NYC Ferry DUMBO
Ride the NYC Ferry to DUMBO for breathtaking skyline views, iconic bridge photo ops, and a scenic journey across the East River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
NYC Ferry DUMBO
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the NYC Ferry to DUMBO for breathtaking skyline views, iconic bridge photo ops, and a scenic journey across the East River.
"The views of the skyline, bridges, and harbor are exceptional - better than many paid tours."
🎟️ Get Tickets Ahead
Use the NYC Ferry app or kiosks; ferries don't wait for ticket purchases at the gate.
📸 Best Photo Angles
Explore streets west of Washington for unique bridge perspectives.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Manhattan Skyline Views
From the ferry deck
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, bridges, and harbor. A must-see for any visitor.
Washington Street Photo Spot
Intersection of Washington St & Water St
Capture the classic shot of the Manhattan Bridge framed by historic buildings.
Jane's Carousel
Brooklyn Bridge Park
A beautifully restored 1922 carousel offering magical rides with stunning waterfront views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Ticketing & Timing
Best Views & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Tickets Ahead
Use the NYC Ferry app or kiosks; ferries don't wait for ticket purchases at the gate.
📸 Best Photo Angles
Explore streets west of Washington for unique bridge perspectives.
☀️ Top Deck Views
Grab a seat on the top deck for unobstructed, sun-drenched views.
🍕 Onboard Bites
Order food and drinks via QR code on your seat for convenience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Tickets Ahead
Use the NYC Ferry app or kiosks; ferries don't wait for ticket purchases at the gate.
📸 Best Photo Angles
Explore streets west of Washington for unique bridge perspectives.
☀️ Top Deck Views
Grab a seat on the top deck for unobstructed, sun-drenched views.
🍕 Onboard Bites
Order food and drinks via QR code on your seat for convenience.
🚶♀️ Explore DUMBO
Don't just ride; explore the neighborhood's cafes and shops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The NYC Ferry to DUMBO is widely praised for its exceptional value, offering unparalleled skyline and bridge views that rival paid tours. Passengers appreciate the friendly staff, punctual service, and clean vessels. However, some visitors have encountered issues with ticket purchasing delays and rude staff during peak times, leading to frustration when ferries reach capacity.
"The NYC Ferry is one of the best ways to experience the city. The views of the skyline, bridges, and harbor are exceptional - better than many paid tours. Staff are consistently friendly and helpful, and every trip I’ve taken has been right on schedule. Clean vessels, smooth rides, and unbeatable scenery make it a standout part of New York’s transit system. Highly recommended."
Dumitru Dediu
"The ticket/qr vending machines are kept at Van Leewen milkshake
No indication that tap and pay does not work directly. The vending machines are 50 metres from the gate/queue and the ferry doesn't wait"
Shubham Agarkar
"If you want to see as much of NYC as possible, hop on the ferry. For $4 you can ride and hop from stop to stop, with epic views. I got on at Dumbo and four stops later was at W34th near the UN building. Download the NYC Ferry app to get schedules and buy tickets. Grab a seat on top of the ferry and soak in the sun and views. There is food and drink available as well, which can be ordered using a QR code on the back of the seats and locked up when ready. Best ferry trip I’ve had!"
John Webber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the DUMBO ferry terminal via subway lines A, C, F to Jay St-Metrotech, or 2, 3 to Clark St. From there, it's a short walk. The NYC Ferry itself is a fantastic way to arrive from other parts of NYC, with routes like 'ferry to DUMBO Brooklyn' or 'ferry to DUMBO NYC' being very popular.
Popular routes include 'ferry to DUMBO' from Wall Street, Pier 11, and other Manhattan locations. You can also take the 'DUMBO to Manhattan ferry' or 'DUMBO to Williamsburg ferry' for convenient travel between boroughs. Check the 'DUMBO ferry schedule' for specific route details.
Yes, several NYC Ferry routes connect Manhattan to DUMBO. The 'ferry from Manhattan to DUMBO' and 'ferry from Wall Street to DUMBO' are common options, offering scenic rides across the East River.
The best way to find the 'DUMBO ferry schedule' is by downloading the official NYC Ferry app. It provides real-time updates, route maps, and allows you to purchase tickets.
