Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Ellis Island in New York, NY

Take Walks1 Bowling GreenNew York, NY 10004
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About Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Overview

Enjoy an early-access Statue of Liberty Tour and a visit to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum with personal time to explore. This 4-hour tour begins at The Battery (formerly Battery Park) where you’ll join your licensed guide and ferry across the harbor to Liberty Island, avoiding peak-hour crowds and enjoying beautiful views of the harbor and Lady Liberty.

up to 4 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • First-ferry access to the Statue of Liberty available with 8:30am departure only summer/9am departure only winter.
  • Tour includes pre-reserved ferry tickets to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, access to the Statue of Liberty Museum at Liberty Island, and access to the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island.
  • Wander Ellis Island at your leisure with an official audio guide (included).
  • After your tour, spend time at Ellis Island on your own diving into your own family history, or simply return on the ferry with your guide.
  • This tour is approximately 4 hours.
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
  • Arrive early to be assured of nearby parking.
  • Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.
  • Bring sunscreen, hat or umbrella, and your camera.

Description

Start your morning in New York City with a half-day guided visit to two of America’s most powerful landmarks: the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Your tour begins at Battery Park, where you’ll meet your expert guide and a small group of fellow travelers. From there, you’ll board the first ferry of the day and cruise across New York Harbor, enjoying unobstructed views of the skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Lady Liberty rising in the distance.

Once on Liberty Island, your guide will bring the Statue of Liberty’s history to life, sharing how this monumental gift from France became one of the most enduring symbols of American freedom. Walk the island’s grounds and take in panoramic views of Manhattan before stepping inside the Statue of Liberty Museum. There, stand just feet from the statue’s original torch and explore exhibits that detail the statue’s design, symbolism, and cultural legacy.

The journey continues with a short ferry ride to Ellis Island. Your guide offers a powerful introduction to the immigrant experience before giving you free time to explore at your own pace. Use the included audio guide—narrated by real immigrants and their descendants—to gain a personal perspective on what arriving at Ellis Island meant for millions of hopeful newcomers. Dive into the exhibits at the National Museum of Immigration, search historical records, or grab a bite at the on-site cafeteria, then return to Manhattan at your leisure.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or simply looking for an enriching way to see these iconic sites, this early-access tour offers a meaningful connection to America’s past—without the midday crowds.

Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour Reviews

Wellman Rood Tripster User Profile Image
Wellman Rood
Albion, ME
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Awesome educational tour"
August 2016
We toured statue of liberty and Ellis island learned so much about both places that I never heard and would to have read every poster and lots of books for all the information
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Tip: Good walking shoes

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Jeffrey M. Tripster User Profile Image
Jeffrey M.
Tuscaloosa, AL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Wonderful tour with a fantastic guide"
July 2016
Our family of four thoroughly enjoyed this tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Every feature was as promised, and the entire process went smoothly. Our guide, Amanda, was marvellous. She was well-informed and charming. The tour was well worth the price, and we would certainly try another one in our next trip.
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Jon Douglass-Bull Tripster User Profile Image
Jon Douglass-Bull
New York City, NY
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"A view of liberty"
June 2016
Had an amazing tour with really good weather which help! Nikki , our guide really knew her stuff and kept everyone engaged with her stories during the tour,
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Tip: Bring notes for the lockers, and comfortable footwear too.

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Rachel Morton Tripster User Profile Image
Rachel Morton
Prairieville, LA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great experience"
June 2016
I really enjoyed the tour and as I watched he'd others standing in long linest, I was grateful to have a guide who got us through quickly. Having a guide to answer questions and provide information that you might otherwise miss was invaluable. Only thing I would change would be to add more guided time on Ellis Island
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Tip: Also, plan to go to the 9/11 museum while in the area.

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J Close Tripster User Profile Image
J Close
1 Review
"Great experience"
May 2016
Great tour. Uncle Jeffrey, our guide, was entertaining, engaging and very knowledgeable.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour

Where is the meeting point?

The departure point for this Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour is at 22 Battery Place, with a meeting at the front entrance of Pier A Harbor House. Pier A Harbor House is to the right of the Statue of Liberty ferry and Castle Clinton. Please see your confirmation email for more details on this Statue of Liberty tour. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. The tour guides will be holding a sign with the Walks logo and “MEET HERE” on it. Do not go to the ticket line at Castle Clinton! Your guide will not be there!

How long is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour?

This Early Access Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour is approximately 4 hours.

What if I'm late?

If you are running late, it's best to contact the tour operator at the phone number on your e-ticket so they can reach out to your guide. This is not always possible for all tours - their guides are with other clients and are already into the tour (they ask them not to use their phones during their tour). But in some cases, a few-minute delay can be remedied. Most times, guides leave the meeting point within 5 minutes of the tour start time.

What is included in this tour?

This tour includes views of New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty Pedestal tickets, ferry access and priority boarding to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, access to Statue of Liberty Museum at Liberty Island, official audio guide on Ellis Island, a local English-speaking guide, and an expertly guided walking tour. This statue cruise and ferry service tour is given in English. They don’t offer multi-language tours.

What landmarks will we be visiting?

You will see the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island (first Access with the earliest tour time), the Statue of Liberty (Exterior Access), the NYC Statue of Liberty Museum, Battery Park, access to the nearby Ellis Island, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (the Ellis Island Museum), and the Castle Clinton National Monument.

Does this tour include access to the Statue Crown?

No. Unfortunately, tickets for the Statue of Liberty Crown are extremely limited, at only 365 per day, and sell out months in advance. Walks does not provide any tours that include the Statue of Liberty Crown.

Are the hospitals on Ellis Island included on this tour?

No, The old hospitals are not open to the public and have to be booked specially if you want to visit them.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is not included in this tour.

Is parking provided?

Street parking and paid parking lots are available near Battery Place, NY.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. restrictions for this tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. However, please note that if your tour includes the Statue Pedestal (which has elevator access) the only part you will NOT be able to visit is a small platform at the very top of the Statue Pedestal.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes! There are a lot of photo opportunities on this tour.

What should I bring?

You may bring water, a hat, sunglasses, parasol, and/or sunscreen, a coat, umbrella, or outer layers for the cooler months), and a photo ID for some of the stop-over sights. A reminder that this includes touring and ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, so using sunscreen is recommendable. All guests must pass through airport-style security to go to Lady Liberty. Certain items, including weapons, scissors, pocket knives, sharp items, or tools, are not permitted. Large items such as suitcases and backpacks are not allowed. Food and drink are not permitted except for water in a clear container. Please visit the United States National Park Service website for a complete list of items. Liberty Island has a national monument and part of Liberty State Park.

What should I wear?

It is recommended guests wear attire appropriate for the day’s weather forecast and comfortable walking shoes, so it's easy to navigate along uneven surfaces, dirt paths, cobblestone, etc.

Is this tour ever cancelled due to weather conditions?

Statue of Liberty tours run rain or shine. One exception is if the Coastguard ceases water traffic (which includes the ferry to the Statue of Liberty) due to inclement weather.

Should I bring the confirmation email?

A physical or digital copy of this confirmation email is not required to join your tour. Your guide (or tour coordinator) will have your name in their database, so as long as you know the name on the booking, you're set!