New York: Statue of Liberty and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, this combo package promises an engaging way to see one of the world’s most famous skylines and landmarks. We haven’t personally taken the tour, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it offers a balanced mix of self-paced exploration and iconic sights.

What we really like about this experience is how flexible and comprehensive it sounds. The round-trip ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island transports you to two of the most meaningful spots in U.S. history, while the Hop-On Hop-Off bus allows you to explore neighborhoods and landmarks at your own pace. The inclusion of audio guides and access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Museum add layers of depth to the visit.

A possible consideration is that the entry to the Pedestal and Crown of the Statue of Liberty isn’t included—if those are on your wish list, you’ll need to plan for additional tickets. Also, the tour involves a fair amount of walking and waiting, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a day that mixes bus rides, ferry trips, and some self-guided exploration.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want to combine seeing the highlights with some flexibility, and for those who prefer a mix of guided and independent sightseeing.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Choose between 1 or 2 days to enjoy the hop-on-hop-off bus and ferry trip.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visit the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and numerous NYC neighborhoods.
• Self-Guided Tours: Access to audio guides enhances your understanding of the sites.
• Convenient Access: Redeem your tickets at multiple stops, with a route covering major city areas.
• Museum Access: Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Museum included in the package.
• Value for Price: The cost includes transport, entry to key sites, and flexible sightseeing, making it a solid deal for a full-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded chance to experience New York’s highlights. The core of the package is the ferry trip — a must-do for any first-timer. Boarding from Battery Park, you’ll get a scenic ride with views of the Manhattan skyline, and you’ll arrive at Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. This is a real “bucket list” moment, and the inclusion of priority entry at the screening area helps reduce some of the usual waiting frustration.

Once on Liberty Island, you can explore the grounds with a self-guided audio tour. It’s a straightforward way to learn about the monument, its history, and its symbolism. The Statue of Liberty Museum is a particular highlight, offering interactive exhibits that tell the story behind Lady Liberty’s creation and significance. Several reviews mention the museum’s engaging galleries and the chance to see original artifacts, making the visit more meaningful than just snapping photos.

Next, the ferry takes you to Ellis Island, where the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration awaits. This site is profoundly moving, recounting stories of millions who passed through seeking new lives. The self-guided audio tour here offers a rich background, and many visitors find the exhibits both educational and emotional.

For those of us who like to explore at our own pace, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus adds great value. This red route covers a wide swath of NYC, from Bryant Park to Wall Street, with stops that are close to other attractions. The recorded commentary enhances the experience, providing historical context and interesting facts. You can hop off to walk around neighborhoods like SoHo or Chinatown, then hop back on when you’re ready. Many reviews praise the flexibility—”You get to customize your day and avoid feeling rushed,” says one.

Timing-wise, the 1-day ticket lets you do everything in one go, which may be tight but manageable if you start early. The 2-day option is perfect for travelers wanting to spread out and enjoy full days without rushing. The tour duration ranges from 1 to 2 days, giving a good balance between seeing sights and relaxing.

Transportation is well-organized, with clear instructions on where to redeem your voucher, and the route covers key neighborhoods and landmarks. The audio commentary is available in multiple languages, which is a nice touch for international visitors. The tour is wheelchair accessible, although the ferry and some sites might have limited access for certain mobility devices.

While the price of $128 per person might seem steep at first glance, it includes the ferry, museum access, and a flexible bus tour—more than just a city hop. You’d pay extra if you wanted to visit the Crown or Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, but for most visitors, this package offers a solid overview at a reasonable cost.

From reviews, we learn that the experience tends to be smooth and well-organized. One reviewer notes, “The ferry line was quick with priority boarding, and the audio guides made the visits more insightful.” Others mention that the buses are frequent but can be crowded during peak times, so arriving early helps.

