Overview
Hear the stories of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island and learn about the creation and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty.
On this guided tour, your expert New Yorker will get your reserve-line ferry tickets and ride with you to Liberty Island and afterward, if you select our Comprehensive Tour, to Ellis Island for a tour of the landmarks around the island, such as the wall of honour.
Once the tour ends, the exploration doesn't stop there as you can continue inside the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration to explore its multiple floors at your own pace. An audio guide is included to help. You’ll also have time to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum as your guide prepares you for what you’ll see inside.
Our Liberty Express option offers a 2 hour guided tour across the water, and on Liberty Island, where you'll learn all about the Statue of Liberty and our expert guide will also give you facts and tips if you wanted to visit the museum on your own after the tour.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
History of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from an expert New Yorker
Comprehensive Tour only - Guided tour of Ellis Island including the American Immigrant Wall of Honor
Guided tour of Liberty Island
Roundtrip reserve-line ferry tickets with stunning views of the NYC skyline
Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum - learn how this sculpture became such an icon - self-guided
Comprehensive Tour only - Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, audio guide included
Gratuities
Lockers for large items on Liberty Island (available for $0.25)
Crown and Pedestal (base) access at the Statue of Liberty, entry not included
Statue of Liberty Museum & Ellis Island National Museum are not guided as tour guides not permitted
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet your guide on the steps outside of Castle Clinton's North Entrance. Castle Clinton is inside Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan.
Your guide will have your entry tickets. Just show up and tell the guide your name. They will be wearing an orange hat and/or a blue jacket/shirt.
End point
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.
Good to know
More info here: https://www.exp1.com/new-york-tours/welcome-statue/
• Please meet your guide on the 3 steps outside of Castle Clinton's North Entrance. This is the entrance on facing the Manhattan buildings. Castle Clinton is inside Battery Park.
• Your guide will have your tickets. Just tell the guide your name.
• 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.
• Security screening will take place prior to entering the ferry. Visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screening.
• DRIVING/PARKING - There is no on-site parking. Parking can be difficult. Please plan ahead to find an available garage that is close to the meeting location. Allocate additional time to find parking space and walking to the meeting location. We recommend taking public transport.
• TAXI - Tell the taxi Battery Park. That will get you close to the meeting location. From there, you can walk south to Castle Clinton, which is the round brick building. Our staff will be OUTSIDE of the building.
IMPORTANT:
Tour end points vary depending on which tour option you choose.
• The 4 Hour Comprehensive Tour includes a tour of Ellis Island and the tour finishes on Ellis Island.
• The Express Tour doesn't include Ellis Island and the tour will finish at Liberty Island.
What to expect
-
Castle Clinton National Monument
20 min
This sandstone fort is our meeting point, but it’s also a national monument.
-
Statue of Liberty
1 hour
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.
-
Statue of Liberty Museum
45 min
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. -
Ellis Island
1 hour
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. -
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
1 hour
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- 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
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options
Can I cancel Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour: All Options for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3–5 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet your guide on the steps outside of Castle Clinton's North Entrance. Castle Clinton is inside Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan.
What's included?
- History of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from an expert New Yorker
- Comprehensive Tour only - Guided tour of Ellis Island including the American Immigrant Wall of Honor
- Guided tour of Liberty Island
- Roundtrip reserve-line ferry tickets with stunning views of the NYC skyline
- Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum - learn how this sculpture became such an icon - self-guided
- Comprehensive Tour only - Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, audio guide included
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Lockers for large items on Liberty Island (available for $0.25)
- Crown and Pedestal (base) access at the Statue of Liberty, entry not included
- Statue of Liberty Museum & Ellis Island National Museum are not guided as tour guides not permitted
Which places does it visit?
It visits Castle Clinton National Monument, Statue of Liberty, Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island, Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by ExperienceFirst
