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

New York’s skyline is the star of this two-day package. You can see it from an open-top bus, from the top of the Empire State Building, and on the ferry ride to Liberty and Ellis Islands, while choosing which sights deserve your time.

I like the two-route bus ticket, which can save you long walks between far-flung neighborhoods, and the freedom to schedule the Empire State Building and ferry on separate days. One important catch: the ferry runs only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Statue of Liberty monument entry is not included, and attraction slots can be hard to secure if you wait.

Key points to know before you go

• Your bus pass lasts 48 hours after first activation, across Big Bus’s Downtown and Uptown routes.
• Empire State Building entry requires a booked date and time through the link on your voucher or with Big Bus staff.
• The ferry departs from Battery Park, Stop 9, and operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Liberty Island and Ellis Island are included by ferry, but monument entry is not.
• The bundle costs $135 per person and advertises a 25 percent saving against full retail, most useful if you plan to visit both major attractions and ride the bus.

Two bus routes, one flexible New York plan

This is not a guided walking tour with a fixed sequence. Big Bus’s open-top service gives you access to Downtown and Uptown routes, and you can get off at designated stops to explore before continuing. The listed sights include Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building.

That flexibility is the main appeal. New York is a city where a short distance on a map can turn into a long walk, especially when you are moving between neighborhoods and major sights. The bus offers a simple way to connect them, while leaving you in charge of how long to stay at each stop.

The trade-off is that a hop-on hop-off bus is not a shortcut through every part of the city. Traffic can slow the ride, and buses may be full, so you might have to wait for another one. One account of the trip described crowded buses, slow progress in traffic, and stops where the bus paused for several minutes. Treat the bus as useful transport with commentary, not as a guaranteed fast way across Manhattan.

Big Bus provides digital commentary in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The driver speaks English, and souvenir earbuds are provided. There is also an app with route information and real-time bus tracking, a practical tool for checking where a bus is rather than guessing at a stop.

If you enjoy seeing a city from the top deck, the ride itself can be part of the fun. But New York is also rewarding on foot. I would use the bus to cover longer stretches and save walking time for the places where you want to linger.

Times Square and the Downtown route

Times Square is one of the most recognizable stops on the route, with its bright signs and crowds. It can be a quick look or a starting point for a longer visit, depending on your appetite for noise and people. The bus gives you an easy way to arrive, but it cannot make this busy corner feel quiet.

The Downtown route also brings you toward sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge. Seeing the bridge from the bus gives you a first look at its scale and place in the city. If you want a closer experience, hop off and explore the area on your own. The package information does not specify a guided bridge visit or a set amount of time there, so plan that stop around your own interests.

The value of this route is not that it covers every street. It gives you a framework for building a day around familiar landmarks. You can choose a few stops rather than trying to fit all of New York into one ride, then use the second day for the sights that need more time.

Keep a little slack in your plans. Traffic and crowded buses can make the pace less predictable than the route map suggests. If you have a timed attraction appointment, leave room to get there rather than assuming the bus will arrive at a precise minute.

Empire State Building views, with a booking step

The Empire State Building is the package’s big indoor attraction, and entry is included. From the top, you get broad views over Manhattan and can pick out landmarks across the city. It is a strong way to understand the scale of New York, especially if this is your first visit.

The practical detail matters: before boarding the bus, you must book a date and time for the Empire State Building using the booking management link provided with your voucher, or with Big Bus staff at departure locations. Do this early. A ticket included in a bundle is not the same as a guaranteed time that suits your schedule.

The attraction can be visited on a different day from the bus tour or ferry. That flexibility is useful because you can choose a time that works with your plans instead of trying to combine everything into a single exhausting day. It also means you should keep track of the separate reservations and make sure the booked date matches the day you intend to go.

The view is the main reward, not a lengthy guided tour. One visitor described the building as nice to have rather than the high point of the trip, so I would treat it as a worthwhile skyline stop, not the sole reason to buy the package. Its value rises if you want the classic panoramic perspective and would buy admission separately anyway.

Liberty Island and Ellis Island by ferry

The round-trip ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands is the most time-sensitive part of the experience. It operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Battery Park, Big Bus Stop 9. That limited window makes it a poor fit for an unplanned late start, so check your day’s schedule before you set out.

The ferry brings you to Liberty Island, where you can see the Statue of Liberty up close and take in views of the Manhattan skyline. The package also includes the ferry to Ellis Island, giving you the option to visit both islands. These are meaningful places to see in person, but the ferry and island visit can take more time than a quick photo stop.

