Staten Island Ferry Terminal
A free, iconic ferry ride offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. A must-do for any NYC visitor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views!
Staten Island Ferry Terminal
Best Time
Golden hour views!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, iconic ferry ride offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. A must-do for any NYC visitor.
"The Staten Island Ferry is a completely free but truly priceless experience!"
🎯 Sit Right (Outbound), Left (Inbound)
For prime Statue of Liberty & skyline views, grab a seat on the right side heading to Staten Island, and the left coming back.
💰 Skip the Ticket Sellers!
Ignore unofficial ticket sellers outside the terminal. The ferry is completely FREE! Just walk straight in.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Views
Harbor
Get up close to Lady Liberty and Ellis Island without the ticket price. A truly iconic NYC experience.
Manhattan Skyline Panorama
Harbor
Witness the breathtaking Manhattan skyline from the water. Perfect for photos and soaking in the city's grandeur.
Sunset & Evening City Lights
Harbor
Experience the magic of NYC as the sun sets or the city lights up. Unforgettable views and a romantic atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Ride
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sit Right (Outbound), Left (Inbound)
For prime Statue of Liberty & skyline views, grab a seat on the right side heading to Staten Island, and the left coming back.
💰 Skip the Ticket Sellers!
Ignore unofficial ticket sellers outside the terminal. The ferry is completely FREE! Just walk straight in.
📸 Best Photo Spots
For great photos from NYC to Staten Island, aim for the front right. From Staten Island back to NYC, the front left is best.
⏰ Ferry Runs 24/7
The Staten Island Ferry operates around the clock, offering flexibility for your sightseeing plans. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sit Right (Outbound), Left (Inbound)
For prime Statue of Liberty & skyline views, grab a seat on the right side heading to Staten Island, and the left coming back.
💰 Skip the Ticket Sellers!
Ignore unofficial ticket sellers outside the terminal. The ferry is completely FREE! Just walk straight in.
📸 Best Photo Spots
For great photos from NYC to Staten Island, aim for the front right. From Staten Island back to NYC, the front left is best.
⏰ Ferry Runs 24/7
The Staten Island Ferry operates around the clock, offering flexibility for your sightseeing plans.
🚶♂️ Re-board at Each Terminal
You must disembark and re-board the ferry at both Whitehall and St. George terminals, even if taking the same ferry back.
💨 Enjoy the Breeze
Take a moment to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the calming atmosphere away from the city's hustle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Staten Island Ferry as a free, iconic NYC experience offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. It's highly recommended as a budget-friendly alternative to paid tours, with many appreciating the fresh breeze and sense of calm. Some note that it can get crowded, and the need to disembark and re-board at each terminal is a key operational detail.
"One of my favorite free things to do in NYC. I really enjoy the fun chaos that unfolds as everyone lines up and boards the ferry. Then once your are on, it doesn't really seem that crowded and it's super peaceful. It's fun to ride both inside and outside and there are phenomenal views of the statue of liberty. I also noticed there is even a dunkin donuts on one of the ships! It's a very quick ride to statten island and runs every 30 minutes."
Marcus Corbin
"I love that this is still free! The views from the ferry are amazing. There are so many options for your preference; inside and seated, standing beside the windows, up top to enjoy the breeze, and this time we actually went to the back of the ferry to get a view from outside!"
RWig
"The Staten Island Ferry is one of New York City’s most underrated yet unforgettable experiences, and it remains completely free, which makes it even more impressive. Whether you’re a local commuting daily or a tourist exploring the city for the first time, this 25-minute ride across the New York Harbor delivers far more than you would expect from a public ferry service.
The moment the ferry departs from the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan, you’re greeted with sweeping views of the skyline—towering skyscrapers behind you and the open harbor in front. As the boat moves forward, the Statue of Liberty appears on your right side, close enough for great photos without paying for an expensive cruise. The breeze, the sound of the water, and the steady movement of the ferry create a peaceful break from the rush of the city.
The ride is smooth, spacious, and surprisingly comfortable. Outdoor decks offer the best views, especially during golden hour or at night when the skyline lights up. Inside seating is available for those who prefer to stay sheltered, and there are restrooms and basic snack options onboard.
