
Staten Island Ferry
Ride the iconic, free Staten Island Ferry for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. A must-do NYC experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour city lights

Staten Island Ferry
Best Time
Golden hour city lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the iconic, free Staten Island Ferry for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. A must-do NYC experience!
"The best free attraction in NYC! Amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline."

🎯 Ride Both Ways!
Don't just go one way! Ride to Staten Island and back for the full experience and different perspectives.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Stand on the outer decks for unobstructed views. The front and back of the ferry offer the best photo opportunities.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Skyline Views
Onboard the ferry
Marvel at the breathtaking Manhattan skyline from the water. A truly unforgettable sight, especially at sunset.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Onboard the ferry
Get a fantastic, free view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as you sail. Perfect for photos!

Governor's Island
Onboard the ferry
Catch glimpses of Governor's Island, a unique urban oasis with historical sites and recreational activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Views, No Tickets Needed
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Staten Island Ferry
🎯 Ride Both Ways!
Don't just go one way! Ride to Staten Island and back for the full experience and different perspectives.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Stand on the outer decks for unobstructed views. The front and back of the ferry offer the best photo opportunities.
Staten Island Ferry as a free substitute for a sightseeing cruise?
How to get to the top floor of the Staten Island ferry?
🚶♀️ Explore Staten Island
Consider a brief exploration of Staten Island before catching the return ferry. It's a different side of NYC!
♿ Accessible Travel
The ferry is ADA compliant with accessible bathrooms and wheelchair access.
NYC Ferry and Itinerary
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride Both Ways!
Don't just go one way! Ride to Staten Island and back for the full experience and different perspectives.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Stand on the outer decks for unobstructed views. The front and back of the ferry offer the best photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Explore Staten Island
Consider a brief exploration of Staten Island before catching the return ferry. It's a different side of NYC!
♿ Accessible Travel
The ferry is ADA compliant with accessible bathrooms and wheelchair access.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It can get windy and chilly on the water, even on warmer days. Layer up!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Staten Island Ferry for its incredible value, offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty completely free of charge. It's a highly recommended, accessible, and scenic experience for all visitors. Some minor drawbacks include potential crowds during peak hours and limited amenities onboard.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Whitehall Terminal is easily accessible via NYC subway lines 1, R, and W to the South Ferry station, or the 4 and 5 lines to Bowling Green. It's also a short walk from many downtown Manhattan attractions.
The Manhattan terminal is the Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal, located at 4 South Street, New York, NY 10004. The Staten Island terminal is the St. George Ferry Terminal.
While there isn't dedicated parking at the terminal, several paid parking garages are available in the surrounding Financial District. Public transport is highly recommended.
Yes, taxis and rideshares can drop you off directly at the Whitehall Terminal entrance. Be aware of potential traffic delays in the area.
The closest subway stations are South Ferry (1 train) and Bowling Green (4, 5 trains). The R and W trains also stop at Whitehall Street, which is a short walk away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free! You do not need to purchase tickets or make reservations. Just walk onto the ferry.
The ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with departures approximately every 15-30 minutes during peak times and every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours. Check the official MTA schedule for exact timing.
The Staten Island Ferry is absolutely free! There is no Staten Island Ferry price or fare to ride.
Yes, you can bring luggage. However, large bags may be subject to inspection. It's best to keep bags manageable for easier boarding and movement.
Yes, the ferry is fully ADA compliant and accessible for wheelchairs, with ramps and designated areas. Accessible bathrooms are also available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ferry ride itself takes approximately 25-30 minutes one way. This allows ample time to enjoy the views.
You'll get panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New Jersey coastline. It's a stunning perspective of the harbor.
Yes, the ferry offers excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as it sails past. It's a popular free alternative to paid boat tours.
The ferry operates between the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island. There are no other stops.
Typically, there are no food or drink concessions available on the ferry itself. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for skyline and Statue of Liberty photos. Evenings provide beautiful city lights.
The outer decks, particularly the bow (front) and stern (back) of the ferry, provide unobstructed views. Try to secure a spot near the railings.
Absolutely! The ferry provides a fantastic vantage point for capturing photos of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits. Be mindful of other passengers.
For skyline shots, especially at dusk or night, use a tripod if possible and a longer exposure. During the day, a wider lens is great for capturing the expansive views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks to keep little ones happy during the 25-30 minute ride. The open decks offer space for kids to move around a bit, and the views are captivating. Ensure children are supervised near the railings. The ferry is also accessible for strollers, making it easy for families with very young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine the ferry ride with exploring the Battery Park area or walking through the Financial District for a full day of free sightseeing. It's a simple yet incredibly rewarding experience that maximizes your travel budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim to be on the outer decks for unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor. The ferry provides a unique perspective that differs from land-based viewpoints. Experiment with different angles and times of day to capture the city's ever-changing moods.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Staten Island Ferry
To catch the ferry in Manhattan, head to the Whitehall Terminal at 4 South Street. It's easily accessible via multiple subway lines, including the 1, R, and W to South Ferry, or the 4 and 5 to Bowling Green. The terminal itself is a large, modern building where you'll follow signs for the ferry boarding areas. On Staten Island, the ferry arrives at the St. George Ferry Terminal, which also offers connections to local buses and the Staten Island Railway.
Pro Tip: While the ferry is free, be aware of potential crowds during weekday morning and evening rush hours. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience and the best views, consider traveling during off-peak hours or on weekends.
The Iconic Views: What to Expect
As the ferry crosses the harbor, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island become prominent sights. While you don't stop at Liberty Island, the ferry provides a fantastic, up-close-yet-distant view perfect for photos. Many travelers find this free view to be just as satisfying as paid boat tours. Keep an eye out for other harbor traffic, including container ships and other ferries, which add to the dynamic maritime atmosphere.
Insider Advice: For the best photographic opportunities, position yourself on the outer decks, preferably at the front or back of the ferry. The views are unobstructed, allowing you to capture the full grandeur of the harbor and its landmarks.
Accessibility and Amenities
Restrooms are available on board and are also accessible. While the ferry itself does not offer food or beverage services, passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks for the journey. This makes it easy to prepare for a longer ride or simply enjoy a beverage while taking in the sights. Remember to dress in layers, as it can be breezy on the water, even on warmer days.
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