Statue of Liberty Tickets 2025: Prices & How to Buy

Adult Ferry + Admission: $26 · Pedestal Access Fee: $0.30 · Crown Access Fee: $3.00 · Steps to Crown: 162 · Daily Crown Tickets: ~240

How much does it cost to see the Statue of Liberty?

Breakdown of ticket costs

The base ferry ticket — which includes round-trip transport to Liberty Island and Ellis Island plus access to the Statue of Liberty Museum — costs $26 for adults when purchased through the official vendor, Statue City Cruises (authorized NPS ferry operator). For a few extra dollars, you can add pedestal or crown access.

Five price levels, one key insight: the gap between the base ticket and a crown reservation is only $3.30.

Pricing data sourced from National Park Service (official fees page) and Statue City Cruises (FAQ section).

Children and senior prices

Children under 4 ride free but cannot enter the crown, per Statue City Cruises (safety policy FAQ). Children age 4-12 pay $17 for the ferry base, while seniors (62+) pay $23. All crown visitors — including children — must be at least 42 inches tall and able to climb independently, as confirmed by National Park Service (crown access regulations).

The pattern: families with kids under 4 can save on the ferry but are limited to pedestal access at best — a trade-off most parents find acceptable given the narrow crown spiral.

Where can I buy legit Statue of Liberty tickets?

Official vs third-party

The only authorized ferry vendor is Statue City Cruises (NPS-approved concessionaire). The National Park Service does not sell ferry tickets directly, according to National Park Service (visitor information center). Official channels include the website StatueCityCruises.com, the Castle Clinton ticket office in Battery Park (New York), the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal ticket office in Liberty State Park, and select authorized travel partners like CityPASS.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation (official nonprofit visitor resource) also directs visitors to StatueCityCruises.com or phone orders at 1-877-523-9849.

Buying in person at Battery Park or NJ

In-person ticket sales are available at Castle Clinton in Battery Park (New York) and the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal in Liberty State Park, as noted by Statue City Cruises (ticket office locations page). However, pedestal and crown tickets must be purchased online in advance — they are not sold at these walk-up windows, per National Park Service (crown reservation policy).

Why this matters: if you show up hoping to buy a crown ticket at the booth, you’ll be redirected to a website that may be sold out for weeks. The ticket office is strictly for ferry base ticket pickups and day-of general admission.

Can you still go inside of the Statue of Liberty?

What you can see without extra access

A standard ferry ticket grants access to the Statue of Liberty Museum — a modern, elevator-equipped exhibition space — plus the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The museum is free with any ferry ticket and covers the statue’s construction, symbolism, and restoration history.

Three access levels, one key distinction: only crown visitors enter the statue’s interior proper.

Source: National Park Service (visitor information hub) and National Park Service (crown access guide).

Pedestal vs crown

The pedestal observation deck, at about 154 feet above ground, offers panoramic harbor views via an elevator ride from the lobby. The crown, at 305 feet, requires climbing a double-helix staircase of 162 narrow steps — one way, up only — with limited turnaround space, as described by National Park Service (visitor information hub). The torch has been closed since 1916 and remains off-limits.

The trade-off: pedestal access is easier and nearly as scenic for most visitors, while the crown is a physically demanding but unforgettable experience capped at 10 minutes, per National Park Service (crown visit policy).

Are Statue of Liberty crown tickets hard to get?

How to book crown tickets

Crown tickets are available exclusively through Statue City Cruises (online booking portal) or by calling 1-877-523-9849. The National Park Service warns that reservations are not available at ticket offices or on Liberty Island, per National Park Service (crown reservation policy). A maximum of four crown tickets per order is allowed, and each individual is limited to one crown visit per six-month period, according to National Park Service (crown access rules).

Tips for securing crown tickets

With roughly 240 crown tickets available per day — and demand far outstripping supply during summer months and holidays — booking early is critical. Statue City Cruises advises that pedestal and crown reservations “often sell out months in advance.” Crown tickets are non-refundable, so plan carefully before purchasing.

1. Check StatueCityCruises.com for crown ticket release dates and set calendar reminders.
2. Book as early as possible, especially for April–October visits; 3–4 months ahead is realistic.
3. Consider off-peak winter visits for better availability, but avoid weekends.
4. If online inventory is unclear, call 1-877-523-9849 for phone orders.

For peak-season travelers (April–October), booking 3–4 months ahead is a realistic baseline. Off-peak winter visits may have more availability, but weekends remain competitive.

Can I buy tickets for the Statue of Liberty on the day?

Same-day availability for pedestal

For visitors without crown aspirations, same-day ferry and pedestal tickets are often available at the Castle Clinton or Liberty State Park ticket booths — especially on weekdays outside peak season, according to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Foundation (visitor guide). However, expect lines during summer and holiday periods.

What to do if crown is sold out

If crown tickets are gone, the pedestal observation deck remains a strong alternative. The Statue of Liberty Museum, with its immersive exhibits and original torch display, offers substantial value on its own. A pedestal ticket ($26.30) includes everything the crown ticket provides except the climb itself — and requires no pre-dawn booking scramble.

The implication: for many visitors, pedestal access plus the museum creates a satisfying full-day experience without the planning stress. The crown is a chase; the pedestal is a confident second option.

National Park Service (official fees page): “Ferry and tour tickets $26 for adults, $23 for seniors, $17 for children 4–12.”

— National Park Service (fee schedule)

Statue City Cruises (FAQ): “Pedestal or crown access requires a separate reservation and often sells out months in advance.”

— Statue City Cruises (customer FAQ)

National Park Service (crown access guide): “Crown visits are limited to 10 minutes.”

— National Park Service (crown policy)

Statue City Cruises (about us): “Statue City Cruises is the only ferry service authorized by the National Park Service to sell Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tickets.”

— Statue City Cruises (official concessionaire statement)

The path to Liberty Island is simple once you know the gatekeeper: Statue City Cruises controls every official ticket. For the casual visitor, a same-day ferry and pedestal ticket works fine. For the crown chaser, the window of opportunity closes fast — plan months ahead, skip the resellers, and accept that the 10-minute crown reward comes with a 354-step round trip. For more US travel context, check our guide on How Many States Are in the US? Exactly 50 States Explained. For anyone visiting New York, the best travel strategies share a common thread: prioritize the official channels, and the experience follows.

Frequently asked questions