Statue of Liberty
France's 1886 gift, the world's largest copper statue, and the only NPS site you reach by ferry from Manhattan.
Distance
5 mi
Drive time
~25 min
Route
Drive to Battery Park (Lower Manhattan) → Statue City Cruises ferry from Castle Clinton
Best window
April–June and September–October for comfortable harbor weather
About Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a 305-ft copper statue designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (with an internal iron framework by Gustave Eiffel) and dedicated on October 28, 1886 as a gift from France. It stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, alongside Ellis Island and its Immigration Museum. The only authorized public access is the Statue City Cruises ferry, which departs from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan (or Liberty State Park in Jersey City). For groups, the van plays a supporting role — drop everyone at Battery Park, park in the FiDi garage district, then ferry over together.
Why it's worth the trip
- UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognized monuments on Earth.
- Crown access (limited daily tickets, 162-step climb) sells out 4–6 months ahead — pedestal access is easier and still puts you at her feet.
- Ellis Island Immigration Museum is included in the same ferry ticket — 12 million immigrants were processed here between 1892 and 1954.
- Free 360° harbor views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from the ferry.
Things to do
What groups actually do at Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty Museum
Opened 2019 on Liberty Island — includes the original 1886 torch and a rooftop overlook of the statue from behind.
Pedestal access
215 steps (or elevator) to the top of the granite pedestal — the closest you can get without a crown ticket.
Crown access
162 narrow steps inside the statue — limited daily, book months ahead at the official ferry site.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Free with the ferry ticket — Great Hall, baggage room, and the American Family Immigration History Center.
Battery Park
25-acre Lower Manhattan park where the ferry departs — Castle Clinton, the Sphere memorial, and the Staten Island Ferry terminal next door.
Staten Island Ferry (free alternative)
Free 25-min commuter ferry from Whitehall Terminal that passes the statue — no Liberty Island stop, but great photo ops.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to Statue of Liberty
- Park the van in a FiDi garage (Edison ParkFast at 56 Fulton St, iPark at 100 Maiden Lane) — Battery Park itself has no van-friendly garage.
- Only Statue City Cruises is authorized — ignore street vendors selling 'tickets'.
- Allow 4–6 hours round-trip: 30 min to clear airport-style security, 15-min ferry each way, Liberty Island + Ellis Island stops.
- First-ferry tickets (8:30 / 9:00 AM) are the easiest way to get a crown slot and avoid midday lines.
No van parking on Liberty Island. Lower-Manhattan garages near Battery Park accept Sprinter / Transit height; the Liberty State Park (NJ) lots are roomier and free with the ferry option from Jersey.
When to go
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October for comfortable harbor weather. December–February still runs daily but expect brisk wind on the ferry deck. Avoid July 4 unless you have specific holiday plans — security is heightened and ferries fill before 7 AM.
Need a van for the trip?
Our New York fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers to JFK, LGA, EWR, and Manhattan / Brooklyn / Queens hotel doors.
See New York vansPlan your visit
Official Statue of Liberty resources
Statue of Liberty NM — NPS official site
www.nps.gov
Statue City Cruises (only authorized ferry)
www.cityexperiences.com
Ellis Island NM — NPS
www.nps.gov
Statue of Liberty crown ticketing (NPS)
www.nps.gov
More background
Statue of Liberty FAQ
How do I get to the Statue of Liberty from Manhattan?
Drive or take transit to Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, then board the Statue City Cruises ferry at Castle Clinton. It's the only authorized way to land on Liberty Island.
Do I need to book the Statue of Liberty ferry in advance?
Yes for any pedestal or crown access — those tiers sell out weeks (crown: months) ahead. General-admission grounds tickets often have same-week availability.
Is the Ellis Island Immigration Museum included?
Yes — the same Statue City Cruises ticket includes the Ellis Island stop. Most groups do Liberty first, Ellis second, then ferry back.
Where do I park a 15-passenger van for the ferry?
Lower-Manhattan garages near Battery Park (Edison ParkFast 56 Fulton, iPark 100 Maiden Lane) accept van-height vehicles. The Liberty State Park ferry option in NJ has free large lots.
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