Statue City Cruises, the official operator of ferry service to the Statue of liberty and Ellis Island, has shared summer travel tips for making the most of a visit to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island.

Statue City Cruises departure times to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were extended beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from Battery Park in lower Manhattan and Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily with the last return trips from both islands at 7 p.m.

This means more time to explore both islands, including later in the day where the crowds are lighter. But the best hidden gem to make the most of your experience is through the Liberty State Park departure point.

That’s just one of five tips for making the most of your visit this summer which include:

• Booking ahead of time through the brand-new Statue City Cruises App - it will save you time by avoiding the ticket purchase line and allow you to head right into the screening facility.
• The Liberty State Park departure point is a hidden gem with significantly less wait time and even more spectacular views of the harbor in New Jersey’s biggest park, lines here move much faster since most visitors depart from the Battery. But the secret is starting to get out with the Liberty State Park departure point up 11 percent year over year.
• Use the app to check wait times at each departure point - it will help guests plan their departure more quickly HINT - best departures are later in the day when the crowds are lighter. And last-minute tickets for the grounds of Liberty Island are always available.
• Book early and in advance when heading to the Pedestal or Crown of Lady Liberty. While there’s significantly more capacity to access the pedestal, the crown is a much tougher ticket to secure so plan ahead!
• Most importantly - Statue City Cruises is the only authorized concessionaire of tickets to sail to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The only way to secure a ticket is to book at statuecitycruises.com or via the App.

Tickets are priced at approximately $25.00/adult, $22.00/seniors, $16.00/child and free for children three years and under.

Tickets include self-guided audio tours on Liberty and Ellis Island. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance from the Statue City Cruises website and app.

Tickets are also available at the Battery Park and Liberty State Park box offices.

To learn more, visit - www.cityexperiences.com/new-york/city-cruises/statue/