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
14,201 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good Tour But Not Great
Margaret D,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Pretty good tour. Not sure if you need a tour guide to do this but it is always helpful to have someone lead the way. Possibly just tour of Statue of Liberty is sufficient and then go on by yourself on the ferry to Ellis Island. (tour guide does not go in Ellis Island building). Tour guide James spoke very fast so hard to follow him sometimes. Also spoke to group too spread out and so he would be talking while looking the other way.
An unforgettable experience
V9398OSjameso,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an unforgettable day at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with Jim Wahler as our guide. Despite the crowds, we were escorted smoothly by Jim and avoided the long lines. Jim is very knowledgeable and obviously takes great pleasure in sharing his historical insights with his guests. He enhanced his presentation by sharing photos with us, both during and after (by email) the tour. I'm so glad we didn't try to visit these locations on our own. Jim's the best.
Guided Tour
Z5753KHluise,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excelente experience, we had a great time visiting this place and learning a lot form our tour guide.
Wonderful information
brandyhudson01,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience and the guide was very informative.
2 hr tour
Cruiser579019,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Meri was amazing!! We loved listening to her. She’s a great story teller!
Liberty
carmela2947,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Meri was an amazing tour guide, she did such an amazing job and so informational, love the tour!
Jack was fantastic
Val C,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was excellent. This is the second time we have taken this tour. Our guide Jack was animated and incredibly informative
Ken excellent historical guide
Jina 94610,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ken was a superb Guide. Told us so many facts in a fun and memorable way. Always made sure all from the group was back at all points. Get Ken if you can!
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour with James.
RJ4Loan,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you ask for James, you will not be disappointed. James is the best. He was informative, entertaining, and a true pleasure to be around. We really enjoyed the trip. We had previously booked with another company, and they cancelled on us and now I am so glad they did. James went above and beyond to make sure the entire group enjoyed their tour and even took photos for each of us.
Ray was awesome
Phillip N,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ray (he told us his last initial, but I cannot remember it) was a very good guide. I enjoyed his humor and knowledge of the island and the overall history.
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Operated by ExperienceFirst