Statue of Liberty ground admission starts from approximately $24.50 for adults and $12.25 for children aged 4–12, inclusive of the round-trip ferry. Pedestal access costs around $32 for adults. Crown access is ground admission plus a $3 crown fee per person. All tickets include the ferry to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Children aged 3 and under are free.
There is no single ‘Statue of Liberty ticket’ — there are three distinct access tiers, each giving a different level of access to the statue, all built on the same base ferry admission. Understanding the difference before you book saves both money and disappointment. This guide covers every ticket type, current pricing, what each includes, how to book, and how to decide which tier is right for your visit.
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Table of Contents
Ticket Tiers at a Glance
| Ticket | What Is Included | Adult Price | Child Price (4–12) | Book This Far Ahead (Summer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Admission | Ferry + Liberty Island + Museum + Ellis Island | ~$24.50 | ~$12.25 | 1–2 weeks |
| Pedestal Reserve | Everything above + pedestal observation deck | ~$32.00 | ~$17.00 | 3–4 weeks |
| Crown Reserve | Everything above + crown access (354 steps) | ~$27.50 | ~$15.25 | 3–6 months |
Prices shown are approximate based on current Statue City Cruises pricing and may vary seasonally. Children aged 3 and under are admitted free. Seniors aged 62 and above qualify for a reduced rate comparable to the child price.
Ground Admission: The Base Ticket
Ground admission is the standard Statue of Liberty ticket and what the vast majority of visitors purchase. It includes everything at Liberty Island and Ellis Island except access to the pedestal and crown interiors.
- Round-trip Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park or Liberty State Park
- Liberty Island — full outdoor access, the promenade around the statue’s base, all exterior viewpoints
- Statue of Liberty Museum — all 3 galleries, the original 1886 torch, engineering exhibits, 100-seat immersive theatre
- Free Park Ranger tours and audio guide in 12 languages
- Ellis Island — full access to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, the Great Hall, and the ancestor search database
Full details on what ground admission includes, how to book, and when third-party booking offers better cancellation terms are in the Statue of Liberty ground ticket guide.
Buy This TicketPedestal Reserve: The Mid-Tier Option
The pedestal observation deck sits approximately 154 feet above the ground, offering elevated close-up views of the statue’s face and torch that are impossible from ground level. Pedestal access is a timed-entry reservation added on top of ground admission. An elevator is available for visitors who cannot manage the 154 stairs.
The pedestal is the most practical elevated option for families and visitors with mobility considerations. Full booking instructions, what the views are like, and the elevator access process are in the pedestal ticket guide.
Crown Reserve: The Premium Experience
Crown access is the most exclusive Statue of Liberty experience. The crown sits approximately 305 feet above the ground, reached by climbing 354 narrow spiral stairs. Only 10 visitors are permitted in the crown at any one time, and each group spends approximately 5–10 minutes at the top before descending.
Crown tickets sell out 3–6 months ahead for summer dates and can only be booked through the official Statue City Cruises website — third-party platforms do not offer crown access. Step-by-step booking instructions, physical requirements, and what the views from the 25 crown windows are actually like are in the crown ticket guide.
Full Pricing Table: Adult, Child and Senior
| Ticket Type | Adult (13+) | Child (4–12) | Senior (62+) | Under 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Admission | ~$24.50 | ~$12.25 | ~$12.25 | Free |
| Pedestal Reserve | ~$32.00 | ~$17.00 | ~$17.00 | Free |
| Crown Reserve (incl. $3 crown fee) | ~$27.50 | ~$15.25 | ~$15.25 | Not permitted |
The crown fee is a separate charge applied on top of general admission pricing. Children under 4 are not permitted in the crown. Prices are approximate and updated periodically — confirm exact pricing at statuecruises.com when booking.
