NYC Ferry
Experience NYC's iconic skyline and landmarks from the water with the affordable and scenic NYC Ferry. A budget-friendly way to travel and sightsee.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free IKEA ride!
NYC Ferry
Best Time
Free IKEA ride!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience NYC's iconic skyline and landmarks from the water with the affordable and scenic NYC Ferry. A budget-friendly way to travel and sightsee.
"For just $4.50, you can get one of the most memorable views of NYC."
🎯 Download the App
Use the NYC Ferry app for easier ticket purchase and real-time schedule updates.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Bring a jacket, especially for evening rides, as it can get breezy on the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manhattan Skyline
East River Routes
Witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and World Trade Center.
Statue of Liberty Views
Southbound Routes
Catch glimpses of the Statue of Liberty from the water, offering a unique perspective on this iconic monument.
Brooklyn Bridge Crossing
East River Routes
Sail under the majestic Brooklyn Bridge for an unforgettable experience and stunning photo opportunities.
Nighttime City Lights
All Routes
Experience the magic of NYC after dark with glittering city lights reflecting on the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Skyline Views
+1Navigating the System
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download the App
Use the NYC Ferry app for easier ticket purchase and real-time schedule updates.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Bring a jacket, especially for evening rides, as it can get breezy on the water. +1
💰 Budget-Friendly Ride
Tickets are only $4.50, making it one of the most affordable ways to see NYC landmarks.
📸 Capture the Views
The upper deck offers the best panoramic views for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download the App
Use the NYC Ferry app for easier ticket purchase and real-time schedule updates.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Bring a jacket, especially for evening rides, as it can get breezy on the water. +1
💰 Budget-Friendly Ride
Tickets are only $4.50, making it one of the most affordable ways to see NYC landmarks.
📸 Capture the Views
The upper deck offers the best panoramic views for photos.
⏳ Check Schedules
Ferries can be late; check schedules and have a backup plan.
💡 Free IKEA Trip
Enjoy a free weekday ride to IKEA on certain routes before 3:30 PM. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The NYC Ferry is praised for its incredible value, offering stunning skyline and landmark views at a very affordable price. While many enjoy the scenic routes and convenience, some travelers report issues with inconsistent schedules and occasional poor customer service, leading to delays and missed connections.
"It can be very overcrowded, especially on weekdays. However, they offer a free ride to IKEA on weekdays. If you're interested in spending time in the store, taking the ride (available until 3:30 pm) is a great idea."
Galyna Shulimova
"I have taken the Ferry weekly on different routes off and on for the past 5 years. Pros: Nice way to get around. Cons: Customer service is worst than Spirit Airlines. Boarding here is extremely inconsistent and unprofessional. Some Crew are clear and yell out a few details of their ferry departing. Others say absolutely nothing except death-stare at passengers disdainfully. Today on boarding the 10:59 am Wall Street to Astoria ferry we were treated to crew members standing in the ferry doorway gossiping and cursing, using the F word loudly (as in yelling) in front of kids and families trying to navigate around them. No customer service or just plain common decency in evidence. Crew seemed quite bothered by having to shift a couple of feet out of their way for embarking passengers. We used the facilities at Wall Street this morning. Their bathroom had not been cleaned in days, maybe weeks. How do you know? There were layers of dust on top of the urinals amongst other, worst things. It was also an obstacle course in avoiding whatever petri dish puddles remained on the floor full of X and stuck to the walls for who knows how long. If there is any supervision at NYC Ferry/Hornblower at all there is little evidence that even the very basics of customer service or courtesies are promoted with either rewards or consequences. That equals very bad management and hence this food chain of bad customer service will continue until people demand better and vote with their wallets."
Richard Glenn
"The 5:14 PM from Astoria to E 90th is consistently late causing me and several other riders to miss out connecting ferry and be stranded in the cold for an hour. It would be nice to adjust schedules so that you at least give 10 minutes time to allow for connections.
Completely unacceptable."
Violet Stevens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
NYC Ferry terminals are accessible via subway, bus, or walking. Popular terminals include Pier 11 at Wall Street, East 34th Street, and East 90th Street. Check the NYC Ferry app or website for specific terminal locations and directions.
