10 Best Statue of Liberty Tours in NYC

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 10 Best Statue of Liberty Tours in NYC

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of the top things to do in New York City, so taking a Statue of Liberty tour is a great idea.

There are several excellent tours that include ferry access to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. Some of them also go to neighboring Ellis Island, where you can see the Immigration Museum. You can also find tours that go specifically to the Statue of Liberty as well as tour packages that include Lady Liberty as part of the itinerary.

So, whether you want to travel by ferry, speedboat, sightseeing boat, or helicopter, or you’d like to see the Statue of Liberty and other attractions, I’ve got you covered. These are the 10 best Statue of Liberty tours:

1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry
2. Guided Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour
3. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, & Pre-Ferry Tour
4. 1-Hour Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Cruise
5. 90-Minute Landmarks Cruise
6. Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
7. City Skyline Experience Helicopter Tour
8. The Beast Speedboat Tour
9. 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, & Ellis Island Tour
10. Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise

As you can see, there are lots of options, so I’ll also share a comparison chart where you can see the duration and pricing for all these Statue of Liberty tours and tickets at the end of this guide.

1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ferry and ticket from NY or NJ

First, this half-day tour can depart from New York or Liberty State Park in New Jersey, so it’s a convenient option for many tourists. You’ll board the ferry for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, then enjoy the beautiful views of the NYC skyline as your trip begins.

1. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ferry and ticket from NY or NJ

The first stop is Ellis Island, where nearly 12 million immigrants arrived in the U.S. from 1892 to 1954. Here, you can explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and learn more about this national symbol, which represented a new life and beginning for so many families. You can also access the records at the American Family Immigration History Center, maybe to look up your own family history.

Next, you’ll hop back on the ferry and make your way to Liberty Island, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. The historical exhibits include all kinds of facts and stories about Lady Liberty, as well as her original torch. You’ll get an audio guide for both the Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty museums, so you can go through the exhibits at your own pace.

• Price: $30+
• Duration: 6 hours
• Highlights: Round-trip ferry service to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, self-guided tour of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and Statue of Liberty Museum

2. Guided Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour from NY

This cruise to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is one of the top tours in NYC, so it deserves a spot on this list. You’ll join a knowledgeable guide at Battery Park, where you’ll board the Statue of Liberty ferry and sail across New York Harbor.

Enjoy the lovely views of Lady Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline, then hop off the ferry at Liberty Island and use your skip-the-line ticket to enter the Statue of Liberty Museum. Your tour guide will share insider info and trivia about this national symbol, then you can explore the displays and exhibitions inside.

2. Guided Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour from NY

The next stop is Ellis Island, home to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Again, your guide will lead you around Ellis Island or, you can choose the express option, during which you’ll explore the place on your own. Either way, you’ll learn more about the country’s immigrant history and gain new insights into New York City’s past.

• Price: $44+
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Highlights: Round-trip ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, and a guided tour through the Immigration Museum and Statue of Liberty Museum

3. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, & pre-ferry tour

If you want to view the Statue of Liberty from several unique lookout points, check out this tour. You’ll start at Battery Park, one of the best parks in NYC with several historical monuments. For example, Castle Clinton is an old military fortress where you can see the Battery Cannon and the Coast Guard Memorial. Battery Park is also home to the Bosque Gardens and Fountain, which are worth seeing, too.

After spending 30 minutes in the park, you’ll board the ferry and go to the Statue of Liberty with your group. As your guide shares some facts about this national symbol, you’ll get nice views of the Lower and Midtown Manhattan skyline.

3. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, & pre-ferry tour

The ferry will approach the Statue of Liberty, then you’ll hop on land and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. See Lady Liberty up close and learn more about how she was built and arrived in the U.S. After spending some time on Liberty Island, you’ll take the ferry to Ellis Island, where you’ll tour through the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.

This tour includes audio guides for each museum, but if you prefer having a guide take you through the exhibits, you can upgrade your tour.

