AAmericaExperiences

Best Statue of Liberty Tours in New York City

Ferry access, pedestal tickets and cruise-past options are very different products. Pick by how close you actually want to get.

Two completely different products share this name. A ferry-and-island ticket lands you on Liberty Island and Ellis Island and takes most of a morning; a harbour cruise sails past the statue in under an hour and never docks. Guided versions add a licensed guide and reserved ferry boarding, which is what removes the security queue from the equation. Pedestal and crown access are separate, limited tickets sold by the concessionaire and are not part of the products below. Prices are indicative 'from' values supplied by Viator.

What you are choosing

You are deciding whether you want to land on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, or simply sail past the statue for a photograph.

The main differences

  • Ferry plus Liberty and Ellis Island: You land, you walk both islands, and it takes half a day.
  • Cruise past the statue: One hour on the water, close photographs, no landing.
  • Statue plus downtown landmarks: A city tour that treats the statue as one stop among several.

Indicative prices

From $24 to $59, as supplied by Viator — confirmed at checkout.

4 eligible options on this page.

Ferry plus Liberty and Ellis Island

You land, you walk both islands, and it takes half a day.

Ferry plus Liberty and Ellis Island: who each option suits, review volume and indicative from price
OptionBest forReviewsFrom (indicative)
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry EntryMost first-time visitors: the complete, guided island visit14,763$59
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with FerryTravelers who want a shorter guided island visit2,626$59

Prices are indicative "from" values supplied by Viator and change with date, party size and the option chosen. The price you pay is always the one confirmed on Viator.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

4.8 ★14,763 reviews· 3 hours

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

Indicative from $59 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Most first-time visitors: the complete, guided island visit
What you get
Reserved ferry entry, a guided visit to Liberty Island and access to Ellis Island and its immigration museum
Key difference
By far the most reviewed Statue of Liberty product we can list, and the reserved boarding is what saves you the long ferry queue
Booking ahead
Morning departures sell out first and reserved boarding times are fixed — arriving late means the next available boat, not yours
Early Access: First on the Island Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

4.7 ★2,626 reviews· 2 hours

The Statue of Liberty is a verifiable American icon and a must-do on anyone's New York bucket list. This flexible tour offers two convenient options for visiting Lady Liberty with expert insights so you can choose whichever best fits your travel plans and preferences. If you're short on time, the two-hour Statue of Liberty Express Tour option offers an introduction to the legendary lady from an ex

Indicative from $59 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Travelers who want a shorter guided island visit
What you get
A guided Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour with ferry passage
Key difference
Two hours rather than three: guiding is concentrated on Liberty Island, with less time given to Ellis Island
Booking ahead
Smaller operation and fewer daily departures than the leading tour

2 eligible options in this group.

Cruise past the statue

One hour on the water, close photographs, no landing.

Cruise past the statue: who each option suits, review volume and indicative from price
OptionBest forReviewsFrom (indicative)
Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express CruiseVisitors short on time who only want the photograph2,872$24
Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise - Freedom Liberty TourTravelers who want the statue and the downtown skyline in one short sail1,565$30

Prices are indicative "from" values supplied by Viator and change with date, party size and the option chosen. The price you pay is always the one confirmed on Viator.

Views of NYC on Liberty Super Express

Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

4.5 ★2,872 reviews· 50 min

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is the original, iconic, and #1 choice for sightseeing in New York City, with over 80 million passengers and counting. Offering the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels, Circle Line ensures you have the best views of the city’s skyline from both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our boats provide comfortable seating with plenty of legroom, making your cruise a relaxing and

Indicative from $24 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Visitors short on time who only want the photograph
What you get
A 50-minute Circle Line express sightseeing cruise past the Statue of Liberty
Key difference
The cheapest and fastest way to get close to the statue — it does not dock and there is no Ellis Island
Booking ahead
Frequent sailings make it easy to book same-day; sunset departures are the exception

Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise - Freedom Liberty Tour

4.2 ★1,565 reviews· 1h 15m

What better way to take in New York City's most iconic landmarks, than sailing along the Hudson River? From the majestic Statue of Liberty to the towering Freedom Tower, our cruise provides unparalleled views of some of the city's most famous sights. Once aboard our serene, eco-conscious vessel, you will unlock the magic of New York City in all its glory. Take a perfect selfie with Lady Liberty

Indicative from $30 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Travelers who want the statue and the downtown skyline in one short sail
What you get
A 75-minute harbour cruise taking in the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline
Key difference
Longer on the water than the express cruise and more skyline-focused, with a noticeably lower average rating
Booking ahead
Weather-dependent outdoor decks; a flexible date helps

2 eligible options in this group.

Before you book

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to land on the island to see the statue?
No. The express harbour cruises pass close enough for photographs and take under an hour. Landing gives you Liberty Island, the museum and Ellis Island, and costs you most of a morning.
Is pedestal or crown access included?
No. Pedestal and crown tickets are separate, strictly limited tickets sold by the National Park Service concessionaire, and none of the products listed here include them. Do not book a tour expecting crown access.
Is Ellis Island included with the ferry?
On the ferry-based island tours, yes — the ferry route serves both islands and the immigration museum is included. The cruise-past options never dock at either.
How long does the full island visit take?
Plan for three to four hours door to door from Battery Park, including airport-style security screening before boarding, the crossing and both islands.
Should I use a pass instead?
If the statue is one of several paid attractions you plan to visit, a multi-attraction pass can be cheaper — our passes page does that arithmetic. If it is your only big ticket, book the ferry tour directly.

