How to Get to the Statue of Liberty Ferry From 17 John Street

The ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island departs from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, near Castle Clinton. From 17 John Street it's about a 12-minute walk south. The simplest route is to head down Broadway until it ends at the park, or walk along the water on the west side. No subway needed.

One thing worth knowing: only one company, Statue City Cruises, runs the official ferry from Battery Park. If you see people selling "tickets" on the street or boats that only pass by the statue without stopping, those aren't the real thing. Book the official ferry online in advance. Everyone goes through airport-style security before boarding, so allow extra time, especially in summer and on weekends.

A few tips from booking this for guests. The earliest morning boats are the quietest and give you the most time on the islands before the crowds build. If you want to go up into the statue's pedestal or crown, those are limited and sell out well ahead, so book early. Ellis Island is included on the same ferry ticket, and the immigration museum there is worth the extra stop if you have the time. Plan on at least half a day for the round trip if you're doing both islands.

When you get back to the park, you're a short walk from the rest of the Financial District, so it's easy to fold a Statue of Liberty morning into a full day on foot and be back at the suite by the afternoon.