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How to Get Crown Tickets for the Statue of Liberty

Updated: November 6, 2023

The crown of the Statue of Liberty is open, but tickets that include crown access are very limited.

We are local tour guides who are on Liberty Island, and every day we see many disappointed visitors who just found out that they have the wrong ticket.

So, to help you avoid becoming one of these people, we've used our experience and expertise to create this helpful guide to crown tickets.

We include last-minute tickets, some tips on security requirements, views from the top, and more. Let's get started!

But first, in the video below, Canden, a tour guide with us, Free Tours by Foot, goes over the general ticketing process.


HOW TO GET CROWN TICKETS

Although it's not too difficult to purchase the Statue of Liberty tickets, crown tickets aren't as easy to obtain.

With that in mind, we recommend purchasing admission for this service at least a month or two ahead of time.

During peak seasons, you'll want to consider purchasing tickets even earlier than usual.

There's only one way to see Lady Liberty's crown, so tickets tend to sell out very quickly, as there are only approximately 500 per day.

Statue Cruises is the only tour company authorized to provide tickets and admission to the crown.

If you want tickets for this attraction, you'll need to visit their website and book a Crown Reserve Ticket.

Each ticket to the crown includes ferry service to/from the landmark, an audio tour of the grounds, and access to both the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and the Statue of Liberty Museum.

  • Ticket Prices: $24.30 for Adults | $18.30 for Seniors | $12.30 for Children
  • Availability: Ferry departs daily from 8:30 am - 5 pm
  • Duration: As long as you want – most people stay for approximately 2-3 hours
  • Click here for tickets.

We also have a post on how to get general admission and pedestal tickets, which is currently open.


LAST-MINUTE CROWN TICKETS

As we mentioned before, Statue Cruises is the only company allowed to provide access to Lady Liberty's crown.

You cannot transfer tickets, so don't buy anything off of 3rd party sites or from someone on the street.

Once crown tickets sell out, they are usually very difficult to obtain.

However, crown tickets sometimes get canceled. When this happens, these tickets will quickly be placed back into the ticketing system.

Anyone looking for last-minute crown tickets will want to keep an eye on Statue Cruise's crown tickets calendar.

It can't hurt to call them directly at 1-877-523-9849.

Although it's not possible to get same-day crown tickets, you could get lucky and find admission within the next few days.

Increase your chances of getting last-minute tickets by checking their reservation system regularly.

And don't forget, the pedestal also offers great views.

New York Walking Tours

SECURITY FOR CROWN TICKET HOLDERS

Guests who visit the Statue of Liberty have to follow certain rules for security.

These rules are even more strict for tourists who purchase a crown ticket. 

  • No food, drinks, or backpacks permitted
  • No strollers allowed
  • Long umbrellas are restricted
  • Lockers are available to store bags and other belongings
Statue of Liberty Lockers

TIP: If you plan on bringing a few things with you, check out our luggage storage post for more information on storing personal belongings and bags in and around New York City. You can store a bag for an entire day for just $6.


Anyone visiting the crown will also have to keep the following security requirements in mind.

These restrictions are in place for the protection of all tourists. 

  • Adults must show a photo ID
  • Only 1 camera per person is permitted
  • Children must be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) tall

Additionally, it's important to note that there is no elevator access to the top.

There are 162 narrow and tight steps that lead to the crown. The stairs are also quite steep.

Accordingly, seniors and parents with young children will want to consider their physical ability before purchasing crown access tickets.

Those with claustrophobia and vertigo should take this into account as well.

This may also be a difficult climb and potentially dangerous if you are pregnant, suffer from respiratory conditions, or have a mobility impairment.

That being said, these aren't restrictions and you are welcome to purchase tickets as long as you follow their rules and regulations.

Check out the National Park Service website for more information.


ADDITIONAL TICKET OPTIONS

Although there's only one way to see the crown, there are many ways to see the Statue of Liberty.

In addition to their crown tickets, Statue Cruises also provides admission to Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and the Pedestal.

If you can't get Reserve Crown tickets, we recommend one of the following alternative options.

Be sure to read our master post on visiting the Statue of Liberty for more in-depth information on these options.


Statue of Liberty Grounds Ticket

  • Ticket Prices: $24.50 for Adults | $18 for Seniors | $12 for Children
  • Availability: Ferry departs daily from 8:30 am - 5 pm
  • Duration: As long as you want – between 2-3 hours on average
  • Access the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island
  • Audio tours of Liberty Island and Ellis Island
  • Priority entry into the screening facility queue for reserved ticket holders
  • Flex tickets are included in all tourist attraction discount passes.

Statue of Liberty Pedestal Ticket

  • Ticket Prices: $24.30 for Adults | $18.30 for Seniors | $12.30 for Children
  • Availability: Ferry departs daily from 8:30 am - 5 pm
  • Duration: As long as you want – between 2-3 hours on average
  • Includes all of the benefits of the Ground Ticket
  • Access to the Fort Wood section of the pedestal

TIP: You can actually get a pedestal ticket for free when signing up for a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty.

Several companies offer guided tours of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, allowing visitors to see the historic monument up close and learn about it from a knowledgeable source.

Click here to find out more about this option.


VIEWS FROM THE CROWN

So what can you actually see from the Statue of Liberty's crown? You'll get some very good views of the Manhattan skyline and the New York Harbor.

As you look through the windows of the crown, you might be surprised at just how small they are.

Lady Liberty may look huge from afar, but there's actually a limited amount of room at the top of the monument.

For a better idea of what to expect, take a look at the following video. Click here to see the views from the pedestal.


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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: November 6th, 2023
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