Our verdicts

Each verdict cites the evidence behind it. Where the data doesn't support a classification, we leave it out.

Best overall

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

4.8 ★14,763 reviews· 3 hours

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

Indicative from $59 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Highest confidence-weighted score here: 4.8 across 14,763 reviews.

Views of NYC on Liberty Super ExpressBest value

Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

4.5 ★2,872 reviews· 50 min

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is the original, iconic, and #1 choice for sightseeing in New York City, with over 80 million passengers and counting. Offering the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels, Circle Line ensures you have the best views of the city’s skyline from both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our boats provide comfortable seating with plenty of legroom, making your cruise a relaxing and

Indicative from $24 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Lowest indicative starting price among the strongly rated options in this list (4.5★).

Best premium option

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

4.8 ★1,201 reviews· 17 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 17-20 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park, all the way up to the tip of Manhattan complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter

Indicative from $309 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Highest indicative price point, with review volume to back it up.

Best for families

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

4.8 ★1,340 reviews· 12 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 12-15 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter tours are great for guests of all ages,

Indicative from $271 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Described for families or all ages by the operator.

Every eligible option

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

4.8 ★14,763 reviews· 3 hours

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

Indicative from $59 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights

4.9 ★2,758 reviews· 4 hours

Experience New York City’s top sights in just half a day from the comfort of your seat, including Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. Capture amazing photos of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. Learn fascinating stories from your expert guide as you visit the 9/11 Memorial and drive by other world-famous NYC sites. - Enjoy the comfort of a luxury bus with ama

Indicative from $65 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Early Access: First on the Island Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry

4.7 ★2,626 reviews· 2 hours

The Statue of Liberty is a verifiable American icon and a must-do on anyone's New York bucket list. This flexible tour offers two convenient options for visiting Lady Liberty with expert insights so you can choose whichever best fits your travel plans and preferences. If you're short on time, the two-hour Statue of Liberty Express Tour option offers an introduction to the legendary lady from an ex

Indicative from $59 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

4.8 ★1,340 reviews· 12 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 12-15 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter tours are great for guests of all ages,

Indicative from $271 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

4.8 ★1,201 reviews· 17 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 17-20 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park, all the way up to the tip of Manhattan complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter

Indicative from $309 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Views of NYC on Liberty Super Express

Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise

4.5 ★2,872 reviews· 50 min

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is the original, iconic, and #1 choice for sightseeing in New York City, with over 80 million passengers and counting. Offering the largest fleet of sightseeing vessels, Circle Line ensures you have the best views of the city’s skyline from both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our boats provide comfortable seating with plenty of legroom, making your cruise a relaxing and

Indicative from $24 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

New York City 90-Minute Cruise: Lady Liberty, Bridges and Skyline

4.5 ★2,448 reviews· 1h 30m

Explore NYC's iconic landmarks and soak in breathtaking views of the city in just 90 minutes! With multiple departures throughout the day, cruise down the majestic Hudson River, passing by Hudson Yards, with the towering One World Trade Center and Ellis Island as your backdrop, until you're within arm's reach of the Statue of Liberty. Marvel at the sights of Lower Manhattan before sailing under th

Indicative from $30 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

4.4 ★1,474 reviews· 2h 30m

A world-class city deserves a world-class harbor cruise that offers unparalleled service, dining, and entertainment. Come aboard for the New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise and be treated to a delectable prix fixe menu, and jaw-dropping, panoramic views of New York City’s skyline from the glass enclosed yacht. You’ll see iconic landmarks up close, such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Buildi

Indicative from $257 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Our Beautiful Helicopter!

The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York

4.3 ★1,885 reviews· 12 min

Experience the beauty of the New York Harbor including an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty on this helicopter ride over NY. If you think New York City is impressive from the ground, you haven't seen anything until you experience it from the air. Explore classic NYC landmarks including: One World Observatory, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Chelsea Piers, The Intrepid Museum, Cent

Indicative from $271 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline Cruise - Freedom Liberty Tour

4.2 ★1,565 reviews· 1h 15m

What better way to take in New York City's most iconic landmarks, than sailing along the Hudson River? From the majestic Statue of Liberty to the towering Freedom Tower, our cruise provides unparalleled views of some of the city's most famous sights. Once aboard our serene, eco-conscious vessel, you will unlock the magic of New York City in all its glory. Take a perfect selfie with Lady Liberty

Indicative from $30 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Big Bus New York

New York Pass: 100+ Things To Do including Empire State Building

4.2 ★1,399 reviews· 1 day

Access over 100 top New York attractions, museums and experiences with The New York Pass. Whizz to the top of Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory or Edge for fascinating views, sit back and relax on a Big Bus tour of Manhattan, climb aboard the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum - there's all this and more included on

Indicative from $169 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
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