Itinerary Breakdown

Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty

The ferry departs from Battery Park, offering scenic views of the harbor and skyline. After passing security with priority screening, you hop on the ferry, which is comfortable and well-organized. On Liberty Island, you have ample time to walk around the grounds, take photos, and visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. The self-guided audio tour enriches the experience, providing historical and cultural insights.

Ellis Island

The ferry then docks at Ellis Island, where the Immigration Museum is located. Here, you’ll learn about the millions who sought new opportunities in America. The exhibits include personal stories, immigration processing history, and artifacts. It’s a compelling stop, especially for those interested in American history or genealogy.

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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The bus route is detailed and covers key districts like Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, Wall Street, and Hudson Yards. You can hop off at any stop for as long as you wish and hop back on later. Many reviewers appreciate the audio commentary, which is available in several languages, making the tour accessible for international visitors. The buses run in loops, with frequent service, so waiting times are usually minimal.

Additional Stops and Neighborhoods

Beyond the main attractions, the route offers views of Empire State Building, Flatiron District, and points like Bryant Park, making this a comprehensive tour for those who want to see a broad swath of Manhattan. The Wall Street stop offers close proximity to the Financial District, and the Brooklyn Bridge stop is perfect for a quick walk across the iconic structure.

What’s Not Included and Tips

Entry to the Pedestal & Crown

If climbing to the Pedestal or Crown is on your wish list, remember that these tickets are not included. These require separate booking and are in high demand. Many travelers find that the main statue viewing and museum visit are sufficient for a fulfilling experience.

Timing and Flexibility

If you book a 2 pm or 3 pm ferry, your time on Liberty Island and Ellis Island might be limited, as the last ferry back is usually earlier in the evening. Planning your day accordingly ensures you don’t miss out on key sites.

Comfort and Preparation

Bring comfortable shoes, since there can be quite a bit of walking, and weather-appropriate clothing—especially sunscreen and water on sunny days. The ferry deck is open, so dress for the weather.

Overall Value and Who Will Benefit

This tour offers excellent value for those looking to get a well-rounded experience of New York’s highlights. The combination of a ferry trip to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island with a flexible hop-on-hop-off bus allows for personalized exploration without feeling rushed. The inclusion of audio guides and museum access enriches the visit, making it more than just a sightseeing bus.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy self-guided tours but appreciate some structure, those with a day or two to spare, and anyone eager to see the city’s most famous landmarks without multiple separate bookings. It’s particularly appealing for first-time visitors or families wanting a rundown that combines history, culture, and cityscapes.

While it’s not for those who want to reach the Crown or Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, it covers the essentials beautifully. The price balances well against what’s included, particularly given the convenience of having everything organized in one package.

FAQ

Does the tour include entry to the Crown or Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty?
No, the tour covers the grounds and museum but does not include access to the Crown or Pedestal. Those are available via separate, advance reservations.

Can I choose a 1-day or 2-day hop-on-hop-off ticket?
Yes, you can select either a 1-day or 2-day ticket. The 1-day ticket allows you to do both the ferry trip and bus tour in one day, while the 2-day allows spread-out exploration.

What is included in the package?
It includes a round-trip ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, priority boarding, access to the grounds, self-guided audio tours, and a 1 or 2-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour with recorded commentary.

Are there any accessibility options?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, although the ferry and some sites may have limited access.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride itself offers scenic views, and while exact duration isn’t specified, it’s designed to be manageable and scenic, with the main focus on the islands.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for a comfortable day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older. Kids often enjoy the boat ride and the open spaces on Liberty Island.

To sum it up, this combination of ferry and hop-on-hop-off bus offers a flexible, engaging, and informative way to see New York City’s most iconic sights. It balances guided elements with personal exploration, making it ideal for first-time visitors and history buffs alike. If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized day of sightseeing that includes the Statue of Liberty and plenty of city highlights, this tour delivers solid value. For those interested in more specialized access, such as the Crown, additional planning will be necessary, but for most, this package will hit the spot.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby