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Travel tips

How Do I Buy Official Statue of Liberty Tickets?

Statue City Cruises is the only official ticket vendor for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Always book directly or through authorized tour operators to avoid street scalpers.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

In short

  • Statue City Cruises is the exclusive ferry provider.
  • Adult tickets cost roughly $25.
  • Crown and pedestal access require advance reservations.
In this article
  1. Who sells official Statue of Liberty tickets?
  2. How much does it cost to go to the Statue of Liberty?
  3. How do I get tickets to the Statue of Liberty crown?
  4. How can I avoid ticket scalpers in Battery Park?
  5. Do guided tours include official ferry tickets?
  6. What do I need to bring for ticket pickup and security?

Getting to the Statue of Liberty requires planning. Many visitors get confused by third-party sellers near the departure points. Booking official tickets ensures you actually land on Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

Who sells official Statue of Liberty tickets?

Statue City Cruises is the only official ferry service providing landing access.

Ferries depart from two locations: The Battery in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. You can buy tickets online in advance or at official booths.

How much does it cost to go to the Statue of Liberty?

Official ferry tickets for adults cost approximately $25.

This base ticket includes the round-trip ferry ride. It also grants access to the grounds on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum is free with your ticket.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator

How do I get tickets to the Statue of Liberty crown?

You must make a strict advance reservation to access the crown.

Crown tickets sell out months in advance. The crown features 25 windows offering panoramic harbor views. Due to high demand and space limits, visits are restricted to 10 minutes.

How can I avoid ticket scalpers in Battery Park?

Never buy tickets from unauthorized street vendors walking around The Battery.

Third-party sellers often mislead tourists. They sell marked-up harbor cruises that do not stop at the islands. Look for the official ticket counter inside the Castle Clinton National Monument.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Do guided tours include official ferry tickets?

Yes, authorized guided tours include the official reserved ferry ticket.

Booking a guided tour can save you time. These tours secure your reserved ferry access, significantly reducing wait times. They also provide expert storytelling on both islands.

A group of tourists poses for a photo in front of the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry3 h to 5 h 4.8 (14,985)from $59

What do I need to bring for ticket pickup and security?

You need a government-issued ID to pick up reserved ferry tickets.

Everyone must pass mandatory, airport-style security before boarding the ferries. Bring a small, compliant daypack if needed. Large bags, luggage, and drones are strictly prohibited and require small lockers.

Tour photo
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Questions travellers ask

Do you need a passport to visit the Statue of Liberty?

No, you do not need a passport to visit. You only need a government-issued ID if you are picking up reserved ferry tickets at the box office.

Can you bring a backpack to the Statue of Liberty?

You can bring a small, compliant daypack. Large bags and luggage are strictly prohibited on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. You must store oversized items in lockers before security screening.

How long does the Ellis Island tour take?

Exploring the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Take the audio tour to hear firsthand stories of arriving immigrants.

statue & ellis island tourfrom $59 on Viator
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