Visiting Statue of Liberty (2015, purchase, price)
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We were planning on visiting the Statue of Liberty end of the summer but we're worried of lines. How bad do they get (NY side)? We would be coming on a Thursday afternoon say around 1pm.
Also, can someone confirm if we go on the ferry, that we can return to Battery Park at 5pm or is the last ferry 3pm? I've heard both.
The last ferry leaves from the NY side at 5pm and the last returning ferry from Ellis Island is 5:45p. My suggestion is to purchase your tickets in advance. Saves time because you purchase the tickets in one spot, standing in line, and then walk across the street to the ferry lines to stand in that line.
How bad do they get (NY side)? We would be coming on a Thursday afternoon say around 1pm.
I've never seen how bad they get, because a tourguide who knew his stuff told me years ago: the way to beat Statue lines and crowds is to depart on the first boat of the day. So that's what I do, and keep passing along same advice. IIRC, "first boat" still means arriving an hour departure, to line up for the line.
My grandmother had it better. The boat captain just came below deck into steerage, told all the immigrants they could come up onto the deck for a short time to see the Statue. She had a great moment, retold it her whole life. But, she waited a month in the dark for it.
Thanks for the replies. We're thinking of going the day we arrive so can't do first thing. But we may just skip it if lines are long. Good to know you can purchase tickets in advance and save part of the line.
And good to know that the last ferry is at 6:56pm (if i'm reading it correctly). If it was 3pm, it would have been too tight to consider.
You know you can get a good view of the Statue just by sailing by on the Staten Island Ferry that's a part of the regular MTA system. Go over and back, like a commuter does. It's pretty at sunset, I'm told. Maybe others can tell you better how to find it.
That's not same as taking the ferry that stops at Liberty Island National Park, and hiking/climbing around her, from your website link.
But a sail-by is still a moving experience. It's similar to what the boat immigrants of the early 20th century saw when they arrived in America, although historians will nit-pick that of course. Those boats were headed for Ellis Island, not to Staten Island.
The MTA ferry to Staten Island lets you sail pretty close underneath, with time to snap a few photographs and reflect on what it all means to you. It might be a good compromise for your trip this time.
Last edited by BrightRabbit; 07-30-2015 at 05:29 PM..
You now have to purchase tickets well in advance during peak tourist season. We were unable to go this summer during our visit to my family on LI because they were sold out 2 months in advance!
Pass by Lady Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry (free and relatively uncrowded during the day) and save yourself a LOT of aggravation. No reservations needed.
We actually went there not so long ago, I woke up that Saturday morning and said WTH lets take the kids and go see Lady Liberty! I was surprised to see that there were LOTS of same day tickets available for regular admission and to go up to the pedestal (same price). We left from the NJ - it was easier for us since we drive and parking at the park is free- Views from NJ side are awesome. Everything was a breeze, security check, docking the ferry etc. We had a great time, learned alot and would probably go visit again. BTW, For crown access i hear its up to an 8 week wait for those of you that are interested in going all the way up there- not my cup of tea
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