TLDR: Ferries depart from Battery Park (Castle Clinton). From the Wales Hotel, take the 4/5 train to Bowling Green, about 40 minutes. Only buy tickets from the official site, StatueCityCruises.com. The ferry ticket includes the Statue grounds, the museum on Liberty Island, and Ellis Island. Crown tickets sell out months in advance. Arrive before 10am to avoid long security lines. Plan for a half day.
Planning Your Visit to the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, and Ellis Island sits just beside it. Together they tell the story of immigration to America and represent something larger than any single monument.
Getting there takes some planning. You cannot walk or drive to Liberty Island. The only way is by ferry, and tickets should be purchased in advance from the official vendor. This guide covers everything you need to know to make it a smooth trip from the Upper East Side.
How to Get There From the Wales Hotel
Take the 4 or 5 express train from 86th Street to Bowling Green. The ride takes about 35 minutes. When you exit the station, Battery Park and Castle Clinton are right in front of you. Castle Clinton is the historic fort where the ferry ticket office and boarding area are located.
If you have already purchased tickets online (you should), head directly to the security screening area. For more subway tips, see our transit guide.
Where to Buy Tickets (and Where Not To)
Only buy tickets from StatueCityCruises.com. This is the sole official ferry operator. Any other website charging more is a reseller or scam.
You will see people near Battery Park selling “Statue of Liberty tours” at inflated prices. Walk past them. The official tickets include the ferry ride, access to the Statue of Liberty grounds and museum on Liberty Island, and admission to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
There are three ticket levels. The basic Reserve ticket covers the ferry and both islands. The Pedestal Reserve ticket adds access to the pedestal level of the statue. The Crown Reserve ticket gets you all the way up into the crown. Each level up requires a separate reservation.
Insider Tip
The crown sells out months in advance, but the pedestal is almost as good and you can often get tickets a few days out. Even without pedestal access, the museum and grounds are worth the trip.
What to See on Liberty Island
Liberty Island is smaller than most people expect. You can walk the full perimeter in about 20 minutes. The views of Manhattan from the island are excellent, and the statue itself is genuinely impressive up close.
The Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island is free with your ferry ticket. It opened in 2019 and covers the history, construction, and symbolism of the statue. The original torch is on display inside. It is worth at least 30 minutes of your time.
If you have pedestal access, you will climb to a platform about 16 stories up. The views of the harbor are excellent from there. Crown access takes you even higher through a narrow spiral staircase of 162 steps. It is tight, steep, and not for everyone, but the experience is unique.
Watch Before You Go
Ellis Island: Don’t Skip It
The ferry stops at Ellis Island on the return trip. Many visitors are tired by this point and skip it. That is a mistake.
The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is housed in the original processing building where over 12 million immigrants entered the United States between 1892 and 1954. The Great Hall alone is worth the stop. The exhibits on the immigrant experience are detailed and personal.
If your family came through Ellis Island, you can search the database at the American Family Immigration History Center inside the museum. It is free.
Budget at least an hour for Ellis Island. Some people spend two.
Timing and Logistics
The first ferry departs around 8:30am. The last return ferry leaves around 5pm. Plan for a half-day trip, roughly 4 to 5 hours including travel time from the Upper East Side.
Arrive at Battery Park before 10am. After that, the security line can stretch to two hours on busy days. Early arrivals often board the ferry within 20 minutes.
There is food available on Liberty Island, but the options are limited and overpriced. Consider eating breakfast before you leave or packing a snack. You can grab a proper meal back in Manhattan when you return.
Making It a Full Day
After you return to Battery Park, you are in a great spot to explore more of Lower Manhattan. Walk north through the Financial District, stop at the 9/11 Memorial, or just enjoy the city at a slower pace.
Head back uptown for dinner on the Upper East Side. Check our restaurant guide for recommendations near the hotel.
Stay Close to the Action
The Wales Hotel on the Upper East Side is a straight shot downtown to Battery Park. Take the 4/5 express train from 86th Street and you’re at the ferry in about 40 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I buy Statue of Liberty tickets?
Only buy from the official vendor at StatueCityCruises.com. Avoid third-party sellers near Battery Park or online resellers charging higher prices.
How far in advance should I book?
Crown tickets sell out 2 to 3 months ahead. Pedestal tickets can often be found a few days out. Basic reserve tickets are usually available a day or two in advance, but booking a week early is safer during peak season.
How long does the whole trip take?
Plan for a half day, about 4 to 5 hours including subway travel from the Upper East Side, ferry rides, and time on both islands.
Is Ellis Island included in the ticket?
Yes. The standard ferry ticket includes stops at both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is free with your ticket.
What time should I arrive at Battery Park?
Before 10am. The security lines grow significantly after mid-morning, sometimes reaching 2 hours on peak days. Arriving by 9am or earlier makes the whole experience smoother.
Is the crown climb worth it?
If you can get tickets, yes. The climb is 162 narrow spiral steps to a small viewing area inside the crown. It is physically demanding and the space is tight, but the experience is unlike anything else. The pedestal is a great alternative with easier access and strong views.
Can I bring food to Liberty Island?
Yes. You can bring snacks and water. There is a food court on Liberty Island, but the selection is limited and prices are high. Packing your own food is a smart move.
How do I get to Battery Park from the Upper East Side?
Take the 4 or 5 express train from 86th Street to Bowling Green station. Battery Park and Castle Clinton (the ferry departure point) are right outside the station exit.