Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience America’s most iconic symbols of freedom without the guesswork. This comprehensive guided tour takes you from the bustling shores of Battery Park through the hallowed halls of Ellis Island. With Reserved Access tickets, you’ll bypass the massive general admission lines and dive straight into history with a local expert storyteller.
What You’ll Experience
Step onto Liberty Island for a guided stroll around the monument. Your guide will share the "hidden in plain sight" secrets of the statue’s design and the dramatic story of its journey from France.
The Immigrant Journey: Walk through the Great Hall where 12 million people began their American dream. Hear the personal, heart-wrenching, and triumphant stories of the families who passed through these very doors.
The "Guide Advantage": Our guides are experts in NYC history who know the best photo spots and the quietest corners of the museums.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. The tour departs promptly and if late, you will NOT be able to catch up and will miss the tour. There are no refunds for missing the tour.
Please note the earliest time tour will have the least wait. Later tours will encounter longer wait times.
Your ferry ticket includes access to both islands, although for afternoon tours, there may not be enough time to visit Ellis Island.
Food available for purchase on the ferry, at the Statue of Liberty, and on Ellis Island
Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.
Security screening will take place prior to entering the ferry. Visitors to the park are required to undergo airport-style security screening.
Photographs are permitted, but tripods and monopods are prohibited.
Children 3 and under free with paid adult ticket.
Guides are wearing orange hats AND/OR blue shirts or jackets.
Pedestal and crown access are not included in your tour. Guided tours are not allowed in the pedestal or crown at the Statue of Liberty
What To Expect
Castle Clinton National Monument
This sandstone fort is our meeting point, but it’s also a national monument.
Statue of Liberty
Tour Liberty Island with your guide. See the statue up-close and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. This is also a great opportunity for photos of the NYC skyline.
Options
Express 2-Hour Tour
Duration: 2 hours: The guided portion of the express tour lasts around 2 hours. Return ferry is included.
Comprehensive 4 Hour Tour
What‘s Included
Skyline Views
Statue of Liberty Museum
Expert NYC Storyteller
Immigration Museum Access
Reserved Ferry Access - significantly reducing your wait time
Ellis Island Experience (Comprehensive Tour)
Gratuities
Pedestal & Crown Access
While your guide provides essential history outside, museums are self-guided to comply with rules.
small locker fees for oversized bags ($0.25) are not included.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
14,226 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Best Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Tour
Judy M,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Owen was very knowledgeable and personable. He connected with everyone in the group and gave interesting anecdotes as well as solid history.
Cool experience and cool tour guide!
Venture66238929810,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good experience! Liam was very informational and was in great spirits :)
Lady Liberty with Reverence and Humor
Paul R,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Walking through Battery Park to the dock then a lot of walking around Liberty Island and Ellis Island. We were blessed with mild summer weather, but it could be tough if it were rainy or cold or very hot. Mark was an outstanding guide who explained everything with clarity, humor and reverence when appropriate, and was open to questions and comments. Viator communication with us by email was easy to follow. Our grandkids, age 12 and 10 enjoyed this as much as we did.
The best tour guide!
pauloo544,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an exquisite tour, mainly because of Anthony the tour guide. He was superb on every level and we felt compelled to give him a big tip out of extra gratitude! He really knows his history and how to tell it in an easy-to-understand and entertaining way.
Jett
ktbell111,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jett most knowledgeable and excellent tour guide.
Power outage
Megan B,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Tour isn’t really that different than the self led audible tour that you get for free with the ferry ticket. And Ellis island had a power outage, so we didn’t get to go on the island.
Sean-anigans
kendracP742WQ,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding! Sean was an amazing tour guide. He had great historical stories, was very entertaining and made everyone in our group feel included. He took the time to point out small things like which parts of the ferry had the best views and even came around to take our pictures for us. He made a point to connect to everyone on the tour. The best tour we took in NYC.
Loved the tour
mhX8389UI,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Erika was great! She was very knowledgeable, professional and organized. Her passion for NYC and history shines through. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour.
Great tour. Recommend it to everyone.
Brobe6529,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Charley did a great job of keeping it informative and communicating new information.
Highly recommended!
Angelina E,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sean really brought history to life!
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