Every Statue of Liberty tour is a boat, but they fall into two very different kinds: cruises that sail past for photos and don't land, and ferry tours that actually put you on Liberty and Ellis Islands. That distinction is everything -- if you want to stand beneath Lady Liberty and walk Ellis Island's immigration halls, you need a ferry tour, not a sightseeing cruise. Check the wording carefully.
Prices are refreshingly moderate here, $24 to $190. Ratings run 4.5 to 4.9. My honest guidance: the reserved-ferry Liberty-and-Ellis tour is the one most people actually want; the cheap express and sunset cruises are fine if you just want skyline views from the water; and the private tour is there for those who want a guide and no crowds.
#1Best cruise
Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise
The highest-rated way to see Liberty from the water -- a photo cruise, no landing.
★★★★½ 4.9 (367 reviews)·from $79·1h 30m·
This $78.57, 90-minute sightseeing cruise is the top-rated option here at 4.9 over 367 reviews, gliding past the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It's the best-in-class cruise for views and photos -- but it does not land on the islands, so it's a sail-by, not a visit.
★★★★★“We had a wonderful experience on this cruise in New York! The views of Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, NYC Skyline were beautiful, but what truly stood out was the excellent customer service. The crew was warm, attentive, and went above and beyond to make my father, a senior citizen feel comfortable and cared for. From helping with boarding to offering seating assistance and thoughtful check-i”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- One complimentary beverage included
- Cruise around New York Harbor
Where you'll go: Manhattan Skyline · Ellis Island · Statue of Liberty
What's good
- Highest rating here at 4.9
- Great skyline and Statue photo opportunities
- Compact 90 minutes
What to know
- Does not land on Liberty or Ellis Island
- Pricier than the express cruises
Best for: Travelers who want the best views from the water without the lines
Skip it if: You want to actually walk on the islands
#2Best private
Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
A private, crowd-free tour of both islands.
★★★★½ 4.8 (194 reviews)·from $190·4h 00m·Private
This $190.00 private tour (4.8 over 194 reviews) is the priciest here, running 240 minutes across the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Battery Park and Castle Clinton. Private guiding and a relaxed pace make the notoriously crowded islands far more pleasant -- if you'll pay for it.
★★★★★“This was a lovely historical walking tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Annie knew her stuff and made it fun and interesting to learn old and new information. A great way to spend the day with my mom whose grandparents emigrated through Ellis Island.”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Guided Tour of Ellis Island Grounds
- Guided Tour of Battery Park
- Private tour
- Guided Tour of Liberty Island
Where you'll go: Statue of Liberty · Ellis Island · Battery Park · Castle Clinton National Monument
What's good
- Private guide across a full 4 hours
- Lands on both Liberty and Ellis Islands
- 4.8 rating
What to know
- Most expensive option at $190.00
- Modest 194-review base
Best for: Groups wanting a private, unhurried island visit
Skip it if: You're on a budget or don't mind sharing a ferry
#3Best overall
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
The one that actually lands you on both islands, with reserved ferry entry.
★★★★½ 4.7 (5,748 reviews)·from $59·Flexible·
At $59.00, rated 4.7 over a massive 5,748 reviews, this tour includes reserved ferry entry and visits to Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island. It's the option most visitors picture when they think "Statue of Liberty tour" -- you land, you walk, you see it up close -- and the huge review base confirms it delivers.
★★★★★“Took a tour to Liberty island and Ellis island, our tour guide Emmeline was amazing! She definitely made the experience a memorable one. She was constantly making sure that we had all of our group members, she gave us detailed information about both islands, asked us questions, and included interactive questions that kept the guide from not getting boring. The boat was easy to catch, a short ride ”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Skyline Views
- Statue of Liberty Museum
- Expert NYC Storyteller
- Immigration Museum Access
Where you'll go: Castle Clinton National Monument · Statue of Liberty · Statue of Liberty Museum · Ellis Island
What's good
- Actually lands on Liberty and Ellis Islands
- Reserved ferry entry included
- Enormous 5,748-review base at 4.7
What to know
- Ferry security lines can be slow
- Duration not listed
Best for: Anyone who wants to set foot on the islands, not just sail past
Skip it if: You only want skyline photos from the water
#4Best value combo
NYC City Tour: Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street
Cheap tour bundling the Statue view with Lower Manhattan history.
★★★★½ 4.7 (1,518 reviews)·from $39·Flexible·
At $39.00 (4.7 over 1,518 reviews) this tour pairs the Statue of Liberty with the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street and Trinity Church. It's a well-priced way to combine the harbor icon with Lower Manhattan's landmarks -- just note the emphasis is on the wider downtown area rather than landing on the island.
★★★★★“The tour guide, Liz, was incredibly friendly, easygoing, and knowledgeable. She included and interacted with everyone, including a small child on the tour. It was a pleasure to go on her tour.”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Photo op at the Charging Bull
- History and tour of the 9/11 Memorial
- Tour of the Canyon of Heroes at Battery Park
- An experienced and entertaining local guide who knows Lower Manhattan well
Where you'll go: New York Stock Exchange · Federal Hall · House of Morgan · Trinity Church NYC
What's good
- Low $39.00 for a broad Lower Manhattan itinerary
- 4.7 over 1,518 reviews
- Combines Statue views with 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street
What to know
- Focus is downtown, not landing on the island
- Statue is one part of a wider tour
Best for: Budget travelers wanting Statue views plus downtown history
Skip it if: Your main goal is to set foot on Liberty Island
#5Best guided ferry
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry
A guided ferry tour that lands, for those who want context.
★★★★½ 4.6 (1,247 reviews)·from $59·Flexible·
At $59.00 (4.6 over 1,247 reviews) this guided tour includes the ferry and visits to Battery Park, Castle Clinton, Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty. Same price as the top pick with the addition of a guide -- worth it if you'd like history narrated, though its 4.6 rating sits just below the self-guided leader.
★★★★★“Sara was wonderful. She was informative, lively, and very personable. We learned so much throughout the tour.”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Access to Immigration Museum at Ellis Island (4-hour option only)
- Pre-reserved ticket to Statue of Liberty Island (exterior access)
- Statue of Liberty Museum
Where you'll go: Battery Park · Castle Clinton National Monument · Liberty Island · Statue of Liberty
What's good
- Guided, and lands on Liberty Island
- Same $59.00 price as the top ferry tour
- Solid 1,247-review base
What to know
- 4.6 rating trails the top ferry option
- Guided pace won't suit everyone
Best for: Visitors who want a guide's commentary and to land on the island
Skip it if: You'd rather explore at your own pace
#6Best budget
Circle Line: New York City Statue of Liberty Super Express Cruise
The cheapest, fastest way to see Liberty from the water.
★★★★½ 4.5 (2,223 reviews)·from $24·0h 50m·
At just $24.00 this 50-minute express cruise (4.5 over 2,223 reviews) sails past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and New York Harbor. It's the budget champion for a quick harbor loop -- but it's a fast sail-by with no landing and the lowest rating in this group.
★★★★★“Overall experience was great.
Hospitality amazing, crowd amazing, all the employees all the way from the booth to the boat were all very welcoming and kind. I would specially like to appreciate Debbie the Tour Guide. Her insights and her personality just made the whole experience even better. I’m glad I booked this trip and honestly anyone looking to take this ride, Just Do It.”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- Live narration by Circle Line’s world famous guides (in English)
- Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for more.
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Where you'll go: South Street Seaport Historic District · Brooklyn Bridge · New York Harbor · Statue of Liberty
What's good
- Cheapest option at $24.00
- Quick 50-minute loop
- Large 2,223-review base
What to know
- No landing on the islands
- Lowest rating here at 4.5
Best for: Budget travelers who just want a fast harbor cruise
Skip it if: You want to land on the island or want more depth
#7Best sunset cruise
Circle Line: 1.5hr New York City Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
A short evening harbor cruise with the Statue at golden hour.
★★★★½ 4.5 (225 reviews)·from $27·1h 30m·
At $27.00 this 90-minute sunset cruise (4.5 over 225 reviews) passes the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center as the light fades. It's a cheap, pretty evening on the water -- a photo cruise, not a visit, and with a smaller review base than the express option.
★★★★★“Had very good experience loved it weather was nice too viewed sunset was upper scale tour. Enjoyed every minutes of our tour too ie we will recommend our friend too and to let them know how nice this tour was and maybe one day my friends may do the same too.”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Air-conditioned vehicle with spacious Outdoor deck
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- Download the Circle Line App in 9 different languages (headphones required) See below for more.
- 90-Minute Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
Where you'll go: South Street Seaport Historic District · Brooklyn Bridge · New York Harbor · One World Trade Center
What's good
- Affordable $27.00 sunset timing
- Pretty golden-hour harbor views
- 90 minutes at an easy pace
What to know
- No landing on the islands
- 4.5 rating and only 225 reviews
Best for: Couples wanting a cheap, scenic evening cruise
Skip it if: You want to visit the island or need daytime views
Before you go
- Confirm whether your booking lands on the island (ferry, ~$59) or just cruises past (Circle Line, from $24), the titles are easy to mix up.
- Ellis Island's immigration museum is included on the ferry tours and is worth as much time as the statue itself.
- Crown and pedestal access is a separate, weeks-ahead reservation, none of these standard tours include it.
- For the classic photo without landing, the ~$24 express cruise is the cheapest way to get close.
- Sunset cruises light up Lower Manhattan and One World Trade, better for photos than a midday sail.
- Security screening applies before the ferry like at an airport, arrive early and travel light.
How I ranked these
For Statue of Liberty tours I weighted three things: what you actually get for the money (group size, what's included, special access), the rating balanced against how many reviews back it up — a 4.9 from 200 people isn't the same as a 4.6 from 15,000 — and price for what's on offer. Ratings, review counts and prices shift over time, so always check the live booking page before you pay.
Good to know
Do I actually land on Liberty Island or just cruise past?
It depends on the tour. The ~$59 tours with 'reserved ferry entry' land you on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The cheaper Circle Line cruises (from $24) sail close for photos but don't dock. Check whether 'ferry' or 'cruise' is in the title before booking.
What's the difference between the ferry tour and the sightseeing cruise?
The ferry tours ($59) include reserved boarding to actually visit Liberty and Ellis Islands, where the Ellis Island immigration museum is a highlight. The Circle Line cruises ($24-27) are 50-90 minute loops of the harbor that pass the statue without stopping, better if you just want the skyline and a photo.
Can I go up inside the Statue of Liberty?
Crown and pedestal access is separate, extremely limited and books out weeks ahead, and the tours listed here are island-and-ferry visits rather than crown climbs. If you want inside the statue, reserve that directly and far in advance.
Is the sunset cruise worth it over the daytime one?
The ~$27 Circle Line sunset cruise (90 minutes) gives you the statue plus Lower Manhattan and One World Trade lit up at dusk, which photographs beautifully. It doesn't land on the island, so choose it for views and atmosphere rather than a museum visit.
Can I combine the statue with other NYC sights?
Yes, the ~$39 'NYC City Tour' pairs a look at the statue with the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street and Trinity Church, all clustered in Lower Manhattan. It's a good-value way to see the Financial District if the island landing isn't your priority.
Prices are "from" prices in USD and change with date and availability. Last updated August 2026.