Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Statue of Liberty
A trip to New York is incomplete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty. Read on and find out how to visit the Statue of Liberty, including the timings, how to get there, the best time to visit, and more.
Statue of Liberty Opening Hours
- Timings: The Statue of Liberty is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- Last admission: The last admission to the Pedestal is at 3:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is easily the best time of the day to visit the Statue of Liberty just after the sun rises above the scintillating New York skyline. Visiting the monument the first thing in the morning just when it opens will help you avoid crowds, giving you enough time to explore the attraction at your own pace.
Additionally, try visiting on a weekday as the weekends are busier and more crowded. Summers are the best time of the year to visit the Statue of Liberty and other outdoor New York attractions as your experience is far more relaxing due to the pleasant weather conditions and clear panoramic views of the city.
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty from New York?
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island which is only accessible by ferry. The following travel routes will help you get to the closest ferry station in New York, Battery Park.
By Public Transport
- By Subway: Take lines 1, 4, 5, R, or W to South Ferry station and walk to Battery Park from here.
- By Train: You can board trains on the PATH network to either Groove Station in New Jersey or the World Trade Center train station in New York to reach the nearest ferry station from the Statue of Liberty.
- By Bus: Hop on to buses that operate on lines BXM18, M20, M15-SBS, QM 11, or QM 25. The closest bus stops are at South-Ferry Terminal, Whitehall Street, and Batter PI.
- By Taxi: Catch a local taxi or book a cab on Uber or Lyft to get to the Battery Park station.
By Car
Although you cannot take your vehicle to the Statue of Liberty, you can drive to the nearest parking facility, walk to Battery Park station, and hop on to a ferry from there.
Parking facilities:
- Ocean Parking (0.2 miles) - Find on Maps
- State Pearl Garage (0.3 miles) - Find on Maps
- LAZ Parking Garage (0.4 miles) - Find on Maps
- Battery Place Parking (0.3 miles) - Find on Maps
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty from New Jersey?
The closest ferry station to get to the Statue of Liberty from New Jersey is Liberty State Park. The following travel options will help you make your way to the ferry station.
By Public Transport
- By Light Rail: Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) from Jersey City or New Jersey area and alight at the Liberty State Park station.
- By Train: Take the PATH train from New Jersey and get down at Grove Street station. Liberty State Park is about 1.8 miles from here.
- By Bus: Bus routes 1, 119, 6, 80, and 86 will get you to Liberty State Park. The closest bus stop to Liberty State Park is at Grand St. At Washington St.
- By Taxi: One of the faster options is to take a taxi from Jersey to the ferry station. It will cost you between $45-$55.
By Car
To get to Liberty State Park, take the New Jersey Turnpike Extension to Exit 14B. You will see sign boards directing you towards Liberty State Park.
Parking facilities:
Paid parking is available at Liberty State Park parking lot. Make sure you come early to secure a spot.
Accessible Parking: Designated spots for disabled persons are available at the parking lot. However, this can be availed only by those with official placards.
Know Before You Go
- Cloakroom: Locker facilities are not available on Liberty Island. Avoid carrying large backpacks and strollers as they are not allowed inside.
- Gift Shop: There is a gift shop close to The Crown Café on Liberty Island where you can buy gifts including souvenirs, jewelery, coffee mugs, & more.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available for visitors.
- Restaurants: Grab a bite to eat or sip on a refreshing beverage at The Crown Café on Liberty Island.
- The whole of Liberty Island is wheelchair friendly and has paved pathways.
- Wheelchairs are available on a first-come-first-served basis at the entrance to the attraction.
- You can take a wheelchair-friendly lift from the base of the pedestal to the top of the pedestal.
- The balcony and the outdoor observation deck are not wheelchair accessible.
- Large backpacks and strollers are not allowed inside the Statue of Liberty.
- Baby-changing facilities are available at The Crown Cafe.
- There is a breastfeeding pod inside the Statue of Liberty.
- Plan your trip and book tickets in advance to avoid large queues.
- Do not carry firearms and dual-use items.
- You are not allowed to carry drones, unmanned aircraft systems, and other remote-flying devices.
- Strollers, large suitcases, and large backpacks are not allowed inside the Statue of Liberty.
