If you’re planning a trip to New York City, a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is practically mandatory. This tour offers a straightforward way to tick those iconic landmarks off your list without the hassle of navigating public transportation. We’re here to help you understand what this experience really involves—its highlights, its limitations, and whether it’s worth your time and money.
What we appreciate about this tour is its convenience: roundtrip transfers from Midtown eliminate the need to figure out subways or buses, and the ferry rides provide fantastic views of Manhattan’s skyline. The option to start your day with a pastry and coffee adds a nice touch of comfort, especially after an early morning. However, a key consideration is that it does not include access to the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty—so if those are on your must-see list, you’ll need to upgrade or explore other options. This tour is best suited for first-time visitors who want an easy, rundown of these famous sites without the fuss.
Key Points
- All-in-one convenience: Roundtrip transfers from Midtown make it simple to reach the ferries without navigating NYC’s subway system.
- Flexible options: You can choose to include breakfast and the 60-minute cruise, tailoring the experience to your interests.
- Limited access: The tour does not include access to the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty.
- Water views: Even without climbing, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of Manhattan from the ferries and cruise.
- Time management: About 6.5 hours, including travel and sightseeing, which makes for a full but manageable day.
- Authentic experiences: Visiting both Liberty Island and Ellis Island offers insight into American history—immigration stories included.
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Contents
- Key Points
- The Itinerary: What to Expect
- Starting Point: Times Square
- Liberty Island: The Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island: Immigration History
- Returning to Midtown
- What’s Included and what’s Not
- Practical Considerations
- Authentic Feedback from Travelers
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in New York City
- More Tickets in New York City
- More Tour Reviews in New York City
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in New York City we have recnetly reviewed
The Itinerary: What to Expect
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Starting Point: Times Square
The tour kicks off at a central location in Midtown Manhattan, at 211 W 43rd St. Here, you’ll meet your guide and hop on a bus that will take you directly to the ferry terminal. The advantage? You skip the subway commute, which can be a relief, especially during busy hours or if you’re unfamiliar with city transit. The meeting point is easily accessible, but the only slight hiccup was noted in a review—the app’s instructions misled one traveler to the wrong location, and the guide’s quick call helped them find the right spot. That’s a reminder to double-check meeting details.
Liberty Island: The Statue of Liberty
Your main stop is Liberty Island, where the ferry tickets are included if you select that option. Here, you’ll get some time—around four hours—to soak in the sights. You can admire Lady Liberty from the island or walk around the base if you’ve upgraded for pedestal access (which this tour does not include). For most first-timers, just seeing her up close from the water and having time to take photos is a highlight.
Note that if you choose the Statue of Liberty Express Cruise, it takes you on a 60-minute water-only cruise around the island, offering great skyline views but no landing on Liberty Island itself. Some travelers have expressed frustration about this, as views from the water mean you won’t get as close as on the standard ferry.
Ellis Island: Immigration History
After Liberty Island, the ferry takes you to Ellis Island, the historic entry point for millions of immigrants. While this tour doesn’t specify a detailed visit inside the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, being there means you’re standing where countless stories of hope and hardship unfolded. It’s a poignant addition to your NYC experience and provides context for the diverse fabric of American society.
Returning to Midtown
The return journey involves a bus from Battery Park back to Times Square. If you’ve opted for the full package, including the cruise, you’ll enjoy a scenic 60-minute boat ride that highlights the Manhattan skyline. A review notes that this cruise is free, but it’s important to remember that it does not stop at Liberty Island, only offering views from the water.
What’s Included and what’s Not
The basic package includes roundtrip bus transfers, ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and the optional 60-minute cruise. Breakfast, if you choose that option, is limited to a pastry and coffee—a small but appreciated touch to start your day.
What’s not included? Access to the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty, which require separate tickets and are often the most sought-after parts of the visit. Plus, this tour doesn’t include guided tours inside the islands or museums, so you’re primarily sightseeing at your own pace.
Practical Considerations
The tour’s duration—about 6.5 hours—makes it a full morning or early afternoon outing. The timing is flexible enough for other activities later in the day, but keep in mind you’ll be on a set schedule once you join the group. The maximum group size of 55 travelers might sound large, but it can still be manageable, especially with an organized guide.
Pricing at $59.99 per person offers reasonable value, considering transportation, ferry, and cruise costs are bundled. Still, travelers should weigh whether they want a more in-depth experience that might include pedestal access or a guided tour inside the islands.
Authentic Feedback from Travelers
One review pointed out a hiccup: “The meeting place the app told me to go to was the wrong place. The guide called and told me where we were actually supposed to be. He was very nice and helpful.” This highlights the importance of confirming your meeting details and being prepared for possible small miscommunications.
Another traveler appreciated the convenience: “Avoid the subway with roundtrip transfers from Midtown Manhattan,” which is a big plus for visitors unfamiliar with NYC transit. The tour’s simplicity makes it accessible for most travelers, especially those on a tight schedule or with mobility considerations.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This package is ideal for first-time visitors who want an easy, no-fuss introduction to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful experience with good views and minimal hassle, this tour hits the mark. It’s also suitable for families or older travelers who prefer not to navigate public transit or walk long distances.
However, if you’re eager to climb the pedestal or the crown, or want a guided inside tour, you’ll need to look elsewhere or pay extra. For those interested in a more immersive experience, this tour may feel a bit limited.
The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?
This Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour offers a practical way to see two of the most iconic symbols of New York City, especially if you value convenience and straightforward logistics. The included transfers mean less time worrying about transportation, and the ferry rides provide excellent photo opportunities of the Manhattan skyline. It’s perfect for first-time visitors seeking a basic yet memorable experience without the complications of planning every detail.
The limited access to the statue’s interior and the absence of guided commentary inside the museums** mean this isn’t the best choice for history buffs or those wanting an in-depth exploration. It’s more of a “see and enjoy” tour, suited for travelers who prefer to keep things simple and focus on the sights.
For a well-organized, reasonably priced introduction to Liberty and Ellis Islands, this tour is a solid pick. Just be sure to understand what’s included—and what’s not—so you can tailor your expectations accordingly.
NYC Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Visit with Ferry Ticket
FAQ
Does this tour include access to the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty?
No, the tour does not include access to the Pedestal or Crown. Those require additional tickets and planning.
How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including transfers, ferry rides, and sightseeing time.
Are the ferry tickets included?
Yes, if you select the option, ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included.
Is there an option for a water-only cruise?
Yes, the 60-minute Statue of Liberty Express Cruise is available, but it does not stop on Liberty Island—views are from the water only.
What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at 211 W 43rd St in Midtown Manhattan, a location convenient for public transport.
Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.
What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
This tour offers a practical way to see two of NYC’s most famous landmarks, especially suited for those who value convenience and straightforward sightseeing. While it lacks some of the more specialized access options, it provides a solid, enjoyable, and affordable introduction to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
