If there’s one universally recognized symbol for freedom, the American dream, and New York City, it’s the Statue of Liberty! The 151-foot-tall statue was presented by the French to the United States in 1886 and serves as a beacon of hope and a better life for millions of people around the world. The copper figure welcomed generations of immigrants and visitors, and if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit the monument, you have to go! It is absolutely a bucket list item. However, the only thing that might be stopping you from getting to the Statue of Liberty is, well, getting there in the first place.
Where is the Statue of Liberty
The Statue is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, and you can’t exactly walk there. The monument is also near the closely linked Ellis Island, which used to be the busiest immigrant inspection and processing station in the United States. (From 1892 to 1954, nearly 12 million immigrants arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey were processed there under federal law, contributing to the city’s long history of being known as a “melting pot.”)
Luckily, visitors and locals alike can visit both of these historic landmarks (Lady Liberty and Ellis Island) to experience the breathtaking views and learn about the fascinating lore firsthand. That’s why we’ve put together this short list of some of the best ways to get to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Not only are the monuments and stories incredible, but even the trip there is an unforgettable time on the water, with out-of-this-world views of New York City’s iconic skyline, the New York Harbor, and neighboring New Jersey.
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty
Since there’s no land bridge that gets you to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, you’re going to have to take a ferry. Fortunately, plenty of New Yorkers commute all over the five boroughs via ferries, so there are plenty of routes and tours that’ll get you there and back with ease.
New York General Admission – Just looking for the basic (but still awesome) ferry package? No sweat — snag a ticket to the New York General Admission tour, which provides access to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration with priority access to cut down on “line” time.
New Jersey Pedestal Reserve – Purchasing a ticket for the New Jersey Pedestal Reserve gives you special access to the Fort Wood section of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. You’ll also get priority entry into the Screening Facility Queue, round-trip ferry service to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Plus, you can check out the Statue of Liberty Museum, which includes three interactive galleries that tell the Statue of Liberty National Monument’s history with included audio tours.
New Jersey Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour – If you’re looking for a behind-the-scenes peek at “the other side” of Ellis Island, look no further than The New Jersey Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour. Your ticket will include a 90-minute guided tour of the unrestored Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital Complex with a self-guided Audio Tour headset that you can listen to as you tour around both Ellis Island and Liberty Island. The Hard Hat Tour also gives you priority entry into the Screening Facility Queue which saves you time at the departure point. So, all you have to worry about is taking in the views.
New York Crown Reserve – In the mood for some incredible views? See the harbor, New York City, and New Jersey from the Statue of Liberty’s point of view by snagging a New York Crown Reserve ticket as soon as possible. Your purchase includes access to the Pedestal and Crown of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, along with priority entry, round trip ferry service to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, a peek at the Fort Wood section of the monument, access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, a look at the Statue of Liberty Museum, and included audio tours.
Additionally, all four cruises can depart from either New York or New Jersey — here are further links for more information!
