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Statue of Liberty Ferry Schedule from New Jersey and Manhattan

Taking a ferry is essential to visit Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located.

There are two ports, Battery Park in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey, from where you can get the ferries that go to Liberty Island. 

The Statue of Liberty ferry schedules are consistent between these locations but vary seasonally. 

There are more frequent ferry departures during the peak season in summer (every 20 minutes) and less frequent in winter (every 30 to 40 minutes). 

The Statue of Liberty tickets include round-trip ferry service; you won’t need to purchase separate ferry tickets, but ensure you select your departure dock when booking. 

Daily Statue of Liberty ferry schedules are posted at each port’s entrance and updated here on a daily basis. Knowing these times is crucial to avoid waiting.

Here’s a summary of the ferry schedule for a better understanding:

First ferry from the mainland – 8.30 am

Last ferry from the mainland – 3.30 pm

Last Ferry from Liberty Island – 5 pm

Last Ferry from Ellis Island – 5.15 pm

You can read how to reach the Statue of Liberty to learn about ferry departure locations.

Here is the Statue of Liberty ferry departure schedule from New Jersey and Manhattan both:

SeasonsFirst ferryLast ferry
Mid-March to Late May8.30 am3.30 pm
Late May to early September8.30 am5 pm
Early September to Mid October8.30 am4 pm
Mid October to Mid-March9.30 am3.30 pm

Ferry from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty

The ferry schedule for the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park and New Jersey remains the same for both locations, changing seasonally and based on crowd levels.

The journey from Battery Park to Liberty Island takes about 25 minutes, and reaching Ellis Island from Liberty Island takes another 15-20 minutes. 

The return trip from Ellis Island to Battery Park is approximately 10 minutes, totaling a 50-minute round trip. Know how long it takes at the Statue of Liberty to time your trip.

Ferries depart every 20- 25 minutes, so there’s no need to wait long. 

The last ferry offers a shorter visit. Visitors on the last mainland ferry can only visit one island– They can opt to visit either Ellis Island or the Statue at Liberty Island. 

For specific schedules, especially for visits to the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, check the ferry schedule in advance.

The Statue of Liberty tickets online include round-trip ferry access starting from just $25, solving all your travel hassles regarding both ways of ferry departure.

Buy a ferry departing from mainland NJ or NYC, based on your preference. The ticket price for adults (13 years & above) is $32, and for children (4 to 12 years) is $22.Note that infants below 4 years can enter for free.

Ferry from Liberty State Park to Statue of Liberty

The journey from Liberty State Park to Ellis Island takes about 15 minutes, and reaching Liberty Island from Ellis Island takes about 5 minutes. 

The return trip from Liberty Island to Jersey City’s Liberty State Park takes about 15 minutes. Totaling a total 35-minute trip.

The rest of the time of your trip depends on how long you want to spend on each island.

Ferries depart every 20- 25 minutes, so you explore and hop back on in one of the ferries to continue your journey. 

Only one island may be visited by passengers on the final mainland ferry: Ellis Island or the Liberty Island. 

Check the ferry schedule, as the first and last ferry timings keep changing based on the season.

Last Ferry from Liberty Island

Liberty Island begins to close 30 minutes before the last ferry’s departure, leaving ample time to make your way to the dock. 

SeasonLast ferry from Liberty Island
Mid-March to Late May5 pm
Late May to Early September6.45 pm
Early September to Mid-October5.45 pm
Mid-October to Mid-March5 pm

Ellis Island Ferry Schedule

The ferry from Battery Park, NYC, directly takes you to the Statue at Liberty Island, stops at Ellis Island on your return trip, and then returns to the mainland.

The ferry from Jersey City, Liberty State Park, first stops at Ellis Island, then Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is and then ferries back to the mainland.

There is one ferry departing from Ellis Island every 20-35 minutes. The last ferry departs from Ellis Island at 5.15 pm.

However, depending on the time of the year, it can be anywhere between 5.15 pm to 7 pm. 

