Statue City Cruises Resumes Ferry Services to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Welcoming New Jersey Residents

Statue City Cruises has announced the resumption of its ferry services to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, including a new route from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ. With extended operating hours, New Jersey residents can now enjoy a convenient and accessible route to visit the iconic landmark.

Starting on March 11, 2023, the ferry service will operate daily between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM, with final return trips from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island at 5:00 pm and 5:15 pm. The expanded operating hours come as Statue City Cruises sees higher levels of ridership, especially with the reopening of the Crown of the Statue of Liberty in October 2022.

“We are excited for what we expect to be a busy and robust year of travel to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on board our vessels,” said Mike Burke, COO of Concessions and Park Services for City Experiences by Hornblower. “We look forward to enjoyable visits for our guests and their families, creating amazing, unforgettable experiences.”

The ferry service offers visitors a variety of activities, including visiting the Crown of Lady Liberty, which is open to the general public. Visitors can also enjoy acres of open space, panoramic views of New York Harbor, and explore the museums and history of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. An Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour is available seven days a week for an additional fee.

Tickets are available for purchase online or at the ticket offices at Battery Park and Liberty State Park, with prices starting at $24.50 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children, and free for children three years and under. Tickets include self-guided audio tours on Liberty and Ellis Island.

The tourism industry is experiencing a significant rebound, with ridership on board Statue City Cruises exceeding pre-pandemic levels on several days in 2023, including Saturday, February 18, with more than 10,000 visitors. Visitation to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is at 94 percent of pre-pandemic levels through February 28, 2023. International visitation is at 36 percent as of February 2023, with increases in visitation from the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

New Jersey residents can now take advantage of this convenient ferry service and enjoy a variety of activities at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. With the extended operating hours, visitors can make the most of their trip and create unforgettable experiences with their family and friends.