Visiting the Pedestal

Statue of Liberty atop the granite pedestal.

NPS Photo

 

Diagram of the Statue of Liberty.

NPS Photo

Plan Your Visit to the Pedestal

Visiting the pedestal is a great addition to your trip to Liberty Island. There are 215 steps or approximately 10 stories to climb to the top of the pedestal. There is an elevator for those who cannot use the stairs. Tickets to the pedestal are limited and can sell out in advance.

Warning: Statue City Cruises is the ONLY ferry service authorized by the National Park Service for ticket sales and transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Numerous third-party vendors sell tickets at higher prices or for boats that do not land at the islands. We strongly recommend that tickets only be purchased at Statue City Cruises or by calling 1 877 LADYTIX (1.877.523.9849).

 

Reserve Your Pedestal Tickets

Due to its popularity, access to the pedestal is limited and requires tickets. Statue City Cruises is the official source for pedestal tickets as well as the company that provides ferry transportation to the island.

Same-day pedestal reservations MAY be available at the ticket offices, but are extremely limited. Pedestal reservations are not available on Liberty Island.

 

Picking Up Your Pedestal Tickets

If traveling using a digital ticket, be aware that the Statue of Liberty is on an island. Cellular service and access to WiFi is limited. We recommend downloading the tickets in advance or taking screenshots of pre-purchased tickets. Ensure mobile devices are well charged before your visit.

Pedestal tickets can be printed out at home or picked up at the ticket office Will Call window at either Battery Park, New York or Liberty State Park, New Jersey by the ticket purchaser. When picking up the tickets, the purchaser must show photo ID and the same credit card used to reserve the tickets.

The time listed on the ferry ticket is the time you need to get on the queue at the security screening facility either at the Battery (NYC) or Liberty State Park (NJ). It is not a reservation for a ferry departure or the time to enter the pedestal.

It is recommended that you include ample time and maintain a flexible schedule to include boarding the ferry and security screening. Wait time can be an hour or more during peak times and seasons, including summer, weekends, and holidays.

 

Visitors must go though airport-style security to enter the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

NPS Photo

Arriving On Liberty Island

The entrance to the pedestal is located behind the Statue of Liberty. In order to enter, visitors must go through airport-style security. Those with pedestal tickets must first show their tickets to the park rangers at the entrance of the security structure. All visitors (except for children younger than four years old) must show valid pedestal tickets. The National Park Service appreciates your cooperation during this process.

 

Items prohibited inside the monument can be stored within secondary screening lockers before entry.

Restricted Items

The following items are not authorized inside the pedestal:

-Food and Drinks (water is permitted in a clear plastic bottle)
-Backpacks and Drawstring bags (including purses shaped like backpacks)
-Suitcases, duffle bags, and oversized bags
-Strollers
-Laptop Computers
-Long umbrellas
-Tripods

Lockers are located near the secondary screening building and require a 25¢ deposit (quarters only). Locker Size is approximately 12"x 12"x 18" and there are change machines available for $1 and $5 bills.