Guided Tour Option
A guided Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour combines the official ferry access with a knowledgeable guide for the full visit — covering the ferry crossing, Liberty Island, the museum, and Ellis Island. It is particularly well-suited to first-time visitors and families who want to maximise what they learn without advance research. The tour is sold through Viator and uses the same official ferry. Full details in the guided tour guide.
Book This TourOfficial Booking vs Third-Party Platforms
| Factor | Official Site (statuecruises.com) | Third-Party (GetYourGuide / Viator) |
|---|---|---|
| Crown & pedestal booking | Yes — only option | Not available |
| Ground admission | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Face value | Face value — no markup |
| Cancellation | Typically non-refundable | Often free cancellation up to 24h |
| Availability when sold out | N/A | Sometimes available |
The practical rule: use the official site when you need crown or pedestal access. For ground admission, a third-party platform with free cancellation is the smarter choice if your plans might change. A full booking walkthrough is in the official Statue of Liberty booking guide.
Cancellation Policies
- Official site (statuecruises.com): tickets are non-refundable once purchased
- GetYourGuide: general admission tickets typically include free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit date
- Viator: cancellation terms vary by tour — check the specific policy before purchasing
- Crown and pedestal tickets: generally non-refundable regardless of booking channel
Are There Discount Tickets or City Passes?
Several New York City multi-attraction passes include Statue of Liberty ground admission, including the New York CityPASS and Go City NYC pass. Whether a pass saves money depends on which other attractions you plan to visit. The NYC discount passes guide compares all available passes and calculates when each one represents genuine value versus booking direct.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Statue of Liberty?
Ground admission costs approximately $24.50 for adults and $12.25 for children aged 4–12, inclusive of the round-trip ferry. Pedestal access costs approximately $32 for adults. Crown access is ground admission plus a $3 crown fee per person. Children aged 3 and under are free.
What does a Statue of Liberty ticket include?
Every ticket includes the round-trip ferry, access to Liberty Island and all outdoor areas, the Statue of Liberty Museum, free Park Ranger tours, the audio guide, and access to Ellis Island. Pedestal and crown access require separate timed reservations at additional cost.
Is there a free entry day at the Statue of Liberty?
No. The Statue of Liberty requires a paid ferry ticket for island access on all days. However, the Staten Island Ferry and several harbour viewpoints offer free external views of the statue.
What is the difference between ground, pedestal, and crown tickets?
Ground admission gives full access to Liberty Island and the museum but not the interior of the statue. Pedestal adds a timed-entry permit to the observation deck at approximately 154 feet. Crown adds a timed-entry permit to the crown at approximately 305 feet via 354 narrow stairs.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Same-day ground admission tickets are sometimes available at the Battery Park terminal, but this is unreliable in summer. Pedestal and crown access always require advance booking.
Do children need a ticket?
Children aged 3 and under are admitted free. Children aged 4–12 need a reduced-price ticket. Children aged 13 and above pay adult prices.
Is there a senior discount?
Yes. Visitors aged 62 and above qualify for a senior ticket priced approximately the same as a child ticket for ground admission and pedestal access.
Are Statue of Liberty tickets refundable?
Official site tickets are typically non-refundable. GetYourGuide often offers free cancellation for ground admission up to 24 hours before the visit date.
Can I upgrade from ground admission to crown or pedestal on the day?
No. Crown and pedestal upgrades cannot be purchased on the island on the day of your visit. Both require advance reservations through the official booking site.
Do I need separate tickets for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island?
No. One Statue of Liberty ticket covers both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The ferry stops at both islands on the same round trip.
Where do I buy official Statue of Liberty tickets?
Official tickets are sold at statuecruises.com. Authorised third-party platforms including GetYourGuide and Viator also sell legitimate ground admission tickets at the same face value price.
What is the cheapest way to visit the Statue of Liberty?
Ground admission at approximately $24.50 for adults is the most affordable paid option and includes the full island experience, the museum, and Ellis Island. A city pass that bundles the Statue of Liberty with other NYC attractions can reduce the per-attraction cost for visitors planning multiple sites.
