Getting to the Statue of Liberty from Manhattan is a straightforward process that involves taking a ferry from Battery Park at the southern tip of the island.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Get to Battery Park
You must first travel to Battery Park, which is the departure point for the official ferries.
- By Subway (Highly Recommended): This is the easiest and most efficient way.
- 1 Train (7th Avenue Line) to the last stop, South Ferry.
- 4 or 5 Train (Lexington Avenue Line) to Bowling Green.
- R or W Train to Whitehall Street.
- By Bus: You can take the M15, M20, or M55 bus routes, which all stop near Battery Park.
- By Car or Ride-Sharing: While you can take a taxi or Uber, be aware that parking in this area of Manhattan is extremely limited and expensive. Public transportation is the better option. The GPS address is 1 Battery Place, New York, NY.
2. Purchase Your Ferry Tickets
You must buy tickets for the ferry, which is the only way to get onto Liberty Island.
- Official Vendor: The only authorized seller of tickets is Statue City Cruises. Do not buy tickets from street vendors, as they are often for harbor tours that do not land on the island.
- Book in Advance Online: It is strongly recommended that you purchase tickets online in advance from the official Statue City Cruises website. Tickets, especially for pedestal or crown access, sell out weeks or even months ahead. Booking online allows you to reserve your date and time and skip the long ticket-purchasing lines at Battery Park.
3. Board the Ferry
- Security: Arrive at Battery Park at least 30-60 minutes before your ticketed time. You will need to go through an airport-style security screening before boarding.
- The Ride: The ferry ride itself takes about 15 minutes to reach Liberty Island. Your ticket also includes a stop at Ellis Island, which you can visit after the Statue of Liberty.
In summary, the best way to get to the Statue of Liberty from Manhattan is to take the subway to Battery Park and use pre-purchased tickets to board the Statue City Cruises ferry.