Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options

New York City , United States of America

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options

Active

(13314 reviews)

3h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hear the stories of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and learn about the creation and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty.

On this guided tour, your expert New Yorker will get your reserve-line ferry tickets and ride with you to Liberty Island and afterward, if you select our Comprehensive Tour, to Ellis Island for a tour of the landmarks around the island, such as the wall of honour. Once the tour ends, the exploration doesn't stop there as you can continue inside the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration to explore its multiple floors at your own pace. An audio guide is included to help. You’ll also have time to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum as your guide prepares you for what you’ll see inside.

Our Liberty Express option offers a 2 hour guided tour across the water, and on Liberty Island, where you'll learn all about the Statue of Liberty and our expert guide will also give you facts and tips if you wanted to visit the museum on your own after the tour.

Available options

Express 2-Hour Tour

Duration: 2 hours: The guided portion of the express tour lasts around 2 hours. Return ferry is included.

Comprehensive 4 Hour Tour

What's included

History of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from an expert New Yorker

Comprehensive Tour only - Guided tour of Ellis Island including the American Immigrant Wall of Honor

Guided tour of Liberty Island

Roundtrip reserve-line ferry tickets with stunning views of the NYC skyline

Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum - learn how this sculpture became such an icon - self-guided

Comprehensive Tour only - Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, audio guide included

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This sandstone fort is our meeting point, but it’s also a national monument.

Stop 2

Tour Liberty Island with your guide. See the statue up-close and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. This is also a great opportunity for photos of the NYC skyline.

If you choose our Comprehensive 4 Hour tour, you will have time visit the museum on your own (guides not permitted inside the museum) before continuing your tour to Ellis Island.

If you choose our Express Tour, the tour ends at Liberty Island so you can stay as little or as long as you like in the museum.

Our guides are not permitted to enter the museum so this part will be self-guided.

Stop 4

Choose our 4 Hour Comprehensive tour and take a tour of Ellis Island as your guide points out sights like the American Immigrant Wall of Honor.

Not included with Express Tour.

Stop 5

Choose our Comprehensive 4 Hour tour and discover the stories of the millions of immigrants who came through here from 1892-1954. Explore this museum at your own pace with your included audio guide before returning to Battery Park at your leisure. Guides are not permitted into the museum so this part is self-guided but our guides will give you facts and tips before you enter to get the most out of your visit.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lockers for large items on Liberty Island (available for $0.25)

Crown and Pedestal (base) access at the Statue of Liberty, entry not included

Statue of Liberty Museum & Ellis Island National Museum are not guided as tour guides not permitted

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

5,430 reviews

5★

4639

4★

396

3★

141

2★

1★

161

Tripadvisor 4.9

7,884 reviews

5★

7327

4★

338

3★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. The tour departs promptly and if late, you will NOT be able to catch up and will miss the tour. There are no refunds for missing the tour.

Please note the earliest time tour will have the least wait. Later tours will encounter longer wait times.

Your ferry ticket includes access to both islands, although for afternoon tours, there may not be enough time to visit Ellis Island.

Food available for purchase on the ferry, at the Statue of Liberty, and on Ellis Island

Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.

Security screening will take place prior to entering the ferry. Visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screening.

Photographs are permitted, but tripods and monopods are prohibited.

Children 3 and under free with paid adult ticket.

Guides are wearing orange hats AND/OR blue shirts or jackets.

Pedestal and crown access are not included in your tour. Guided tours are not allowed in the pedestal or crown at the Statue of Liberty

Meeting point

Meet your guide on the steps outside of Castle Clinton's North Entrance. Castle Clinton is inside Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan.

Your guide will have your entry tickets. Just show up and tell the guide your name. They will be wearing an orange hat and/or a blue jacket/shirt.

Important notes

More info here: https://www.exp1.com/new-york-tours/welcome-statue/

• Please meet your guide on the 3 steps outside of Castle Clinton's North Entrance. This is the entrance on facing the Manhattan buildings. Castle Clinton is inside Battery Park.

• Your guide will have your tickets. Just tell the guide your name.

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. The tour departs promptly and if late, you will NOT be able to catch up and will miss the tour. There are no refunds for missing the tour.

• Security screening will take place prior to entering the ferry. Visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screening.

• DRIVING/PARKING - There is no on-site parking. Parking can be difficult. Please plan ahead to find an available garage that is close to the meeting location. Allocate additional time to find parking space and walking to the meeting location. We recommend taking public transport.

• TAXI - Tell the taxi Battery Park. That will get you close to the meeting location. From there, you can walk south to Castle Clinton, which is the round brick building. Our staff will be OUTSIDE of the building.

IMPORTANT:
Tour end points vary depending on which tour option you choose.
• The 4 Hour Comprehensive Tour includes a tour of Ellis Island and the tour finishes on Ellis Island.
• The Express Tour doesn't include Ellis Island and the tour will finish at Liberty Island.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information