Quick Overview

Islands: Liberty Island (Statue) & Ellis Island (Immigration Museum). Access is by authorized ferries only.
Ferry Terminals: Battery Park, Manhattan (NYC) • Liberty State Park, Jersey City (NJ).
Best For First-Timers: Battery Park (NYC) — easiest subway access; NJ side has easier parking.

Official Ferry Tickets

Timed tickets include round-trip ferry + island access. Pedestal/crown add-ons are limited and must be reserved in advance.

Book Official Ferry Guided Tour + Ferry

Want Photos Only?

Choose a fast sightseeing cruise that sails close to the statue (no island stop) — ideal for quick trips and sunset pics.

Express Cruise Sunset Cruise

Tip: Arrive 30–45 minutes before your ferry time for security. Bring a charged phone (mobile tickets) and travel light—airport-style screening applies.

Option 1 — From Manhattan (Battery Park)

Best choice if you’re staying in NYC.

  • Subway (closest): South Ferry (Line 1), Bowling Green (4/5), Whitehall St–South Ferry (R/W).
  • Walk: 5–12 minutes from these stations to Castle Clinton area (ferry check-in/security).
  • Bus: M5, M15, and downtown loops stop near Battery Park (can be slower in peak traffic).

Nearest Landmarks

The Charging Bull, Wall Street, One World Observatory & 9/11 Memorial are a short ride/walk away—easy to pair in one day.

Option 2 — From New Jersey (Liberty State Park)

Great for drivers and families — usually easier parking.

  • Drive & Park: Follow signs inside Liberty State Park to the ferry area; check paid parking lots.
  • Transit: PATH to Journal Square/Exchange Place + local bus/ridehare; or Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park.
  • Boarding: Security screening happens before the ferry, same as NYC side.

Why Choose NJ Side?

Shorter lines, straightforward parking, and the same access to Liberty & Ellis Islands as the Manhattan departure.

Getting There by Subway & Rail

From Midtown / Times Sq

Take 1 to South Ferry or R/W to Whitehall St. Alternatively, 4/5 to Bowling Green. Walk to Battery Park (follow “Statue of Liberty Ferries” signs).

From Penn Station

Ride 1 downtown to South Ferry (no transfers). Or 2/3 to Fulton St then transfer to 4/5 for Bowling Green.

From Grand Central

Take 4/5 directly to Bowling Green, then walk to Battery Park. Expect ~20–25 minutes subway time.

From Brooklyn

R to Whitehall St or 2/3 to Wall St and walk south; multiple options via Fulton St hub.

Paying for Transit

Use contactless OMNY or a MetroCard. Daily fare capping applies with OMNY taps.

From NYC Airports

JFK → Battery Park

AirTrain JFK → Jamaica; then J/Z or E toward Manhattan + transfer to 4/5 (Bowling Green) or 1 (South Ferry). LIRR to Penn + 1 is often fastest with luggage.

LGA → Battery Park

Q70 SBS to Roosevelt Av–Jackson Hts → take E/F/M/R/7 toward Manhattan and connect to 4/5/1/R/W downtown.

EWR → Battery Park

AirTrain Newark → NJ Transit to Penn Station → 1 to South Ferry or transfer to 4/5 for Bowling Green.

Rideshare/Taxi

Ask for drop-off at Castle Clinton National Monument, Battery Park (NYC) or the Ferry Terminal in Liberty State Park (NJ).

Luggage & Screening

Large bags slow security. Bring essentials only; lockers are limited near screening areas.

Driving, Parking & Bikes

Driving (NYC)

Downtown traffic is heavy; curb space is limited. Consider garages near Battery Park or use the NJ departure for easier parking.

Parking (NJ)

Liberty State Park has paid lots near the ferry area—usually the simplest option for families and groups.

Bike Access

Citi Bike docks ring Lower Manhattan. Park only at docks—bikes aren’t allowed through ferry security lines.

Accessibility

Ferries and island paths are accessible; crown is stair-only and not accessible. Pedestal requires extra screening.

Practical Tips

Timing

First morning ferries are calmer. Budget 3–5 hours for both islands including queues and the Ellis Museum.

Weather

Decks are windy and cooler—bring layers. Ferries run in light rain; severe weather can delay sailings.

Upgrades

Pedestal/Crown spots are limited—reserve well in advance. Lockers may be required before entry to these areas.

Check Times & Prices Guided Tour + Ferry

Getting There Cheatsheet

NYC Terminal

Battery Park, Castle Clinton area (check-in/security).

NJ Terminal

Liberty State Park, Jersey City (parking nearby).

Closest Subways

1 (South Ferry) • 4/5 (Bowling Green) • R/W (Whitehall St).

Crowd Strategy

Choose the first ferry or go mid-afternoon on weekdays. Weekends/holidays are busiest.

Time Needed

Statue only: ~2–3 hrs • Statue + Ellis Museum: ~3–5 hrs (including queues).

Photo Option

Short on time? Book an Express or Sunset Cruise for close-up views, no island stop.

Book Express Cruise Book Sunset Cruise

Ready to Go?

Head to Battery Park or Liberty State Park, clear security, and sail to Liberty & Ellis Islands for an unforgettable day.

See Tickets & Experiences