How To Avoid Statue of Liberty Ticket Scams

We love welcoming visitors to New York City and sharing its biggest attraction — the Statue of Liberty — with travelers from around the world. 

Unfortunately, some vendors take advantage of tourists with scams, especially at Battery Park, where you’ll depart for your Statue of Liberty tour. With ongoing construction near the ticket office and ferry boarding areas, it’s easier than ever to get misled. 

But don’t worry! We’re here to help you avoid the hassle so you can enjoy a smooth, pleasant trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, whether or not you travel there with us. Here’s what you need to know to avoid the scams and board the ferry stress-free.

Tip #1: Take the right boat 

There’s only one ferry that takes you to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located.

The National Park Service manages the Statue of Liberty National Monument, and the only boat they’ve authorized to transport travelers to the monument is operated by Statue City Cruises. When you buy a Statue of Liberty tour ticket from us (or another reputable tour vendor), you’re getting a ferry ticket to the island and a guided tour.

Other boats may promise a ride to the statue, but at best they’ll only pass by for a view from the water.

But wait — isn’t there a free ferry to the Statue of Liberty?

Some travelers also hear about the Staten Island Ferry as a way to see the Statue of Liberty for free. While it’s true you can glimpse it from the ferry, the route doesn’t go to Liberty Island or get very close to the statue.

Tip #2: Know the route to Castle Clinton

To catch the ferry, head to The Battery (it used to be called Battery Park, and you’ll sometimes still hear it called that). There, you can buy your ferry tickets at Castle Clinton or, if you’ve booked a tour with us, you’ll simply meet your guide outside the entrance to Castle Clinton.

This map shows the location of Castle Clinton.

Ongoing construction at The Battery has made navigating this area a little more challenging. Barricades and walls have closed several paths, so it’s harder to reach both Castle Clinton and the ferry screening area.

While the National Park Service has posted signs to guide visitors, some vendors are taking advantage of the confusion.

Tip #3: Follow the signs

There are plenty of signs to guide you, so just follow them and ignore anyone trying to sell tickets. 

Some vendors try to take advantage of the confusion by posing as official staff, directing visitors, or claiming areas are closed. These tactics can make it harder to reach Castle Clinton, but staying aware and following the official signs will keep you on the right path.

The video below shows how to follow the signs around the barricades to reach Castle Clinton, where ferry tickets are sold. (This is also the meeting point for our tour. If you booked with us, your guide will have your roundtrip ferry ticket, so no worries.)

Tip #4: Book your tickets in advance

Don’t buy tickets from anyone on the street, no matter how official they look or what they tell you.

If someone offers to sell you tickets or asks to “check” the ones you already have, politely decline — some may try to claim your tickets are fake. If you need directions, ask a local, a police officer, or a parks employee. For ferry tickets, head to Castle Clinton (open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), buy online through Statue City Cruises, or book a guided tour where your ferry tickets are included. 

When you’re booking a tour, read the description and look for verified reviews. For example, while we sell tours here on our website here, we also offer the same tour through Tripadvisor, where you can read over 7,000 reviews from real travelers. Reviews and reserving in advance helps give you confidence that you’re booking exactly what you want — no surprises by a last-minute by while navigating construction at The Battery!

Get ready for your visit

You’re going to have a great time visiting the Statue of Liberty. By following the easy tips above, you can have a stress-free experience, avoid scams, and focus on enjoying the trip. 

Guided tours can make the process even smoother, with your ferry tickets handled and a local to guide you every step of the way, from Castle Clinton to the foot of Lady Liberty herself.

But whether you choose to explore on your own or with a guide, with a little preparation and awareness, you can bypass the hawkers and fully enjoy your time on the islands. We hope you have as much fun visiting Liberty and Ellis islands as we have sharing these destinations with guests.

See you in New York!