• Price: $46+
• Duration: 3-6 hours
• Highlights: Walking tour through Battery Park, ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, admission to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration museums

4. 1-Hour Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island cruise

This sightseeing cruise is a quick, fun Statue of Liberty tour, and one of the best boat rides in New York City. Climb aboard a sturdy vessel with an outdoor deck and an indoor seating area with large windows to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Then, you’ll set sail on New York Harbor and see all of Manhattan from the water. An onboard guide will narrate your journey, pointing out famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Governor’s Island, and the Manhattan Bridge. Capture a photo of the iconic skyline, then cruise over to the Statue of Liberty.

4. 1-Hour Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island cruise

This Statue of Liberty ferry doesn’t stop at Liberty Island, but you’ll get within 100 feet of the monument, so you can see Lady Liberty up close from the water. After sailing past Liberty Island, you’ll cruise over to Ellis Island, where you can get a closer look at this historic immigration processing center. On the way back to the pier, you’ll sail along the other side of Manhattan, passing under the Brooklyn Bridge, the most popular bridge in NYC, before coming back to land.

This is a quick and affordable boat tour of the Statue of Liberty, so if you’re exploring NYC in 2 days but want to say hi to Lady Liberty, try this one!

• Price: $30+
• Duration: 1 hour
• Highlights: Narrated cruise through New York Harbor around Liberty and Ellis Islands

5. 90-Minute Landmarks Cruise, a fun tour around the Statue of Liberty & Manhattan

This 90-minute cruise is another great and quick NYC boat tour to the Statue of Liberty and other popular Manhattan attractions. I recommend this tour if you want to see Lady Liberty and a handful of other famous landmarks in a short period of time. For example, if you are planning a 3-day trip to NYC.

This cruise is narrated by a knowledgeable guide who will share some historical and interesting facts about New York City and some of its most well-known places and attractions. As you sail along the Hudson River, you’ll see the skyline of Midtown and Lower Manhattan sprawled out before you. This is your chance to snap photos of the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower, and other monumental structures.

5. 90-Minute Landmarks Cruise, a fun tour around the Statue of Liberty & Manhattan

Then, navigate over to Liberty Island and see the Statue of Liberty from the boat. You’ll also cruise by Ellis Island and learn more about the 62-year history of this immigration station as your guide shares more information and stories.

After taking the ferry around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, you’ll head back to the mainland, cruising past Battery Park, under the Brooklyn Bridge, and up the East River, where your tour ends.

• Price: $37+
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Highlights: Sightseeing cruise along the Hudson and East Rivers with views of The Battery, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and other iconic attractions

6. Statue of Liberty sunset cruise

If you’re looking for something to do in NYC as a couple, check out this sunset boat cruise, which will take you past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan.

This scenic boat ride includes live narration from a knowledgeable guide, who will point out some of the most famous landmarks in Lower Manhattan. Snap gorgeous photos of One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Manhattan Bridge at golden hour.

6. Statue of Liberty sunset cruise

Then, get a close-up view of Lady Liberty under the glow of sunset. The boat will get within 100 feet of the statue before sailing past Ellis Island and the famous entry point that millions of immigrants passed through.

This Statue of Liberty sunset cruise is a good option if you’re short on time but still want an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty. Plus, if you do this tour with your significant other, you can make it part of a romantic date night. There is indoor and outdoor seating on the boat, as well as a cash bar where you can purchase cocktails.

• Price: $30+
• Duration: 1 hour
• Highlights: Scenic sightseeing cruise at sunset past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan’s most famous attractions

7. City skyline experience helicopter tour, the best Statue of Liberty tour by helicopter

For something different, consider this helicopter tour to fly over the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy an exciting flight over Manhattan Island in a special sightseeing helicopter with large floor-to-ceiling convex windows. As you take off for the skies, you’ll have 180° views of the city and New York Harbor below.

Your ride will be narrated by a trained, expert pilot, who will point out attractions and neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, and the Financial District. Get aerial views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.

7. City skyline experience helicopter tour, the best Statue of Liberty tour by helicopter

Seeing the Statue of Liberty from above is quite a unique experience, and not many people can say they’ve seen this famous landmark from a birds-eye view. Not only that, but you’ll get a stunning overhead view of Manhattan. See just how large Central Park is, spot the Rockefeller Center and its ice skating rink, and check out the Empire State Building from an impressive vantage point.

