Everything about the Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry, operational since 1817, provides a free option for those wanting to see the Statue of Liberty on a budget. 

Although it does not stop at Liberty Island, you can enjoy views of the statue from a distance.

This essential daily transportation for Staten Island residents serves nearly 22 million people annually, transporting approximately 70,000 passengers daily.

The ferry departs from Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal and travels 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) in about 25 minutes to arrive at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. 

Let’s explore everything about these ferries, such as their operating frequency, how to reach them, the best time to take them, and more.

Why is Staten Island Ferry Free?

These ferries are government-funded and intended to provide free transportation between Manhattan and Staten Island.

Residents of Staten Island used to pay for the ferry, whereas other boroughs used the subway with a MetroCard.

As a result, island residents had to pay twice as much to commute within the city.

To ensure equal access to public transportation, the ferry fare was eliminated in 1977.

The free ferry ride to Staten Island also serves some practical purposes:

• It encourages free ridership and boosts foot traffic at Staten Island
• Free ferry rides are a significant attraction and contribute to the city’s tourism
• It also reduces traffic congestion by diverting vehicles crossing between Manhattan and Staten Island

Statue of Liberty Cruises vs. Staten Island Ferry

The Statue Cruises provide transportation to Liberty and Ellis Island while offering up-close views of Lady Liberty and New York Harbor.

They also include guides, audio tours, and the option to access the pedestal, crown, and Liberty Museum.

Ticket prices vary according to different packages and included activities.

The Staten Island Ferry provides transportation between Manhattan and Staten Island.

These ferries offer panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor from a distance.

They are ideal for photography, and you can board them free of charge.

Features	Statue Cruises	Staten Island Ferry
Experience	Guided tour and audio commentary	360-degree views in a relaxed atmosphere
Access	Liberty Island and Ellis Island	No access to islands
Views	Up close and personal views of Lady Liberty	Distant views of liberty and New York Harbor
Ticket cost	Varies according to packages	Free

Why Choose the Staten Island Ferry?

These ferry rides provide a free scenic tour of New York Harbor, allowing you to enjoy panoramic city views at no cost. 

This 25-minute journey offers sights of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the ferry’s deck. 

You can also enjoy complimentary WiFi on both terminals and ferry vessels. 

Additionally, food and beverages, including beer, are available for purchase on board, enhancing the travel experience.

Where Does the Ferry Depart From?

The Staten Island Ferry leaves from Whitehall Terminal, Manhattan, and stops at the St. George Terminal. 

To reach Whitehall, take subway lines 1, R, or W, which pass near the Whitehall Terminal.

Get down at Whitehall St.South Ferry or Bowling Green, which are 4 and 6 minutes away from the terminal. 

Alternatively, you can board buses BXM18, M15, M15-SBS, M20, M55, and QM11 to reach the Whitehall terminal.

Staten Ferry Route

These ferries connect the boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island by following a single 5.2-mile (8.4-km) route.

The ferry travels south from the Whitehall terminal, passing through lower Manhattan and Battery Park. 

It enters Upper New York Bay after traveling through the waterways and providing photographic opportunities.

The ferry docks at the St. George terminal, where you can exit to access the Staten Island railways and other bus routes.

Schedule and Frequency

New York City operates the Staten Island Ferry service, which runs from 12 am to 11.59 pm, seven days a week. 

The ferries usually depart every 20 to 30 minutes from Whitehall terminal to St. George terminal and vice versa.

However, the timing and frequency may vary during weekends and holidays

The Staten Island ferries take around 20 minutes to reach from one terminal to another.

Best Time to Take Staten Island Ferry

Despite the morning rush between 7 am and 9 am, sunrise offers the most spell-binding views during these ferry rides.

However, if you want to avoid crowds altogether, consider visiting between 12 pm and 3 pm on weekdays, when there are almost no crowds.

If you want a quiet and serene experience, you can also visit after 7 pm, where you can appreciate the beauty of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty against a dark backdrop.

Views from the Ferry

As you traverse the 5-mile journey from Manhattan to Staten Island, you will encounter breathtaking views in every direction.

While traveling through Manhattan, you will come across skyscrapers from the financial district, such as the One World Trade Center.

You will also get great views of the Brooklyn shoreline, including landmarks like Brooklyn Heights and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

As you sail past Liberty Island, you will be greeted with unobstructed views of Lady Liberty.

Governor’s Island and Ellis Island are other major landmarks visible through the ferry’s elevated deck.

Where to sit for the best views

The views differ depending on which side you sit on and the direction of travel.

To get the best views of the Statue of Liberty, sit on the right side of the ferry while traveling to Staten Island.

Similarly, try sitting on the left side to get the best skyline views while returning to Manhattan.

Parking near Staten Island

The Whitehall terminal and St George terminal have numerous parking options.

Here are some of the top parking lots:

Parking lot	Address	Parking Fare
One New York Plaza Garage	85 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004, USA	$40 to $55 per hour
Valet Garage	51 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004, USA	$50 to $70 per hour
95 MP parking	106 Front St, New York, NY 10043, USA	$35 to $50 per hour
LAZ Parking	70 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10006, United States	$60 to $80 per hour
NYC DOT municipal parking lot	174 Centre St, New York, NY 10013, USA	$2 to $12 per day
St George’s Garage	385 St Marks Pl., Staten Island, NY 10301, United States	$70 per month

Things to Know Before Taking the Ferry

Keep these things in mind before taking a ferry to Statin Island:

• Both terminals for Staten Island Ferry (Whitehall terminal and Saint George terminal) have escalators and elevators.
• Passengers who use wheelchairs must use lower-level boarding.
• Staten Island Ferry doesn’t carry vehicles, but you can bring your bicycle.
• Pets are not allowed on the ferry, except for service animals.
• Whitehall Terminal and St. George Terminal offer free Wi-Fi.
• Smoking is prohibited on the ferry and in most areas of the terminals.

FAQs

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