Staten Island Ferry: New York’s Free Ferry

What You Need to Know About the Staten Island Ferry

• The Staten Island Ferry connects South Ferry Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan to Staten Island. The crossing takes about 25 minutes.
• The ferry began operating in 1817, when a ticket cost 5 cents. By 1997, the fare had risen to 50 cents. Eventually, New York City, which runs the service, made it free. Take advantage of it.
• On weekdays, more than 60,000 people ride the ferry daily. For Staten Island residents who work in Manhattan, it’s the main commute. You’ll notice the difference: tourists crowd the outdoor decks for views, while New Yorkers nap, read, or grab a snack.
• The fleet has 9 ferries and runs 109 trips per day between Manhattan and Staten Island on weekdays.

What to See During the Crossing

• As the ferry crosses New York Harbor, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline at the southern tip. As you travel, the panorama expands and you can spot the Empire State Building, the Summit One Vanderbilt tower, and the towers of Hudson Yards in the distance.
• The ferry passes very close to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Fair warning: tourists swarm the decks and cameras click constantly at this point.
• Ride the ferry multiple times during your stay—it’s free. You’ll see New York in different light each time. In the morning, the Statue of Liberty glows in sunlight while the skyline is backlit. In the afternoon, the skyline is perfectly lit but the statue is backlit. At night, New York sparkles.
• Once you reach Staten Island Terminal, you have two choices: board the next ferry back to Manhattan, or explore Staten Island. The second option is worth your time. You can see the charming residential neighborhoods typical of Staten Island and enjoy beautiful views of New York Harbor. You can also visit the memorial to the September 11, 2001 attacks.

What Visitors Say

• Jean-Philippe Bouché: “A round trip to Staten Island is definitely worth doing. The photos are great, the atmosphere in the queue at the boarding hall doors is fun (try timing it with office closing hours—you’ll see), and the view of Miss Liberty is fantastic.”
• Michelle G.: “Staten Island is the island across from New York. The ferry is free and you get beautiful views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Ferries run about every 20 minutes.”
• Agnès M.: “The ferry runs from southern Manhattan to Staten Island. It’s free, operates 24/7, and runs frequently. It doesn’t go to Liberty Island or Governor Island. The ferry passes close enough to the Statue of Liberty for a good view. At sunset, it’s really beautiful.”

Staten Island Ferry Videos

Staten Island Ferry Photos

Map to the Ferry Terminal in New York

How to Take the Ferry