- Every visitor is subject to security screening before boarding the ferry.
- Smoking is not allowed on Liberty Island.
The Crown Café is located on Liberty Island and has an espresso bar where you can order some delicious coffee. You can find a range of snacks including chips, ice cream, and organic fruit. You can also order full meals including hot dogs, hamburgers, soup, fries, and more.
Visit the gift shop adjacent to The Crown Café to buy souvenirs, merchandise, and other themed items.
New York:
- Eurostars Wall Street (800m) - Find on Maps
- Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center (1.4 miles) - Find on Maps
- Conrad New York Downtown (1.8 miles) - Find on Maps
New Jersey:
- Hudson Plaza Motel (5.9 miles)- Find on Maps
- Hyatt House (2.2 miles) - Find on Maps
- Ramada by Wyndham (3.1 miles) - Find on Maps
- One World Observatory: Located on one of the tallest buildings in the world, One World Observatory offers stunning aerial views of the New York skyline.
- Empire State Building: Visit one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Empire State Building. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, learn about the history of New York, and more at this attraction.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Pay tribute to the victims of one of the most tragic events in American history at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
What to See at the Statue of Liberty?
The Pedestal
The pedestal of the Statue of Liberty is home to a number of interesting exhibits and features that are worth exploring. Inside the pedestal, you can find the Statue of Liberty Museum, which opened in 2019 and houses a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that showcase the history and significance of the iconic statue. You can also climb to the top of the pedestal for a breathtaking view of New York Harbor and the surrounding area.
The Crown
The crown of the Statue of Liberty is one of its most iconic features. You will have to book separate tickets to access the crown and climb 162 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to reach the crown platform. Once you're there, enjoy a unique view of the statue's interior structure and a panoramic view of the New York City skyline and harbor. The platform is quite small and can only accommodate a limited number of people at a time, so plan ahead and book your tickets well in advance.
The Torch
The Torch of the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable symbols of liberty and democracy in the world. While you cannot climb up to the torch itself, you can get an up-close look at the original torch at the Statue of Liberty Museum. The museum's torch exhibit features an impressive display that allows visitors to experience the torch up close and explore its intricate design and construction. The exhibit also includes fascinating historical information about the torch, including its origin and the various restorations that it has undergone over the years.
Statue of Liberty Museum
The Statue of Liberty Museum is a must-see attraction on Liberty Island. Located on the opposite end of Liberty Island, the museum features a collection of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that explore the history, symbolism, and significance of the Statue of Liberty. You can explore the museum's three main galleries, each of which offers a unique perspective on the statue's history and legacy. The museum also features a theater that presents a short film about the statue's construction and a rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking views of the New York City skyline and harbor.
About the Statue of Liberty MuseumFrequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Statue of Liberty
Yes, the Statue of Liberty is open to visitors throughout the year. You can book your tickets online to visit this iconic landmark in New York.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is an iconic and unforgettable experience that offers a unique insight into the history, culture, and values of the United States. It is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and hope that continues to inspire millions of people from around the world.
Although there is no fee to visit Liberty Island, you will have to pay an entry fee to access the Pedestal and the Crown. Book your Statue of Liberty tickets here.
You can book tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty online.
Statue of Liberty tickets and tours start from $29.
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York.
The best time to visit the Statue of Liberty is as soon as it opens in the morning as it is less crowded then. Summer is typically the best season to visit the Statue of Liberty, given that the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.
The Statue of Liberty is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day of the week.
Yes, you can visit the Statue of Liberty in a group.
Yes, you can definitely visit the Statue of Liberty with kids. The statue and its surrounding area offer a range of activities and attractions that are sure to keep your kids engaged and entertained.
Yes, Liberty Island and most parts of the Statue of Liberty are wheelchair friendly. Elevators are present inside the pedestal, giving visitors access to all floors including the observation deck. Access to the Crown will be difficult for visitors with reduced mobility, given that there are 162 steps to climb to get to the top.
You can buy food and drinks at The Crown Café on Liberty Island.
Give yourself around 2 to 3 hours to explore the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island. This excludes the 25-30 minute ferry ride to get to the statue.
Your visit to New York is incomplete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty. Get a close look at this iconic symbol and learn about the history of America through a series of exhibits and displays.
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