Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
Highlights
- Rated 4.8/5 by 14,855 travellers
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 3h – 5h
- Group
- Small group, up to 25 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Experience America’s most iconic symbols of freedom without the guesswork. This comprehensive guided tour takes you from the bustling shores of Battery Park through the hallowed halls of Ellis Island. With Reserved Access tickets, you’ll bypass the massive general admission lines and dive straight into history with a local expert storyteller.
What You’ll Experience
Step onto Liberty Island for a guided stroll around the monument. Your guide will share the "hidden in plain sight" secrets of the statue’s design and the dramatic story of its journey from France.
The Immigrant Journey: Walk through the Great Hall where 12 million people began their American dream. Hear the personal, heart-wrenching, and triumphant stories of the families who passed through these very doors.
The "Guide Advantage": Our guides are experts in NYC history who know the best photo spots and the quietest corners of the museums.
What's included
What's included
- Skyline Views
- Statue of Liberty Museum
- Expert NYC Storyteller
- Immigration Museum Access
- Reserved Ferry Access - significantly reducing your wait time
- Ellis Island Experience (Comprehensive Tour)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Pedestal & Crown Access
- While your guide provides essential history outside, museums are self-guided to comply with rules.
- small locker fees for oversized bags ($0.25) are not included.
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 20m
This sandstone fort is our meeting point, but it’s also a national monument.
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Stop 2 · 1h
Tour Liberty Island with your guide. See the statue up-close and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. This is also a great opportunity for photos of the NYC skyline.
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Stop 3 · 45m
If you choose our Comprehensive 4 Hour tour, you will have time visit the museum on your own (guides not permitted inside the museum) before continuing your tour to Ellis Island.
If you choose our Express Tour, the tour ends at Liberty Island so you can stay as little or as long as you like in the museum.
Our guides are not permitted to enter the museum so this part will be self-guided. -
Stop 4 · 1h
Choose our 4 Hour Comprehensive tour and take a tour of Ellis Island as your guide points out sights like the American Immigrant Wall of Honor.
Not included with Express Tour. -
Stop 5 · 1h
Choose our Comprehensive 4 Hour tour and discover the stories of the millions of immigrants who came through here from 1892-1954. Explore this museum at your own pace with your included audio guide before returning to Battery Park at your leisure. Guides are not permitted into the museum so this part is self-guided but our guides will give you facts and tips before you enter to get the most out of your visit.
Meeting point
Meet your guide outside the front entrance of Castle Clinton, the round brown brick building near the water in Battery Park. Your guide will be on the steps outside of the north entrance of the castle, wearing an orange hat. This is the entrance facing the buildings in Manhattan.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. The tour departs promptly and if late, you will NOT be able to catch up and will miss the tour. There are no refunds for missing the tour.
- Please note the earliest time tour will have the least wait. Later tours will encounter longer wait times.
- Your ferry ticket includes access to both islands, although for afternoon tours, there may not be enough time to visit Ellis Island.
- Food available for purchase on the ferry, at the Statue of Liberty, and on Ellis Island
- Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.
- Security screening will take place prior to entering the ferry. Visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screening.
- Photographs are permitted, but tripods and monopods are prohibited.
- Children 3 and under free with paid adult ticket.
- Guides are wearing orange hats AND/OR blue shirts or jackets.
- Pedestal and crown access are not included in your tour. Guided tours are not allowed in the pedestal or crown at the Statue of Liberty
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry take?
The experience lasts about 3h – 5h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $59 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Skyline Views; Statue of Liberty Museum; Expert NYC Storyteller; Immigration Museum Access; Reserved Ferry Access - significantly reducing your wait time; Ellis Island Experience (Comprehensive Tour).
Where does it start?
Meet your guide outside the front entrance of Castle Clinton, the round brown brick building near the water in Battery Park. Your guide will be on the steps outside of the north entrance of the castle, wearing an orange hat. This is the entrance facing the buildings in Manhattan.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 14,855 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in New York City.
Information last checked October 7, 2026. Operated by ExperienceFirst.
