In New York, two guided tours listed on WizardTrip show the Statue of Liberty. One lands on Liberty Island and, in its long option, on Ellis Island. The other is a 6-hour city tour, where the statue is seen from the Staten Island ferry.
They have 14,909 and 13,878 reviews, each rated 4.8 out of 5 (as of 18 October 2026). This article compares what each tour includes and excludes, including access to the pedestal and the crown. It also states the time spent on site.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour: what to know
Both tours are guided in English. In both cases, you meet the guide at a meeting point. The first has 25 people at most, the second 40.
For the Statue of Liberty tour, the guide holds your tickets: you just need to give your name. Guides are not allowed to enter the museums on Liberty Island and Ellis Island: those parts are visited without a guide. An airport-style security check precedes boarding the ferry.
Express 2-hour tour or full 4-hour tour?
The tour with reserved ferry access starts at Castle Clinton, in Battery Park. The guide waits for you on the steps of the north entrance of this round brown-brick building. The guide wears an orange hat, and the entrance faces the Manhattan buildings.
Two options exist. The express tour includes about 2 hours of guided visit, return ferry included, and ends on Liberty Island. The full 4-hour tour adds Ellis Island and ends on that island. In both cases, you can stay longer or take the first return ferry to Battery Park, ticket included.
The listing’s header announces 3 to 5 hours. The detail says 2 hours for the express and 4 hours for the full tour.
The program includes 20 minutes at Castle Clinton, 1 hour on Liberty Island and 45 minutes at the Statue of Liberty Museum. The full option adds 1 hour on Ellis Island and 1 hour at the Immigration Museum, with an audio guide included. The guide points out the American Immigrant Wall of Honor there. The museum tells the story of the millions of immigrants who passed through the island from 1892 to 1954.
According to the listing, morning tours have the shortest waits. On afternoon tours, there may not be enough time to visit Ellis Island, even though the ferry ticket gives access to both islands.
The time saving is not always felt. Leah, who rated the tour 5 out of 5 in September 2026, writes: “I spent a lot of time in lines to get on and off the boat.” Kemahni, who rated the tour 4 out of 5 in October 2026, writes: “I wish they had said that the site is under renovation.” The listing mentions no renovation of Ellis Island: find out before choosing the full option.
New York in a day: the statue seen from the ferry
The guided tour of New York in a day lasts 6 hours and alternates bus and walking. It starts and ends at the same place, on 7th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, in Manhattan. The listing does not offer hotel pickup.
The walking stops last 15 to 20 minutes. They cover Central Park with Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue. The latter offers a view of the Empire State Building. The bus passes Times Square, the Public Library and Trinity Church. It also goes through Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown and the Financial District.
A 45-minute lunch break takes place at the Gansevoort Liberty Market, near the 9/11 Memorial. The meal is not included. The next stop, at the memorial, lasts 20 minutes. It does not include museum admission: you walk the site, the pools and the Survivor Tree.
The last stop is a Staten Island Ferry crossing, included, with views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline. The Statue of Liberty is seen from the ferry, with no stop on the island. The program allows 1 hour for New York Harbor.
Two vehicles exist: an enclosed air-conditioned bus, or a minibus with a panoramic roof limited to 16 passengers. The listing announces 40 people at most. It advises against the tour in case of spinal problems, pregnancy or fragile cardiovascular health. It asks for at least a moderate level of fitness.
The two tours compared
| Statue and Ellis Island | New York in a day | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Express: 2 guided hours; full: 4 hours | 6 hours |
| Meeting point | Castle Clinton, Battery Park | 7th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets |
| Statue of Liberty | Liberty Island visit, admission included | Seen from the Staten Island Ferry, no stop |
| Ellis Island | In the full 4-hour tour | Not visited |
| Ferry | Reserved access, return ticket included | Staten Island Ferry included |
| Meals | Not included, on sale on the ferry and on the islands | 45-minute break, meal not included |
| Group size | 25 people at most | 40 people at most |
| Guide language | English | English |
| Cancellation | Full refund up to 24 hours before | Full refund up to 24 hours before |
| Price from | $59 | $99 |
Can you go up inside the Statue of Liberty?
No, not with these tours. Access to the pedestal and the crown is not included in the tour with reserved ferry access. Guided tours are not allowed there. The listing does not say how to get a separate ticket.
The Liberty Island visit lasts 1 hour, admission included. 45 minutes at the Statue of Liberty Museum are added. According to the description, the guide presents the design of the statue and the story of its journey from France. On the New York in a day tour, the statue is not visited: it is seen from the ferry.
What happens if it rains or if you arrive late?
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour takes place in all weather. The listing asks you to dress accordingly. For the city tour, it advises checking the weather and dressing in layers. The air-conditioned buses protect against bad weather, its description states.
Lateness cannot be made up at Castle Clinton. The tour leaves on time, the group cannot be rejoined and no refund is made. The listing asks you to arrive 15 minutes early. For the city tour, it asks for 20 to 30 minutes early, as seats are assigned in order of arrival.
With children, a stroller or a wheelchair?
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour is wheelchair accessible. It accepts strollers and service animals, and suits all fitness levels. Children aged 3 and under are free with a paying adult ticket.
The New York tour also accepts strollers and service animals. Infants must sit on an adult’s lap. The listing does not specify wheelchair access.
Which one to choose?
- You want to set foot on Liberty Island in a short time: the 2-hour express tour, which ends on the island.
- You also want the immigration story: the full 4-hour tour, preferably in the morning.
- You want to see several neighborhoods by bus, with the statue along the way: the New York in a day tour.
- You want to go up inside the statue: neither tour includes the pedestal or the crown.
For the rest of your stay, the city’s tours and excursions are gathered on the Things to do in New York page. Those for the country are on the United States page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour?
The express tour includes about 2 hours of guided visit and ends on Liberty Island. The full tour lasts 4 hours and ends on Ellis Island. The return ferry is included in both options.
Can you go up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty with this tour?
No. Access to the pedestal and the crown is not included, and guided tours are not allowed there. The tour includes Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty Museum and, in the 4-hour option, Ellis Island.
Where is the meeting point for the Statue of Liberty tour?
In front of the main entrance of Castle Clinton, the round brown-brick building in Battery Park, in Manhattan. The guide wears an orange hat and stands on the steps of the north entrance. Arrive 15 minutes early, as the tour leaves on time.
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour takes place in all weather, so dress accordingly. The New York in a day tour is done by air-conditioned bus, with walking stops of 15 to 20 minutes.
Do you visit the Statue of Liberty on the New York in a day tour?
No. This 6-hour tour shows it from the Staten Island Ferry, with no stop on Liberty Island. It also includes Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and the 9/11 Memorial, without museum admission.
Can you cancel the tour and get a refund?
Yes, with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. This rule applies to both tours. For the Statue of Liberty tour, no refund is provided if you miss the departure.
Activities mentioned in this guide
All activities in New York City, with their prices and reviews: Things to do in New York City