Do not confuse ferry access with entry to the Statue of Liberty monument. Monument entry is not included, so this package does not promise access inside the statue. If entering the monument is important to you, check the separate ticket arrangements and availability before booking this bundle.

The ferry schedule and island demand can affect your day. A long queue for the return boat was reported, and the islands can feel crowded. I would avoid placing a tight appointment immediately afterward. If you have limited time or dislike waiting, decide in advance whether both islands are a priority, rather than treating the ferry as a quick add-on.

Most importantly, secure your ferry plans as early as you can. A booking issue has left some people unable to get a desired Statue of Liberty time, even after purchasing the bundle. The package details do not guarantee that every preferred slot will be available, so confirm the booking steps and dates as soon as you receive your voucher.

Does the $135 bundle earn its keep?

At $135 per person, this is a convenience purchase as much as a sightseeing ticket. It bundles 48 hours on the bus with Empire State Building entry and, if your selected option includes it, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry. The stated saving is 25 percent off full retail, but the real value depends on using the included attractions.

If you plan to visit the Empire State Building, take the ferry, and make useful use of the bus routes, the bundle can be a sensible way to organize several big-ticket sights. The two-day validity gives you room to spread them out. A bike rental discount is also included: rent for one hour and receive one hour free. That is a bonus, not a reason on its own to buy.

If you only want one attraction, or prefer to walk and use other transport, the package may be less compelling. Some visitors found they saw more and enjoyed themselves more on foot, while others valued the memorable experience. That difference comes down to your pace, interests, and tolerance for traffic and queues.

Before comparing prices, check that your chosen package option includes the ferry. The activity information describes the ferry as included if selected, so do not assume every version has the same contents. Also confirm your Empire State Building time and ferry arrangements before you rely on the bundle.

Activation, timing, and useful details

You can add your booking reference in the Big Bus app, then activate the ticket on the day you want to start. The app also shows route details and live bus locations. Alternatively, the voucher can be redeemed with Big Bus staff at a stop, with the recommended meeting point outside M&M’s World at 7th Avenue and West 48th Street, or with a driver at a stop.

The operating instructions say to redeem the voucher with a Big Bus representative before boarding the bus and cruise. Because the activation options can be easy to muddle, follow the instructions on your own voucher and ask staff to confirm that the ticket is active before you set off. The 48-hour period begins with first use.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, and the bus ticket is valid during operating hours for 48 hours after activation. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms offer some flexibility, but they do not solve the need to secure attraction times.

The package can be taken over separate days. That is the approach I recommend: use one day for the bus routes and selected stops, then reserve the other day for the Empire State Building or ferry, depending on your timed bookings and energy. If the ferry is a priority, build your schedule around its 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. operating window.

Who should book this New York combo?

This works best if you want a ready-made way to connect major sights and already plan to visit the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty by ferry. It is also useful if a hop-on hop-off bus appeals as a way to get your bearings and reduce some of the walking between stops.

It is less ideal if you want a fast, tightly timed way to cross town, or if your plans depend on entering the Statue of Liberty monument. Crowds, queues, traffic, and limited ferry hours all call for a flexible schedule. The strongest plan is to reserve attraction times early, leave breathing room between them, and use the bus selectively.

I would book it if all the main pieces suit your trip and you are willing to plan ahead. If your priority is just one landmark, compare separate admission and transport options first. The package’s best feature is choice, but that choice pays off only when you make the reservations and use the time well.

FAQ

How long is the hop-on hop-off ticket valid?

It is valid for 48 hours from first activation, during Big Bus operating hours.

Which bus routes are included?

The ticket covers the Downtown and Uptown routes, with hop-on hop-off access at designated stops.

Is entry to the Statue of Liberty monument included?

No. The package does not include entry to the monument. The ferry option provides round-trip transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands.

When and where does the Statue of Liberty ferry operate?

The ferry operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Battery Park, Big Bus Stop 9.

Do I need to book a time for the Empire State Building?

Yes. You must pre-book a date and time through the booking management link on your voucher or with Big Bus staff at departure locations.

Can I visit the attractions on separate days?

Yes. You can take the bus tour and visit the included attractions on separate days.

What languages are available for the audio commentary?

Audio commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The driver speaks English.

How do I activate the bus ticket?

You can add your booking reference in the Big Bus app and activate the ticket on your travel day, or redeem the voucher with Big Bus staff or a driver at a stop. Follow the instructions on your voucher before boarding.