Statue of Liberty Crown vs Pedestal vs General Admission: what each ticket includes

All three tickets also include a self-guided audio tour and both museums: the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Statue of Liberty Museum, which holds the original torch. What changes is how far up the monument you go.

The Crown is the only ticket that takes you inside the statue itself, where 25 windows look out over the harbor. The spiral stairs have low head clearance, and on hot days it can be up to 20°F (about 11°C) warmer inside than outside.

With the Pedestal, the National Park Service points to the top of Fort Wood, right beneath the statue, for the best views and photos. With any ticket, the roof deck of the Statue of Liberty Museum has sweeping views of the statue and New York Harbor, weather permitting.

For visits in 2026, Crown Reserve and Pedestal Reserve cost the same: $26.30 for adults, $23.30 for seniors (62 and over) and military, and $17.30 for children aged 4 to 12. General Admission costs $26.00 for adults and $23.00 for seniors and military. Fees and taxes are included.

For visits from January 1, 2027, the booking page already shows $26.80 for Crown and Pedestal Reserve adults, $23.80 for seniors and military and $17.80 for children 4 to 12. General Admission is $26.50 for adults and $23.50 for seniors and military.

The pedestal has an elevator for visitors who can't use the stairs. The Crown is stairs only: children must be at least 42 inches (1.1 m) tall and climb on their own, with one adult for every four children. The National Park Service calls the climb strenuous and advises against it for anyone with heart or breathing problems, limited mobility, claustrophobia, a fear of heights or vertigo. Anyone who feels uneasy can stop at the top of the pedestal. Our guide to climbing the Crown covers the stairs in detail.

The pedestal's outdoor deck is not wheelchair accessible. With a Pedestal or Crown ticket, backpacks, large bags, food and strollers stay outside the monument. Lockers near the second security check take a 25-cent deposit; there are none at the departure points. The Crown allows no bags at all.

General Admission involves no climb, and strollers are allowed on the ferries and both islands.

Statue City Cruises is the only ticket seller authorized by the National Park Service. Book on its official site, or for the Crown by phone at 877-523-9849, and choose your departure point first: New York (Battery Park) or New Jersey (Liberty State Park). Each one sells its own Crown Reserve, Pedestal Reserve and General Admission. With a Crown ticket, an entry time of 2 PM or later doesn't leave enough time for Ellis Island.

Statue City Cruises suggests booking the Crown three to four months ahead, and there is no waitlist. Each household or card can book up to four Crown tickets, and one Crown reservation in any six months. Pedestal tickets are limited too and can sell out in advance. Our live calendar shows which Crown dates have spots at each departure point right now.

There is no upgrade on the islands, which have no ticket booths, and no Crown ticket is sold on the day. Once the Pedestal is sold out, you can't upgrade to it at the departure point either.