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Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island in New York, NY

Take Walks • Pier A Harbor House • New York, NY 10004

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The Statue of Liberty from the ferry on the Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island in New York, New York

The Statue of Liberty against a clear blue sky, with the torch held high in its right hand.

A group of people stand on a stone terrace with one person pointing towards a city skyline in the background on a clear day.

A large hall with arched ceilings, American flags, and a crowd of people.

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$69.00

Total Price: $70.38 (USD)

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Overview

Enjoy an early-access Statue of Liberty Tour and a visit to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum with personal time to explore. This 4-hour tour begins at The Battery (formerly Battery Park) where you’ll join your licensed guide and ferry across the harbor to Liberty Island, avoiding peak-hour crowds and enjoying beautiful views of the harbor and Lady Liberty.

up to 4 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

First-ferry access to the Statue of Liberty available with 8:30am departure only summer/9am departure only winter.
Tour includes pre-reserved ferry tickets to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, access to the Statue of Liberty Museum at Liberty Island, and access to the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island.
Wander Ellis Island at your leisure with an official audio guide (included).
After your tour, spend time at Ellis Island on your own diving into your own family history, or simply return on the ferry with your guide.
This tour is approximately 4 hours.
Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
Arrive early to be assured of nearby parking.
Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.
Bring sunscreen, hat or umbrella, and your camera.

Description

Begin your day at The Battery (formerly Battery Park) – the historical gateway to Lady Liberty. Then, board the earliest ferry of the day (8:15 am tour only), ensuring you avoid the swelling afternoon crowds, and sail away from Manhattan to greet the Statue of Liberty.

Here, your guide will dive deep into the story of how Lady Liberty came to be on this well-timed Statue of Liberty tour. As you tour the island, your guide – an expert in setting the stage, creating the scene, and invoking your imagination – will share the incredible historical facts that fuel your understanding of this monument's importance. Take in beautiful views of the famed New York skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the surrounding environs. Wander through the Statue of Liberty Museum and stand mere feet from Lady Liberty's original torch!

After the Statue of Liberty, board the short ferry to Ellis Island – another mammoth site in the history of the United States. Your guide sets the tone with a brief introduction and provides recommendations on how to get the most from your visit. Then you can explore this special place at your own pace. Knowing how touching Ellis Island can be, everyone will have time to wander the site, enjoy the official audio guide, search the passenger records for family names, or pause for a quick bite to eat at the popular cafeteria. You are also welcome to return on the ferry with your guide.

Please Note: Only the earliest booking time can access the first ferry.

Promotional Images (23)

A historic building with two towers and a large glass and red metal canopy at the entrance, set against a partly cloudy sky.

Looking up at the back of the Statue of Liberty on the Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island in New York, New York

Statues at the pier on the Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island in New York, New York

Looking up at the Statue of Liberty on the Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island in New York, New York

People outside of a building under a steel structure on the Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island in New York, New York

Customer Photos (1)

Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island photo submitted by Rachel Morton

Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour is located at Take Walks • Pier A Harbor House • New York, NY 10004

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Frequently Asked Questions about Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Where is the meeting point?

The departure point for this Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour is at 22 Battery Place, with a meeting at the front entrance of Pier A Harbor House. Pier A Harbor House is to the right of the Statue of Liberty ferry and Castle Clinton. Please see your confirmation email for more details on this Statue of Liberty tour. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. The tour guides will be holding a sign with the Walks logo and “MEET HERE” on it. Do not go to the ticket line at Castle Clinton! Your guide will not be there!

How long is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour?

This Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour is approximately 4 hours.

What if I'm late?

If you are running late, it's best to contact the tour operator at the phone number on your e-ticket so they can reach out to your guide. This is not always possible for all tours - their guides are with other clients and are already into the tour (they ask them not to use their phones during their tour). But in some cases, a few-minute delay can be remedied. Most times, guides leave the meeting point within 5 minutes of the tour start time.

What is included in this tour?

This tour includes views of New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty Pedestal tickets, ferry access and priority boarding to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, access to Statue of Liberty Museum at Liberty Island, official audio guide on Ellis Island, a local English-speaking guide, and an expertly guided walking tour. This statue cruise and ferry service tour is given in English. They don’t offer multi-language tours.

What landmarks will we be visiting?

You will see the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island (first Access with the earliest tour time), the Statue of Liberty (Exterior Access), the NYC Statue of Liberty Museum, Battery Park, access to the nearby Ellis Island, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (the Ellis Island Museum), and the Castle Clinton National Monument.

Does this tour include access to the Statue Crown?

No. Unfortunately, tickets for the Statue of Liberty Crown are extremely limited, at only 365 per day, and sell out months in advance. Walks does not provide any tours that include the Statue of Liberty Crown.

Are the hospitals on Ellis Island included on this tour?

No, The old hospitals are not open to the public and have to be booked specially if you want to visit them.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is not included in this tour.

Is parking provided?

Street parking and paid parking lots are available near Battery Place, NY.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. restrictions for this tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. However, please note that if your tour includes the Statue Pedestal (which has elevator access) the only part you will NOT be able to visit is a small platform at the very top of the Statue Pedestal.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes! There are a lot of photo opportunities on this tour.

What should I bring?

You may bring water, a hat, sunglasses, parasol, and/or sunscreen, a coat, umbrella, or outer layers for the cooler months), and a photo ID for some of the stop-over sights. A reminder that this includes touring and ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, so using sunscreen is recommendable. All guests must pass through airport-style security to go to Lady Liberty. Certain items, including weapons, scissors, pocket knives, sharp items, or tools, are not permitted. Large items such as suitcases and backpacks are not allowed. Food and drink are not permitted except for water in a clear container. Please visit the United States National Park Service website for a complete list of items. Liberty Island has a national monument and part of Liberty State Park.

What should I wear?

It is recommended guests wear attire appropriate for the day’s weather forecast and comfortable walking shoes, so it's easy to navigate along uneven surfaces, dirt paths, cobblestone, etc.

Is this tour ever cancelled due to weather conditions?

Statue of Liberty tours run rain or shine. One exception is if the Coastguard ceases water traffic (which includes the ferry to the Statue of Liberty) due to inclement weather.

Should I bring the confirmation email?

A physical or digital copy of this confirmation email is not required to join your tour. Your guide (or tour coordinator) will have your name in their database, so as long as you know the name on the booking, you're set!