Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour in New York, United States
New York, United States

Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Outty Ranking 81 5.0 · 864 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $325
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Outty Ranking

81/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 864 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour worth booking?

Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour is a 2-hour experience in New York, United States, from $325 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 864 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
81 / 100
Rating
5/5 (864)
Duration
2 hours
From
$325 per person

Experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with ExperienceFirst, guided by a local expert. Our private 2hr Express tour, or Full 4hr tour, offers a personalized exploration of these iconic New York City landmarks. Your visit includes a ferry ride, along with all necessary entrance fees. Your 2 Hour Express Tour will finish at Liberty Island, and you can explore Ellis Island on your own. The Full 4 Hour Tour will take you to both islands. Delve into the rich history of Lady Liberty at the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Gain unique insights and a deeper connection to these significant sites through the expertise of your private guide.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with ExperienceFirst, guided by a local expert. Our private 2hr Express tour, or Full 4hr tour, offers a personalized exploration of these iconic New York City landmarks. Your visit includes a ferry ride, along with all necessary entrance fees. Your 2 Hour Express Tour will finish at Liberty Island, and you can explore Ellis Island on your own. The Full 4 Hour Tour will take you to both islands. Delve into the rich history of Lady Liberty at the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Gain unique insights and a deeper connection to these significant sites through the expertise of your private guide.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional guide for 2 or 4 hours
    • Access to the museum on Ellis Island
    • Access to the new museum on Liberty Island
    • Round-Trip ferry ticket to Liberty and Ellis Island

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Crown and Pedestal access at the Statue of Liberty

    What you'll see and do

    1. Battery Park

      Meet your guide here and get a brief introduction to Battery Park before heading to the ferries.

      15 minutes here

    2. Manhattan Skyline

      Take in the amazing views of New York city on the ferry ride to the islands.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Statue of Liberty

      Visit this powerful symbol of freedom with your own private guide!

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Ellis Island

      Walk in the footsteps and hear the stories of millions of immigrants on a guided tour of Ellis Island if you choose the 4-Hour tour.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    Please meet your guide on the steps outside of Castle Clinton's North Entrance (the far side from the water). The tour guide will be there 15 minutes before the tour starts and will be wearing an orange hat AND/OR a blue shirt or jacket.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The 2-Hour Express tour will end at Liberty Island. You can then use your ticket to continue on your own to Ellis Island.

    Ends at

    The 4-Hour tour will end on Ellis Island. You can choose to stay there longer and explore on your own or take the first ferry back to Battery Park.

    Options you can book

    • Private Liberty Express - 2hr

    • Liberty & Ellis - 4hr Tour

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    ExperienceFirst

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • The activity runs regardless of weather conditions. In the rare situation where the seller is forced to cancel the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule to another time (subject to availability) or be offered a refund
    • Dress appropriately for the weather. Downtown Manhattan is particularly windy
    • Security screenings will take place prior to entering the ferry and pedestal at the statue. The Statue of Liberty is managed by the United States Park Police and visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screenings. All persons and property are subject to search.
    • Prohibited items: any weapons (self-defense or otherwise), locking blades, tools of any kind, large non-folding umbrellas, tripods, laptops, tablet keyboards, luggage, coolers, drones, basketballs, sewing kits, lighter fluid, and anything propelled by aerosol.
    • Backpacks, strollers, large items, & food and beverages must be checked into lockers on Liberty Island prior to entering the statue pedestal. These lockers are available for $0.25 per locker. This fee is NOT included in the tour price.

    Photos

    Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour in New York, photo 2Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour in New York, photo 3Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour in New York, photo 4Statue of Liberty, Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour in New YorkPrivate Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour in New York, photo 6Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour in New York, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 861 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    861 verified traveler reviews for Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    846
    4 star
    7
    3 star
    5
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    simonetteu · October 2026

    Lady Liberty

    Tour guide was fabulous. James was funny, informative and friendly. He kept us on time and told us many interesting facts. Gave us suggestions on places to eat and directions to various other New York landmarks. Well worth the money to book a tour instead of going on your own.

    via Tripadvisor

    L5256LKsaraha · October 2026

    Great

    Jacob was great! Very knowledgeable

    via Tripadvisor

    MrsM-7-4 · October 2026

    The tour guide made the tour so wonderful!!

    Our tour guide, Emily, was AMAZING!! She was a wealth of knowledge. You could tell how much she loves this city. We learned so much. The tour was so neat and so worth it!

    via Tripadvisor

    E9758MNjanetm · October 2026

    Great day with Billy the tour guides

    Billy was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and told Us lots we didn’t know . Always willing to answer questions. Didn’t understand the booking of express lane for ferries that you supposedly paid for as it all one lane and one ferry so think that bit misleading if you paying extra for it.

    via Tripadvisor

    Inspire640219 · October 2026

    Great!

    Joseph was a great tour guide! Very knowledgeable and kept things funny and interesting!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $325 to $820
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    302
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by ExperienceFirst, who run 35 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.9 and 5 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything ExperienceFirst runs

    Why this scores 81

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)99
    Review evidence (18% weight)87
    Booking momentum (14% weight)85
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)82
    Local standing (8% weight)93
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $325 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 864 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour?

    +

    Around 302 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

    +

    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour?

    +

    Included: Professional guide for 2 or 4 hours; Access to the museum on Ellis Island; Access to the new museum on Liberty Island; and Round-Trip ferry ticket to Liberty and Ellis Island. Not included: Gratuities; and Crown and Pedestal access at the Statue of Liberty. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour?

    +

    Please meet your guide on the steps outside of Castle Clinton's North Entrance (the far side from the water). The tour g. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Backpacks, strollers, large items, & food and beverages must be checked into lockers on Li. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour?

    +

    Across 864 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Private Liberty Express - 2hr, Liberty & Ellis - 4hr Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour.

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