About the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France in 1886, stands 305 feet tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Over 4.5 million people visit annually to experience this symbol of freedom, immigration, and the American dream. The visit includes Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants entered America between 1892 and 1954. Pair this stop with the New York guide and the wider United States overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last ferry 3:30 PM)
- Best time: First ferry (9:00 AM) for smallest crowds
- Allow: 4-6 hours for Liberty Island + Ellis Island + ferry travel
- Busiest: 11 AM - 2 PM, weekends, summer months
💰 Costs
- Ferry + grounds access: $24 adults, $12 children
- Ferry + pedestal access: $24.30 (book 2-3 months ahead)
- Ferry + crown access: $24.30 (book 3-4 months ahead, limited daily spots)
- Guided tours: $60-80 per person (skip-the-line + expert narration)
- Private guide: $300-500 for up to 6 people
Official ferry: Only Statue Cruises operates official access. Book at statuecruises.com. Many scam operators nearby.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Immigration stories: Ellis Island's registry room, medical examinations, and personal family histories
- Construction secrets: How Gustave Eiffel designed the internal structure, copper skin details
- Priority boarding: Guides minimize ferry wait times and navigate crowds efficiently
- Two-island expertise: Maximize time at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island
✨ Don't Miss
- 👑 Crown access: 354 stairs to crown (no elevator), incredible harbor views - book months ahead
- 🏛️ Pedestal observation deck: Eye-level with Lady Liberty's feet, glass ceiling views into statue
- 📜 Ellis Island Immigration Museum: Search family records in American Family Immigration History Center
- 🎭 Hard Hat Tour: Unrestored Ellis Island hospital buildings (separate booking required)
- 📸 Ferry photo ops: Manhattan skyline views, especially on return journey
📝 Practical Tips
- Book ferry 2-4 weeks ahead: Especially for pedestal/crown access
- Security screening: Airport-style - no large bags, allow extra time
- Crown climb: Not recommended for claustrophobia, heart conditions, or young children
- Food: Limited options on islands - eat before or bring snacks
- Weather preparation: Windy and cold on water - dress in layers even in summer
- Ellis Island time: Allow 2-3 hours to properly explore immigration museum