How to See the Statue of Liberty with Crown Access
The first thing to do once you have booked your trip to New York City is to reserve your Statue of Liberty Crown Access ticket.
Updated February 15, 2020
The Statue of Liberty was designed by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, and was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States. In 1886 the Statue was completed, and she has since become a symbol of freedom to millions around the world.
Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!
– Emma Lazarus
Reserve your Statue of Liberty Crown Access Tickets
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are highlights of a trip to New York, and a regular Reserve Ticket for $19.25 (including access to both) is already good value. But for only $3 more you can instead purchase a Crown Access Ticket, and given access to climb the 393 stairs up inside the statue for an unforgettable view from the crown. Climbing up to the Crown is a much more intimate experience than the regular tour, as only a few people are allowed up at a time.
This tour would be a great family outing. The climb is equivalent to 27 stories, so might not be suitable for some younger children. Children must be at least four feet tall, and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Plan your visit
- Tickets can only be booked through Statue Cruises, the official provider. Other ticket sellers either don’t give access to the island, just a view from their boat, or are over-priced/scams.
- Tickets can be purchased online or by phone: 1-877-LADY-TIX (1-877-523-9849) or 201-604-2800
- Prices including crown access: $22.25/adult, $12/child (age 4-12), $17/senior (62+)
- Ticket includes ferry and access to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
- Audio Tours of Liberty and Ellis Islands are included.
- This is a high security attraction, and it’s essential to visit the National Park Service information page, so you know what to expect.
- All crown visitors must be physically able to climb up and down the 393 steps unassisted.
- There are 162 narrow and tight steps from the top of the pedestal to the crown.
- There is no elevator from the top of pedestal to the crown (the Statue’s feet to the Statue’s head).
- The stairs to the crown are in an enclosed area that can have high temperatures in the summer, so bring water.
- Try to book your tour earlier in the day as afternoon tours (2pm or later) won’t have enough time to stop at the the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
- Ferries leave from two locations: Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City, and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Want more budget-friendly things to do in NYC?
New York City is one of the most captivating cities in the world—and one of the most expensive. Here are 10 great things to see and do in New York without breaking your budget.
Pin for later?
I went up the Statue of Liberty nearly 30 years ago as a child and I still remember so much about it. It is surely a lifelong memory for me….especially those last few narrow twisty stairs to the crown!
It’s a memorable experience for sure.
I’ve always wanted to get crown access but that part of the statue was closed the whole time we lived in NYC 🙁
Climbing the stairs to the Liberty Crown would give an entirely different impression of the Statue of Liberty and provide some great views, I imagine. I’m not sure I could manage the 393 stairs. Are they are as circular as in the photo? Don’t you get dizzy?
There are amazing views up there. The stairs are pretty tight and spiral so we had to take our time, but I didn’t get too dizzy.
Excellent information for those planning a visit to New York City. I did this climb as a child — way back in the day. You might want to skip this part if you’re at all claustrophobic. That is a reasonable price for a ticket that includes a visit to Ellis Island as well—-also a Big Apple “must see”.
Thanks Suzanne. You’re right, it feels a bit claustrophobic in there.
We have visited this awe inspiring statue and were never there when the top was open. Thanks for taking me along on the 393 steps up – whew, what a climb. I’m glad a fog didn’t drift in after that climb to spoil the view.
We were lucky to have a clear day 🙂
Excellent advice! I knew you could get up in the crown, but I didn’t realize exactly how to gain access. Thank you!!
Hope you get a chance to do it some day!
So did you make it to the top:-) Great photos!
Yup, we made it! Thanks Irene!
We visited New York City for the first time a few years ago and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were highlights for us, too, as well as seeing the New York skyline from the ferry. I wish I’d known to book tickets to climb up – that would be spectacular!
Half the fun of visiting the Statue is seeing that view of NYC from the ferry!
I’ve been to NYC countless times and never done this, and I probably never will. However, your description of the Statue of Liberty access is excellent for someone who does want to do the climb.
Thanks for visiting Carole!
We didn’t get to the Statue of LIberty on our recent first visit – saw the queue though! We did get a great view from a round Manhatten boat trip that we did.
I agree, it’s a great view of the Manhattan skyline from the water.
I haven’t really spent much time in New York City. My husband and I are debating visiting at Christmas and I would love to see the statue of liberty. Thank you for the information!
I would love to visit NYC at Christmas!
Great info. I’d feel claustrophobic inside on the second set of steps, I’m thinking. But oh, what a view!
It is a bit claustrophobic in there!
Love the photos and the tour sounds very cool, it’s been awhile since I’ve visited the statue last and fun to see this again.
Thanks for your visit Noel!