The only minor downsides are the crowds during rush hours and the wait time if you’re doing a round trip just for sightseeing. At the Staten Island side, you must exit and re-enter for the return ride, which can add 15–30 minutes depending on the schedule. The terminal facilities could also be cleaner and more organized, but the overall experience still outweighs these small inconveniences."
Mashnun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Times Square, take the downtown 1 train to South Ferry station or the R/W train to Whitehall Street station. Both stations are adjacent to the Whitehall Terminal.
The 1 train to South Ferry or the R/W train to Whitehall Street are the most direct subway lines to the Whitehall Terminal.
Yes, there are parking garages near the Whitehall Terminal, but they can be expensive. Many visitors opt for public transportation to avoid parking hassles.
The ferry ride from Whitehall Terminal to St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island takes approximately 20-25 minutes each way.
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry departs from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Staten Island Ferry is completely FREE! There are no tickets to buy for this iconic ride.
No, tickets are not required for the Staten Island Ferry. It's a free public transportation service.
The Staten Island Ferry operates 24/7, with ferries running approximately every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day.
You don't need to buy tickets. The Staten Island Ferry is free. Just proceed to the boarding area at the Whitehall Terminal.
No, seeing the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry is free. It's a popular alternative to paid boat tours.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon around sunset offers the most beautiful lighting for photos of the skyline and Statue of Liberty. Evenings provide stunning city lights.
For views of the Statue of Liberty and downtown Manhattan, sit on the right side of the ferry when heading to Staten Island and the left side when returning to Manhattan.
Absolutely! The Staten Island Ferry provides excellent vantage points for photographing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography.
The entire journey offers great skyline views. For the most iconic shots, focus on the southern tip of Manhattan as you approach or depart.
🎫 🚢 Onsite Experience
While many use the ferry for the views, you can explore Staten Island's attractions like the Snug Harbor Cultural Center or the Staten Island Museum.
The ferry can get very crowded, especially during rush hours and on weekends. Traveling during off-peak times or weekdays can offer a less crowded experience.
Yes, restrooms are available at both the Whitehall and St. George ferry terminals.
Each one-way trip on the Staten Island Ferry lasts about 20-25 minutes.
No, you must disembark at each terminal (Whitehall and St. George) and re-board if you wish to make a round trip.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Aim for a weekday trip during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds. The open decks offer plenty of space for kids to move around (under supervision, of course!), and the fresh air is always a bonus. It's a simple yet memorable way to introduce children to iconic New York landmarks.
💰 Budget Travelers
Simply head to the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and hop on. You'll get incredible photo opportunities and a genuine slice of New York life as you share the ferry with commuters. Just be prepared to disembark and re-board at each terminal to complete a round trip.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For the best shots, aim for the late afternoon or sunset. The golden hour light bathes the city in a warm glow, and seeing the skyline light up at dusk is magical. Remember the seating tips: right side outbound for Lady Liberty, left side inbound for Manhattan's grandeur. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during popular times, but the photographic rewards are well worth it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Staten Island Ferry Experience
Travelers consistently praise the ferry for its cost-effectiveness and the quality of the views. Many recommend it as a superior alternative to crowded, paid tours to see the Statue of Liberty. The journey itself is about 25 minutes each way, and while you must disembark and re-board at each terminal, this allows for flexibility and the chance to experience the views from different angles.
For the best experience, strategic seating is key. Sitting on the right side of the ferry when heading towards Staten Island offers prime views of the Statue of Liberty and downtown Manhattan. Conversely, the left side is best for the return trip to Manhattan. Timing your ride around sunset or in the early evening can provide breathtaking views of the city lights.
Navigating the Terminals and Schedules
The ferry runs 24/7, a significant advantage for visitors. During peak commuting hours, ferries depart every 15-20 minutes, while off-peak times see departures roughly every 30 minutes. While the schedule is frequent, it's always a good idea to check for any service alerts, especially given the ferry's role as essential public transit.
+1It's crucial to remember that you must disembark at each terminal, even if you intend to take the next ferry back. This is a standard procedure for public transit ferries. Both terminals are well-signed and offer amenities like restrooms and some snack options, making the transition smooth.
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