Views & landmarks
Statue of Liberty
About the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. France gave it to the United States to mark the 100th anniversary of American independence. Most visitors come to see the statue up close by ferry, walk the grounds of Liberty Island, and get a view of the Manhattan skyline from the water.
Getting there
From central Manhattan, take the subway or a short taxi/rideshare to Battery Park at the southern tip of the island, where ferries depart for Liberty Island. The ferry ride itself takes about 15-20 minutes. Total travel time from Midtown is roughly 45 minutes to an hour door to door, depending on ferry wait times.
How much time to allow
Plan for at least half a day if you want to see both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, since the same ferry ticket typically covers both stops. A visit to Liberty Island alone, including the ferry ride and time walking the grounds, takes around 2-3 hours.
When to go
Ferries and security lines can get crowded, especially in the middle of the day and during summer. Going earlier in the day tends to mean shorter lines. Lines move slowly at peak times, so build in extra buffer if you have a tight schedule.
What to combine it with
- Ellis Island (1.2km) - reachable on the same ferry route, worth combining into one trip.
- New York Harbor (2.3km) - the surrounding waterway you'll see throughout the ferry ride.
- The Battery (2.9km) - the Manhattan park where the ferry departs, worth a walk before or after.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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