Standard visit
The Staten Island Ferry is a free public ferry across New York Harbor between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty on a 25-minute ride.
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Staten Island Ferry
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In short
The Staten Island Ferry crosses New York Harbor between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island, passing the Statue of Liberty on a 25-minute ride. It is completely free. Everyone leaves the boat at St. George and walks back through the terminal to return, so a round trip takes about an hour.
The Staten Island Ferry runs a single route of 8.4 kilometres across New York Harbor, between the Whitehall Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan and the St. George Terminal on Staten Island. It is operated by the New York City Department of Transportation and carries millions of commuters and visitors each year.
Ferries have linked Staten Island and Manhattan since the eighteenth century, and the city took over the service in 1905. Fares were low for decades, and since 1997 the ride has been free for everyone.
The crossing takes about 25 minutes and offers views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Governors Island. The large orange boats carry thousands of passengers each, with indoor seating and open decks at the ends and sides.
The ferry runs 24 hours a day, every day. On weekdays boats leave every 15 or 20 minutes in the rush hours (6:00 to 9:30 and 15:30 to 20:00) and every 30 minutes at other times, and every 30 minutes at weekends. On Staten Island, the St. George area near the terminal has a waterfront promenade, a minor league ballpark and the National Lighthouse Museum.
No ticket is needed. For the best view of the Statue of Liberty, stand on the right side going out from Manhattan. Passengers must leave the boat at St. George and re-board for the return trip. South Ferry and Whitehall Street subway stations are next to the Manhattan terminal.
How busy is the Staten Island Ferry?
About 22 million people ride the ferry each year, roughly 70,000 a day, according to the New York City Department of Transportation. A fleet of ten vessels keeps the route running around the clock, and both terminals have escalators and lifts for step-free boarding.
The St. George Ferry Terminal is at 1 Bay Street on Staten Island and connects with MTA buses and the Staten Island Railway. The Whitehall Ferry Terminal at 4 South Street in Manhattan connects with the subway and city buses. MetroCard vending machines are available at both terminals for onward travel, though the ferry itself needs no fare.
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Key information
⛴️Route: Whitehall (Manhattan) to St. George (Staten Island)
⏱️Crossing: About 25 minutes
🎟️Fare: Free since 1997
🕐Service: 24 hours a day
🏛Operated by: NYC Department of Transportation
Explore the area
Battery Park 0.3 km
Statue of Liberty ferries 0.5 km
Wall Street 1 km
✦
Plan your visit to Staten Island Ferry
Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.
Highlights Include:
Type of attraction
- Landmarks
Where it is
- New York
- United States
What They Offer
Visit duration
About an hour round trip; everyone leaves the boat at St. George and walks back through the terminal
Tours & experiences
Guided tours and experiences that include Staten Island Ferry. See tours
Accessibility
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Age limits
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What to pack
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What to wear
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Not allowed
Cyclists board on the lower level at both terminals
Amenities
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Driving
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Public transportation
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Address
Whitehall Terminal (Manhattan) to St. George (Staten Island); the Staten Island September 11 Memorial is next to the St. George terminal and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center a short bus ride away.
Opening Hours
Not confirmed yet. Please check with the venue before you visit.
Special events
No special events on record for Staten Island Ferry.
Best times to visit
Mid-morning, early afternoon or evening outside rush hours; a sunset sailing gives the warmest light on the Statue of Liberty and the skyline.
Best days to visit
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Best months to visit
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Visitor policy
Cancellation and prepayment
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Children and admission
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Groups
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Pets
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Photography
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Bags
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Smoking
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Accepted payment
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting there
Yes. It has been free for all passengers since 1997.
Yes, it passes the statue at a distance. It does not stop at Liberty Island.
On weekdays every 15 or 20 minutes in the rush hours and every 30 minutes at other times; at weekends every 30 minutes. Service runs 24 hours a day.
The New York City Department of Transportation.
Yes, entry to Staten Island Ferry is free. Free.
Staten Island Ferry is in New York, United States. The street address and directions are under How to get there on this page.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the airport for Staten Island Ferry, about 21 km away in a straight line.
bookingMentor lists 1 place to stay in New York. Rooms start from $1,550.00 (USD) a night.
Timing & weather
About 25 minutes each way across New York Harbor.
The best time to visit New York is Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov. Mild weather for walking.
General
The Whitehall Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan, next to South Ferry station.
No. All passengers must get off at St. George and walk back through the terminal to board again.
The right (starboard) side heading to Staten Island faces the Statue of Liberty.
A waterfront promenade, the National Lighthouse Museum and the Staten Island Yankees ballpark area.
Yes. Cyclists follow the same rules as other passengers and must board on the lower level at both terminals.