Statue of Liberty Admission: What Visitors Should Know Before Planning a Trip
A trip to the Statue of Liberty involves ferry fares, possible reservation requirements, and specific rules for reaching the crown. Understanding these details in advance can make the experience smoother.
By Riley Cooper
Statue of Liberty
Situated on Liberty Island, which lies off the New Jersey shoreline within New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty draws many travelers. Knowing the practical details ahead of time and making arrangements in advance can help make the experience more pleasant.
Background
Statue of Liberty
Formally titled "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World," the monument was presented by France as a gesture of friendship and was officially dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886.
Admission and Ferry Fees
Ellis Island Ferry
There is no charge to go into the Statue of Liberty itself, but reaching it requires taking the Ellis Island Ferry. That ferry costs $12 for visitors 13 and older, $10 for those over 62, and $5 for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Travelers need to decide whether to leave from Liberty State Park in New Jersey or from Battery Park in New York.
Booking a Monument Ticket
Reserve tickets online
Entering any level of the statue requires a monument ticket. Reservations can be made by phone at 1-877-LADY-TIX or through the website statuecruises.com.
Visiting the Crown
Statue of Liberty crown
A separate ticket is required for those who wish to go up to the crown. Access to the crown is possible only by climbing 354 steps. Apart from a camera or a cell phone functioning as a camera, no bottles, bags, or other belongings may be brought into the crown.
Security and Access
Crowd
Before boarding the ferry and before entering the statue, visitors must go through a security screening. Because lines in these areas can sometimes be lengthy, it is wise to plan with that in mind.
When to Go and Other Details
Statue of Liberty
The largest crowds at the Statue of Liberty appear from June through September. Liberty Island is shut on Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas. To find out the current operating hours, call the park's information line at (212) 363-3200.
