NY: Statue of Liberty, Empire State, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Discover the Best of New York City with a 2-Day Combo Tour

This $135 per person tour offers a flexible way to see New York City’s key landmarks over two days. It combines a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ride with entry to the Empire State Building and a round-trip ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands. This package suits travelers wanting to mix sightseeing at their own pace with iconic attractions, all while enjoying practical features like digital commentary and app-based route tracking.

While it provides a rundown of Manhattan’s highlights, it’s worth noting that entry to the Statue of Liberty monument is not included—the ferry takes you to Liberty Island but not inside Lady Liberty. This tour emphasizes flexibility and convenience, making it a good fit for first-time visitors or those short on time who want to maximize their experience.

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Key Points

• Includes a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus covering downtown and uptown routes
• Entry to the Empire State Building is included, with pre-booking required
• Round-trip ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands offers up-close views of Lady Liberty
• Tickets are flexible, allowing you to create your own itinerary
• Digital commentary and souvenir earbuds enhance the sightseeing experience
• Price is $135 per person, with discounts available when bundling attractions

Starting Point for Your New York Adventure

The tour begins with redeeming your voucher at 7th Ave & W 48th St, outside M&Ms World. You can activate your ticket via the Big Bus app or with Big Bus staff, offering both options for convenience. Once activated, the 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus is at your disposal, providing access to two distinct routes through Manhattan’s most popular neighborhoods.

The bus fleet features open-top double-deckers, allowing for great views as you sit back and listen to audio commentary in multiple languages. This setup ensures you can easily hop off at key sights like Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Empire State Building at your own pace.

Exploring the Empire State Building

The tour includes an entry ticket to the Empire State Building, one of New York’s most iconic skyscrapers. To visit the observatory, guests must pre-book a time slot through the provided link or with Big Bus staff. Once inside, visitors ascend to the top for panoramic views of Manhattan, spanning from the Hudson River to the East River, with landmarks clearly visible from the outdoor viewing deck.

This experience is straightforward and offers a shortcut to one of the city’s most photographed spots. The ticket does not include access to other floors or the museum, making it a quick but impressive visit.

Ferry Ride to Liberty and Ellis Islands

A key highlight is the round-trip ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The ferry operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Stop 9 – Battery Park. The ride offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, and you get up-close visuals of Lady Liberty.

While the ferry ride is included, it’s important to know that the ticket does not cover entry to the Liberty Island monument. Visitors can stroll around the grounds, take photos, and learn about the Statue of Liberty’s history, but inside access requires additional tickets. The ferry’s schedule and the separate entry tickets for Liberty’s interior are considerations for planning.

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The Flexibility of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Routes

This tour features two distinct routes: Downtown and Uptown, covering landmarks from the Financial District and Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park and Harlem. The unlimited access means travelers can hop off at favourite spots and explore in-depth or stay on the bus to get a broader overview.

Stops at Times Square and the Empire State Building are included, making it easy to combine sightseeing with quick visits. The app provides real-time bus tracking, helping to reduce wait times and plan your stops efficiently.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The Big Bus Tours are wheelchair accessible, making this tour suitable for travelers with mobility needs. The digital commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, enhancing understanding of each landmark.

To participate in the Empire State Building visit, pre-booking is essential, as tickets are not included automatically. The ferry operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, so timing your visit accordingly ensures smooth access.

Value and Booking Flexibility

The $135 price includes a 48-hour hop-on hop-off, Empire State Building entry, and the ferry ride—a good value considering the combination of transport and entry tickets. There’s a save 25% off retail prices when bundling this package, making it a cost-effective option.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, giving flexibility to uncertain plans. The tour can be taken over separate days, providing further flexibility for your NYC schedule.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour is comprehensive, entry to the Statue of Liberty monument is not included, which may disappoint visitors expecting inside access. The ferry schedule is limited to daytime hours, so early or late visits to Liberty Island are not possible within this package.

Some reviews indicate confusion at transfer points, such as inconsistent driver directions regarding Liberty Island stops, so paying attention to instructions is advised. Also, the duration of the ferry ride and bus tour means there’s some waiting involved, especially during peak times.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This combo package is ideal for first-time visitors to New York City who want a rundown of the main sights. The flexibility of hopping on and off the bus, combined with easy access to iconic landmarks, makes it perfect for self-paced exploration.

It’s also suited to travelers who prefer skipping the hassle of separate bookings for each attraction, as all major components are bundled together. However, those seeking interior access to the Statue of Liberty should consider additional tickets.

Final Thoughts on the NY: Statue of Liberty, Empire State, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of transportation, iconic landmarks, and flexibility. The 48-hour bus pass covers key neighborhoods and sights, while the Empire State Building ticket and ferry ride add memorable experiences without overwhelming schedules.

The main strengths are the cost savings, convenient access, and the opportunity to customize your itinerary. The limitation lies in the no inside Liberty monument entry, which may require additional planning if inside access is a priority.

This tour provides a practical, comprehensive way to experience New York City at your own pace, especially for those who enjoy panoramic views and iconic sights with minimal hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ferry ticket include entry inside the Statue of Liberty?
No, the ferry ticket takes you to Liberty Island but does not include access inside the Liberty monument. Inside visits require a separate ticket.

How do I activate my tour ticket?
You can activate your voucher via the Big Bus app or with Big Bus staff at the specified meeting point outside M&Ms World on 7th Ave & W 48th St. The ticket is valid for 48 hours from first use.

Is the Empire State Building visit included?
Yes, the package includes entry to the Empire State Building, but pre-booking of a time slot is necessary before the visit.

What is the schedule for the ferry ride?
The ferry operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, departing from Stop 9 – Battery Park.

Can I take the bus routes on separate days?
Yes, the 48-hour pass allows you to split your sightseeing over multiple days if desired.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility needs?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility considerations.

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