A realistic day trip from Times Square: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Yes — you can make a realistic day trip from Hyatt Centric Times Square New York to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in one full day. Expect roughly 1 hour 11 minutes each way by subway plus ferry and plan to budget at least 2 hours on Liberty Island and an extra hour for Ellis Island on top of travel time.
In this guide
Starting point: Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
Hyatt Centric Times Square New York sits at 135 W 45th St, one block from Times Square and a short walk to multiple subway lines that connect you downtown toward Battery Park.
Check-in is available beginning at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM if you need to store luggage or change plans before or after your trip; the hotel offers concierge and luggage storage support.
- Hotel address: 135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
- On-site dining: T45 Kitchen + Bar (serves breakfast, lunch and dinner) and T45 Market (grab-and-go)
- Rooftop: Bar 54 (21+ entry; reservations recommended for guests)
| Hotel Practicals | Note |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Wi‑Fi | Complimentary in rooms and public areas |
| Fitness | 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes |
Getting to Battery Park: subway options and timing
The usual route from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty ferry begins with a subway ride downtown to Battery Park. Multiple subway lines are within easy walking distance of the hotel via the Times Square station.
Research sources estimate the total travel time (subway + ferry) from Times Square to Liberty Island at about 1 hour 11 minutes; actual times vary with wait times, transfers and walking between platforms.
- Walk from the hotel to Times Square/portals for downtown trains — a few minutes depending on your starting point in the building
- Allow extra time for peak-hour crowds, especially near Broadway theater times
- Bring government-issued photo ID and your ferry ticket confirmation to speed security lines
| Step | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Subway to downtown | About 20–30 minutes typical; depends on line and transfer |
| Walk/transfer to ferry at Battery Park | Allow 10–20 minutes depending on station exit |
| Ferry ride / boarding process | Ferry schedules and boarding procedures vary; factor in security screening |
Visiting the Statue of Liberty: how much time to budget
Budget at least two hours for the Statue of Liberty itself. Two hours covers the island grounds, the museum at the base and walking around the statue; more time is required if you have a Pedestal or Crown ticket (check ticket type before you go).
Ferries to Liberty Island depart from Battery Park; schedules vary, and you should arrive at the ferry departure area early to pass security and board on time.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — island terrain is mostly paved but includes stairs in some areas
- Food options on the islands are limited; plan to eat before you go or pack snacks
- Check ferry ticket type (island only vs. pedestal/crown) — access rules differ
| Activity | Suggested minimum time |
|---|---|
| Statue of Liberty (grounds + museum) | 2 hours |
| Ellis Island Immigration Museum | 1 hour |
| Round-trip transit (from Times Square) | About 1 hour 11 minutes each way (estimate) |
Adding Ellis Island: timing and highlights
If you plan to visit Ellis Island, add roughly one hour to your itinerary. The main draw is the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where exhibits take most visitors about an hour to view at a steady pace.
Ferries typically stop at Liberty Island first and then Ellis Island; allow time for ferry schedules and factor in that visiting both islands can make for a half-day outing when combined with travel from Midtown.
- Audio tours are available and help you move efficiently through the museum
- Museum exhibits focus on immigration history and personal stories — plan your priorities before arriving
- If pressed for time, prioritize Liberty Island first and Ellis Island only if schedules permit
| Two-island visit | Total minimum time (excluding dining) |
|---|---|
| Liberty Island + Ellis Island + transit | Half a day |
| Liberty Island only + transit | About 3–4 hours |
| Ellis Island only + transit | About 3 hours (including travel) |
Lunch and return: restaurants and a late afternoon plan
After your return to Battery Park or Manhattan, you can head back up to Midtown. If you prefer to eat near the hotel, T45 Market in the Hyatt Centric Times Square New York lobby offers grab-and-go options, while T45 Kitchen + Bar serves fuller lunch and early-dinner options.
T45 Kitchen + Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with hours listed on the hotel site; reservations aren't strictly required for early dinner but can be useful on busy nights.
- T45 Market: quick grab-and-go options if you’re short on time
- T45 Kitchen + Bar hours include breakfast starting at 6:00 AM and separate lunch/dinner service windows (see hotel for full schedule)
- Allow extra time to return to the hotel and freshen up before evening plans
| On-site dining | Best for |
|---|---|
| T45 Market | A quick bite before you leave or on return |
| T45 Kitchen + Bar | Sitting lunch or dinner near the hotel |
Evening options: relax or go up to Bar 54
Back at Hyatt Centric Times Square New York you can use the 24-hour Fitness Center if you want to stretch after a day of walking, or freshen up in your room before dinner. If you plan a rooftop visit note that Bar 54 has an age policy and dress code.
Bar 54 is on the 54th floor and is described as the hotel's rooftop cocktail lounge with indoor/outdoor seating; it often requires reservations and enforces a 21+ age policy for entry.
- Bar 54 hours typically begin at 4:00 PM; kitchen service times are listed on the hotel site
- Bar 54 may be closed to the public during private events — check availability with the hotel
- If you have an evening theater plan, the hotel is a short walk to Broadway theatres from your room
| Evening option | Details |
|---|---|
| Rooftop Bar 54 | 21+; reservations recommended; indoor/outdoor seating |
| Theatre district walk | Minutes from the hotel if you want a show after the trip |
| In-room relaxation | Room service is available |
