Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Official Ferry & Museum Access

Two Islands, One Ferry: The Official Route to Liberty & Ellis Island

You board the official ferry at Battery Park, pass through security, and ride out to Liberty Island to explore the grounds and museum with an included audio tour. Then you ferry to Ellis Island to walk through the immigration museum at your own pace. The whole day is self-guided; you decide how long to spend on each island and when to return. Both ferries and both museum entries are included in one ticket.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in one trip without figuring out separate tickets or worrying about which ferry operator is legitimate — Statue City Cruises is the only official service, and the audio tours mean you're not standing in front of exhibits wondering what you're looking at.

What’s included

• Your ticket includes round-trip ferry service from Battery Park to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island with Statue City Cruises, the official operator.
• You get access to the grounds of Liberty Island, entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum with three interactive galleries, access to Ellis Island and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and audio tours for both locations.
• Ferries depart approximately every 20 to 30 minutes, and you move between islands at your own pace.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

• Board ferry to Liberty Island
• Explore Statue of Liberty grounds
• Visit Statue of Liberty Museum
• Board ferry to Ellis Island
• Tour Ellis Island National Museum
• Return ferry to New York City

The Experience

There's a reason people stand at the rail when the ferry pulls away from Battery Park — you're about to see the Statue of Liberty rise up in front of you, and it hits different when you're actually moving toward it on the water. This is the official Statue City Cruises service, the only authorized ferry operator to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, which matters because it means you're not guessing about tickets or getting redirected by vendors in the park. You board at Battery Park, pass through airport-grade security (it's thorough, so plan for that), and then you're on the water with an audio tour already in your pocket.

Liberty Island comes first. You get access to the grounds around the Statue of Liberty itself, plus entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum, which has three interactive galleries that walk you through the history of the monument — the why it was built, what it meant to the people who arrived by ship, how it became what it is now. The audio tour runs alongside, so you're not reading plaques; you're listening to the story as you move through. After you've spent as long as you want there (and people spend anywhere from an hour to three hours, depending), you catch the next ferry to Ellis Island.

Ellis Island is where the immigration story lives. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is the main draw — it's personal in a way that catches people off guard. You're walking through records, photographs, and objects that belonged to people who came through that building looking for a new life, and the audio tour gives context to what you're seeing. Ferries run every 20 to 30 minutes from Battery Park, so if you miss one, another leaves soon after. The whole day is self-paced; you move at your own speed between the two islands, and the audio tours are included, so there's no extra cost for the narration.

One practical thing: the time on your ticket is when you should join the security queue, not your exact departure time. And if you're thinking about a 2pm or 3pm priority entry slot, know that it won't give you enough time to see both islands properly — the ferry ride and the museums eat into the afternoon fast. There are coin-operated lockers ($2, quarters only) on Liberty Island if you need to stash a bag, but nothing at the screening facility itself, so travel light if you can.

Top questions

Do I need a ticket to visit the Statue of Liberty grounds?

Yes. This ticket includes round-trip ferry service and access to both Liberty Island grounds and Ellis Island. Children 3 and under don't need a ticket.

Is the audio tour included?

Yes. Audio tours for both Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included with your ticket.

How often do ferries leave Battery Park?

Approximately every 20 to 30 minutes from the New York departure point at Battery Park.

Can I visit both islands in one day?

Yes. The round-trip ferry service connects both islands. However, if you book a 2pm or 3pm priority entry, you won't have enough time to visit both properly.

What time should I arrive before my ticket time?

The time on your ticket is when you should join the security queue, not your departure time. Arrive early enough to get through airport-grade security screening.

Are there lockers to store bags?

Self-service lockers ($2, quarters only) are available on Liberty Island after you enter the monument. There are no lockers at the screening facility at Battery Park.

Is this accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes. The ferry service and both islands are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

Can children go on this tour?

Yes. All minors 17 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult (25 or older). Children 3 and under don't require a ticket.

What should I watch out for at Battery Park?

Unauthorized vendors inside Battery Park may try to redirect you or sell additional tickets. Statue City Cruises staff are available inside Castle Clinton or at the ferry boarding lines if you need help.

How long does the whole experience take?

That depends on how long you spend on each island. Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours total, but you can stay longer if you want.