Photo by Don Ramey Logan on Wikimedia Commons
Is Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island worth it on a budget?
Worth itOn a budget
Buy the official general-admission ferry ticket, which includes both islands and museums. If you only want harbour views and a statue photograph, take the free Staten Island Ferry instead.
$26 adult; $17 child; $23 senior for the official ferry, museums included
The boat approach gives the statue scale and context that a distant skyline view cannot. On Liberty Island, the pedestal and crown add height but also security lines, stairs and advance planning. Across the water, Ellis Island replaces symbolism with names, documents and family stories in the former immigration station. Rushing both islands turns the day into transport; allow enough time for the museum or choose the free ferry and keep the day moving.
- Price
- $26 adult; $17 child; $23 senior for the official ferry, museums included
- Time
- Half day
- Last verified
- 2026-07-16
Is Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island worth it…
How we verified
- The National Park Service identifies Statue City Cruises as the only authorized ferry operator for Liberty and Ellis Islands. · nps.gov
- All official ferry tickets include access to both islands and their museums; crown and pedestal access require advance reservations. · nps.gov
- Supporting source · nps.gov
- Supporting source · nps.gov