming back changes a lot depending on the season. This can surprise visitors if they are not ready.

Note: The ferry is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If you're planning a visit around a holiday, check the official schedule in advance.

How Long Does the Ferry Take to the Statue of Liberty?

The ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island takes about 15 minutes. Going from Liberty Island to Ellis Island takes another 15 minutes. If you want to visit both islands, which your standard ticket includes, plan your time for both trips.

The ferry stops at each island for about 10 minutes before leaving again. You do not need to rush back right away. Your ticket works for the full round trip, and you can spend as much or as little time on each island as you want before getting on a later ferry.

What You Get with a Statue of Liberty Ferry Ticket

A normal ferry ticket gives you:

• A round-trip ferry ride from where you start

• Access to the grounds of Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty

• Entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum (no extra ticket needed)

• Access to Ellis Island and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (no extra ticket needed)

• A headset for a self-guided audio tour

Extra Tickets and Upgrade Options for the Statue of Liberty Ferry

You can get special tickets for more access:

• Pedestal Reserve tickets: Go to the Fort Wood part of the pedestal. You get higher views of the harbor and New York City.

• Crown tickets: The highest access. You can climb all the way up to the crown of the statue. These tickets are limited every day and must be booked months in advance.

• Hard Hat Tour: A 90-minute guided tour of the unrestored Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital. This is on the south side of Ellis Island.

2026 ferry ticket prices (base rate):

• Adults: $25.50

• Children (ages 4-12): $16.50

• Seniors (62+): $22.50

• Children under 4: Free

What Happens at Security Before the Statue of Liberty Ferry?

Everyone who takes the ferry to the Statue of Liberty must go through security, like at an airport. There are no exceptions. Security is done at Statue City Cruises facilities at both ferry stations, and it can take some time.

• Arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes before your ticket time. During busy season, try to arrive up to 1 hour early.

• The time on your ticket is your security check-in time. If you arrive late, you cannot board, and missed ferries are not refunded or rescheduled.

Things you can bring:

• Small purses, fanny packs, and camera bags

• Sealed food and drinks (open containers are not allowed on the islands, but sealed ones are okay on the ferry)

• Strollers (the ferry and islands can be used with strollers)

• Guide dogs

Things you cannot bring:

• Large backpacks or very big bags (you can pay for a locker on the island if you have one)

• Sharp objects, weapons, or anything that would fail airport security

• Drones (not allowed at all in the national monument)

Where to Stand for the Best Views on the Statue of Liberty Ferry

To enjoy the ferry ride the most, it helps to know where to stand on the deck.

If you leave from Battery Park, going to Liberty Island:

• Stand on the right side of the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty clearly as you get close.

• On the way back from Ellis Island to Battery Park, move to the left side to see the statue as you sail away.

If you leave from Liberty State Park, go to Ellis Island first:

• Stand on the left side of the ferry to see Lady Liberty as you enter New York Harbor.

• The Manhattan skyline will be on your right side.

You can also see One World Trade Center and the Lower Manhattan skyline on both trips. Keep your camera ready even before you reach the islands.

The ferry has indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and a snack kiosk. You can buy light food like hot dogs, pretzels, chips, fruit, and drinks.

Easy Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty

Here are some simple tips to help you have the best day visiting the Statue of Liberty:

1. Take the first ferry at 9:00 AM: It is the least crowded and the best for clear views. By mid-morning, more people arrive, and weekends around midday are very busy.

2. Book tickets early: Especially if you want Crown access. Crown tickets are very limited and sell out months ahead of time in the summer. Ground tickets are easier to get, but it's still better if booked early. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.

3. Pick the best departure point for you: If you take the subway from Manhattan, use Battery Park. If you are driving, Liberty State Park is better because it has lots of parking and fewer crowds.

4. Travel light: Big backpacks slow down security. If you bring one, you will have to use a paid locker before going to the ferry, which takes extra time and costs a little money.

5. Do not miss Ellis Island: Many people spend only enough time on Liberty Island. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is amazing, and the Wall of Honor is worth visiting. Spend at least 90 minutes there.

6. Be careful of fake ticket sellers: Some online or street sellers may offer very cheap tickets. They might take you on a boat that goes near the statue but does not stop at Liberty Island. Only Statue City Cruises tickets let you get to the islands.

7. Afternoon on weekdays can be quieter: If you cannot take the first ferry, try the 2:00 to 3:00 PM ferries on Tuesday or Wednesday. They are much less crowded than during busy midday times.

Is the Statue of Liberty Ferry and Island Accessible for Everyone?

The Statue of Liberty is easier to visit than many people think. All ferries can carry wheelchairs, and staff are there to help when you get on and off the boat. The grounds of Liberty Island are wheelchair-friendly, and a small number of wheelchairs are available for free on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. You need to show a valid ID to borrow one, and they are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to know that the crown of the statue has a narrow staircase and cannot be reached by wheelchair. However, the pedestal observation area, the museum, and the island grounds are all accessible for visitors in wheelchairs.

Conclusion

The ferry is more than just a way to get to Liberty Island. The ride across New York Harbor, with the statue getting bigger as you get closer, is an exciting part of the trip.

Knowing the ferry schedule, picking the right departure pier, and arriving early make the difference between a stressful trip and a fun, memorable visit.

Make sure to book official tickets through Statue City Cruises, arrive on time, carry only what you need, and take the first ferry if you can.

Lady Liberty has been standing since 1886 and will not go anywhere, but special Crown tickets are limited, so plan ahead if you want them.