Staten Island Ferry
A free, 24/7 ferry offering iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do NYC experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Staten Island Ferry
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 24/7 ferry offering iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do NYC experience!
"The Staten Island Ferry is a fantastic, free way to see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline."
🎯 Ride for FREE! 🗽
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free! No tickets or payment needed. Just walk on.
📸 Best photo spots
Stand on the outer decks for unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Statue of Liberty Views
Onboard the ferry
Catch breathtaking, up-close views of Lady Liberty as you sail past. A truly iconic NYC experience, and it's free!
+1Manhattan Skyline Panorama
Onboard the ferry
Marvel at the towering skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan from the water. A stunning perspective, especially at sunset.
+1
Free Commuter Experience
Whitehall Terminal to St. George Ferry Terminal
Experience a slice of local life by riding alongside commuters. It's a genuine NYC transit experience, completely free.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Ride
+2Timing is Key for Views
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride for FREE! 🗽
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free! No tickets or payment needed. Just walk on.
📸 Best photo spots
Stand on the outer decks for unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.
⏰ Check schedules
Ferries run 24/7, but check the timetable for exact departure times to minimize wait.
🚶♀️ Walk-on is key
This is a public transit ferry, not a dedicated tour boat. Just board like a local.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride for FREE! 🗽
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free! No tickets or payment needed. Just walk on.
📸 Best photo spots
Stand on the outer decks for unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.
⏰ Check schedules
Ferries run 24/7, but check the timetable for exact departure times to minimize wait.
🚶♀️ Walk-on is key
This is a public transit ferry, not a dedicated tour boat. Just board like a local.
🚰 Restroom availability
Accessible restrooms are available on the ferries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers consistently praise the Staten Island Ferry for its incredible, free views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. It's a highly recommended, budget-friendly way to experience iconic New York landmarks. Some note that it can get crowded, especially during peak times and sunset.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Head to the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The closest subway stations are South Ferry (1 train) and Bowling Green (4, 5 trains).
The Manhattan terminal is the Whitehall Terminal, located at 4 South Street, New York, NY 10004. The Staten Island terminal is the St. George Ferry Terminal.
Yes, the 1 train stops at South Ferry, and the 4 and 5 trains stop at Bowling Green, both within walking distance of the Whitehall Terminal.
The primary route is between the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island.
You can take various subway lines to the South Ferry or Bowling Green stations, both of which are a short walk from the terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free! You do not need to purchase any tickets to ride.
The Staten Island Ferry is free for all passengers. There is no fare or cost to ride.
No, Staten Island Ferry tickets are not sold because the service is entirely free for passengers.
The Staten Island Ferry is free. You can ride it without paying any fare.
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is one of the best free attractions in NYC, offering great views without any cost.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with ferries running frequently throughout the day and night.
The ferry ride between Manhattan and Staten Island typically takes about 25 minutes each way.
You'll get stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. It's a popular spot for photography.
Yes, the ferry provides excellent views of the Statue of Liberty as it passes by.
Yes, accessible restrooms are available on the ferries for passengers.
📸 📸 Photography
Daylight hours offer clear views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline. Sunset provides a beautiful golden hour glow, but can be crowded. +1
The outer decks, especially the sides facing the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan, offer the best unobstructed views for photography.
Absolutely! The ferry offers a fantastic vantage point for capturing panoramic shots of the iconic Manhattan skyline.
Yes, it's a popular and free way to get iconic NYC photos of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.
Use a wider lens for skyline shots and consider a telephoto for closer Statue of Liberty details. Be mindful of lighting conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 25-minute journey is just long enough to keep their attention without being too long. Pack some snacks and drinks, and let them explore the decks for amazing NYC views. Consider bringing a stroller, as the terminals and ferry are generally accessible.
It's a budget-friendly way to experience a major NYC landmark. 💰 Budget Travelers
+3 You get the iconic sights without the price tag of dedicated boat tours. This ferry is a public transit option, so you're essentially getting a free sightseeing tour as part of your commute.
Pack your own food and drinks to save even more, as there are no concessions on board. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The ferry provides a unique perspective that's hard to replicate with other tours. For the best results, aim for clear weather and consider the time of day. Sunset rides offer a magical golden hour glow, though they can be crowded.
+1 The ferry itself can also be a subject, with its classic design and the bustling harbor activity. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Staten Island Ferry
+1While it's a commuter ferry, it's also a beloved free attraction for tourists. Visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline without spending a dime.
+1 It's important to note that this is a functional ferry, not a dedicated tour boat, so the experience is more about the transit and the views than guided commentary. Key terminals to know are the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island. Ferries depart frequently, typically every 20-30 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times.
Remember to check the Staten Island Ferry schedules for precise departure times, especially if you're on a tight schedule. Capturing Iconic NYC Views
+1Beyond Lady Liberty, the ferry provides a spectacular Manhattan skyline panorama. From the decks, you can capture the impressive architecture of Lower Manhattan, including the Freedom Tower.
For the best photography, aim for daylight hours for clear shots, or consider a sunset ride for a more dramatic, golden-hour effect. Many travelers use the ferry as a prime location for filming and photography, appreciating the cinematic quality of the harbor and its landmarks.
Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the Staten Island Ferry view is sure to deliver memorable shots. Beyond the Ferry Ride
For instance, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is a popular destination. After disembarking in Staten Island, you can take the S40 bus to reach this beautiful cultural oasis.
It offers a peaceful escape with diverse gardens and museums, making for a pleasant day trip from Manhattan. Some visitors also note that outlet shopping centers are located a short distance from the Staten Island port, offering a chance for some retail therapy after your ferry journey.
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