Statue of Liberty Ferry – Routes, Queues, and Photo Tips

Your visit starts at the dock — make the right choice between Manhattan and New Jersey based on convenience and crowd levels.

Table of Contents

• Departures Compared
• Tickets & Timing
• Queue Strategy
• Where to Stand
• Weather & Safety
• Photography Tips
• Accessibility Notes
• FAQ

Departures Compared

Tickets & Timing

• Buy timed tickets to smooth security flow.
• First boats offer the calmest conditions and best light.
• Last boats risk rushing Ellis Island — plan buffer time.

Queue Strategy

• Arrive 30–45 minutes early off‑peak; 60–90 during summer/holidays.
• Lines move in waves — security screening is the main bottleneck.
• Keep tickets and IDs handy to speed up checks.

Where to Stand

• Leaving Battery Park: Starboard for early views of the statue.
• Leaving Liberty State Park: Port for skyline and statue approach.
• Upper decks offer unobstructed angles but more wind.

Weather & Safety

• Wind is stronger on open decks; secure hats and lighten camera straps.
• Obey crew instructions; movement is limited during docking.
• Watch for slippery decks in rain or winter.

Photography Tips

• Wide on approach, telephoto on departure.
• Use railings as a brace; bump ISO to keep shutter speed high.
• Clean lens/phone glass frequently — salt spray builds up fast.

Accessibility Notes

• Ramps assist boarding; ask crew for help during tidal shifts.
• Elevators/lifts vary by vessel; staff can guide you to the best deck.

FAQ

Can I board from one state and return to the other?
Ferry routes are fixed per ticket; check the vendor for cross‑state options.

How often do ferries run?
Frequencies change seasonally; verify the day‑of schedule and last returns.

Tip: If you plan both islands, avoid the very last ferries to ensure enough time at Ellis Island.