Yes, the NYC Ferry is an excellent and scenic way to travel between different Manhattan neighborhoods and to outer boroughs, offering a unique perspective of the city. +1
While the NYC Ferry doesn't go directly to the Statue of Liberty, some routes offer excellent views of it from the water, especially those heading south. For a free view, the Staten Island Ferry is an alternative.
The NYC Ferry system has several routes connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, including the East River, South Brooklyn, Rockaway, and Astoria routes.
Yes, the NYC Ferry service is operated by Hornblower, a company known for its ferry services. [^Review, ^T10]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A one-way ticket for the NYC Ferry costs $4.50. You can purchase tickets at the ferry terminals or through the NYC Ferry mobile app.
Tickets can be purchased at any NYC Ferry terminal or via the official NYC Ferry mobile app. The app is often recommended for convenience.
Yes, on weekdays before 3:30 PM, there's a free ride to IKEA on specific routes. The Staten Island Ferry is also a free option for viewing the Statue of Liberty. [^Review, ^T11, ^R1]
While you can buy tickets at the terminal, purchasing through the app is recommended to save time and ensure you have a ticket, especially during peak hours.
NYC Ferry operates daily, but hours vary by route and season. It's best to check the official NYC Ferry website or app for the most up-to-date schedule for your desired route. [^Review]
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Routes along the East River, such as the Astoria and Soundview routes, offer spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
While not a direct route, some NYC Ferry routes, particularly those heading south, provide excellent views of the Statue of Liberty from the water.
The NYC Ferry can get crowded, especially during weekday rush hours and on popular routes. Weekends and evenings can also be busy. [^Review, ^T2]
NYC Ferry boats typically have indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms, and sometimes concessions. The outdoor upper deck offers the best views. [^T9, ^Review]
Yes, most NYC Ferry boats are equipped with restrooms for passenger convenience. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on the NYC Ferry. Some routes offer concessions.
Many NYC Ferry terminals are located in vibrant neighborhoods with numerous dining options. For example, terminals in DUMBO or Williamsburg offer great choices.
Yes, on weekdays before 3:30 PM, you can get a free ride to IKEA on specific routes, making it a unique way to visit the store. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The East River routes, like the Astoria and Soundview lines, provide stunning photographic opportunities of the Manhattan skyline, bridges, and waterfront.
Sunrise and sunset offer magical lighting for capturing the city's beauty. Night rides provide a dazzling view of the illuminated skyline.
The upper deck of the ferry, especially on routes that hug the East River, offers unobstructed, panoramic views ideal for photography.
Yes, while not a direct route, certain NYC Ferry routes offer excellent vantage points for photographing the Statue of Liberty from the water.
The entire journey offers photo opportunities, but the moments sailing under the Brooklyn Bridge or with the full Manhattan skyline in view are particularly iconic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
It's an intimate and memorable way to spend time together without breaking the bank.🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Value Proposition: NYC Ferry vs. Other Sightseeing
+1 It's a practical way to experience the city's waterfront without a hefty price tag, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers. While the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and offers views of the Statue of Liberty, it doesn't provide the same comprehensive city vistas as the NYC Ferry.
Ultimately, the NYC Ferry strikes a perfect balance between cost and experience, serving as both a functional mode of transport and a fantastic sightseeing opportunity. It's a must-do for anyone looking to see New York from the water affordably.
Navigating the NYC Ferry System: Tips for a Smooth Ride
Purchasing tickets is straightforward. You can buy them at the terminal or, more conveniently, through the NYC Ferry mobile app. The app is often preferred for its ease of use and ability to manage tickets on the go.
While the standard fare is $4.50, keep an eye out for special offers, like the free weekday rides to IKEA, which can add an extra layer of value to your trip. [^Review]For the best experience, dress appropriately for the weather, as the open decks can be breezy, particularly in the evenings or cooler months.
Embrace the journey as much as the destination; it’s a unique way to see New York City. The Magic of Night Rides on the NYC Ferry
Routes along the East River are particularly spectacular after dark, offering illuminated views of the Manhattan skyline, including prominent structures like the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center.
Sailing under the Brooklyn Bridge at night, with its illuminated arches, is another highlight that many visitors cherish. It's a romantic and serene way to see the city, offering a different perspective than daytime sightseeing. The cooler evening air and the glittering cityscape make for a memorable and picturesque journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit