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 is free both ways and that is 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.
Travel Options to Staten Island Ferry
Reaching the ferry terminals is simple due to numerous transit connections in both Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. Visitors can choose from multiple transport methods depending on their starting point and travel preferences. The following guidelines detail the primary routes and transit options available:
Via Boat
Commuters can take the NYC Ferry service directly to Wall Street at Pier 11, which sits a short walk from the Manhattan Whitehall Terminal. Various private water taxis and harbor cruise lines also operate drop-off points along the Battery Park esplanade.
Via Train
Subway lines offer direct access on the Manhattan side, including the 1 train stopping at South Ferry Station and the R or W trains stopping at Whitehall Street Station. Alternatively, travelers can take the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green Station or the J or Z trains to Broad Street Station. On the Staten Island side, the Staten Island Railway runs directly into the St. George Terminal to connect local neighborhoods.
Via Bus
MTA municipal buses stop directly outside the Manhattan terminal, including the M15, M15-SBS, M20, and M55 routes. On the Staten Island side, St. George Terminal functions as a major bus hub where dozens of local and express bus lines converge.
Via Airport
Travelers arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport can take NJ Transit or Amtrak trains to New York Penn Station and transfer to the downtown 1 subway train. From John F. Kennedy International Airport, visitors can board the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and take the E train to Lower Manhattan. Those landing at LaGuardia Airport can take the M60-SBS bus to Astoria and transfer to the N or W subway trains heading south.
Via Uber and Lyft
Rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones are located along South Street and Water Street near the Manhattan entrance. For those utilizing rideshares on the Staten Island side, drivers can easily access the passenger loading zones along Richmond Terrace.
Via Car
Drivers in Manhattan can take the FDR Drive south or West Side Highway south directly to Battery Park. Parking garages are available in the surrounding Financial District, though the ferry itself remains passenger-only and does not transport vehicles. Those driving to the Staten Island side can park in the dedicated commuter lots located directly at the St. George Terminal.
Other Transportation Options
Cycling is a popular alternative, with Citi Bike docks located directly outside the Whitehall Terminal. Passengers can bring their bicycles onboard the ferry for free by utilizing the lower deck loading gates.
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 and Central Park, 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
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