This tour has two package options, so you can choose to focus on the highlights of Manhattan or a more general overview of NYC. Regardless of which option you choose, all heliport fees are included in the price, and you’ll get awesome aerial views of the Statue of Liberty. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best helicopter tours in New York City, so if you’re on the fence about booking it, don’t hesitate!

• Price: $194+
• Duration: 15-30 minutes
• Highlights: Sightseeing flight over Manhattan’s top landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor

8. The Beast speedboat, an exciting boat tour around the Statue of Liberty

If you’re afraid of heights but still crave something exciting, try a Statue of Liberty speedboat tour! I recommend this one, which takes you aboard The Beast speedboat, a custom-built, jet-powered vessel that can reach speeds up to 45 mph.

With your skip-the-line ticket, you’ll get priority access to this exhilarating ride through New York Harbor. So, climb aboard and buckle up!

8. The Beast speedboat, an exciting boat tour around the Statue of Liberty

An expert boat captain will take you down the Hudson River and past some of the most iconic attractions in Manhattan, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governor’s Island. The 30-minute ride is accompanied by a heart-pounding soundtrack to create a fully cinematic and immersive experience.

Once you reach the Statue of Liberty, your captain will stop the boat so you can see Lady Liberty up close. Then, prepare to zoom back to the mainland as you complete your Statue of Liberty harbor tour.

• Price: $30+
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Highlights: Reach speeds up to 45 mph as you cruise through New York Harbor in a speedboat, past the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, Ellis Island, and other landmarks

9. 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty tour

Another excellent Statue of Liberty tour is this half-day tour, which visits five of the most popular attractions in NYC. It starts as a walking tour through Wall Street and Battery Park, then you’ll take a boat to Liberty and Ellis Islands.

First, your guide will take you along Wall Street past the top landmarks in the Financial District, like the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. Then, you’ll head to One World Trade Center, home to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, one of the best museums in NYC. You’ll have a few moments around the two reflecting pools at the former site of the Twin Towers.

9. 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty tour

Then, stroll through Battery Park, where you can see the lovely Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. From there, you’ll hop on a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty up close and explore the Statue of Liberty Museum.

Afterward, take the ferry over to Ellis Island and visit the Immigration Museum before riding back to Battery Park.

• Price: $90+
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Highlights: Guided walking tour through the Financial District and the 9/11 Memorial; sightseeing cruise to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, admission to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration museums

10. Brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise with live music, a unique Statue of Liberty boat tour

Finally, this cruise through New York Harbor is a wonderful tour during which you can see all kinds of attractions. Without a doubt, it’s the best Statue of Liberty cruise if you’re looking for something special, as you can enjoy the sights while dining on a gourmet meal.

There are three options for this tour – brunch, lunch, or dinner, and each tour departs from Chelsea Piers. You’ll sail down the Hudson River in a glass-enclosed boat with an outdoor viewing deck and an indoor seating area. Live narration ensures that you don’t miss any of the attractions as you cruise past them.

10. Brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise with live music, a unique Statue of Liberty boat tour

Check out the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other sights from your comfortable vessel. Not only that, but you’ll dig into a delicious meal! The brunch cruise includes bottomless mimosas, while the dinner option is accompanied by an acoustic trio of a jazz guitarist, bassist, and pianist (lunch and brunch cruises include live piano jazz.)

As you return to the pier, you’ll cruise along the East River, getting a different perspective of the city skyline. So, if you’re looking for an NYC boat tour around the Statue of Liberty and other top attractions in Manhattan, this is a great choice.

• Price: $105+
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Highlights: Narrated sightseeing cruise with brunch, lunch, or dinner. Sail past the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park, and Lower and Midtown Manhattan

Statue of Liberty tour price

If you’re torn between two or more Statue of Liberty tours, this chart can help you decide which one fits your budget or preferences best. This quick overview of the 10 Statue of Liberty tour prices also compares the duration and what you’ll see during the tour.

Statue of Liberty tour FAQs

If you still have questions about tours to the Statue of Liberty, these FAQs should help to clear up any confusion.

With that, you have all the info you need to book your Statue of Liberty tour! I’m sure one of these tours will appeal to you, but if you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’ll be happy to help you out! Until then, have a wonderful trip.