Quick answer: Only Statue City Cruises lands on Liberty Island and Ellis Island; every real ticket is one of theirs. The General Admission ferry (about $24.50 adult, $12.25 child 4–12 and senior 62+) includes both islands, the grounds, the museum and Ellis Island’s immigration museum. Pedestal Reserve adds the pedestal (same price, limited slots — book 3–4 weeks ahead in season). Crown Reserve adds the 354-step climb to the crown for a $3 fee, and sells out 3–6 months ahead for summer. Book on statuecitycruises.com. “Statue of Liberty cruises” on Viator and elsewhere ($30–45) sail past without landing — good for photos, useless if you want to set foot on the island. Guided tours ($60–100) bundle the official ferry with a guide and skip-the-ticket-line.
Related: Statue of Liberty Tours: Pedestal Access or Crown Access?
Statue of Liberty Options Compared
| Option | Price (approx.) | Includes | Book ahead | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission ferry | $24.50 adult / $12.25 child 4–12 & senior 62+ / under 4 free | Ferry, Liberty Island grounds & museum, Ellis Island & museum, audio guide | 1–2 weeks in season | Most visitors |
| Pedestal Reserve | Same as general | + pedestal level (elevator), 154 ft views | 3–4 weeks | Views without the climb |
| Crown Reserve | General + $3 | + 354-step climb to the crown; 10 people at a time; no under-4s | 3–6 months for summer | Bucket-list; fit visitors |
| Hard Hat tour (Ellis Island hospital) | Extra, via Save Ellis Island | 90-min guided tour of the unrestored hospital | Weeks | History lovers |
| Guided tour incl. ferry | ~$60–100 | Official ferry ticket + guide + priority security line | Days–weeks | Context, sold-out mornings |
| Sightseeing cruise (no landing) | ~$30–45 | 60–90-min harbour cruise past the statue | Same day | Photos, short on time |
| Staten Island Ferry | Free | Distant view from the water | — | Budget |
Prices are the official Statue City Cruises rates as published for 2025–26 and may change; check statuecitycruises.com when booking. Ferries depart from Battery Park (Manhattan) and Liberty State Park (New Jersey, usually shorter security lines). Allow 4–5 hours for both islands.
Top-Rated Statue of Liberty Tours & Tickets
General, Pedestal or Crown?
General gives you the island, the excellent Statue of Liberty Museum (with the original torch) and Ellis Island — for most people that is the visit. Pedestal costs nothing extra but requires a reservation; the views from the pedestal balcony are the best on the island and worth the planning. Crown is a narrow, hot, double-helix climb to a small window; unforgettable for some, claustrophobic for others, and the hardest ticket in New York to get — set a reminder for the release date.
Avoid the Fake Tickets
Only Statue City Cruises lands. Street sellers around Battery Park and some listings sell harbour cruises that “see the Statue of Liberty” without landing, or overpriced resold ferry tickets. Book official, or a guided tour (above) that states it includes the Statue City Cruises ferry.
When a Guided Tour Wins
Guided tours bundle the official ferry with a guide who covers the statue’s construction and Ellis Island’s stories, and use a priority security line at Battery Park that can save 30–60 minutes in summer. They rarely include pedestal or crown access — check. For families, official tickets are much cheaper.
| Tour | From | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry | $59 | ★ 4.8 (14,814 reviews) |
| Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise | $29 | ★ 4.6 (2,874 reviews) |
| Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry | $59 | ★ 4.7 (2,645 reviews) |
| NYC City Tour: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street | $39 | ★ 4.7 (2,109 reviews) |
| Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise – Freedom Liberty Tour | $30 | ★ 4.2 (1,566 reviews) |
| Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise | $79 | ★ 4.8 (906 reviews) |
Practical Tips
Take the first ferry (around 9:00) — security lines grow fast. Depart from Liberty State Park if you are in New Jersey. Airport-style security; no large bags. The crown climb is not for young children, and lockers are mandatory for bags. Related: NYC observation decks compared, and our New York City hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Statue of Liberty tickets in 2026?
The official Statue City Cruises General Admission ferry is about $24.50 for adults and $12.25 for children 4–12 and seniors 62+, including Ellis Island. Crown access adds $3.
How far in advance should I book crown tickets?
Three to six months ahead for summer dates; pedestal reservations three to four weeks ahead.
Do Viator Statue of Liberty cruises land on the island?
Most sightseeing cruises sail past without landing. Only Statue City Cruises lands; guided tours that include its ferry say so explicitly.
Is the pedestal ticket extra?
No, it costs the same as General Admission but requires a reservation because slots are limited.
Can children climb to the crown?
Children under 4 are not permitted. The climb is 354 narrow steps and not recommended for young children.
Battery Park or Liberty State Park?
Both reach the same islands. Liberty State Park in New Jersey usually has shorter security lines.
Kratos Review is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and policies were checked on 28 September 2026 and can change.
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