The official Statue of Liberty ferry, operated by Statue City Cruises, departs Battery Park (Manhattan) approximately every 20–30 minutes starting from 9:00 AM in regular season. The last outbound ferry to Liberty Island departs around 3:30 PM, with the final return running until approximately 5:30 PM. Ferries also operate from Liberty State Park, New Jersey. The round-trip ferry is included with every Statue of Liberty ticket.
Getting the ferry times right is one of the most important logistics decisions of a Statue of Liberty visit. Miss the last outbound ferry and your visit doesn’t happen. Cut it too close on the return and the afternoon becomes stressful. This guide covers departure times from both terminals, the full island route, seasonal schedule changes, and what to do if the service is disrupted.
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Table of Contents
Ferry Times at a Glance
| Departure Point | First Ferry | Frequency | Last to Island | Last Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Park (Manhattan) | 9:00–9:30 AM | Every 20–30 min | ~3:30 PM | ~5:30 PM |
| Liberty State Park (NJ) | 9:00 AM | Every 30 min | ~3:00 PM | ~5:00 PM |
Note: these times reflect regular season operations (approximately April–October). Winter and peak summer hours differ. Always confirm current departure times at statuecruises.com before your visit.
Regular Season Ferry Schedule (April – October)
During regular season, Battery Park ferries run frequently and start early. The first departure leaves around 9:00–9:30 AM, with additional ferries departing every 20–30 minutes throughout the morning and early afternoon.
- First Battery Park departure: 9:00–9:30 AM
- Peak frequency (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): ferries every 20 minutes
- Last outbound ferry to Liberty Island: approximately 3:30 PM
- Last return ferry to Manhattan: approximately 5:30 PM
- Arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your intended departure in summer
Peak Season Ferry Schedule (June – August)
During peak summer months, Statue City Cruises extends its schedule slightly, with the first ferry departing earlier to manage demand.
- First Battery Park departure: approximately 8:30 AM
- Last outbound ferry to Liberty Island: approximately 4:00 PM
- Last return ferry: approximately 6:00 PM
- Arrive by 8:00–8:15 AM to board the first ferry — queues build quickly
Winter Ferry Schedule (November – March)
Ferry service continues through winter with reduced frequency and an earlier last departure. The island is far less crowded, making winter visits a genuine option for those who don’t mind the cold.
- First Battery Park departure: approximately 9:30 AM
- Frequency: every 30–40 minutes
- Last outbound ferry to Liberty Island: approximately 2:30 PM
- Last return ferry: approximately 4:30 PM
Weather disruptions: high winds, heavy rain, or icy conditions can reduce or cancel service with little notice. Check statuecruises.com on the morning of any winter visit to confirm the ferry is running.
The Ferry Route: Liberty Island and Ellis Island
The official Statue of Liberty ferry serves both Liberty Island and Ellis Island on the same route and ticket. Understanding how the route works helps you plan how to divide time across both islands.
- Depart Battery Park or Liberty State Park — complete security screening before boarding (10–20 minutes)
- Ferry to Liberty Island — 15 minutes from Manhattan, 8 minutes from NJ. The statue grows from a silhouette to a full copper figure on the approach — worth being on the upper deck for
- Explore Liberty Island — disembark and explore freely. Your ticket is not timed unless you have a crown or pedestal reservation
- Ferry to Ellis Island — board any available outbound ferry to Ellis Island, included in your ticket
- Return to departure point — catch the return ferry from Ellis Island back to Battery Park or Liberty State Park
Both islands are included on the same ticket. Combining both in one day works well with an early start — the guide on how long the Statue of Liberty takes gives realistic time estimates for every combination.
The Staten Island Ferry: What It Is and What It Is Not
The Staten Island Ferry is a free public commuter service that runs between Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and Staten Island. It passes near the Statue of Liberty and provides views from the open deck — but it does not stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island. You cannot visit the Statue of Liberty by taking the Staten Island Ferry.
This confusion affects thousands of visitors every year. The Staten Island Ferry is a genuine and completely free way to see the statue from the water, and several other harbour viewpoints offer the same — all are detailed in the guide to seeing the Statue of Liberty for free.
Buy This TicketTips for Catching the Ferry
- In summer, the 8:30–9:00 AM ferries fill fastest — arrive at the terminal by 8:00–8:30 AM
- Security at the terminal is airport-style — remove belts, phones, and items from bags for the scanner
- Digital QR tickets are accepted — ensure screen brightness is high in direct sunlight at the terminal
- If you have a crown or pedestal reservation, your ferry departure must get you to the statue base before your timed entry window — allow at least 60–90 minutes from boarding to reaching the statue
- Listen for the island PA announcements — the last return ferry is announced approximately 30 minutes before departure
What If You Miss the Last Ferry?
Ferry staff monitor the last return departure carefully and ensure all visitors on the island board before the final sailing. However, cutting it close is stressful and not advisable. If you are on Ellis Island late in the afternoon, allow at least 30–45 minutes to get back to the ferry dock in time for the last return sailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the last ferry from the Statue of Liberty?
In regular season, the last return ferry from Liberty Island to Battery Park departs around 5:00–5:30 PM. In winter this moves to around 4:00–4:30 PM. In peak summer, the last return runs until approximately 6:00 PM. Check statuecruises.com for exact times on your visit date.
How often do ferries run to the Statue of Liberty?
During regular season, ferries depart Battery Park every 20–30 minutes. In winter, the interval extends to 30–40 minutes. In peak summer, frequency increases with the extended schedule.
Does the Staten Island Ferry go to the Statue of Liberty?
No. The Staten Island Ferry passes by the statue but does not stop at Liberty Island. You need an official Statue City Cruises ticket departing from Battery Park or Liberty State Park to visit the island.
Is the ferry included in the Statue of Liberty ticket price?
Yes. Every Statue of Liberty ticket includes the round-trip ferry to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. There is no separate ferry fare.
Can I take a later ferry if I arrive after my booked departure time?
For general admission tickets, you can typically board any available ferry on your ticket date. Crown and pedestal reservations have a specific timed entry — if you miss your booked ferry and risk being late for your entry window, contact Statue City Cruises immediately.
Where does the Statue of Liberty ferry depart from in Manhattan?
The ferry departs from the Statue City Cruises terminal at Castle Clinton in Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan. The nearest subway stops are South Ferry on the 1 line and Bowling Green on the 4/5 lines.
How long is the ferry ride to Liberty Island?
The crossing from Battery Park takes approximately 15 minutes. From Liberty State Park in New Jersey it is approximately 8 minutes. On the outbound journey the statue grows steadily larger as you approach the island — a genuine highlight of the visit.
Can I board the ferry from New Jersey instead of Manhattan?
Yes. Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers a second official departure point with the same ticket. The crossing takes only 8 minutes to Liberty Island and is a convenient option for visitors staying in New Jersey or arriving via Newark Airport.
