Staten Island Ferry: How to Ride and What You'll See

The Staten Island Ferry is one of New York's best free experiences. It's a commuter ferry, so there's no ticket and no reservation.

The basics

• Cost: free.
• Crossing time: about 25 minutes each way.
• Hours: every day, 24 hours. Boats run roughly every 15–20 minutes at weekday rush hours and about every 30 minutes at other times and on weekends. Schedules change, so check the official NYC DOT schedule.
• Manhattan terminal: Whitehall Terminal, 4 South Street, next to the South Ferry subway station.

How to ride

1. Walk into the Whitehall Terminal and wait in the waiting room.
2. When the doors open, board the boat.
3. Heading to Staten Island, sit or stand on the right side of the boat for the Statue of Liberty.
4. At St. George Terminal, everyone must get off.
5. Follow the signs back to the waiting room and board the next ferry to Manhattan. On the way back, the Statue is on the left.

What you'll see

• The Lower Manhattan skyline
• The Statue of Liberty
• Ellis Island
• Governors Island
• The Brooklyn waterfront
• The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, when it's clear

Good to know

• The ferry does not stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island. For that, you need the official Statue City Cruises ferry.
• Outdoor decks can be slippery and get spray, so take care.
• Wheelchair users board on the lower level, and both terminals have elevators.

Listen to the free Staten Island Ferry audio tour

FAQ

Is the Staten Island Ferry really free? Yes.

Which side is best for the Statue of Liberty? The right side going to Staten Island, and the left side coming back.

Can I stay on the boat for the return trip? No. Everyone gets off at each terminal and re-boards.