A practical day trip from the hotel: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
From InterContinental New York Times Square, take subway from the Times Square area to South Ferry and board the official Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Allow about 3–5 hours total for both islands, including ferry lines and museum time.
In this guide
Start from the hotel: how to get to Battery Park
InterContinental New York Times Square sits at 300 W 44th St with an on-property entrance to the A, C and E subway lines. The usual route to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is to travel to South Ferry in Lower Manhattan and walk to Battery Park for the ferry.
A common route is to take a downtown subway from the Times Square/42nd Street area (for example the 1 train from Times Square–42 St) to South Ferry. Travel time from the Times Square area to South Ferry is commonly about 20–25 minutes, depending on wait times and the transfer you choose.
- Walk from the hotel to Times Square–42 St if you prefer the 1 train (a short walk; the hotel is about 0.1–0.2 miles from Times Square).
- Alternatively use the A/C/E lines at the hotel entrance and transfer as needed downtown.
- From South Ferry, walk (or follow signs) to Battery Park and the Statue City Cruises departure area.
| From | Typical travel |
|---|---|
| InterContinental New York Times Square (Times Square area) | About 20–25 minutes by subway to South Ferry (varies by connections) |
| South Ferry to Battery Park | Short walk; follow station exits toward Battery Park |
| Battery Park to Liberty Island (ferry) | Ferry crossing about 15 minutes |
Tickets, timing and the ferry operator
The official ferry operator for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is Statue City Cruises; a visit requires boarding the official ferry from Battery Park (Manhattan) or Liberty State Park (New Jersey). The Staten Island Ferry does not stop at these islands.
Plan for queues at security screening and ticketing, especially on weekends and holidays. Many guides and visitor information suggest budgeting 3–5 hours to see both islands, including ferry time and museum visits.
- Buy tickets in advance from the official ferry operator to secure preferred departure times.
- Allow extra time for security screening (similar to airport screening) before boarding.
- If you want access to the Statue’s pedestal or crown, check availability and ticket type on the official ferry site; these require special reservations through the ferry operator.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Official ferry operator (Statue City Cruises) | Only official ferries stop at Liberty and Ellis Islands |
| Ticket type (general admission, pedestal, crown) | Different access levels and limited availability |
| Departure time | Arrive early for security and boarding |
What to see on Liberty Island and Ellis Island
On Liberty Island most visitors walk the grounds, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, and enjoy skyline views of Manhattan and New York Harbor. The museum includes exhibits about the statue’s history and construction.
Ellis Island hosts the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where you can spend time in the main museum building researching family history, seeing exhibits about immigration to the United States, and queueing for the audio tour if you choose it.
- Statue of Liberty Museum — exhibits, multimedia, and outdoor views
- Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration — main exhibits and immigrant arrival galleries
- Outdoor walking routes on both islands; expect some uphill walking and steps in places
| Island | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Liberty Island | Statue of Liberty Museum, outdoor island loop, harbor views |
| Ellis Island | Immigration museum, arrival records, exhibits on immigrant stories |
Accessibility and practical tips
Both islands and the ferries have accessibility accommodations, but specific accessible access can vary by area; passengers who need special assistance should check the ferry operator’s accessibility information before travel.
Expect stairs and uneven surfaces in places on the islands. If you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, plan ahead and contact the ferry operator or consult the National Park Service pages for the most current accessibility details.
- Bring a small backpack with water, sunscreen and a light jacket — weather can change on the water.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; some routes include steps and cobblestone-like surfaces.
- Check weather and wind forecasts — the ferry ride can be breezy and cooler than midtown Manhattan.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID (for special access tickets) | Required for certain reserved access (e.g., crown tickets) |
| Comfortable shoes | Island walking and museum floors |
| Layered clothing | Windy conditions on the water |
Timing your day and suggested itinerary
Aim to catch an early ferry from Battery Park to avoid the largest crowds. An early start also leaves time for lunch in Lower Manhattan after you return.
Visitors commonly allocate 3–5 hours for both islands. If you only want one island (for example just Liberty Island or just the Ellis Island museum), you can shorten the trip accordingly.
- Example half-day plan: Leave hotel by 8:30–9:00 AM, arrive Battery Park in time for a mid-morning ferry, tour Liberty Island, then Ellis Island, return by early afternoon.
- If you have a Broadway show or evening plans, allow travel time back to Midtown and factor in time for security lines at the theater.
| Plan | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Round-trip ferry and both islands | 3–5 hours (typical recommendation) |
| Single-island visit | 2–3 hours |
| Add time for pedestal/crown access | Varies; reserve in advance |
Return to the hotel and nearby dining options
After returning to Battery Park and traveling back to Midtown, you can walk or take the subway to InterContinental New York Times Square. The hotel is convenient to Broadway and Times Square if you plan an evening show.
If you prefer to dine at the hotel after your trip, The Stinger Cocktail Bar and Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with an a la carte menu and a separate entrance off the street. In-room dining is also available until 10:45 PM.
- The Stinger Cocktail Bar and Kitchen — breakfast buffet 7:00 AM–11:00 AM; kitchen food service 12:00 PM–10:45 PM; bar/lounge until midnight.
- In-room dining hours: 6:30 AM–10:45 PM (if you prefer to eat in your room after a long day).
- If you have an evening show, the hotel is a 4–5 minute walk from many Broadway theatres.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Stinger (on-site) | American menu, reservations recommended during peak times |
| In-room dining | Available daily until 10:45 PM |
| Times Square/Broadway dining | Several restaurants within a short walk from the hotel |
Hotel services that can help plan the trip
InterContinental New York Times Square offers concierge services and a front desk that can help with directions, subway advice, and tour or ticket suggestions. The hotel also offers free Wi‑Fi, so you can check ferry times and ticket confirmations from your room.
If you need a quiet place to get ready or work after the trip, the property has a 24-hour fitness center and a business center where you can recharge devices or print documents.
- Concierge can advise on current ferry schedules and best routes to Battery Park.
- Use free Wi‑Fi in guest rooms and public areas to access ticket confirmations and the ferry operator’s site.
- If you need parking or transport information for later travel, the front desk can advise on nearby garages and ride options.
| Service | Availability / detail |
|---|---|
| Concierge / porter | On-site; can help with tours and directions |
| Free Wi‑Fi | Available in guest rooms and public areas |
| Fitness center | 24-hour, third floor |
