To visit the Statue of Liberty, you must take the official Statue City Cruises ferry. There are two departure points: Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. The ferry crossing takes approximately 15 minutes from Manhattan and 8 minutes from New Jersey. Your Statue of Liberty ticket includes the round-trip ferry — there is no separate boat ticket to purchase.
Liberty Island sits in New York Harbour, accessible only by boat. Getting there is straightforward once you know which ferry to take and how to reach the terminal. This guide covers every route to both departure points, the subway lines to use, parking options, rideshare drop-off, and — critically — why the Staten Island Ferry will not get you to the statue.
Top Tickets
Table of Contents
The Official Ferry: Your Only Route to Liberty Island
The Statue of Liberty ferry is operated by Statue City Cruises under a National Park Service concession. It departs from two terminals, runs to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and is included with every Statue of Liberty ticket. No other boat service will land you on Liberty Island — the ferry is the only option.
Buy This TicketFrom Manhattan: Battery Park Ferry Terminal
Battery Park is the primary departure point, located at the southern tip of Manhattan near the Financial District. The Statue City Cruises terminal is inside Battery Park, adjacent to Castle Clinton National Monument.
By Subway — Recommended
- 1 train to South Ferry / Whitehall Street — exits directly into Battery Park, 2-minute walk to terminal
- 4 / 5 trains to Bowling Green — 3-minute walk south through the park to the terminal
- R / W trains to Whitehall Street / South Ferry — 3-minute walk to terminal
- J / Z trains to Broad Street — 8-minute walk south along Broadway to Battery Park
By Taxi or Rideshare
Ask for Battery Park or Castle Clinton. Rideshare vehicles drop off on State Street, adjacent to Battery Park’s northern edge. Allow extra time for lower Manhattan traffic, particularly on weekend mornings when visitor numbers are highest.
On Foot
From the Financial District (Wall Street area): a 10–15 minute walk south along Broadway to Battery Park. From Tribeca: approximately 20 minutes walking south. The route is flat and straightforward.
From New Jersey: Liberty State Park Ferry Terminal
Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers a second official departure point. It uses the same Statue City Cruises operator and ticket — no separate booking required — and the crossing to Liberty Island takes just 8 minutes.
By NJ Transit Light Rail
- Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park station — the ferry terminal is a short walk from the platform
- Light Rail connects from Hoboken, Journal Square (Jersey City), and Bayonne
- From Hoboken Terminal: approximately 20 minutes
- From Journal Square: approximately 10 minutes
By Car with Parking
Liberty State Park has extensive paid surface parking. Take the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 14B (Liberty State Park). GPS: Liberty State Park Ferry Terminal, Jersey City, NJ 07305. This is the most practical option for visitors driving from New Jersey or arriving from Newark Liberty International Airport.
From Newark Airport
- NJ Transit train from Newark Airport to Newark Penn Station
- Transfer to PATH train or NJ Transit to Journal Square, Jersey City
- Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park station
- Total journey time from Newark Airport: approximately 45–60 minutes
The Staten Island Ferry: Views Only, Not Island Access
The Staten Island Ferry is a free public commuter service that runs between Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and Staten Island. It passes close to the Statue of Liberty and offers clear views from the open deck — but it does not stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island. To actually visit the Statue of Liberty, you must use the official Statue City Cruises ferry and hold a valid ticket.
This is the single most common misconception among first-time visitors to New York. Thousands of people board the Staten Island Ferry expecting to visit the statue and find themselves sailing past it to Staten Island. The ferry is excellent for a free exterior view of the statue from the water, but that is all it offers — all the free and paid viewpoints around the harbour are mapped out in the guide to seeing the Statue of Liberty for free.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival at Battery Park
- Carry your booking confirmation (digital QR code or printed) ready for scanning at the terminal
- Security screening is airport-style — arrive 30–45 minutes before your ferry in summer, 15–20 minutes in quieter seasons
- The terminal opens approximately 30 minutes before the first ferry of the day
- Bags larger than 45 x 35 x 20 cm cannot pass through security — leave large luggage at your hotel
- There is no luggage storage at the Battery Park terminal — nearby options are on State Street
Save 40% and more! The New York CityPASS is a popular discount card that helps you save 41% on your ticket costs and also guarantees seamless entry to up to five attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the Staten Island Ferry to the Statue of Liberty?
No. The Staten Island Ferry passes near the Statue of Liberty but does not stop at Liberty Island. To visit the statue, you need an official Statue City Cruises ticket departing from Battery Park or Liberty State Park, New Jersey.
Which ferry terminal is better — Battery Park or Liberty State Park?
Battery Park in Manhattan is more convenient for most visitors, being directly accessible by multiple subway lines. Liberty State Park is better if you are staying in New Jersey, driving, or arriving from Newark Airport.
How do I get to Battery Park by subway?
Take the 1 train to South Ferry / Whitehall Street, or the 4/5 to Bowling Green. Both stations are within a 2–5 minute walk of the Statue City Cruises terminal at Castle Clinton.
Is there parking at Battery Park?
There is no public parking within Battery Park. The nearest garages are on Washington Street and West Street north of the park, typically $30–$60 per day. The subway is strongly recommended over driving to lower Manhattan.
How far is the Statue of Liberty from Manhattan?
Liberty Island sits approximately 1.5 miles from the southern tip of Manhattan. The ferry crossing from Battery Park takes about 15 minutes.
Can I walk to the Statue of Liberty?
No. Liberty Island is accessible only by boat. The official Statue City Cruises ferry is the only way to reach the island.
Where exactly is the ferry terminal in Battery Park?
The Statue City Cruises terminal is inside Battery Park, adjacent to Castle Clinton National Monument. It is clearly signed within the park. The nearest subway exit (South Ferry on the 1 line) is approximately 2 minutes on foot.
How long does it take to get from Midtown Manhattan to Battery Park?
By subway (1 train from Times Square to South Ferry): approximately 20–25 minutes. By taxi or rideshare: 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Allow extra time on busy weekend mornings.
