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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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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.
Duration: 2 hours: The guided portion of the express tour lasts around 2 hours. Return ferry is included.
14,046 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
hockeygoon96,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We did the full visit with crown passes. Overall it was great and easy to get thru security and on the boat. The audio is very informative and interesting, museums are neat. The pedestal view was cool but unfortunately we did not have a good view from the crown because of the weather. We were a little underwhelmed with the crown. Very difficult stair case to get up, it was very warm and humid on a cool day. Very tight. Cool experience but would not need to do again.













858russf,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Jim our guide was exceptional. He took the time to go into great detail about the statue of liberty and Ellis Island. Very special to us because our grandparents entered the country there.
Katerina M,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
I recently visited the Statue of Liberty for the second time. I’ve never gone inside the crown, though, and honestly I’d put that at the bottom of my list anyway. My biggest disappointment in ny What really wasn’t worth it to me was the amount of time the entire trip took — not just visiting the statue itself, but everything involved: parking far from the terminal, going through security checks, waiting to board, getting off and on at both islands, and standing in lines and waiting at almost every step of the process. And that was in April in the middle of the week. The worst part is how poorly everything is organized for tourists. While waiting for the boat, especially in bad weather, there’s nowhere to shelter from the wind or rain and nowhere to sit. During the boat ride, the audio guide was so quiet and unclear that you could barely understand anything unless you were standing there completely alone. Inside the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, the lighting is so dim that it’s difficult to read the information panels or clearly see the photos and drawings. There are also no arrows or signs showing the correct route to follow with the audio guide. Honestly, I’d rather just take the $4 ferry that passes by the statue.
971zum,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour to the Statue of Liberty was absolutely amazing thanks to our guide! He was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and so funny throughout the entire experience. He shared so many interesting facts and made the tour entertaining from beginning to end. You could truly tell he loves what he does. He made our trip even more memorable, and we’re so grateful for such a wonderful experience. Highly recommend!

Lauralee P,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
Definitely book this tour. The experience without a tour guide would seem worthless. You don’t get the history or the knowledge or the entertainment that you would with the tour guide. So much more meaningful with Joe as our leader!! he was extremely engaging. Loved his experience that he provided to us. We definitely ask for him again if we ever took this tour with Family..
V8479YIdavidw,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Sean is passionate about New York and the history behind the statue of liberty and ellis island. We enjoyed his presentation.
Nomad769950,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Sean was literally the best tour guide we have ever had. His storytelling made me feel like we witnessed history first hand. Loved every minute of this tour and highly recommend!!




Geneva C,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Jason was fun and a wealth of knowledge as well as tips on how to be a true New Yorker in navigating the crowds! Thank you for a fabulous tour.
T857PVkerryb,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
He shares so much information with great story telling. Perfect voice too


40jaimet,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Anthony was an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable and professional. What a great experience and very educational tour.
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