You're Wasting Money If You Pay To See The Statue Of Liberty

New York isn't always known as having the cheapest vacation spots, and when traveling to New York City, the Statue of Liberty is often at the top of tourist itineraries. Fortunately, the National Parks System doesn't charge for entrance into the Statue of Liberty National Monument or the nearby Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. However, the only authorized ferry service that drops off visitors – Statue City Cruises — comes with a fee. As of August 2025, the fees can be as much as $25.50 per person, depending on their age, with potential add-on fees. 

If you don't mind seeing the statue from a distance, all you'll need is a ride on the free Staten Island Ferry. However, you should be aware of scams trying to sell paid tickets for this ferry. The ferry operates 24/7, with weekday rush hour service from 6:00 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 8:00 p.m., running every 15–20 minutes. Outside of these rush hour times, the ferry leaves every 30 minutes, which is also the schedule on Saturdays and Sundays. Each year, nearly 22 million people use the Staten Island Ferry for a range of purposes, with about 70,000 people riding each day between Staten Island and Manhattan. This ferry serves as the only transportation system between these two points that doesn't rely upon a vehicle, which can save drivers some money by avoiding rush hour congestion pricing.

There are other ways you can enjoy a view of the Statue of Liberty, they just might not be as close. By heading to Battery Park in Lower Manhattan and using a zoom lens on a camera, you catch a view of the statue. Most subway lines stop at or near Battery Park, and the subway typically costs $2.90 with half-price availability for seniors and people with disabilities.

Another option is to visit Governors Island in the East River. A ferry ride takes about eight minutes from Lower Manhattan and a tad longer from Brooklyn. On weekends before 11 a.m., the ride is free, but you may want to make a reservation to guarantee a spot. If those times don't work, the fare is $5 per person, making it a frugal way to see the statue, even if you have to pay for the transportation. Plus, the ferry is always free for seniors aged 65 and up, children aged 12 and under, and current or former military service members. 

You can technically see the Statue of Liberty from the Empire State Building, but this New York City landmark could be considered a tourist trap due to its high admission prices. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's rooftop gardens also offer Statue of Liberty views, though admission is required.