St. George Ferry Terminal Staten Island
Ride the iconic, free Staten Island Ferry for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do NYC experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views of Statue of Liberty
St. George Ferry Terminal Staten Island
Best Time
Best views of Statue of Liberty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the iconic, free Staten Island Ferry for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do NYC experience!
"A well-organized, free service that benefits locals and travelers alike. Only in NYC!"
🎯 Sit on the Right (Outbound)
For the best Statue of Liberty views, sit on the right side of the ferry when heading to Staten Island.
🎯 Sit on the Left (Return)
On the return trip to Manhattan, the left side offers the best views of the skyline.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Statue of Liberty Views
Onboard the ferry
Catch iconic, unobstructed views of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island as the ferry glides through the harbor.
Manhattan Skyline Panorama
Onboard the ferry
Marvel at the breathtaking cityscape of Lower Manhattan, especially stunning at sunset or night.
St. George Terminal Exploration
Staten Island
Discover shopping outlets, dining options, and local life just outside the St. George Ferry Terminal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Ride
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sit on the Right (Outbound)
For the best Statue of Liberty views, sit on the right side of the ferry when heading to Staten Island.
🎯 Sit on the Left (Return)
On the return trip to Manhattan, the left side offers the best views of the skyline.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
Don't expect to catch the very next ferry back; wait times can be 30 minutes.
🛍️ Explore Empire Outlets
Shop and dine at Empire Outlets near the St. George Terminal after your ride.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sit on the Right (Outbound)
For the best Statue of Liberty views, sit on the right side of the ferry when heading to Staten Island.
🎯 Sit on the Left (Return)
On the return trip to Manhattan, the left side offers the best views of the skyline.
⏰ Allow Extra Time
Don't expect to catch the very next ferry back; wait times can be 30 minutes.
🛍️ Explore Empire Outlets
Shop and dine at Empire Outlets near the St. George Terminal after your ride.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially if exploring around the terminals.
📱 Use the NYC Ferry App
While this ferry is free, the app can help with schedules for other NYC ferry routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Staten Island Ferry is widely praised as a fantastic, free way to experience iconic New York City views, including the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. While it can get crowded, especially during peak times, its 24/7 operation and accessibility make it a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists. Some visitors note that onboard amenities are limited and bathrooms could be more updated.
"Looking for a way to get into the city? This ferry will take you there 24/7 365 days a year.
All you need to do is wait at the terminal and walk on in.
Not only is this very functional for the people of New York to travel back-and-forth for free from Staten Island to the city.
This Staten Island ferry goes to the Whitehall terminal."
Michelle Mariano
"Free ride to/from Manhattan where you can see nice views of NYC and status of liberty
The bad part is it’s very crowded in Manhattan loading docks
Plan for about ~50 min that includes, loading/unloading and 20-30 min ride not counting parking your car. There are street meter parking 5-10 min away."
Abu AbdouAllah
"I had no idea that the ferry service was free!? We were in NYC for the day and had 15 hours to kill until our train ride back to Philly. We just finished taking in the One World Trade Observation and was in the area, so we decided to try it out. Needless to say, the walk to Battery Park was pretty far. We asked for walking directions to the Park, and was told instead to take one of the free red shuttle buses which circles the lower Manhattan area, no further. What a great service! We were there in about 10 minutes.
The Whitehall Terminal is where the ferry docks, near Manhattan's Battery Park. No reservations are needed to ride the ferry that departs every half hour. Just head upstairs and wait.
The ferry itself was bigger than I had imagined. Seating was a mix of totally protected inside seats and semi-protected lanai ones. Naturally, the side of the ferry that faces the Statue of Liberty gets crowded. Having seen Lady Liberty in the past, I just took in the view in between photo crazy humans and enjoyed the ride. We were told of supposedly good hot dog sales on board but I didn't see nor smell anything.
The ride to and fro was about 25 minutes or so, and was very smooth.
The St. George Terminal is where the ferry docks on Staten Island. No Yelp page? No problem! Another FTR under my belt.
Boarding at either terminal was quick and organized. Security guards with dogs are present but there's no "higher-level security" like you'd see at an airport. Good for traffic flow but not so great for the world we live in nowadays, if you know what I mean.
TIPS:
Can't get tickets to the Statue of Liberty? This would be your second best option as photo ops are priceless as the ferry passes right in front of her. Plus, you'd never be able to get a full body shot of her being on the island anyway.
After arriving on either island, don't expect to take the very next ferry back. You think you have 5-10 minutes to spare but you will more than likely have to wait the half hour for the next ride.
OVERALL:
A well-organized, free service that benefits locals and travelers alike. Only in NYC!"
Maui World Travelers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan is easily accessible via subway. Take the 1, R, or W lines to South Ferry station. 
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free for all passengers, making it a popular choice for budget travelers.
The ferry operates 24/7, running every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day and day of the week.
The ride from Manhattan to St. George Terminal in Staten Island takes approximately 25-35 minutes.
No, the Staten Island Ferry is for foot passengers only. Parking is available near the terminals, but can be expensive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for the Staten Island Ferry; it is a free service for all passengers.
The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Yes, there are security checks, including dogs, before boarding, similar to airport security but generally quicker.
You must disembark at St. George Terminal and re-board for the return trip. You cannot stay on the ferry for a round trip without disembarking.
The ferry is ADA compliant with wheelchair access, and accessible bathrooms are available.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the right side of the ferry heading to Staten Island for the Statue of Liberty, and the left side returning to Manhattan for the skyline.
Yes, you can get excellent views and photos of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry, though it's further away than from Liberty Island itself.
Absolutely! The Manhattan skyline at night is spectacular from the ferry, offering a magical view of the city lights. +1
Drones are generally not permitted on the ferry or within the terminals due to security regulations.
For low-light skyline shots, use a tripod if possible, increase your ISO, and use a wider aperture for better light capture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Historically, there have been hot dog sales on board, but options can be limited. It's best to eat before or after your ride.
The St. George Terminal has more food choices than the Manhattan terminal, with restaurants and shops nearby and at Empire Outlets.
Yes, the area around Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan offers numerous dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
Food trucks are often found near the terminals, especially around St. George Terminal on Staten Island.
Explore local delis, pizza places, or food trucks in the vicinity of either terminal for budget-friendly meals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The journey is relatively short (about 25-35 minutes each way), making it manageable for younger children. Pack snacks and drinks, as onboard options can be limited. 💰 Budget Travelers
Utilize the free shuttle buses in Lower Manhattan to reach the Whitehall Terminal easily. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
On the return journey, the left side offers stunning panoramic shots of the Manhattan skyline, especially magical during sunset or at night. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Free Ride
+1The journey itself is a highlight, providing a unique perspective of the harbor. As you depart from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, position yourself on the right side of the boat for the best views of Lady Liberty. The ride is smooth and offers ample opportunities for stunning photography, especially during sunset or at night when the city lights twinkle.
+1Upon arrival at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island, you'll find a modern facility with amenities. While the ferry is primarily for commuters, tourists can easily hop off to explore the area, including the nearby Empire Outlets for shopping and dining, before catching the next ferry back.
+1Navigating the Terminals and Onboard Experience
Inside the terminals, you'll find waiting areas and information. The St. George Terminal is noted for having more dining and shopping options compared to its Manhattan counterpart.
Remember that the ferry is a working commuter line. While it's a fantastic tourist attraction, be mindful of the daily commuters. The schedule is frequent, but if you miss your intended ferry, you might have to wait up to 30 minutes for the next one, so factor this into your plans.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit