NEW YORK (PIX11) – Statue City Cruises has shared a lesser-known tip that will help people avoid longer lines and save significant time when visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ticket seller for the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, according to the National Park Service.
People can purchase tickets through Statue City Cruises to visit Ellis Island and enter the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal and crown on Liberty Island.
Statue City Cruises departs to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from two locations – the Battery at the southern tip of Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
To avoid longer lines and save significant time, Statue City Cruises recommends people depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. It has shorter lines because most visitors leave for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the Battery in Manhattan.
Statue City Cruises recommends people book their tickets ahead of time to avoid the on-site ticket purchase line. People who pre-book their tickets will be able to head right into the screening facility that's required before departure.
People can check the wait times at Liberty State Park and the Battery in the Statue City Cruises app. Crowds are typically lighter later in the day.
Statue City Cruises extended its departure times to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Ferries depart from Liberty State Park and the Battery between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, with the last return trips from Liberty Island and Ellis Island at 7 p.m.
Learn more about visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the Statue City Cruises website.
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.
