When you visit New York City and want to visit the Statue of Liberty, there may be many places where you can get the tickets. However, there is only one official location for Statue of Liberty tickets and that is at Statue Cruises. This is the official ticketing center for visits to both the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and the Statue of Liberty itself. In order to reach both of these locations you have to take a ferry ride, which is why having the tickets in advance is of utmost importance.



There are two locations from which you can depart on this cruise - New Jersey and New York. The cruise leaves from Battery Park in New Jersey and from Liberty State Park in New York. There are several types of tickets that you can purchase at both locations:

- Reserve Ticket. This gives you access to both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty including the grounds around both monuments. If you want an audio tour, this will cost an additional fee. With the reserve ticket, you have priority entry into the security area, which will save you some time.

- Reserve Ticket With Monument Pass. This type of ticket will allow you inside both monuments. At the Statue of Liberty, you can go inside the pedestal and see what the interior of the statue looks like. In addition, you have a 360?panoramic view of Fort Wood. Audio tours are also available inside for an extra charge. Even though you do have priority entrance to the secure area prior to leaving on the cruise, there is also a second screening before you enter the structure.

- Flex Ticket. This will give you access to the grounds only of both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, with the additional option of paying for an audio tour. You can only use this ticket once and it is only valid for three days from the date of purchase. You do need to arrive early to ensure that you will get to take the cruise.

It is important to be aware of the ferry schedule for these tours so that you won't have to wait in a long line or miss your scheduled trip. Depending on which cruise you choose, you also have to allow for specific period of time. If you want to see both monuments and spend time exploring the interiors, you should allow for a full day. The tour itself takes about 5.5 hours and this does not include the time you spend at the terminal in the park or the length of time it takes you to reach the terminal.

There are concession stands at both locations where you can purchase food and rink for the duration of your visit. Many visitors, however, choose to bring a packed lunch with them because of the long lines of people at these concession stands. Since these cruises operate all year long with the exception of Christmas Day, you should dress for the season and the weather.