How to Get to the Statue of Liberty from Times Square

Getting from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty is easy once you know where the boats leave from. The ferries start at the southern tip of Manhattan, in a park called The Battery.

The simplest route: the 1 train

1. Go into the Times Square–42 Street subway station and follow the signs for the 1 train. Choose the downtown platform.
2. Pay by tapping a contactless bank card or your phone at the turnstile. A ride costs $3.00, and nobody pays more than $35 in a week.
3. Ride 13 stops to South Ferry, the last stop on the line.
4. Exit to the street. The Battery is right outside, and the Staten Island Ferry's Whitehall Terminal is next to the station.

The station at Times Square is accessible, with elevators at the southeast corner of 7th Avenue and 42nd Street and at the northwest corner of Broadway and 42nd Street.

Other subway options

• R or W train downtown to Whitehall Street–South Ferry. The W runs on weekdays only. Late at night, the R doesn't run in Manhattan.
• 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green. These trains don't stop at Times Square, so you'll need to transfer first.

Check the live travel time in your maps app before you go.

Option 1: Visit the islands (paid)

Statue City Cruises is the only official ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. In Manhattan, the security screening is on the waterfront next to Castle Clinton. The time on your ticket is when to join the security line, not when the boat leaves, and lines can take an hour or more at busy times. There are no lockers, so leave big bags at your hotel.

Option 2: See the Statue for free

The Staten Island Ferry is free and leaves from the Whitehall Terminal. It doesn't stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island, but it passes the Statue of Liberty. Heading to Staten Island, she's on the right side of the boat. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and everyone must get off at St. George and re-board to come back.

Plan your visit with the free Statue of Liberty guide

FAQ

How many stops is it from Times Square to South Ferry? 13 stops on the downtown 1 train.

How much is the subway? $3.00 per ride, with a weekly cap of $35.

Is there a free way to see the Statue of Liberty? Yes. The Staten Island Ferry is free and passes the Statue, but it doesn't stop at the islands.