Staten Island Ferry
A free, 24/7 ferry offering iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do NYC experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Staten Island Ferry
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, 24/7 ferry offering iconic views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do NYC experience!
"The Staten Island Ferry is a fantastic, completely free way to experience NYC's iconic skyline and the Statue of Liberty."
🎯 Ride for Free!
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free! No tickets or payment needed.
🪑 Best Seats for Views
Sit on the right side heading to SI, left side returning to Manhattan for optimal Statue of Liberty & skyline views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Statue of Liberty Views
From the ferry deck
Catch breathtaking, free views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as you sail across the harbor.
Manhattan Skyline Panorama
From the ferry deck
Witness the iconic Manhattan skyline from the water, a truly unforgettable sight.
Free Harbor Cruise Experience
Onboard the ferry
Enjoy a relaxing, 25-minute boat ride with stunning vistas, all without spending a dime.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Ride
+1Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride for Free!
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free! No tickets or payment needed.
🪑 Best Seats for Views
Sit on the right side heading to SI, left side returning to Manhattan for optimal Statue of Liberty & skyline views.
⏰ Arrive Early for Railings
Get to the gate 10 mins before departure to snag a spot by the windows or deck.
📸 Zoom for Close-ups
The Statue of Liberty is viewed from a distance; bring a zoom lens for detailed photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride for Free!
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free! No tickets or payment needed.
🪑 Best Seats for Views
Sit on the right side heading to SI, left side returning to Manhattan for optimal Statue of Liberty & skyline views.
⏰ Arrive Early for Railings
Get to the gate 10 mins before departure to snag a spot by the windows or deck.
📸 Zoom for Close-ups
The Statue of Liberty is viewed from a distance; bring a zoom lens for detailed photos.
24/7 Operation
This ferry runs all day and night, offering flexibility for any schedule.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Staten Island Ferry for its incredible value as a completely free and frequent service offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. While some note the Statue is viewed from a distance, the overall experience is highly recommended for its convenience and scenic beauty. Occasional complaints arise regarding street performers on weekends, but this is a minor issue for most.
"Ferry is free, boards quickly, runs all the time and timing is accurate. Very clean. Good food, good services. Boat staff are easy, Dunkin is open inside during the day. Great way to see the city and the Statue of Liberty (be on the right side of the boat when heading to Staten Island, left side heading back into the city)."
Carlos Torres
"I discovered the hard way that this place does not run as smoothly and safe as it does during the week.
Given the normal noise levels, I can't understand why they would allow street performers to take up valuable space and blare their boom boxes.
Very disappointing."
Fred Alluso
"A perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in New York, especially since the Staten Island Ferry is FREE. Although the Statue of Liberty is a little distant from the ferry route, the views are good enough for the price. Sit on the right side on the way to Staten Island and the left side on the way back for the best views. Enjoy!"
Aditya Narayanan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main terminal in Manhattan is the Whitehall Terminal, located at 4 Whitehall St. You can easily reach it via subway. Take the 1 train to South Ferry, or the R/W trains to Whitehall St.
The 1 train to South Ferry station is the closest. The R and W trains to Whitehall Street station are also very convenient.
While there isn't direct parking at the terminal, several parking garages are available in the Financial District nearby. However, public transport is highly recommended.
Yes, you can take a taxi or rideshare directly to the Whitehall Terminal. Just provide the address: 4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004.
The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with departures every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free to ride! You do not need to purchase any tickets.
The Staten Island Ferry is absolutely free. There is no fare or cost associated with riding it.
No, the ferry provides free views of the Statue of Liberty. You don't pay extra to see it from the boat.
Yes, you can disembark at Staten Island and then re-embark on a ferry returning to Manhattan.
No special passes are required. The ferry is a public transportation service open to everyone, free of charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes in each direction between Manhattan and Staten Island.
For the best views of the Statue of Liberty, sit on the right side of the ferry when heading to Staten Island. For the Manhattan skyline, sit on the left side when returning. +1
Absolutely! The ferry offers fantastic photo opportunities of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline.
Restrooms are available in the Whitehall Terminal before you board the ferry.
The Staten Island Ferry is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps available at the terminals and on the boats. It's recommended to check with the ferry service for specific accessibility details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a Dunkin' inside the ferry terminal during the day, and some vendors may offer snacks and drinks on board.
You are generally allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the ferry.
Yes, the Whitehall Terminal is located in Lower Manhattan, near the Financial District, which has numerous dining options ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
While not a full-service dining experience, you can find basic snacks and coffee, particularly from the Dunkin' inside the terminal.
Many visitors prefer to eat before or after their ferry ride, as dining options in Lower Manhattan are plentiful and varied.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for skyline and Statue of Liberty photos. Weekday mornings can also be less crowded for unobstructed shots.
For general shots, use aperture priority (Av/A) mode and experiment with shutter speeds. For the Statue of Liberty, a telephoto lens or zoom is recommended.
The best angles are from the right side of the ferry when heading towards Staten Island. Be prepared to move along the deck to capture different perspectives.
Yes, the return trip to Manhattan offers stunning panoramic views of the skyline, especially as you approach the city.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography may require permits. Always be mindful of other passengers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The journey is short enough (about 25 minutes each way) to keep younger attention spans engaged. Pack some snacks and drinks, or grab something from the Dunkin' inside the terminal to keep everyone happy. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 You get a harbor cruise experience, views of major landmarks, and a glimpse of local life all rolled into one. It's the perfect way to experience the city's grandeur without breaking the bank. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for the right side of the boat heading to Staten Island for Statue of Liberty shots and the left side returning for skyline vistas. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Staten Island Ferry Experience
+1 The journey itself is a highlight, offering unparalleled perspectives of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Travelers often rave about the ferry's efficiency and the sheer value of the experience. It's a practical way to see major landmarks and a relaxing way to enjoy the harbor. Many recommend arriving a bit early to secure a prime spot along the railings for the best photo opportunities.
While the ferry offers fantastic views, it's important to note that the Statue of Liberty is viewed from a distance. For close-up shots, a zoom lens is recommended.
+1Navigating the Whitehall Terminal and Boarding
+2 The terminal itself is a bustling hub, and while the ferry runs frequently, arriving about 10 minutes before your desired departure can help you secure a good spot on board. Boarding is typically a smooth process, as the ferry operates continuously. You'll walk through designated waiting areas before boarding the vessel. Inside, you'll find seating, but many prefer to stand near the windows or on the outdoor decks for the best views.
For those with mobility concerns, the terminals and ferries are generally accessible.
It's always a good idea to check with the ferry service for the most up-to-date accessibility information. The constant schedule means you rarely have to wait long, even if you miss a departure. Capturing the Perfect Shot: Photography Tips
While the ferry offers a great vantage point, the Statue of Liberty is viewed from a considerable distance. To capture detailed shots, a camera with a telephoto lens or a strong zoom is highly recommended.
+1Beyond the major landmarks, don't forget to capture the dynamic harbor activity and the unique perspective of New York City from the water. The ferry's constant movement can add a sense of dynamism to your shots.
Remember to be considerate of other passengers when taking photos, ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy the views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit