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.
Contents
FAQs
1. Is the Staten Island Ferry free to ride?
State Island Ferries provides free ferry service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan year-round throughout the week.
2. How long is the Staten Island Ferry ride round trip?
The ferry will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes to travel from one terminal to another
Thus, the roundtrip ride will take an hour.
3. Where does the Staten Island Ferry travel to?
The Staten Island ferry operates between the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island and the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Manhattan.
4. Where is the Staten Island ferry parking?
Parking lots are available at the Whitehall Terminal and the St. George Terminal.
Some of the best parking lots are One New York Plaza Garage on 85 Whitehall Street, the Valet Garage on 51 Beaver St., and the Battery Parking Garage.
5. How much does the Staten Island ferry cost?
The ferry service to and from Staten Island is free.
6. Do you need Staten Island ferry tickets?
No, you don’t need tickets to access ferries to Staten Island.
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