Ferry to Statue of Liberty
 

We have tickets to the Statue for noon on a Sunday. I have read that we should be in Battery Park and lined up for the ferry an hour ahead of time. But, do we need to buy tickets to ride the ferry? Is there a long line for that too?
Thanks for your help!

Your ticket covers the ferry.

Oops! Missed the rest of your question. The lineup time is for the boat, not the Statue, since you can't get to the Statue without taking the boat.

But you may still need to go to the kiosk at Castle Clinton to pick up your tickets. That will take a few minutes or even a little longer on a weekend when the ferries are busiest. Just factor a little more time fir that. Once you have your tickets, you can get in line. The lines can be formidable but move fairly quickly and are significantly shorter for those with timed tickets.

Doug,

We have timed tickets at 9 a.m. (on a Wednesday) Should we be at Battery Park by 8? Thanks.

((H))

The Park Service suggests that you allow at least 45 minutes for the security line to get on the ferry (like airline security).

Tom - we also had 9 am tickets and were there at 8:30 and were OK. The trick is once you are on the island - this is where the lines move slowly. My advice would be once on the island, head straight to get in line to go thru security for the statue. After touring the statue, then see the rest of the island and view.

We looked around first, took in the views, but the line into the statue was already getting long. Plus, we spent way too much time there and were getting too tired to enjoy Ellis Island. So, pace yourself. I feel like we short changed Ellis Island so I guess this means I have to go back some day:)

Thanks everyone. With antsy Tom as their leader, I am sure we will camp out in Battery Park overnight just to make sure (well, we'll be there by 8).

((H))

An hour is normally enough time. But when I went to the Statue in May, we had to wait in line at least 30 minutes to pick-up our tickets. That seems a really long time to wait, and I think it was an anomaly. We waited about 20 minutes for the security line to get onto the ferry, but that line can easily be 30 minutes or more on a really busy day, and coming at noon will mean many more crowds (the 9am people should still be ok if they arrive at 8am). But the ferries run frequently, and once you are in line with a timed ticket, they will still let you on even if you miss the one you're scheduled for. And if you are lucky, you'll get on an earlier one.

Lines on the island are long and slow, but unless you are coming before October 28, you can't get into the statue anyway. Before then you can still get in. I'd suggest bringing the bare minimum you need to survive (i.e., not a backpack or other bag ... perhaps just a camera). Less stuff means shorter lines for security.

Thanks for your answers!

Thanks everyone!

((H))