Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty, is one of the most iconic and famous islands in New York City. Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a quintessential part of many people’s NYC experience. However, access to Liberty Island itself is limited.
Is Liberty Island Open to the Public?
Yes, Liberty Island is open to visitors, but with some restrictions. The island itself is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. You cannot simply wander onto Liberty Island – visitors must purchase tickets and take an authorized ferry to access the island.
There are a few ways to visit Liberty Island:
- Purchase a ferry ticket that includes access to the grounds of Liberty Island. This allows you to wander the island, take photos of the statue, and explore the exterior of the pedestal.
- Purchase a ferry/pedestal ticket that includes access to the statue pedestal interior. This allows you to climb the pedestal stairs and view the statue from the pedestal observation deck.
- Purchase a ferry/crown ticket that includes access to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. This is the most immersive way to experience the statue, but crown access is extremely limited.
So in summary, yes you can visit Liberty Island, but you must purchase an authorized ticket and take a ferry as part of an approved tour. Independent, unauthorized access is not allowed.
When is Liberty Island Open?
Liberty Island is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. However, the specific open hours vary by season:
- January 1 – May 25: 9:00am to 5:00pm
- May 26 – August 31: 8:30am to 7:15pm
- September 1 – December 31: 9:00am to 5:00pm
The first ferries to Liberty Island depart at around 8:30am, with the last ferries returning around 5:00-6:00pm depending on season. So you should plan to take a ferry between these times to access the island.
In addition, access to the Statue of Liberty crown is extremely limited, with only a set number of crown tickets available each day. These limited crown tickets are sold out months in advance.
Are There Any Restrictions to Visiting Liberty Island?
Yes, there are some important rules and restrictions to keep in mind when planning your Liberty Island visit:
- All visitors age 16 and older must undergo an airport-style security screening to access ferries to Liberty Island.
- Bags larger than 16x16x8 inches are not allowed on Liberty Island. There is no bag storage available.
- Food, beverages, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited on the island.
- Commercial filming and photography requires a permit.
In addition, access beyond the exterior grounds of Liberty Island requires a pedestal or crown ticket, as detailed above. Wandering beyond the approved grounds is not allowed without proper access passes.
Is There an Entrance Fee for Liberty Island?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Liberty Island, with several ticket options available:
| Ticket | Price | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Access to Liberty Island | $24.50 | Island grounds only |
| Ferry + Pedestal Access | $44.00 | Island grounds + pedestal interior |
| Ferry + Crown Access | $83.90 | Island grounds + statue crown interior |
Children under 4 are free. Youth ages 4-12, seniors 62+, and active military members receive discounted rates.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online or same-day in person. However, crown access tickets often sell out 4-6 months in advance.
Do You Have to Take a Tour to Visit?
All visitors must take an approved ferry tour to access Liberty Island. The ferries depart from Liberty State Park in New Jersey or Battery Park in lower Manhattan.
You can choose to simply take the ferry, or join a guided tour group. Guided tours provide more historical information and context on the ferry ride and during your visit.
Regardless, independent trips to Liberty Island are not permitted. Visitors must arrive via the authorized ferry provider.
Is There Anything Else to See or Do on Liberty Island?
In addition to the Statue of Liberty, there are a few other sights and exhibits on Liberty Island:
- The Statue of Liberty Museum – opened in 2019, showcases the history and influence of Lady Liberty.
- The Fort Wood pedestrian walkway loops around the star-shaped walls of the old army fortification foundations.
- The Liberty Islandgift shop sells souvenirs, apparel, books, and more.
However, the Statue of Liberty herself is certainly the crown jewel of Liberty Island. Visitors spend most of their time admiring Lady Liberty from multiple angles, snapping iconic photos, and pondering the history.
Conclusion
Visiting Liberty Island and seeing the Statue of Liberty up close is an unmatched NYC experience. However, independent, unauthorized access is not permitted. All visitors must purchase tickets and take an approved ferry as part of a guided tour.
Planning in advance is highly recommended, as crown access tickets in particular sell out months ahead of time. Be sure to also note any restrictions such as security screenings and size limits. With proper planning, a trip to Liberty Island offers the chance to admire one of America’s most inspiring symbols of freedom.