Statue City Cruises Liberty State Park — Attraction in Jersey City

There are two primary ways to see the Statue of Liberty from the water: The official ferry service to Liberty Island, which allows you to get off and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island. Sightseeing cruises that circle the statue but do not dock on Liberty Island.

The Official Ferry Service (Statue City Cruises)

This is the only way to get to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The official provider is Statue City Cruises.

What it includes: Round-trip ferry transportation to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Access to the grounds of Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty Museum. Admission to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. An audio tour for both islands. For an additional fee, you can purchase tickets for access to the statue's pedestal or crown. These "reserve" tickets are limited and must be booked well in advance. Departure Points: Ferries depart from two locations: New York: Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. New Jersey: Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Ticket Prices: A general admission ticket typically costs around $25. Prices for pedestal or crown access are higher. Schedule: Ferries run frequently, typically every 20-35 minutes. The final ferry back to the mainland usually departs around 5:15 PM. Wait times can be long, especially during peak season, so it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. Important Note: Be wary of unauthorized ticket sellers near Battery Park who may try to scam visitors by selling overpriced or fake tickets. The official ticket office is inside Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

Sightseeing Cruises

Several private cruise companies offer tours that sail around the Statue of Liberty but do not dock. These are a good option if your primary goal is to get great photos and see the statue from the water without spending time on the islands.

What it includes: A narrated cruise of New York Harbor, providing up-close views of the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks like Ellis Island, the Manhattan skyline, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Cruises vary in length, with some lasting around 75 minutes. Many cruises offer amenities like food and drinks for purchase, live tour guides, and both indoor and outdoor seating. Departure Points: These cruises typically depart from various piers in Manhattan, such as Pier 40. Pricing: Prices can vary significantly depending on the company, duration, and amenities, but they often range from $25 to $35 for a standard admission.

Free Alternative: The Staten Island Ferry

For a completely free option, you can ride the Staten Island Ferry.

What it includes: A free 25-minute commuter ferry ride between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. The View: The ferry passes by the Statue of Liberty, offering excellent photo opportunities from a distance. The best views are typically from the outer deck on the right side of the boat on the way to Staten Island. Note: The Staten Island Ferry does not stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island. You must disembark at the Staten Island terminal and re-board the next ferry to return...

These people are the worst. We bought our tickets for 11am and arrived 30 mins early like the tickets stated. We were briefly greeted by the guy that scanned our tickets and then moved on to the security screening area. In the security screening area no one said a word to us until we approached the medal detectors and began putting our things into bins. At that point they started yelling at us, saying that we need to remove our belts, empty our pockets, remove jacket, etc. (WHICH WE WERE ALREADY DOING BEFORE THEY STARTED BARKING ORDERS AT US). After we walked through the medal detector they shoved our bins in our direction without any instruction as to where to go next. While we were putting our coats and belts back on we asked the "security" guard where we needed to go next, he told us that the ferry was leaving in 2 mins (it was 10:40am, 20 mins before the time we bought our tickets for) and tells us to rush to meet the ferry. We start making our way towards the ferry and one guy starts yelling at us because apparently we're making 500 people wait on us. We think he's just being funny but no, he continues to yell at us until we're on the ferry and yells that we need to apologize to everyone on the ferry for making them wait on us. Embarrassed and now pissed off we find a spot and the ferry takes off towards Ellis island. When we arrive onto Ellis Island we finally see the schedule for the tour. Maybe they should consider posting their hours of arrival/departure online or on the front door rather than at the destination. Also, if there isn't a strict schedule each ticket holder needs to follow then what is the point of purchasing tickets for a specific time? Lastly, yelling at the customer is always terrible customer service, don't do it. If they weren't the only ones that give tours to The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island I would recommend anyone wanting to do these tours to try a different company Unfortunately they're the only ones,...

Visiting the Statue of Liberty via Statue City Cruises from Liberty State Park was a smooth and enjoyable experience. Everything from check-in to the actual cruise was well-organized and efficient.

Check-In & Booking: The check-in process was quick and hassle-free. It’s highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to avoid any last-minute delays or unavailability, especially during weekends or holidays.

Security & Boarding: The security check was fast and professional, similar to airport-style screening but much quicker. The staff managed the crowd well, and boarding was orderly, with clear instructions throughout.

Cruise Experience: The cruise itself was very comfortable and scenic. The ride to Liberty Island was smooth, with plenty of room to sit or stand and take in the views. Perfect for capturing photos, especially with the Manhattan skyline in the background and the Statue of Liberty growing larger as you approach.

Liberty Island Visit: Reaching Liberty Island was a highlight in itself. The Statue of Liberty is stunning up close, a true symbol of American history and pride. There’s plenty of time to explore the island, visit the museum, and take memorable photos.

Communication & Timings: One of the best parts of the experience was the clear communication about ferry timings and island departure schedules. Signs and announcements were helpful and timely, ensuring we never felt lost or rushed.

Value for Money: Overall, it was absolutely worth the money. The entire process, from boarding at Liberty State Park to exploring the island, was seamless and enjoyable.

If you’re planning to visit the Statue of Liberty, Statue City Cruises from Liberty State Park is a fantastic option, less crowded than Battery Park and just as scenic. Highly...