For more information about the Statue of Liberty Ferry Schedule, call the Circle Line Ferry at 212-269-5755 or check their website, www.statuecruises.com.

Top Statue of Liberty Tickets:

For a memorable cruise, you can either choose the Daytime cruise or the highly popular Night Cruise with Dinner while watching the Statue of Liberty from a distance.

The Grounds Only ticket of Liberty Island allows you to explore the grounds and take in the beauty of Lady Liberty without entering the monument.

A Guided tour ticket simplifies the experience with a tour guide and is offered in over eight languages.

The Pedestal ticket gives access to the top of the Pedestal of Statue of Liberty, a luxury experience!

The Crown tickets are the most sought-after and only VIP get access to Lady Liberty’s crown.

The helicopter tours of Manhattan offer the best New York skyline view as well as a unique perspective of the National Monument.

FAQ

How can I visit the Statue of Liberty?

To visit the Statue of Liberty, you must take a ferry as it’s the only transportation to Liberty Island.

If you’re in New York City, ferries depart from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. It’s advisable to check for nearby parking options beforehand.

From the New Jersey side, ferries depart from Liberty State Park.

When does the first Statue of Liberty ferry leave?

The departure times for the Statue of Liberty ferry can change based on the season. 

Typically, the first ferry leaves from Battery Park and Liberty State Park at 8.30 am during peak season (Summer) and at 9 am during the off-peak season (winter).

Is the Statue of Liberty ferry free?

The ferry ride to and from the Statue of Liberty is included when you purchase any tour ticket. Buy Statue of Liberty tickets.

Alternatively, you can take the free Staten Island ferry if you want to catch a glimpse of Lady Liberty without spending any money. 

However, remember that the Staten Island ferry doesn’t grant access to the grounds of Liberty Island. 

Do I need to buy the ferry tickets separately?

No, tickets for the Statue of Liberty include round-trip ferry rides, so there’s no need to purchase them separately.

Ferries depart from two main locations: Battery Park and Liberty State Park. They operate approximately every 20 to 25 minutes starting from 8.30 am.

Buy a ticket with a ferry departing from mainland NJ or NYC, based on your preference.

How long is the Statue of Liberty ferry?

The ferry ride from Battery Park to Liberty Island typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

For the complete round trip, including stops at Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and returning to the mainland (Battery Park or Liberty State Park), you can expect the entire ferry ride to last about an hour. Here are the details.

What time is the last ferry to Statue of Liberty?

For the most accurate information on the last ferry departure time, it’s recommended to check the updated Statue of Liberty ferry schedule.

However, as a general guideline, the safest time to board the last ferry from Liberty Island is around 5 pm, and from Ellis Island, it’s around 5.15 pm. 

This timing of the last ferry allows visitors to see at least one island.

When is the last ferry from Ellis Island?

The last ferry departs from Ellis Island to Battery Park at around 5.15 pm, taking about 10 minutes to reach the mainland. 

However, this timing may vary depending on the time of year.

The ferry from Ellis Island doesn’t take you to Liberty State Park as the route follows this course:  Liberty State Park Jersey City → Ellis Island → Liberty Island → back to New Jersey.

For detailed information about the ferry schedule from New York and New Jersey, reviewing the specific Statue of Liberty timings is also advisable to plan well.

Where to get the Ferry to the Statue of Liberty from New York?

To reach the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, you must take a ferry as it’s the only means of access. The ferry departs from Battery Park in New York City.

Specifically, you can catch the ferry behind Castle Clinton in Battery Park.

How far in advance should I arrive at the pier to board?

Arriving at the pier (NY or NJ) around 30 to 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time is generally recommended if you haven’t purchased your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance.

This is because you need enough time for ticketing, security checks, and boarding the ferry, particularly during peak tourist seasons or busy times of the day. 

Additionally, arriving a bit earlier can allow you to explore the pier’s surrounding area or take in the sights while you wait.

Featured Image: Xavier Arnau / Getty

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