If you’re looking for a quick yet unforgettable New York experience, a half-day trip by ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island is the perfect choice. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, enjoy stunning skyline views, and explore two iconic islands — all in just a few hours. Plus, with a little insider secret, you can save on hotels and experiences when you book through the Agoda app using the promo code AGODATONI (for activities) and TONIAGODA (for accommodation).

🌆 Why This Half-Day Ferry Trip Is a Must-Do in New York

In just 4–5 hours, you can:
✅ Cruise through New York Harbor
✅ Visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island
✅ Explore the Statue of Liberty Museum and Immigration Museum
✅ Capture breathtaking skyline and harbor views

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover NYC’s roots, this half-day ferry itinerary is one of the most rewarding and scenic experiences the city has to offer.

📍 How to Get to the Ferry Pier

Your adventure begins at Battery Park, the official Statue Cruises terminal in Lower Manhattan. From here, you’ll board the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

🚇 Directions to Battery Park

• By Subway:
  • Take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green Station
  • Take the R train to Whitehall Street–South Ferry Station
  • Take the 1 train directly to South Ferry Station

From any of these stops, Battery Park is just a 5-minute walk away. Follow the signs for Statue Cruises — that’s where your ferry adventure begins!

⏱ Travel Time

From Times Square or Midtown Manhattan, it takes about 25–30 minutes by subway to reach Battery Park.
To make the most of your half-day itinerary, arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ferry to clear security checks.

🗽 Liberty Island: The Heart of New York

The ferry ride to Liberty Island takes about 15 minutes, offering incredible views of the New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.

What to See and Do:

• Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, where you can learn about Lady Liberty’s history and symbolism.
• Walk around the base of the statue for panoramic photos.
• Stop by the Liberty Island Café for a quick snack or coffee.

Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here to fully enjoy the exhibits and scenery before catching the next ferry to Ellis Island.

🚢🏛️ Ellis Island: A Journey Through History

Next, the ferry continues to Ellis Island, a deeply moving and historically rich destination that once served as the entry point for over 12 million immigrants to the United States.

Highlights:

• Visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where interactive exhibits tell the personal stories of those who arrived in America seeking a new life.
• Look for your ancestors in the American Immigrant Wall of Honor.
• Walk through the Great Hall, beautifully preserved to reflect the immigrant experience of the early 1900s.

You can easily spend 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum before heading back on the ferry to Battery Park.

💸 Save on Hotels and Experiences with Agoda

Make your trip even better with exclusive Agoda discounts!

When booking your New York hotel use the code TONIAGODA or for activities use the code AGODATONI in the Agoda app to get instant savings.

Travel Tip: Stay near Lower Manhattan or Battery Park for easy access to the ferry terminal — this saves precious time on your half-day itinerary and lets you start early.