The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, which the National Park Service says is reached by ferry; the NPS identifies Statue City Cruises as its authorized ferry operator, departing from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in Jersey City, and the Battery security-screening and ferry facility moved about 300 yards north, next to Castle Clinton, on March 6, 2026. The NPS charges no entrance fee for the museums on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, but a ferry ticket is required: $26.00* for adults 13 and up, $23.00* for seniors 62 and up, $17.00* for ages 4 through 12, and free under age 4; America the Beautiful passes and fee-free days do not cover ferry fees. Pedestal access (215 steps, with an elevator available) and crown access (162 stairs, no elevator) need tickets reserved in advance, and the NPS says the time printed on a ferry ticket is when a visitor may join the airport-style security queue, not a ferry departure time. The Statue of Liberty Museum on the island, open since May 2019, displays the statue's original torch; the NPS says a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can take most of a day, and ferry times vary by season on the operator's schedule page.
*Fees subject to change, please check nps.gov for updated information.
Been here a while
Long-standing places to eat near Statue of Liberty National Monument, in the town named beside each rather than at the stop itself. We could not confirm this one as still trading in 2026 — ring ahead. Names link to their sources.
- 1827Delmonico'sNew York (Financial District), NYRestaurant name credited with originating dishes such as lobster Newberg and Delmonico potatoes, and one of several claimants to eggs Benedictstill trading? unconfirmed
Nearest Airports
Straight-line distance from Statue of Liberty National Monument, not drive time.
- New York Skyports Inc Seaplane Base (NYS), seaplane base — 5 miles
- West 30th Street Heliport (JRA), heliport — 5 miles
- East 34th Street Heliport (TSS), heliport — 5 miles
Live Conditions
Wildlife Spotted Nearby
We checked fees, opening hours, seasonal opening, operating status, reservations and closures on 2026-10-14. These change without notice — confirm with nps.gov and statuecitycruises.com the week you travel.
Sources — 8 claims, 8 checked against the source
| Claim | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|
| No NPS entrance fee for the museums on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, but a Statue City Cruises ferry ticket is required. Ferry and tour tickets: adult 13+ $26.00; senior 62+ $23.00; ages 4-12 $17.00; under 4 $0. Fees for ferries, parking, special tours or permits are not covered by America the Beautiful passes or NPS Fee Free Days. Page last updated March 2, 2026. (checked 2026-10-14) | National Park Service: Statue of Liberty fees and passes | Checked monitored · 2026-10-14 |
| The NPS hours page says the monument is accessible via ferry and points visitors to the ferry schedule for times (the page itself lists no island opening hours). (checked 2026-10-14) | National Park Service: Statue of Liberty operating hours and seasons | Checked monitored · 2026-10-14 |
| Daily ferry service to Liberty Island and Ellis Island from Battery Park (New York) and Liberty State Park (New Jersey); schedules vary by season; operates every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; entry after 2pm will not allow enough time to visit both islands. Departure times are on the operator's schedule page. (checked 2026-10-14) | Statue City Cruises: Ferry schedule | Checked monitored · 2026-10-14 |
| The Battery security screening facility and ferry service moved about 300 yards north (away from the Staten Island Ferry terminal), adjacent to Castle Clinton National Monument, on Friday, March 6, 2026. The printed ticket time is the approximate time for joining the screening line, not the ferry departure time; visitors cannot arrive more than 30 minutes before the reserved ticket time. (checked 2026-10-14) | National Park Service: New security screening and ferry location at the Battery | Checked monitored · 2026-10-14 |
| Pedestal access is limited, requires tickets and can sell out in advance; 215 steps (about 10 stories) with an elevator for those who cannot use the stairs; same-day pedestal reservations are extremely limited and are not available on Liberty Island; secondary airport-style security at the pedestal entrance; backpacks, large bags, strollers, tripods and open food and drink are not allowed inside (lockers use quarters). (checked 2026-10-14) | National Park Service: Visit the pedestal | Checked monitored · 2026-10-14 |
| Crown tickets must be reserved in advance through Statue City Cruises (877-LADY TIX); 162 stairs in a tight helix, no elevator; crown visits are limited to 10 minutes; maximum four crown tickets per order. (checked 2026-10-14) | National Park Service: Visit the crown | Checked monitored · 2026-10-14 |
| The Statue of Liberty Museum opened in May 2019 with three galleries and an immersive theater; the original torch is displayed in the inspiration gallery; the rooftop may be closed in inclement weather. (checked 2026-10-14) | National Park Service: Visit the museum | Checked monitored · 2026-10-14 |
| Visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can take most of a day. (checked 2026-10-14) | National Park Service: Statue of Liberty basic information | Checked |