The Staten Island Ferry is the best free thing to do in New York City, and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise. It’s a 25-minute ride across New York Harbor that gives you front-row views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Lower Manhattan skyline, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — all for zero dollars.
History
Ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island began in the early 1700s, operated by private companies using rowboats and small sailboats. The city took over operations in 1905 and established the Department of Docks and Ferries to run the service. The current fleet consists of nine vessels named after Staten Island neighborhoods like the John J. Marchi, the Guy V. Molinari, and the Spirit of America. The iconic orange-and-white color scheme dates to the 1960s. The ferry carried over 23 million passengers in 2019, making it the busiest passenger-only ferry route in the United States. The route has been free of charge since 1997, when Mayor Rudy Giuliani eliminated the fare while keeping the service fully city-funded. The ferry’s Manhattan terminal is in Battery Park, and the Staten Island terminal is in the St. George neighborhood.
Features and Highlights
- Panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty as the ferry passes within half a mile of Liberty Island
- The Manhattan skyline from the water — one of the best vantage points for photographing Lower Manhattan
- The Ellis Island historic immigration station seen from the harbor approach
- The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge — the longest suspension bridge in the Americas, visible from the ferry
- The Battery Park and Whitehall Terminal at the Manhattan end, with connections to the Staten Island Railway
- The Staten Island terminal at St. George includes a small shopping center and bus depot
- The Governors Island views on the approach to the Staten Island side
Visitor Tips
Ride the ferry round-trip without getting off — it’s free both ways and that’s the most common tourist experience. Sit on the right side going to Staten Island and the left side coming back for the best Liberty Island views. The upper outdoor deck is best for photography. Avoid rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM) when the ferry is packed with commuters. The ferry runs 24/7 with departures every 15-30 minutes during peak hours and every hour overnight. The snack bar onboard serves coffee and basic sandwiches.
Cultural Impact
The Staten Island Ferry has been immortalized in songs and films including Working Girl, Splash, and countless New York-themed montage sequences. The ferry is so integral to Staten Island identity that residents have their own bumper stickers reading “Staten Island Ferry: The Boat.” For tourists who’ve paid for a harbor cruise or taken the Statue of Liberty tour, the ferry offers the same iconic views without the ticket price. A ride here connects the Lower Manhattan experience with the quieter, more suburban side of New York City. If you’ve already explored Empire State Building – New York City and Central Park in New York, the ferry gives you a completely different perspective — from the water, looking up at the city that never sleeps.
Location and Contact
- Address: Whitehall Terminal, 4 South Street, New York, NY 10004
- Coordinates: 40.7010° N, 74.0130° W (Manhattan Terminal)
- Ferry Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Fare: Free
- Official Site: Visit Staten Island Ferry
- Wikipedia: Staten Island Ferry on Wikipedia
CONTACT US
For more information or to visit us, here are our branch addresses:
- Branch 1: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Branch 2: Sobrecary Street (In front of Velox Gas Station), Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Email: gracezelguerra22@gmail.com
- Phone: 09460480491
- Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PH Time)
- Facebook Page: Visit our Facebook Page