NYC Ferry Long Island City Route
Experience breathtaking Manhattan skyline views for just $4.50 on the NYC Ferry, a scenic and affordable journey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
NYC Ferry Long Island City Route
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking Manhattan skyline views for just $4.50 on the NYC Ferry, a scenic and affordable journey.
"The best ferry for the cheapest price you can get in NYC. It gives you the complete skyline view."
📱 Use the NYC Ferry App
Download the app for easy ticket purchase and route planning. It's more convenient than buying at the terminal.
📸 Capture Stunning Photos
The ferry offers prime spots for photos of the Manhattan skyline, especially during sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manhattan Skyline Panorama
From the ferry deck
Witness the iconic Manhattan skyline unfold before your eyes, a truly unforgettable sight.
Gantry Plaza State Park
Long Island City
Historic gantries, peaceful piers, and stunning sunset views over the Manhattan skyline.
Pepsi-Cola Sign
Long Island City waterfront
A classic NYC landmark offering a nostalgic backdrop for your ferry journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Skyline Views
Your $4.50 Ticket to Iconic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Use the NYC Ferry App
Download the app for easy ticket purchase and route planning. It's more convenient than buying at the terminal.
📸 Capture Stunning Photos
The ferry offers prime spots for photos of the Manhattan skyline, especially during sunset. +1
🚲 Bring Your Bike
The ferry is bike-friendly, with racks available onboard for easy transport.
☕ Grab a Coffee Onboard
Enjoy a warm beverage while taking in the views. Coffee is available for purchase.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Use the NYC Ferry App
Download the app for easy ticket purchase and route planning. It's more convenient than buying at the terminal.
📸 Capture Stunning Photos
The ferry offers prime spots for photos of the Manhattan skyline, especially during sunset. +1
🚲 Bring Your Bike
The ferry is bike-friendly, with racks available onboard for easy transport.
☕ Grab a Coffee Onboard
Enjoy a warm beverage while taking in the views. Coffee is available for purchase.
🚶 Explore Long Island City
Hop off at Long Island City to visit Gantry Plaza State Park and enjoy waterfront views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the NYC Ferry for its incredible value, offering stunning skyline views for a mere $4.50. It's praised as a quick, fun, and scenic way to commute or explore between boroughs, with onboard amenities like Wi-Fi and coffee enhancing the experience. Some note that it can get crowded during peak times, especially on beautiful days.
"We took the New York Ferry from E 90th Street to Long Island Ciry and had a wonderful time walking by the PEPSI Sign abd enjoying the beautiful views of New York City."
Arthur Glauberman
"The best way to commute between LIC and Wall St! Quick and pretty. Wifi on board. Coffee on board. Bike racks on board. It's amazing. Thank you for building this stop, NYC Ferry!"
Venera Varbanova
"The Ferry from Astoria to Wall street is the best ferry for the cheapest price you can get in NYC. It gives you the complete skyline view with some amazing opportunity to take splendid pictures or videos."
abhilash patni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The NYC Ferry system connects various points in the city. For the Long Island City route, you can board at terminals like Pier 11/Wall Street, East 34th Street, or from other boroughs like Astoria. The app is your best friend for finding the closest terminal and route.
The Long Island City route typically includes stops at Astoria, Roosevelt Island, Long Island City, East 34th Street, Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Wall St/Pier 11.
Yes, NYC Ferry is designed to be accessible. Vessels are equipped with ramps and designated seating areas for passengers with disabilities.
Yes, you can bring luggage on the NYC Ferry. There are designated areas for larger items, but it's best to keep them manageable to avoid obstructing pathways.
The ferry ride from Pier 11/Wall Street to Long Island City is approximately 45-50 minutes, offering ample time to enjoy the skyline views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ride on the NYC Ferry costs $4.50. You can purchase tickets through the NYC Ferry app or at the ferry terminals.
No, you cannot buy tickets directly on the ferry. You must purchase them beforehand via the NYC Ferry app or at a ticket vending machine at the terminal.
While single rides are $4.50, the NYC Ferry system does not currently offer monthly or annual passes. However, it remains one of the most affordable ways to see the city.
Operating 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 the Long Island City route.
Booking in advance via the NYC Ferry app is recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure a smooth boarding experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The entire ferry ride offers incredible photo opportunities! The bow and stern of the ferry provide unobstructed views, and the sides offer unique perspectives of the skyline and bridges. +1
Aim for the late afternoon or early evening ferry rides to catch the magical golden hour and sunset over the Manhattan skyline. +1
Yes, on clear days, you can get excellent views of the Empire State Building and other prominent Manhattan landmarks from the ferry.
Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is renowned for its spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset. The Pepsi-Cola sign is also a popular photo op.
Yes, the ferry can get crowded during peak sunset hours and on warm, sunny days. Arriving early or traveling mid-week can help avoid the largest crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the NYC Ferry offers a selection of snacks, coffee, and other beverages for purchase onboard.
Long Island City has a growing culinary scene with many restaurants and cafes near the ferry terminals, offering diverse dining options.
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the NYC Ferry. Just be mindful of keeping the space clean.
Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is a fantastic spot for a picnic with incredible skyline views.
Onboard, you can typically find coffee, water, soda, and a selection of snacks. For full meals, it's best to dine at one of the waterfront restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as onboard options are limited. The ferry ride itself can be an adventure, offering a unique way to see landmarks without the usual city crowds. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and provide a memorable experience for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your ferry ride with exploring waterfront parks like Gantry Plaza State Park, which are free to access. This allows you to enjoy the city's beauty and attractions on a minimal budget, making it a smart choice for those looking to maximize their travel funds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on the views from the open decks, especially the bow and stern, for unobstructed shots. Don't forget to include the historic gantries and the Pepsi-Cola sign in Long Island City for unique compositions. The ferry provides a dynamic platform to capture the essence of New York City from the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The NYC Ferry Experience: More Than Just a Commute
+1Each ferry is equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and even bike racks, making it a practical choice for various travelers. The real magic, however, lies in the views. Cruising along the East River, you're treated to unparalleled panoramas of the Manhattan skyline, iconic bridges, and waterfront parks. It's a chance to see the city from a different angle, often revealing hidden architectural gems and bustling waterfront life.
Many travelers find the ferry to be a highlight of their trip, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The ability to hop on and off at different neighborhoods allows for spontaneous exploration, making it an integral part of discovering NYC's diverse character.
Long Island City Waterfront: A Photographer's Paradise
The park's piers extend out into the East River, providing elevated vantage points for capturing the city's iconic buildings, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. As the day winds down, the park transforms into a prime location for sunset photography, with the sky often ablaze with color behind the glittering cityscape. The famous Pepsi-Cola sign also adds a touch of vintage charm to the waterfront panorama.
Beyond Gantry Plaza, the entire LIC waterfront offers a dynamic backdrop for photography. The juxtaposition of industrial remnants and modern architecture, combined with the ever-changing light on the water, creates endless photographic possibilities. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy snapping pictures with your phone, LIC's waterfront is an essential stop.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit