Planning to visit the Statue of Liberty? Taking the ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey is one of the most convenient, scenic, and stress-free ways to reach this iconic American landmark.
Whether you’re coming from within New Jersey, nearby New York, or beyond, this guide will walk you through everything—from how to get to Liberty State Park, where to board, ticket types, ferry schedules, tips for your visit, and how to return.
You’ll enjoy shorter lines, stunning skyline views, and a smoother experience—all while getting full access to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Let’s get you ready for a memorable trip to Lady Liberty, starting from New Jersey.
Are you in a hurry?: Book your Statue of Liberty tickets from New Jersey and catch your ferry from Liberty State Park, New Jersey. On the ticket booking page, select the option “Reserve Line Ticket from New Jersey Without Pedestal Access.”
Or you can opt to just cruise around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island.
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How to Get to Liberty State Park, New Jersey
Liberty State Park is a convenient and scenic departure point for the Statue of Liberty ferry from New Jersey. There are several ways to reach the Park.
By Light Rail (Hudson–Bergen Light Rail)
If you’re using public transport, take the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) and get off at Liberty State Park Station.
From there, the Statue Cruises ferry terminal is about 1 mile (1.6 km) away.
Since no shuttle runs between the station and the dock, the easiest option is to take an Uber or taxi, costing around $14, to the CRRNJ Terminal, where ferry tickets are issued.
Driving to Liberty State Park
Driving is another popular way to reach the Statue of Liberty ferry terminal in New Jersey. Take Exit 14-B on the New Jersey Turnpike, then follow signs to Liberty State Park.
There are two parking options:
- Free Parking: Walk about 6 minutes from the lot to the ferry terminal.
- Paid Parking (Closer): Located near the ferry dock for $7 per car. ADA-accessible spots are available.
Please note that the park closes at 10 PM, so be sure to pick up your car before then.
By Liberty Landing Ferry (from NYC)
Coming from New York City? Take the Liberty Landing Ferry from the World Financial Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The ferry drops you off at Liberty Landing Marina inside Liberty State Park, NJ.
- Weekdays: First ferry at 6:30 AM, runs hourly till 6:30 PM
- Weekends: First ferry at 9:30 AM, last ferry at 6:30 PM
- Ride Duration: Around 20 minutes
This ferry also treats you to incredible Manhattan skyline views along the Hudson River promenade.
Liberty Landing Ferry’s ticket prices
To travel on the Liberty Landing Ferry, you don’t need reservations.
You can purchase tickets on board using cash or a credit card.
| Traveler | One way |
| Adult | US$10 |
| Child (7 to 12 yrs) | US$5 |
| Seniors | US$6 |
| Infants (less than 6) | Free |
If you already have Statue of Liberty ferry tickets, you will receive a $2 discount on your Liberty Landing Ferry fare. You only have to show your ticket when purchasing.
This makes the Liberty Landing Ferry a budget-friendly and flexible option for visitors traveling from Lower Manhattan to the New Jersey ferry terminal at Liberty State Park.
Terminal for the Statue of Liberty Ferry in New Jersey
The departure point for the Statue of Liberty ferry from New Jersey is the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ Terminal), located inside Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
This is the only ferry terminal in New Jersey offering direct access to both the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
The terminal is situated in the heart of Liberty State Park, a 1,212-acre waterfront park that is surrounded by water on three sides.
Over 15 ferries depart daily for the Statue of Liberty, providing visitors with numerous options. The ferry terminal operates year-round, except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Address: 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ – Get Directions
Insider Tip: Liberty State Park isn’t just for ferry rides! Explore the Liberty Science Center, the Empty Sky Memorial honoring 9/11 victims from New Jersey, and enjoy activities like biking, water sports, and scenic walks along the Hudson River.
Statue of Liberty Ferry Tickets from New Jersey
When booking your Statue of Liberty ferry tickets from New Jersey, you can choose from three options:
- Crown Tickets
- Pedestal Tickets
- Reserve Tickets (also called Grounds Only Tickets)
While Crown and Pedestal tickets offer special access, they are limited and sell out quickly. Most visitors opt for Reserve Tickets, which are easier to get and offer great value.
What’s Included with Reserve Tickets
- Round-trip ferry from Liberty State Park, New Jersey
- Access to the Statue of Liberty grounds
- Entry to the Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Note: These tickets do not include access to the pedestal or crown levels.
Important: When booking online, please select “Reserve Line Ticket from New Jersey” to board from Liberty State Park.
Ticket price
Adult ticket (13 to 61 years): US$27.50
Seniors ticket (62+ years): US$24.50
Child ticket (4 to 12 years): US$18.50
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Statue of Liberty Ferry Schedule from New Jersey
Statue of Liberty ferries depart from Liberty State Park every 20 to 25 minutes, making it easy to find a time that fits your schedule.
Quick Schedule Overview
- First Ferry: 9:00 AM from the mainland
- Last Ferry from the Mainland to the Islands: 3:30 PM
- Last Return Ferry from Liberty Island: Around 5:00 PM
- Last Return Ferry from Ellis Island: Around 5:15 PM
Tip: Avoid taking the last ferry of the day from New Jersey. If you do, you’ll have to choose between visiting either the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island—you won’t have time for both.
Boarding the Statue of Liberty Ferry from New Jersey
To board the Statue of Liberty ferry from Liberty State Park, New Jersey, you’ll need a valid Statue Cruises ticket. This same ticket works whether you’re departing from New Jersey or New York.
What’s Included with Your Ferry Ticket
- Round-trip ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island
- Entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum
- Access to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum
- Audio guide in 12 languages (pick it up at the booth on either island)
Many visitors refer to these as “Statue of Liberty tickets” since the iconic statue is the highlight of the trip.
You can buy tickets at the Statue Cruises ticket office inside the CRRNJ Terminal at Liberty State Park—but we don’t recommend it.
Why?
- Ticket lines are often long
- Popular options like Crown and Pedestal tickets sell out early
All passengers go through airport-style security screening before boarding. Depending on the time of year, the wait may range from 5 to 20 minutes.
✅ Best Advice: Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid long waits and ensure your preferred access.
On a budget? No problem. Hop on the Staten Island free Ferry — it’s completely free and sails right past Lady Liberty. Compare your options: Staten Island Ferry or Statue of Liberty Cruise.
Things to Know About Liberty Ferry from New Jersey
Here are a few helpful tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Keep Your Ticket Handy
Hold onto your ferry ticket until you return—it’s required throughout your visit.
Onboard Amenities
While ferries have food, drinks, and gift items for sale, we suggest focusing on the breathtaking skyline views. Both Liberty Island and Ellis Island have great spots for shopping and dining.
Ferry Route
All ferries from New Jersey follow this route:
Liberty State Park ➜ Ellis Island ➜ Liberty Island ➜ back to Liberty State Park
Ferry Ride Duration
- Liberty State Park to Ellis Island: ~15 minutes
- Ellis Island to Liberty Island: ~15 minutes
- Full loop without stops: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Dress in Layers
This experience is mostly outdoors, and the weather near the water can change fast. Layer up to stay comfortable.
Watch This Video: What to expect when you travel from New Jersey to the Statue of Liberty
Return Ferry to Liberty State Park, New Jersey
After visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, you can board a return ferry to Liberty State Park at any time, whether you explore one island or both.
Flexible Return Options
Your Statue of Liberty ferry ticket allows you to return to either New Jersey or New York. If your plans change, you can board the ferry to Battery Park, NYC, instead of returning to Liberty State Park.
Just make sure to board from the correct line on each island—there are separate boarding areas for New Jersey and New York return routes.
Boarded the Wrong Ferry?
No worries! If you accidentally take the ferry to Battery Park, you can easily return to New Jersey by hopping on the Liberty Landing Ferry Service.
I just booked (2) 4-hour, guided-tour tickets to pedestal, etc., and only when I got the confirmation email of the purchase did I find out that the this tour (leaving at 8:30, 9:30 or 12:30P) actually meets at Battery Park, NOT Freedom State Park (NJ). Please add this information to your (otherwise excellent) review to avoid people ordering, then immediately canceling their tickets (as I just did) if they must leave from Freedom State Park (the Jersey side). Thanks.
Thank you JJ. Glad we were able to answer all your queries.
As for the guided tour, which was starting from Battery Park, we have removed it. Thank you for the heads up.
EXCELLENT travelog for this adventure!! I can’t think of any questions left to answer. Now…if only you could buy a ticket that guarantees excellent, sunny weather when you take this tour! We’ve got a one-day shot at the tour on our way through in early October (2021) so we’re ‘putting in our order’ early! LOL. A great review…well done!