The Statue of Liberty is open daily year-round, including most public holidays. The Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park (Manhattan) typically departs from around 9:00 AM, with the last outbound ferry to Liberty Island leaving around 3:30 PM in regular season. The last return ferry runs until approximately 5:30 PM. Crown and pedestal access operates on timed-entry reservations and requires separate advance booking.
Getting the ferry times right before your visit prevents two of the most common mistakes: arriving too late to board the last outbound ferry, or losing track of time on Ellis Island and scrambling for the last return. This guide covers every timing element of a Statue of Liberty visit — seasonal changes, crown and pedestal entry windows, Ellis Island hours, and holiday operations.
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Daily Opening Hours: Quick Reference
| Season | First Ferry (Battery Park) | Last Ferry to Island | Last Return Ferry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (Jun–Aug) | 8:30 AM | ~4:00 PM | ~6:00 PM |
| Regular Season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) | 9:00 AM | ~3:30 PM | ~5:30 PM |
| Winter Season (Nov–Mar) | 9:30 AM | ~2:30 PM | ~4:30 PM |
Important: these times reflect typical operations. Statue City Cruises and the National Park Service adjust hours seasonally. Always confirm current times at nps.gov/stli before your visit, particularly in winter when the schedule is reduced.
Ferry Departure Times from Battery Park (Manhattan)
The main departure point for the Statue of Liberty ferry is the Statue City Cruises terminal at Castle Clinton, Battery Park. During regular season, ferries run approximately every 20–30 minutes throughout the morning and early afternoon.
- First departure: 9:00–9:30 AM (regular season); 8:30 AM (peak summer)
- Departures every 20–30 minutes during morning and early afternoon
- Last outbound ferry to Liberty Island: approximately 3:30 PM (regular season)
- Last return ferry to Manhattan: approximately 5:30 PM (regular season)
- Arrive at the terminal 30–45 minutes before your intended ferry, especially in summer
For departure times from both terminals, seasonal changes, and tips for catching the first ferry of the day, the Statue of Liberty ferry schedule guide covers every detail including what to do if the service is disrupted.
Buy This TicketFerry Departures from Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
A second official departure point operates from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, served by the same Statue City Cruises operator. It is convenient for visitors staying in New Jersey or arriving via Newark Airport, and the crossing takes only about 8 minutes to Liberty Island.
- First NJ departure: typically 9:00 AM in regular season
- Ferries depart every 30 minutes
- Last outbound ferry: approximately 3:00 PM (regular season)
- Accessible via Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park station
Crown and Pedestal Access Hours
Crown and pedestal access operates on timed-entry reservations, not open access. Your ticket specifies an entry time window — typically in 30-minute intervals from 9:30 AM through approximately 3:30 PM. Missing your timed window means losing the access. Crown reservations must be booked up to 6 months in advance for peak summer dates. The pedestal is accessible by elevator.
Crown reservations are only bookable through the official Statue City Cruises website, and timed windows fill far in advance for popular dates. The crown ticket guide covers the booking process in full, while the pedestal ticket guide explains the elevator option and what you see from the observation deck.
Statue of Liberty Museum Hours
The Statue of Liberty Museum, which opened in 2019 on Liberty Island, is included with every admission ticket at no extra charge. It opens when the first ferry arrives each morning and closes approximately 45 minutes before the last return ferry. The museum houses the original 1886 torch, an engineering exhibition, and a 100-seat immersive theatre — all free with admission, and all worth allowing at least 45 minutes for.
Ellis Island Hours
Ellis Island is included with every Statue of Liberty ticket and is served by the same ferry on the return journey from Liberty Island. It operates on the same general schedule. Most visitors find that combining both islands on one day works best with an early first ferry — the guide on how long the visit takes gives realistic time estimates for ground admission, pedestal, crown, and adding Ellis Island to your day.
Holiday Hours and Closures
The Statue of Liberty operates on most federal holidays, including July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, though some holidays see adjusted ferry schedules. Severe weather — high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions — can suspend ferry service with little advance notice.
- July 4th: open, full or expanded schedule — very busy
- Thanksgiving: open, check for adjusted ferry times
- Christmas Day: open with reduced schedule
- New Year’s Day: open, regular or reduced schedule
- Severe weather: service may be suspended — check statuecruises.com on the day of your visit
What Time Should You Arrive at Battery Park?
The optimal strategy is to arrive at Battery Park 30–45 minutes before the first departure, particularly in summer when the 9:00 AM ferry fills within minutes of the terminal opening. Security screening takes 10–20 minutes and is airport-style, so building in that buffer means boarding comfortably rather than rushing. In quieter off-season months, arriving 15–20 minutes ahead is generally sufficient.
The best time to visit guide has a full month-by-month breakdown of crowd levels and day-of-week recommendations for every season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Statue of Liberty open?
The Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park typically departs from around 9:00 AM in the regular season (8:30 AM in peak summer). Liberty Island opens as visitors arrive on the first ferry. Confirm current times at nps.gov/stli before your visit.
What time does the last ferry leave for the Statue of Liberty?
In regular season, the last outbound ferry to Liberty Island from Battery Park departs around 3:30 PM. In winter, this moves to approximately 2:30 PM. Do not plan to board a late-afternoon ferry — you may miss it.
Is the Statue of Liberty open every day?
Yes. The Statue of Liberty and the ferry service operate daily year-round, including most public holidays. The only common exception is severe weather — high winds and icy conditions can suspend ferry service.
Is the Statue of Liberty open in winter?
Yes. The island and ferry remain open through winter, though with reduced hours and fewer daily departures. Winter is actually one of the least crowded times to visit.
Can I visit the Statue of Liberty in the evening?
Not on the island itself — the last return ferry typically departs between 5:00–6:00 PM depending on the season. However, several evening harbour cruises pass close to the statue and offer spectacular views of it lit up after dark.
Is the Statue of Liberty open on Christmas Day?
Yes, typically with a reduced ferry schedule. Check statuecruises.com closer to your visit date for exact Christmas Day departure times.
