NYC Ferry Rockaway
Ride the NYC Ferry to Rockaway Beach for a scenic, affordable escape with stunning city views and ocean breezes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
NYC Ferry Rockaway
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride the NYC Ferry to Rockaway Beach for a scenic, affordable escape with stunning city views and ocean breezes.
"It's not the fastest nor is it it the absolute cheapest, but if you have some extra time and need to get from JFK to Lower Manhattan, it's a great option."
🎯 Save with a 10-Ride Pass
Download the NYC Ferry app & buy a 10-ride pass for $2.75/ride. Tickets don't expire for 3 months! :ticket:
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
Lines can get long. Aim to arrive just after a ferry departs to be first in line for the next one. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Ferry Ride
Departing from Wall Street/Pier 11 or Brooklyn Army Terminal
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and coastline on this hour-long journey.
Rockaway Beach
Queens
NYC's largest beach offers a lively boardwalk, diverse food options, and a refreshing escape from the city bustle.
Rockaway Rocket
Long Island City & Greenpoint to Rockaway Beach
A direct, seasonal route offering a quick and convenient way to access Rockaway Beach from Brooklyn and Queens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Ferry Schedule Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Save with a 10-Ride Pass
Download the NYC Ferry app & buy a 10-ride pass for $2.75/ride. Tickets don't expire for 3 months! :ticket:
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
Lines can get long. Aim to arrive just after a ferry departs to be first in line for the next one. :clock1:
🌊 Enjoy the Views!
The ferry ride offers stunning cityscapes and ocean breezes – a fun alternative to the subway. 
🍺 BYOB (Beer!)
Yes, you can buy beer on the ferry! Make your ride even more enjoyable. :beer:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Save with a 10-Ride Pass
Download the NYC Ferry app & buy a 10-ride pass for $2.75/ride. Tickets don't expire for 3 months! :ticket:
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
Lines can get long. Aim to arrive just after a ferry departs to be first in line for the next one. :clock1:
🌊 Enjoy the Views!
The ferry ride offers stunning cityscapes and ocean breezes – a fun alternative to the subway.
🍺 BYOB (Beer!)
Yes, you can buy beer on the ferry! Make your ride even more enjoyable. :beer:
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
If driving to the ferry, arrive early to find parking near the terminal. :red_car:
🦽 Accessible & Kid-Friendly
The ferry is a fun, accessible option for families and those with mobility needs. :family_restroom:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the NYC Ferry to Rockaway as a scenic, affordable, and fun alternative to the subway for reaching the beach. The journey offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, with many appreciating the option to purchase drinks onboard. While not always the fastest, it's a highly recommended experience for a day trip.
"An hour ferry ride from here to the City. If you don't want to take a subway it is way more fun than spending a similar time in a subway car with no view."
Adam Struzik
"Summer boardwalk is lively. Good place to bike, walk and people watch. Food choices are mostly Mexican, Italian, pizza type stuff. Water is so so. OK for swimming but watch out for riptide. Not a great place to live though. Horrible winter lots of wind. Too expensive for what you get. Ratty people everywhere. Ferry is best way to arrive/leave but check the schedule. Usually stops by 9:30 PM."
C. Jane Lake
"It's not the fastest nor is it it the absolute cheapest, but if you have some extra time and need to get from JFK to Lower Manhattan, it's a great option. Great views, you can really feel the waves when you're not in NY Harbor.
Only $4 for a single ride. Besides, what other public transportation sells beer for the ride?"
Kevin Sullivan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The NYC Ferry is a fantastic option, offering scenic views and a direct route to Rockaway Beach from Wall Street/Pier 11. The ride takes about an hour and is a much more enjoyable experience than the subway. You can also consider express buses from areas like Woodside.
The ferry ride from Wall Street/Pier 11 to Rockaway Beach typically takes around one hour.
While not the most direct, the ferry can be a scenic alternative if you have extra time. You might need to take a shuttle or public transport from JFK to a ferry terminal like Wall Street/Pier 11.
Yes, the NYC Ferry offers service to Rockaway Beach from the Brooklyn Army Terminal.
The primary routes are from Wall Street/Pier 11 in Manhattan and the Brooklyn Army Terminal. The seasonal Rockaway Rocket route also serves Long Island City and Greenpoint.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ride on the NYC Ferry to Rockaway costs $4. However, purchasing a 10-ride ticket pass through the NYC Ferry app reduces the cost to $2.75 per ride.+1 This pass is a great way to save money, especially for groups.
Tickets can be purchased through the official NYC Ferry app, which also allows you to buy discounted 10-ride passes. You can also buy single tickets at the terminal.
No, the 10-ride ticket passes purchased through the NYC Ferry app do not expire for three months, giving you flexibility for future trips.
The Rockaway Rocket operates on the standard NYC Ferry fare system. You can use single tickets or the discounted 10-ride pass.
The best discount is the 10-ride ticket pass available on the NYC Ferry app, which significantly lowers the per-ride cost.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Rockaway Beach offers a lively boardwalk, opportunities for biking and walking, and a variety of food options, primarily Mexican, Italian, and pizza. It's a great spot for people-watching and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Rockaway Beach is suitable for swimming, but be aware of potential riptides. Always check local conditions and safety guidelines before entering the water.
You'll find a range of eateries, including Mexican, Italian, and pizza places along the boardwalk. Caracas Arepa Bar is a popular spot for delicious arepas and mango slushies.
Yes, you can purchase beer on the NYC Ferry, making the ride to Rockaway Beach even more enjoyable.
Reviews suggest the bathrooms on the ferry are generally clean and functional, with amenities like Dyson hand dryers and soap dispensers.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferry ride itself offers incredible photo ops of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Absolutely! Keep an eye out for the iconic Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the impressive Marine Parkway Bridge.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the city skyline and the ocean.
Yes, there are occasional sightings of marine life, including whales, which can make for unique photographic moments.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cityscapes and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting marine life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Once at Rockaway, stroll hand-in-hand along the boardwalk, share a meal at one of the local eateries, or simply relax on the beach. The ferry ride itself provides a unique bonding opportunity with beautiful scenery as your backdrop.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The NYC Ferry Experience
The journey provides a unique perspective of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, making the commute itself a highlight of the trip. Many travelers appreciate the ability to purchase beer onboard, adding a relaxed vibe to the ride.While the ferry is a popular choice, it's important to note that it's not always the fastest way to reach Rockaway. However, for those who value scenic beauty and a more leisurely travel experience, the ferry is an excellent alternative.
Planning your ferry trip involves checking the schedule, especially during off-peak seasons, and considering the purchase of a 10-ride pass for cost savings. Arriving early at the terminal is also recommended to secure a good spot and avoid long queues, particularly during peak summer weekends.
Rockaway Beach: More Than Just Sand
While the water is generally good for swimming, visitors should be mindful of riptides and always check local safety advisories.
Accessing Rockaway Beach is made easy by the NYC Ferry, which provides a scenic and enjoyable journey. The ferry's convenience and affordability, especially with the 10-ride pass, make it a top choice for many visitors looking to experience the best of Rockaway without the hassle of driving and parking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit