Liberty Island Ferry Terminal — Attraction in Jersey City

The Liberty Island Ferry Terminal, located in Battery Park, New York City, serves as the primary gateway for visitors heading to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Managed by Statue Cruises, the terminal experience is generally positive but varies depending on crowd levels and time of year.

One of the terminal’s strengths is its well-organized ticketing and security process. Ticket windows and self-service kiosks make it easy for visitors to purchase tickets, and the staff is generally helpful in directing visitors through security and onto the ferry. The security checkpoint, however, is similar to airport screening, and lines can become lengthy, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends. Arriving early is recommended for a smoother experience and to allow time for unforeseen delays.

The ferry terminal has some amenities, including restrooms, small snack stands, and souvenir shops, which are convenient for travelers waiting to board. However, seating is limited, especially during busy periods, which can make it challenging for families and older visitors who may need a place to rest.

The ferries themselves are clean and well-maintained, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island from the ferry are fantastic, offering great photo opportunities.

Overall, the Liberty Island Ferry Terminal provides a mostly efficient and organized service to Liberty and Ellis Islands, though peak season crowds can impact the experience. With a bit of planning and early arrival, visitors can enjoy a smooth journey to these...

Overcrowded, tourists can go to unreasonable extent just to take the best shot of the statue of Liberty, fighting over seats, best views... on the way back from Ellis Island tourists were acting like caged prisoners ready to escape the island at any coast, they were pushing and they were very agressive. In the queue we were literally stacked like sardines in a can, few cruises passed and people were pushing to get in but cruises already came full of people, so few only were managing to enter, as a result we had to wait for 2h, impossible to breath, impossible to move if you want to leave the queue, I do not recommend this tour to people with asthma or any health issue, and parents with young babies, because no one will have any compassion towards you, you will struggle alone with your baby and people on top of that will push you, you will get to witness the worst aspects of human beings. Too bad I didn't picture this horror but I was not even able to mive anyways. When we were leaving the cruise there was an incident where the ramp broke or something happened to it and it was extremely shaky and people almost fell from the boat, it was a general panic made worse by hundreds...

STAY AWAY , spend your $30 somewhere else.

Went from Liberty State Park to take the ferry - first to Ellis Island and then Statue of Liberty. If your ferry time is 12 pm expect to be on the ferry around 1pm. Ferries take a long time to come, they are not organized. If you have other plans after the whole trip, plan carefully.

Went to Ellis Island, they tell you that you have 1 hr to be there. The ferry actually came late after 30 minutes to go to statue of liberty.

Went to Statue of Liberty. They give you merely 90 minutes to be in Liberty island before the ferry leaves back to NY/NJ. If you want to enjoy your time, eat, take pictures, enjoy the scenery etc; you will be disappointed. How can you enjoy something when you have the security staff reminding you loudly how much time is left to start leaving? Yes, they...