Absolutely! The 'ferry from Williamsburg to DUMBO' is a popular and scenic route. You can also take the 'ferry Williamsburg to DUMBO' for easy transit between these vibrant Brooklyn neighborhoods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ride on the NYC Ferry typically costs $4.00. You can purchase tickets through the NYC Ferry app or at ticket vending machines located at the ferry terminals.
Tickets for the 'NYC Ferry DUMBO' route can be purchased via the official NYC Ferry mobile app or at the ticket vending machines found at the DUMBO ferry terminal.
It is highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance using the NYC Ferry app or at a vending machine. Boarding is based on capacity, and ferries do not wait for passengers purchasing tickets at the gate.
No, MetroCards are not accepted on the NYC Ferry. You must use the NYC Ferry app or purchase tickets from the designated vending machines.
While there aren't specific discounts for the DUMBO route, the $4 fare offers incredible value for the views and transportation. Consider purchasing a monthly or annual pass if you plan to use the ferry frequently.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The most iconic spot is the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street, offering a framed view of the Manhattan Bridge. The waterfront parks and the ferry itself provide stunning skyline shots. +1
You'll get spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. It's often described as better than many paid tours. +1
Sunset offers beautiful golden hour lighting for photos. Weekday mornings are also great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Yes, the DUMBO ferry terminal area, including the adjacent Brooklyn Bridge Park, offers fantastic vantage points for photographing the skyline and bridges.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline and bridges. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the buildings. Don't forget a fully charged phone for quick snaps!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the NYC Ferry offers a selection of food and drinks available for purchase onboard. You can order using a QR code on the back of your seat.
DUMBO boasts famous pizza joints like Juliana's Pizza and Grimaldi's. Time Out Market offers a variety of food vendors with rooftop views.
Yes, you can eat and drink on the NYC Ferry. There are onboard concessions, and you can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Many cafes in DUMBO offer stunning waterfront views, perfect for enjoying a coffee while taking in the scenery.
Time Out Market features a curated selection of eateries from top NYC chefs, offering diverse cuisines from pizza and burgers to tacos and sushi.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once in DUMBO, Jane's Carousel is a major draw for younger children, offering a whimsical ride with beautiful surroundings. The waterfront parks provide open spaces for them to run and play. Consider packing snacks or visiting Time Out Market for diverse food options that cater to picky eaters.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The NYC Ferry itself provides incredible photographic opportunities. Riding the top deck offers unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan Bridge. Aim for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your ferry ride with exploring DUMBO's public spaces like Brooklyn Bridge Park and Jane's Carousel. Many of the best photo opportunities are free, and you can find budget-friendly eats at places like Time Out Market or by packing your own picnic to enjoy by the water.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the NYC Ferry System
Tickets are priced at a flat rate per ride, making it an economical choice compared to other city transit options. While you can purchase tickets at kiosks, downloading the NYC Ferry app is highly recommended for convenience, real-time tracking, and easy ticket management. Remember that ferries operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and capacity limits are strictly enforced, so arriving a bit early is always a good strategy, especially during peak hours.
Onboard, you'll find comfortable seating, both indoors and outdoors. The top deck offers the most expansive views, perfect for photography and soaking in the cityscape. Food and beverages are available for purchase, conveniently ordered via a QR code system. This makes the ferry journey a pleasant way to relax, dine, and sightsee simultaneously.
Capturing DUMBO's Iconic Views
Beyond the Washington Street classic, the waterfront parks in DUMBO offer unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline. These areas are perfect for capturing panoramic shots, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. The Brooklyn Bridge itself also provides a dramatic backdrop, and many visitors enjoy walking across it to reach DUMBO.
When riding the NYC Ferry to or from DUMBO, make sure to position yourself on the top deck. This vantage point provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the East River, the bridges, and the surrounding cityscapes. It's an excellent opportunity to capture dynamic shots of the ferry navigating the water with the iconic New York skyline as its backdrop.
DUMBO's Culinary Delights
For a more diverse culinary adventure, Time Out Market New York in DUMBO offers a curated selection of food stalls from some of the city's best chefs. It's a fantastic place to sample various cuisines in one location, and the rooftop seating provides additional stunning views.
Even the ferry ride itself can be a culinary experience. The NYC Ferry offers onboard concessions, allowing you to enjoy snacks and drinks while taking in the sights. Ordering is made easy through a QR code system, ensuring a convenient way to refuel during your journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit