The Statue of Liberty ground admission ticket includes the round-trip Statue City Cruises ferry, full access to Liberty Island and all outdoor areas, the Statue of Liberty Museum (all 3 galleries, including the original 1886 torch), free Park Ranger tours, the audio guide in 12 languages, and access to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum — all on one ticket. Ground admission does not include the pedestal observation deck or the crown, which require separate timed reservations.
Ground admission is the foundation of every Statue of Liberty visit and gives you access to far more than most visitors realise before they arrive. This guide covers exactly what is included, how much it costs by age category, how it compares to pedestal and crown access, and how to book with the most favourable cancellation terms.
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# Statue of Liberty Ground Admission Ticket
# Statue of Liberty Ticket
# Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour
Table of Contents
What Is Included in the Ground Ticket?
- Round-trip Statue City Cruises ferry — from Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
- Liberty Island outdoor access — the full promenade around the statue’s base, the grounds, and all exterior viewpoints
- Statue of Liberty Museum — all 3 galleries including the original 1886 torch, the Gustave Eiffel engineering exhibition, and the 100-seat immersive theatre
- Free Park Ranger tours — live guided tours departing throughout the day from the visitor centre
- Audio guide — handheld device in 12 languages at no extra charge
- Ellis Island — full access to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, including the Great Hall and the ancestor search database
Ground admission does not grant access to the pedestal observation deck or the crown interior. Both require separate timed-entry reservations that must be booked in advance through the official Statue City Cruises website.
Buy This TicketTicket Prices: Adult, Child and Senior
| Visitor Type | Approximate Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | ~$24.50 | Standard rate |
| Child (4–12) | ~$12.25 | Reduced rate |
| Senior (62+) | ~$12.25 | Reduced rate — proof of age may be required |
| Under 3 | Free | No ticket required |
Prices are approximate and based on current Statue City Cruises pricing. Exact costs may vary seasonally. Always confirm current pricing when booking at statuecruises.com or through authorised third-party platforms.
Ground Admission vs Pedestal vs Crown
| Feature | Ground Admission | Pedestal Reserve | Crown Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Liberty Island access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Statue of Liberty Museum | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ellis Island | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pedestal deck (~154 ft) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Crown (~305 ft, 354 steps) | No | No | Yes |
| Elevator available | N/A | Yes | No — stairs only |
| Advance booking (summer) | 1–2 weeks | 3–4 weeks | 3–6 months |
| Approximate adult price | ~$24.50 | ~$32.00 | ~$27.50 |
For most visitors — particularly those visiting for the first time — ground admission provides a deeply satisfying full-day experience. The museum, promenade, and Ellis Island together justify the ticket many times over. Upgrading to pedestal or crown is worth considering for those who want an elevated perspective; the pedestal ticket guide and crown ticket guide cover both options in detail.
How to Book
Option 1: GetYourGuide — Recommended for Flexible Cancellation
GetYourGuide sells the same official Statue City Cruises ferry ticket at the same face value, with the significant advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit date. This makes it the recommended booking route for visitors whose plans might change — the price is identical but the terms are far more flexible.
Buy This TicketOption 2: Official Site (statuecruises.com)
- Visit the official booking site at statuecruises.com and click ‘Buy Tickets’ to begin
- Choose your visit date and a ferry departure time
- Select ‘Ground Admission’ and the number of tickets by age category
- Choose departure terminal: Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
- Complete checkout — you will receive a QR code confirmation by email
- On the day: present your QR code at the terminal for scanning and boarding
Cancellation Policy
- Official site (statuecruises.com): tickets are non-refundable once purchased
- GetYourGuide: free cancellation typically available up to 24 hours before the visit date — confirm at time of booking
- Viator: cancellation terms vary by product — check the specific policy before purchasing
If there is any chance your plans could change, booking through GetYourGuide with free cancellation is strongly recommended. The ticket price is identical — the only difference is the terms.
What to Expect on the Day
Arrive at Battery Park 30–45 minutes before your ferry departure, particularly in summer. Security screening takes 10–20 minutes. The ferry crossing to Liberty Island takes approximately 15 minutes. For full day-of logistics — what to wear, bag size limits, photography spots, and security tips — the Statue of Liberty visitor tips guide covers everything.
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
What does the Statue of Liberty ground ticket include?
The ground ticket includes the round-trip ferry, full access to Liberty Island and all outdoor areas, the Statue of Liberty Museum, free Park Ranger tours, the audio guide in 12 languages, and access to Ellis Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Does the ground ticket include Ellis Island?
Yes. Ellis Island is included with every Statue of Liberty admission ticket including ground admission. No additional ticket or charge is required.
How much does the Statue of Liberty ground ticket cost?
Approximately $24.50 for adults, $12.25 for children aged 4–12, and $12.25 for seniors aged 62 and above. Children aged 3 and under are free.
Can I upgrade to crown or pedestal on the day?
No. Crown and pedestal access cannot be added on the day of your visit. Both require advance timed reservations through the official Statue City Cruises booking site.
Is the Statue of Liberty ground ticket refundable?
Tickets from the official site are non-refundable. GetYourGuide typically offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit — this is the recommended booking route if flexibility matters.
How far in advance should I book ground admission?
In summer (June–August), book 1–2 weeks ahead for reliable availability. In spring and autumn, a few days ahead is usually sufficient. In winter, same-day tickets are often available at the terminal.
What is the difference between ground admission and a reserve ticket?
Ground admission includes everything on Liberty Island and Ellis Island except the pedestal and crown interiors. A pedestal reserve adds timed-entry to the observation deck at approximately 154 feet. A crown reserve adds access to the crown at approximately 305 feet via 354 narrow stairs.
Does third-party booking use a different ferry?
No. Tickets purchased through GetYourGuide or Viator use the identical Statue City Cruises ferry from the same terminal. There is no separate or inferior service for third-party ticket holders.
