Summary
A person cannot go to New York without seeing the Statue of Liberty. However, with limited time, making decisions about when to visit, how much to see, and what options are available can be overwhelming. Having visited Lady Liberty three times, we offer valuable tips for visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island based on our experiences.
How Long to Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
When visiting the Statue of Liberty, be prepared for a long day. Queues for the ferry can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Additionally, the Statue of Liberty and the museum typically take about 90 minutes to explore, while Ellis Island might require another hour to 90 minutes. Therefore, if you follow our advice, you can minimize your waiting time and maximize your experience.
Security wait times at Battery Park and the ferries to and from Liberty and Ellis Island can add to your overall time. Consequently, visiting both locations could easily take 5 to 6 hours.
Allocate 5 to 6 hours to visit both Liberty and Ellis Islands.
Visit the Statue of Liberty or Take a Cruise?
Depending on your time in New York, you may need to decide whether to visit Liberty Island itself or take one of the many cruises available for a view of Lady Liberty from the water. Whichever option you choose, you are certain to enjoy the experience, as the Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol not to be missed!
If time is tight, consider a 90 Minute Cruise of New York City. This cruise allows you to experience Midtown and Lower Manhattan, as you sail past Lady Liberty and Ellis Island, cruising along the Hudson River and around the Battery.
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty ferry and ticket office is located at Battery Park in Manhattan. Ferries commence operations at 8:30 AM, and we highly recommend arriving early to be at the front of the line.
Subway
We boarded the Number 1 Red Line Subway from our downtown Manhattan hotel to South Ferry Station near Battery Park. MetroPasses are available for purchase at machines in Subway entrances, which accept both cash and credit cards.
- Subway lines to reach the Statue of Liberty:
- Take the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green.
- Take the R train to Whitehall Street.
Upon exiting the subway, many individuals will be offering information. Politely decline any tour offerings and head directly to the ticket office. We informed them we already had a New York Pass, which made them offer us directions instead.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty Museum
Your ticket for ferry service includes entrance to the Statue of Liberty Museum, and you don’t need to schedule a separate time for your visit. Inside, you’ll find engaging exhibits that highlight the history of the statue and its significance.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Following your visit to the Statue of Liberty, the ferry to Ellis Island is complimentary. You may wish to get off the boat to explore or return directly to Battery Park. Many people overlook this opportunity, but we found our visit to Ellis Island to be incredibly enriching.
The Great Hall – Ellis Island
The Great Hall is the first sight that greets visitors upon arriving at Ellis Island. It served over 12 million immigrants arriving between 1892 and 1924, and today it stands as a testament to those who sought a better life in the United States.
Visitors often come to Ellis Island to trace their ancestry. Although no records of our family were found here, it was fascinating to explore.
As you progress to the second floor, admire an extensive collection of historical photographs that tell the story of Ellis Island. The images evoke mixed emotions of haunting nostalgia and inspiring hope.
The third floor features a recreation of the sleeping quarters for new immigrants, allowing a glimpse into the challenging conditions they faced upon arrival in New York City.
By beginning your exploration early in the day, you’ll have ample opportunity to see more sights in Manhattan afterward, such as Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, all within walking distance from Battery Park.
Statue of Liberty Tips
- Stand on the right side of the ferry for the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline.
- Book in advance through the Government Website to acquire reserved tickets and skip the security lines.
- If you want to ascend to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, secure your tickets at least one week early.
- Be sure to visit the Ellis Island Museum to complete your experience.
- If you’re planning to see multiple attractions in New York, consider obtaining a New York Pass for potential savings and convenience.
We encourage you to thoroughly enjoy your visit to these remarkable sites! Make sure to explore each aspect of your journey for a well-rounded experience.
