Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry in New York, United States
New York, United States

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry

Outty Ranking 91 4.8 · 14,914 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $5990+ Club
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Outty Ranking

91/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 14,914 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry worth booking?

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry is a 3-hour experience in New York, United States, from $59 per person. It scores 91 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 14,914 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

Outty Ranking
91 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (14,914)
Duration
3 hours
From
$59 per person

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 guided stroll around the monument. Your guide will share the "hidden in plain sight" secrets of the statue’s design and the dramatic story of its journey from France. The Immigrant Journey: Walk through the Great Hall where 12 million people began their American dream. Hear the personal, heart-wrenching, and triumphant stories of the families who passed through these very doors. The "Guide Advantage": Our guides are experts in NYC history who know the best photo spots and the quietest corners of the museums.

What you get

    About this experience

    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 guided stroll around the monument. Your guide will share the "hidden in plain sight" secrets of the statue’s design and the dramatic story of its journey from France. The Immigrant Journey: Walk through the Great Hall where 12 million people began their American dream. Hear the personal, heart-wrenching, and triumphant stories of the families who passed through these very doors. The "Guide Advantage": Our guides are experts in NYC history who know the best photo spots and the quietest corners of the museums.

    What's included

    Included

    • Skyline Views
    • Statue of Liberty Museum
    • Expert NYC Storyteller
    • Immigration Museum Access
    • Reserved Ferry Access - significantly reducing your wait time
    • Ellis Island Experience (Comprehensive Tour)

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Pedestal & Crown Access
    • While your guide provides essential history outside, museums are self-guided to comply with rules.
    • small locker fees for oversized bags ($0.25) are not included.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Castle Clinton National Monument

      This sandstone fort is our meeting point, but it’s also a national monument.

      20 minutes here

    2. Statue of Liberty

      Tour Liberty Island with your guide. See the statue up-close and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. This is also a great opportunity for photos of the NYC skyline.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Statue of Liberty Museum

      If you choose our Comprehensive 4 Hour tour, you will have time visit the museum on your own (guides not permitted inside the museum) before continuing your tour to Ellis Island. If you choose our Express Tour, the tour ends at Liberty Island so you can stay as little or as long as you like in the museum. Our guides are not permitted to enter the museum so this part will be self-guided.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Ellis Island

      Choose our 4 Hour Comprehensive tour and take a tour of Ellis Island as your guide points out sights like the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Not included with Express Tour.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Ellis Island Immigration Museum

      Choose our Comprehensive 4 Hour tour and discover the stories of the millions of immigrants who came through here from 1892-1954. Explore this museum at your own pace with your included audio guide before returning to Battery Park at your leisure. Guides are not permitted into the museum so this part is self-guided but our guides will give you facts and tips before you enter to get the most out of your visit.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New York

    Meet your guide outside the front entrance of Castle Clinton, the round brown brick building near the water in Battery Park. Your guide will be on the steps outside of the north entrance of the castle, wearing an orange hat. This is the entrance facing the buildings in Manhattan.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Express Tour - This tour will end at Liberty Island. Guests can spend more time there if they wish or they can head back on the first ferry returning to Battery Park - return ticket included.

    Ends at

    4 Hour Comprehensive Tour - This tour will end on Ellis Island. Guests can spend more time there if they wish or they can head back on the first ferry returning to Battery Park - return ticket included. Important: Express Tour does not end on Ellis Island, this tour option ends at Liberty Island.

    Options you can book

    • Comprehensive 4 Hour Tour

    • Express 2-Hour Tour

      Duration: 2 hours: The guided portion of the express tour lasts around 2 hours. Return ferry is included.

    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 25 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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. The tour departs promptly and if late, you will NOT be able to catch up and will miss the tour. There are no refunds for missing the tour.
    • Please note the earliest time tour will have the least wait. Later tours will encounter longer wait times.
    • Your ferry ticket includes access to both islands, although for afternoon tours, there may not be enough time to visit Ellis Island.
    • Food available for purchase on the ferry, at the Statue of Liberty, and on Ellis Island
    • Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.
    • Security screening will take place prior to entering the ferry. Visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screening.
    • Photographs are permitted, but tripods and monopods are prohibited.
    • Children 3 and under free with paid adult ticket.
    • Guides are wearing orange hats AND/OR blue shirts or jackets.
    • Pedestal and crown access are not included in your tour. Guided tours are not allowed in the pedestal or crown at the Statue of Liberty

    Photos

    Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry in New York, photo 2Gull soars over the New York City skyline., Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry in New YorkStatue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry in New York, photo 4Tourists gather in the gateway for immigrants when they arrived on Ellis Island., Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry...Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry in New York, photo 6Tour guide leads a group through the Statue of Liberty Museum., Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry in New York

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14,890 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    14,890 verified traveler reviews for Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    13,413
    4 star
    815
    3 star
    245
    2 star
    151
    1 star
    266
    Sort
    I6668XJcarolec · October 2026

    Informative

    Too much time at the Statue of Liberty

    via Tripadvisor

    Y6743LLkimberlyh · October 2026

    AMAZING TRIP

    Our tour guide was absolutely amazing! Jonathon added so much to the whole experience. It was well organized and worth the money!!

    via Tripadvisor

    patrickgL4198GN · October 2026

    Express Statue of Liberty tour

    Chris was great!!! Experience first was a great operator.

    via Tripadvisor

    amycA9577ER · October 2026

    Amazing!

    Jim was an amazing tour guide. We had great day with beautiful weather for our tour!

    via Tripadvisor

    F4654GSwilliamm · October 2026

    History made personal

    Very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide Anthony. He really liked how he brought the history of liberty to life. I would recommend highly for anyone to tour with him .

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $59 to $79
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5,220
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    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 91

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)96
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)69
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry cost?

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    Prices start at $59 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 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry take?

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    Plan for about 3 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 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 91 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 14,914 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry?

    +

    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 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry?

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    Around 5,220 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry start and how do I get there?

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    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?

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    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 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry?

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    Included: Skyline Views; Statue of Liberty Museum; Expert NYC Storyteller; Immigration Museum Access; and Reserved Ferry Access - significantly reducing your wait time. Not included: Gratuities; Pedestal & Crown Access; While your guide provides essential history outside, museums are self-guided to comply wit; and small locker fees for oversized bags ($0.25) are not included. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry?

    +

    Meet your guide outside the front entrance of Castle Clinton, the round brown brick building near the water in Battery Park. Your guide will be on the steps outside of the north entrance of the castle. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry 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 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry?

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    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 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry?

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    Across 14,914 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Comprehensive 4 Hour Tour, Express 2-Hour 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 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry.

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