Statue of Liberty opening hours

The Statue of Liberty is open on all days of the week, from 9 am to 6:45 pm.

The Statue of Liberty is only closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. It remains open on all other public holidays.

While the monument opens at 8:30 am, visitors can’t reach the pedestal until 9 am.

The last entry to the pedestal is 5 pm.

The island is open longer than the monument of Lady Liberty herself, and the visitors can stay back enjoying the scenery around.

The island begins closing 30 mins before the last ferry departs.

The ferry schedule varies according to the seasons, so check the Statue of Liberty ferry schedule before you plan your visit.

The Statue of Liberty’s opening hours vary throughout the year, depending on the season.

Here is the overview of the Statue of Liberty’s opening hours:

Months	Opening	Closing
June 24 to Sep 04	9 am	6:45 pm
Sep 05 to Oct 09	9 am	5:30 pm
Oct 10 to Dec 23	9 am	4:45 pm
Dec 24	9 am	2:45 pm

It is only closed for two public holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is open on all other public holidays.

Statue of Liberty ferry hours

You must use a ferry to access the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The ferries are available from Battery Park (New Jersey) and Liberty State Park (New York City).

There is a ferry every 25 to 30 minutes from both ports.

During the peak tourist season (April to September), the first ferry to the Statue of Liberty leaves at 8.30 am.

During the lean period or less touristy months (October to March), the first ferry leaves at 9 am.

You can take the last ferry to Liberty Island at 5 pm during tourist months and 5.45 pm during other months.

You do not need to book your ferry tickets separately; they are included with your Statue of Liberty tickets.

With the Express Ferry Ticket, you don’t wait in ferry or ticket lines. Get express access to the ferry and Statue of Liberty!

Best time to visit the Statue of Liberty

The best time of the day to visit the Statue of Liberty is during the early morning hours to have a crowd-free visit.

You can take the first ferry, which leaves at 8.30 am from Battery Park and Liberty State Park.

The Statue of Liberty opens its gates at 8.30 am so you can be the first one.

The best time of the week to visit the Statue of Liberty is Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

During the rest of the week and the weekends, huge crowds from New York flow into the monument.

Mondays are surprisingly the busiest. It’s safe to say that weekdays are a preferable choice if you visit the Statue of Liberty.

With the Statue of Liberty skip-the-line tickets option, you can avoid crowds even on weekends.

The best month to visit the Statue of Liberty

April, May and early June are the best times of the year to visit the Statue of Liberty.

The weather is ideal, with a slight breeze and mild sunlight. But, do remember, these months also bring rain.

So, carry an umbrella!

Summer months are a popular option amongst visitors. But during the summer, you will experience crowds, heat and humidity.

Winters are harsh, and we advise you to only visit during these months.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty during the Holiday Season

The Statue of Liberty is most crowded during the holiday season, especially before and after Thanksgiving and Christmas.

If you wish to avoid crowds, do not visit during the weeks leading up to public holidays.

However, if you plan your visit during the holiday time, you can avoid crowds and queues with skip-the-line tickets.

Peak Season vs. Low Season

Peak season starts around April and ends in September.

You will experience better temperatures, longer daylight hours and larger crowds during peak season.

The ferry has extended timings allowing you to tour the island for longer.

During the low season of October to March, you will find lower crowds, cooler temperatures and lower prices!

But one drawback is the ferry schedule gets shortened during the low season. So, you must plan and book your ferry tickets in advance.

How long is the Statue of Liberty tour?

A ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island takes 15 minutes.

If you explore the Statue of Liberty from the ground, it takes 1 hour.

Visitors with pedestal access need an extra 30 minutes and if you have crown access, the tour takes 2 hours.

You can either get back to the dock or continue your tour with a visit to the immigration Museum on Ellis Island.

A tour of the Immigration Museum needs 45 minutes.

The Audio guide tour of Ellis Island is 45 minutes long, and spending any less than that will not give you a full tour.

However, you can spend even 3 hours on the Island if you wish to explore.

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FAQs

1. What time does the Statue of Liberty open?

The Statue of Liberty’s opening hours begin at 9 am, all days of the week.

If you plan, you can take the first ferry ride of the day at 8:30 am from Battery or Liberty State Park.

2. What time does the Statue of Liberty close?

The Statue of Liberty closes at 5 pm, and the last entry to the pedestal is 3:30 pm.

The Statue of Liberty grounds are open for a longer period than the monument itself.

3. When is the last entry to the Statue of Liberty?

The last entry to the Statue of Liberty pedestal access is 3:30 pm, but the grounds are open till 5 pm.

4. How late is the Statue of Liberty open?

The Statue of Liberty ground access is open till 5 pm, all days of the week.

But, for the Monument of Lady Liberty, the last entry is 3:30 pm.

5. Is the Statue of Liberty open on Sunday?

Yes, the Statue of Liberty is open on Sunday. It is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

6. Is the Statue of Liberty open on the memorial day?

Yes, the Statue of Liberty is open on the memorial day.

7. Is the Statue of Liberty open on the 4th of July?

Yes, the Statue of Liberty is open on the 4th of July.

8. When is the Statue of Liberty closed?

The Statue of Liberty is closed to the public on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

9. Can I visit the Statue of Liberty at night?

You cannot physically visit the Statue of Liberty at night. But you can take a ferry across the New York Harbour and see the illuminated Lady Liberty.

10. Is the Statue of Liberty open on public holidays?

Yes, the Statue of Liberty is open on public holidays.

11. What are the Statue of Liberty’s hours on public holidays?

The Statue of Liberty opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm.

The Statue of Liberty opening hours remain the same all days of the week throughout the year.

12. How long does it take to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty?

It takes around 20 to 30 mins to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

13. How long will I spend at the Statue of Liberty?

You can spend 2 to 6 hours visiting the Statue of Liberty. But this depends on what activities you may do, and the attractions you wish to see.

It will vary according to personal preferences.

14. How long is the Statue of Liberty tour and ferry?

You will spend 15 to 20 mins sailing to each island.

And depending on your tour type and preferences, the Statue of Liberty tour may last from 45 mins to 1 hour.

15. How long does seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island take?

At a minimum, you should spend two hours at the Statue of Liberty and an additional hour if you also plan to visit Ellis Island.

16. How early should I arrive for the Statue of Liberty tour?

Arriving 15 mins before your Statue of Liberty Tour beings. It will help you prepare and pace yourself for the tour.

Featured Image: Nps.gov