How early to arrive for the Statue of Liberty ferry (and how security works)

Most visitors who miss part of their Statue of Liberty day lose time in the morning, not on the islands. They get lost in Battery Park, join the wrong line or reach security with a suitcase. This guide explains where to go, how early to get there and how screening works, so your visit starts on time.

What the time on your ticket means

Your official Statue City Cruises ticket shows a time. That is the time to join the line at the security screening facility, not a ferry departure time. After screening, you board the next boat.

The National Park Service warns that the security wait can be an hour or more at busy times, including summer, weekends and holidays. Arriving early does not skip that line, but arriving late can cost you your slot.

Finding the departure point

Ferries from Manhattan leave from The Battery (Battery Park), at the southern tip of the island. Look for Castle Clinton, the large round stone fort near the water. The ticket office is inside Castle Clinton. Security and boarding are behind it, on the waterfront side of the park.

Nearest subway stations

• 1 train to South Ferry (last stop)
• 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green
• R or W train to Whitehall Street–South Ferry
• The M1, M6 and M15 buses also end at South Ferry.

Each station is a short walk from Castle Clinton. From the subway exit, walk into the park toward the water and follow the signs for the Statue of Liberty ferry. Work in the park can move paths around, so follow the posted signs on the day.

Local tip: people selling “Statue of Liberty tickets” often stand around Battery Park. You already have your ticket, so walk past them and go straight to Castle Clinton.

How security works

Every ferry passenger goes through airport-style screening before boarding. You walk through a metal detector, and your bags go through an x-ray machine. Keep your ticket and photo ID handy. To keep the line moving, put your phone, keys and coins in your bag before your turn. You may be asked to remove items such as belts or jackets.

What to leave at your hotel

• Suitcases, carry-on luggage and other large bags. Bags must fit through the x-ray machine.
• All weapons, including pocket knives, and other dangerous items
• Drones
• Flags, posters or banners bigger than 3 by 3 feet
• Permanent and erasable markers
• Speakers and other audio amplifiers
• Masks or costumes that hide your identity

There are no lockers at the screening area, and items taken at security are not returned. The Park Service says its list is not complete. If you are not sure about an item, leave it behind.

A second check for the pedestal

With a Pedestal Reserve ticket, you go through a second airport-style check on Liberty Island before entering the monument. The pedestal has stricter rules. Food and drinks are not allowed, except water in a clear plastic bottle. Backpack-style bags, strollers, tripods and large umbrellas are not allowed either. Lockers near the entrance hold your things for up to 2 hours, with a 25-cent deposit (quarters only; change machines are on site). Bring a small cross-body bag and you can skip the locker.

What happens if you are late

Leave early enough that you are not rushing. Missed departures cannot be refunded or changed.

If your plans change before the day, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund. See our cancellation policy.

How long the whole visit takes

A visit has four parts: security and the ferry from Battery Park, Liberty Island, Ellis Island and the ferry back. One boat links them all, so you go in one direction and come back from Ellis Island to Manhattan. Plan most of a day, and at least 4 to 5 hours if you want to see both islands without rushing. Add time for the pedestal, with its second screening and 215 steps (an elevator is available).

The Park Service recommends an early ferry if you want to see both islands in one day. Ferries stop in the late afternoon. Check the current schedule on the Statue City Cruises website before you go.

Tips for a smoother morning

• Pick an early time slot. Lines are usually shorter, and you have the whole day for both islands.
• Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends and holidays are the busiest days.
• Pack light. One small bag per person makes screening quicker.
• Have your ticket ready on your phone or printed, with the screen brightness up.
• Download your audio tours on Wi-Fi before you go. In the Le Way Go City Guide app for iPhone or Android, the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour works offline once you download it. The browser version needs an internet connection.
• Dress for the water. It is often windy on the ferry and on Liberty Island.

Want to know what happens between booking and boarding? Read How It Works, or see what’s inside the City Guide.

Ready to book?

The Pedestal Access tour includes the official Statue City Cruises Pedestal Reserve ticket (round-trip ferry, Liberty Island, pedestal and Ellis Island) and the Le Way Go City Guide, from $55 per adult. Your ticket arrives by email 24 hours before departure. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

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