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.

Where is the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty is located close to the entrance of the New York Harbor on Liberty Island, which is at a stone-throw distance from Ellis Island.

Address: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004 | Find on Maps

Closest Landmark: Battery Park (New York); Liberty State Park (New Jersey)

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.

Directions to the Statue of Liberty >

Know Before You Go

Facilities

Accessibility

Visiting with Family

Rules & Regulations

Dining

Shop

Stay

Nearby

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.

Visiting with Family - visit statue of liberty

Large backpacks and strollers are not allowed inside.
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.

Rules & Regulations - visit statue of liberty

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.

Statue of Liberty Restaurant

You can find souvenirs, merchandise, and other themed items at the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Immigration Museum gift shops.

Statue of Liberty Shop

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.

Things to do in New York

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.

About the Pedestal

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.

About the Crown

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.

About the Torch

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.

Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum

Visitor Tips

The Statue of Liberty is a popular attraction and tickets to access the crown or pedestal can sell out quickly. Book your tickets in advance to secure a spot.
To avoid long lines and crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning when the park opens. This will give you plenty of time to explore the statue and the surrounding area before it gets too busy.
The statue is located on an island and the weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to dress in comfortable clothing and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring a jacket or raincoat in case of inclement weather.
The Statue of Liberty offers some of the most iconic and photogenic views in the world. Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking vistas of the statue, New York City skyline, and harbor.
There are many other attractions and landmarks to see in the surrounding area, including Ellis Island and Battery Park. Plan to spend some time exploring the area and taking in all of the sights and sounds of this historic part of New York City.
Make sure you pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty Museum to learn about the history and construction of the statue.
Your ferry will also take you to Ellis Island, where you can visit the National Immigration Museum to find out about the history of immigration in America.
For an insightful visit, book a Statue of Liberty guided tour and explore the landmark with an expert guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Statue of Liberty

Why should I visit the Statue of Liberty?

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.

Can I enter the Statue of Liberty for free?

No, you will have to book Statue of Liberty tickets to access the Pedestal and museum.

How do I book my tickets?

You can book tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty online.

What is the best time to visit?

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, given that the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.

Can I visit in a group?

Yes, you can visit the Statue of Liberty in a group.

Can I take my kids with me?

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.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

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.

Can I buy food and drinks at the Statue of Liberty?

You can buy food and drinks at The Crown Café on Liberty Island.

How long does it take to visit the Statue of Liberty?

Give yourself around 2 to 3 hours to explore the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island. This excludes the 15-20 minute ferry ride to get to the statue.

Is the Statue of Liberty worth visiting?

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.