The Statue of Liberty is the symbol of New York City (and freedom) and one of the top attractions not to be missed. Below you will find a short but comprehensive step by step guide to the Statue of Liberty, how to secure your tickets and what to expect once you arrive.
Ticket purchase
- Buy your Statue of Liberty ticket as soon as possible! Tickets are limited and go on sale approximately 4 months in advance. They sell out pretty quickly, particularly during the holiday season (I purchased my tickets on the 1st of September to climb the statue of the 31st of December).
- Purchase your ticket online using the official website. This is where you get the cheapest tickets! The ticket includes a visit to both the Statue of Liberty grounds and Ellis Island.
- When you purchase your ticket online, you must select a departure time. This is the time when you have to enter the security facility before waiting for the next ferry to arrive. This is very convenient as you will get priority boarding and will not have to stand in any queues.
- The outing can easily take the whole day! I recommend that you select an early morning departure to allow yourself enough time to explore both islands. (I selected to depart 11h00 and I did not have enough time to explore Ellis Island as well). Go as early as you can.
- I recommend that you purchase Crown Reserve Tickets. Only 240 people per day are allowed to climb the crown. It’s the most expensive option, but the price difference between the tickets is minimal and you get to climb into the crown of the Statue of Liberty! Select Battery Park as your departure point (if you want to depart from New York).
- If you purchase Crown Reserve Tickets, you must bring photo identification with you (a licence or a passport will do). Without it, you will not be allowed to climb the crown.
- You are allowed to take a backpack with you. I was quite nervous about taking a backpack with me due to many mixed reviews on the internet. However, you can hire a locker for $2 to store your belongings in before you climb the crown.
Arrival at Battery Park
- Once you get to Battery Park, there will be a lot of people asking if you have already purchased your tickets. Don’t panic! They are there to assist you, and not to sell tickets. Be polite.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time to pick up your physical tickets at the office. Take your confirmation email with your details and reference number along with you. You cannot print your tickets at home.
- Expect airport-style security. If you cannot take it on an airplane, you cannot take it to the statue. That means no sharp objects! (My husband always carries a small pocket knife on him. We could not take it in with us, so we had to get creative and hide it somewhere in Battery Park).
- Expect crowds of people. The ferry is very crowded, but as soon as you get to the island, there is enough space for everybody.
Arrival at the Statue of Liberty
- An audio tour is included. However, I suggest you take a park ranger escorted tour instead. It’s completely free and much more personal and interesting. There are only a few tours that depart at specific times. I suggest you find out the departure times for the tours as soon as you arrive on the island.
- If you purchase Crown Reserve Tickets, you may enter the Statue at any time before 15h30. Once you get to the crown, there will be two park rangers waiting for you. They are so friendly and more than happy to take a photo for you.
