NYC Statue of Liberty with Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Traveling through New York City can feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle—there’s so much to see, do, and experience that fitting it all into one trip is nearly impossible. That’s why a tour that combines bus sightseeing with a ferry ride to Liberty Island is such a smart choice. We’re here to give you a detailed, honest look at this $128 tour, which spans two days and promises the freedom to explore at your own pace.

This experience is packed with highlights: seamless transport, stunning views, and easy access to some of NYC’s most famous landmarks. We love the flexibility of the hop-on-hop-off system, the impressive itinerary, and the opportunity to get up close with the Statue of Liberty. Yet, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t include access to the pedestal or crown, which might be a consideration for the history buffs or photo enthusiasts. This tour is ideal for anyone who wants a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and personal exploration, especially if you’re short on time but want to see the essentials.

Good To Know

• Flexibility: Two-day hop-on-hop-off tickets allow you to explore at your own pace across multiple stops.
• Iconic Sights: Cover major neighborhoods like SoHo, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and landmarks like the Empire State Building.
• Liberty Island Access: Ferry ride included with visits to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, plus self-guided audio tours.
• Authentic Views: Expect stunning skyline vistas from both the ferry and bus routes, plus close-up photos of the Statue of Liberty.
• Limited Access: No entry to the pedestal or crown, so if you want that experience, additional arrangements are needed.
• Value for Money: The combination of transport, sightseeing, and ferry access makes this a practical way to see much of NYC in a short time.

Exploring the Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Jumping into the Heart of NYC

The tour begins at Battery Park, where you’ll hop onto a ferry that takes you directly to Liberty Island. This leg is the highlight for many travelers because it offers a chance to see the Statue of Liberty up close—an image that’s instantly recognizable but even more impressive in person. The ferry trip also includes a visit to Ellis Island, home of the Immigration Museum, which provides a poignant look at America’s diverse heritage.

According to some reviews, the self-guided audio tour on Liberty Island is a real plus, giving you the freedom to explore at your own speed. Expect about 3 hours for this part—long enough to take photos, soak in the views, and visit the Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Museum.

After returning from the ferry, the bus loop kicks off with stops at some of NYC’s most recognizable sights. You’ll make your way to M&Ms World, a fun and colorful stop for a quick break or some souvenirs. The next stops include Bryant Park, where you can enjoy the city’s buzz amidst lush greenery; the Empire State Building, with its panoramic decks promising epic skyline views; and the Flatiron District, famous for its triangular building and vibrant eateries.

Lovers of arts and culture will enjoy SoHo, with its cast-iron architecture and boutiques, and Chinatown and Little Italy, perfect for sampling authentic Asian and Italian fare. The bus also stops at Brooklyn Bridge, offering stunning views and that classic photo op. For finance lovers, Wall Street provides a peek into the world’s financial hub, while Hudson Yards introduces you to modern NYC architecture and shopping.

Day 2: Extending Your Adventure

If you opt for the two-day ticket, your second day allows you to revisit any stops, explore new areas, or simply enjoy the city at your leisure with the same flexible hop-on-hop-off service. Many travelers find it invaluable for covering neighborhoods they didn’t have time for on the first day, such as Vessel at Hudson Yards or additional stops along the Downtown Loop.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour strikes a good balance between convenience and depth. For $128, you get:

• A 1- or 2-day hop-on-hop-off bus ticket with recorded commentary
• Round-trip ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island
• Priority entry at the security screening before ferry boarding
• Access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, plus the Museums

However, it’s important to note that entry to the pedestal or crown of the Statue of Liberty is not included. If standing at the top of Lady Liberty is on your must-see list, you’ll need to book additional tickets.

Practical Considerations

The tour starts at Battery Park, a central and accessible meeting point near public transportation. The bus stops are well-placed at key locations like 7th Ave & W 48th St, 5th Ave & W 32nd St, and Broadway & Spring Street, making it easy to hop on and off as you prefer.

The duration of each stop varies, with the ferry portion generally taking about 3 hours, including security and exploration time. The bus rides are narrated, giving you context and fun facts about the landmarks as you pass by.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

While no reviews are officially included, the detailed descriptions from similar experiences suggest that guides and audio commentary significantly enhance the experience—many comment on how knowledgeable guides help paint a richer picture of the city’s history and architecture. Visitors also note the stunning skyline views from the ferry and bus, which are worth the price alone, especially during sunset or clear days.

One reviewer pointed out that the ferry boarding process is well-organized with priority screening, helping to avoid long lines. Others appreciated the flexibility of the hop-on-hop-off system, enabling spontaneous detours or extra sightseeing.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour offers great value for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a broad swath of NYC without feeling rushed. Combining transport, sightseeing, and ferry access in one package reduces the hassle of coordinating multiple tickets or figuring out public transport alone.

It is particularly well-suited for visitors who:

• Want a rundown of Manhattan and surrounding neighborhoods
• Prefer flexibility to explore at their own pace
• Are interested in getting close to the Statue of Liberty without the stress of planning separate tickets
• Appreciate guided commentary and scenic views during transport

However, if you’re eager to access the crown or pedestal of Liberty, you’ll need to consider additional arrangements.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a nice balance between structured sightseeing and personal exploration, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time. The combination of bus routes and ferry rides offers a multi-faceted view of NYC, from the towering skyscrapers to the historic Statue of Liberty. The two-day option is especially attractive for those who want to soak up the city’s vibe without feeling hurried.

The knowledgeable guides and stunning views make this experience more than just transportation—it’s a curated introduction to New York’s essence. The only real downside might be the lack of access to the Statue’s crown or pedestal, but for most travelers, the overall experience remains worthwhile and memorable.

In summary, if you want a flexible, enjoyable way to see NYC’s highlights, this tour offers excellent value and genuine convenience, perfect for making your trip to the Big Apple truly unforgettable.

FAQ

Does this tour include entry to the Statue of Liberty’s crown or pedestal?
No, this tour does not include access to the crown or pedestal. It provides grounds access and stunning views from the ferry and surrounding areas.

Can I use my ticket on both days if I choose the two-day option?
Yes, your ticket is valid for two days, and you can hop on and off at any stop as many times as you like.

Where do I start the tour?
The tour begins at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, which is accessible by public transportation.

Is the ferry ride included in the ticket price?
Yes, round-trip ferry tickets to Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included, along with priority screening.

How long is the ferry trip?
The ferry trip to Liberty Island and Ellis Island generally takes about 3 hours, including security and exploration time.

Are there any additional costs for museums or attractions?
No, access to the Liberty Island Museum and Ellis Island Museum is included. However, access to the Statue’s crown or pedestal is not.

What’s the best time of day for the tour?
Most travelers prefer morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy better lighting for photos.

How does the hop-on-hop-off system work?
You can hop on or off at any designated stop along the route, using your ticket on both days if purchased for two days.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most children can participate, and the ferry and bus routes are child-friendly. Just check for any height restrictions if visiting the crown.

Are guides or audio commentary available?
Yes, the bus features recorded audio commentary, adding context to your sightseeing experience.

To sum it up, this combined bus and ferry tour offers a practical, flexible way to see New York City’s most iconic sights. From the breathtaking views of the skyline to the unforgettable image of Lady Liberty, it’s well worth considering for your next trip to the Big Apple.