Statue of Liberty Opening Hours

Visitors can visit the Statue of Liberty monument every weekday from 9.30 am to 5 pm and the first ferry from the mainland departs at 8.30 am so that you can reach Liberty Island by 9 am.

The National Monument is open even on all holidays at the same time except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The last ferry from the mainland departs at 3.30 pm so that you have enough time to explore Liberty Island and Ellis Island before the monument closes.

The Statue of Liberty ground closure time is much later than the Monument of Lady Liberty itself. 

The island closes when the last ferry departs from Liberty Island at 5 pm.

The ferry schedule varies according to the seasons, so check the ferry schedule before you plan your visit.

Visitors with ground access tickets can linger on the island longer and enjoy the view of the harbor. 

The last entry to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty is at 3.30 pm. 

So, it would help if you timed your visit to enjoy your VIP tour of the Liberty.

Refer to this table for detailed information on the Statue of Liberty’s hours of operation on special occasions.

Special Days	Date	Hours
New Year	1 January	9 am to 5 pm
Independence Day	4 July	9 am to 5 pm
Thanksgiving Day	23 November	Closed
Christmas Day	25 December	Closed

The Statue of Liberty timings remain the same on all other public holidays.

Statue of Liberty Ferry Opening Hours

You can only access the Liberty and Ellis Islands via the Statue City Cruises ferry.

The first ferry leaves from Battery Park in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey at 8.30 am in the peak tourist season (summer).

During the low season (winter), the ferry’s opening hours or the departure time gets delayed by half an hour. In the off-peak months (October to March), it leaves at 9 am.

There is a ferry every 15 to 20 minutes from both ports. 

You can catch the final ferry from Liberty Island at 5 pm during the tourist season and at 5.45 pm in the off-peak months.

The last ferry leaving from Ellis Island departs at 5.15 pm during peak season.

You do not need to book your ferry tickets separately; they are included with your Statue of Liberty tickets. 

With the Express Ferry Ticket, you get skip-the-line, express access to the ferry and the attraction.

Here’s a summary of the ferry schedule for the peak season:

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

Visitors on the last mainland ferry can only visit one island. Know about the ferry schedule in detail for a thorough idea.

You must time your visit right by visiting at the best time to visit the Liberty.

Tips and Details for the Best Time to Visit the Statue of Liberty:

• Take the first ferry at 8.30 am and visit early in the morning for fewer crowds.
• The best days to visit are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Avoid Monday as it is the busiest day.
• During the rest of the days of the week or on holidays, use skip-the-line tickets to avoid crowds.
• The ideal visiting months are April, May, and early June. You must carry an umbrella though, as it is the rainy season.
• The peak months of summer are crowded and hot. Be prepared for it accordingly. You can visit between April and early June for pleasant weather.
• The lean season of winter has a harsh climate, which is too cold. From October to March, you’ll get reduced ferry schedules.

How Much Time Will the Tour Take?

• A ferry ride to Liberty Island: 15 minutes.
• Ground tour: 1 hour.
• Pedestal access: Add 30 minutes to Ground Access.
• Crown access: Total 2 hours.
• Option to visit the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island: 45 minutes (less time means an incomplete tour).
• Visitors may spend up to 3 hours exploring Ellis Island if desired

Let’s take a look at the popular tickets:

See all of Manhattan’s stunning skyline from the comfort of a luxury boat with the full Island Cruise of Manhattan.

Get up close and personal with the iconic Monument of Liberty with the New York Lady Liberty 60-Minute Sightseeing Cruise.

Explore two of America’s most iconic landmarks with the Liberty & Ellis Island Ticket Options with Ferry.

Get a unique perspective with the NYC Statue of Liberty 45-Minute Cruise – Skip the box office and experience a memorable sightseeing adventure.

For an unparalleled view of NYC’s National Monument, get New York Statue of Liberty Cruise.

Experience the thrill of soaring above New York City’s iconic skyline with the New York City 15-Minute Helicopter Tour.

Take to the skies and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Statue, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline with the Liberty Harbor Helicopter Adventure.

Maximize your time in New York City and save money with the New York CityPASS, which includes access to 6 must-visit attractions.

Get the most out of your trip to New York City with unbeatable savings through the New York 1-7 Day Smart Card Pass, which gives you access to 100 top attractions, museums, and tours.

For an unforgettable culinary adventure, experience luxury dining with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline aboard the New York City Luxury Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise.

FAQ

Featured Image: Latimes.com