Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is first and foremost a commuter vessel, and there is no on-board commentary. For extra insight, context, and information about the surrounding sights, join a guided tour of NYC or Lower Manhattan that includes a round-trip on the ferry. To maximize your experience, take the trip out to Staten Island during the day and return after dark to see the NYC skyline all lit up. The voyage to Staten Island takes around 25 minutes each way. Boats depart at least every 30 minutes, with more frequent departures during commuter rush hours. No ticket is required.

• For the best views of Lady Liberty, sit on the right side of a Staten Island–bound ferry.

• Some, though not all, ferries in the fleet have large outdoor side decks, which afford the best views.

• The ferry is accessible to wheelchair users.

• Refreshments, including beer and hot dogs, are available on board.

• All passengers must disembark at St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.

The Staten Island Ferry runs between Whitehall, near Battery Park in Manhattan, and St. George on Staten Island. To get to the Whitehall Terminal, take the subway (1 train) to South Ferry. Other nearby subway stations include Bowling Green (4 and 5), Broad Street (J and Z), and Whitehall Street (1, R, and W).

The best time of year to ride the ferry is during summer, or on warm spring or fall days when you can comfortably soak up the view from the open-air decks. If you don’t like crowds, avoid rush hours (6–9am for boats departing from Staten Island, and 4–7pm for boats departing from Manhattan).

Most visitors to NYC never venture outside Manhattan and Brooklyn, though Staten Island—New York’s least-populated borough—has several fascinating sites. Within easy reach of St. George Terminal is the Lighthouse Museum, St George’s Historical District, and the waterfront Richmond County Bank Ballpark, where the minor league Staten Island Yankees (not to be confused with the major league New York Yankees) play. Also of note is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, home to the Noble Maritime Collection and Staten Island Children's Museum.

The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During weekday rush hour 6–9:30am and 3:30–8pm), the ferry departs every 15 minutes. At all other times of the day and on weekends, the Staten Island Ferry departs every half hour.

Yes, parking is available near the Staten Island Ferry's St. George Terminal on Staten Island. Several lots are available for ferry riders, including two NYC Dot Municipal parking lots, and parking tends to range between $12-15 per day. However, parking is very limited near Manhattan's Whitehall Ferry Terminal.

Yes, bikes are permitted on the Staten Island Ferry, and there is no additional charge for bringing them on board. However, cyclists must board on the lower level at both ferry terminals, dismount, walk their bikes to the waiting area, and store them in designated areas.

The Staten Island Ferry travels between two main points: the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan and the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island. The journey takes around 25 minutes each way and is free for all riders. While useful for commuters, the ferry also offers prime sightseeing opportunities.

Because the Staten Island Ferry is primarily designed as a commuter vessel, it can be pretty busy during morning and evening rush hours. To enjoy a less crowded experience, set out during the afternoon (or later in the evening, when you can admire the skyline all lit up after dark).

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The Whitehall and St. George Terminals have elevators and escalators; wheelchair users are recommended to board the ferries via the lower levels. Service animals are also welcome on board all vessels.