7 tips to make the most of the Staten Island Ferry

During your stay in New York, don’t miss a round trip on the Staten Island Ferry. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from the terminal in Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, and connect Manhattan to Staten Island across New York Harbor—completely free. This 20-minute mini-cruise deserves your full attention. Here are my 5 tips to make the most of it:

1/ No need to rush when boarding

• As boarding time approaches, you’ll see New Yorkers and tourists crowding against the doors, eager to be first on. When those doors open, it’s a stampede. I’ve taken this ferry countless times, and I still don’t understand the hurry.
• The ferries have enormous capacity—everyone will get on. Once you’ve entered the terminal, the ferry won’t leave without you. So skip the rush and walk calmly to the boat.

2/ On the way out, head to the stern

• There’s no reason to hurry aboard anyway—I recommend positioning yourself at the stern (back) of the ferry for departure. You’ll get a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline, with One World Trade Center rising above the Financial District.

3/ Move to starboard

• Once the skyline recedes, head to the right side of the ferry as it moves forward (sailors call this starboard). From here, you’ll see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry doesn’t stop, but you’ll get close enough to the statue to inspire a visit—either to the island itself or on a New York Harbor cruise.

4/ Return to port

• As the Statue of Liberty fades, move to the left side of the ferry (port, in nautical terms). You’ll now see the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, which guards the entrance to New York Harbor. This is the bridge that marks the starting point of the New York Marathon each year.
• Being on the left side also means you’ll disembark faster once you reach St. George—most passengers cluster on the right. 😉

5/ Spend time on Staten Island

• Just as boarding is chaotic, disembarking at Staten Island is too. Many tourists rush off just to catch the next ferry back to Manhattan.
• Take your time and explore a bit. You’ll enjoy lovely views of New York Harbor from the waterfront. If you want to stay longer, visit the memorial dedicated to Staten Island residents who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The small town of St. George is worth a walk—it feels worlds away from New York.

6/ On the return trip, sit at the bow

• Heading back to Manhattan? Head straight to the bow (front) of the ferry. You’ll have a spectacular view of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty as it draws closer.
• Tip for photographers: the return journey offers much better photo opportunities than the outbound trip. Why? On the way back, you won’t have the ferry’s wake in your shots—just stunning views of the skyline and open water. 😉

7/ Explore the ferry itself

• One last tip: while the Staten Island Ferry offers incredible views of the harbor, don’t focus only on the scenery. Take time to walk the different decks and platforms. The ferries themselves are worth exploring.
• Watch the New Yorkers too. While tourists keep their eyes on the Statue of Liberty, locals bury themselves in newspapers or phones. The Staten Island Ferry is, after all, a commuter train. 🙂