Staten Island Ferry
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Staten Island Ferry

4.6
·491k reviews·, United States

Ride NYC's iconic, free ferry for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do for every visitor!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise/Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry

Best Time

Sunrise/Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride NYC's iconic, free ferry for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. A must-do for every visitor!

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Staten Island Ferry is your ticket to iconic NYC views without the cost!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Grab a Deck Spot Early

Head to the outer decks for the best views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline. Arrive before departure!

📸 Best Photo Angles

Stand on the right side going to Staten Island, left side returning to Manhattan for Statue of Liberty views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Statue of Liberty Views

Statue of Liberty Views

Harbor

Catch breathtaking, up-close views of Lady Liberty and Ellis Island from the ferry deck. It's a classic NYC photo op!

TikTokInstagram
Manhattan Skyline Panorama

Manhattan Skyline Panorama

Harbor

Marvel at the iconic Manhattan skyline as you sail across the harbor. The perspective from the water is unforgettable.

TikTokInstagram
Free Entertainment

Free Entertainment

Ferry Deck

Enjoy a scenic, 25-minute ride with unparalleled views – all for free! It's one of NYC's best budget-friendly activities.

TikTokInstagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Ride

The Staten Island Ferry is your ticket to iconic NYC views without the cost! It's a commuter ferry, so expect a bustling atmosphere. Arrive early, especially during peak hours, to secure a good spot on deck for unobstructed photos of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Instagram+1

Timing is Everything

While the ferry runs 24/7, the best times for stunning photos are during sunrise or sunset for that golden hour glow. TikTok+1 Weekday mornings and evenings are busiest with commuters, so if you're after a more relaxed experience, consider mid-day or weekends. Instagram

Best Times

When
Sunrise/Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Mid-day weekdays
Why
Fewer commuters
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sunset on the Staten Island ferry. #nyc #sunset
@tylerwayneglass
847.2K likes • 4.7M views

🎯 Grab a Deck Spot Early

Head to the outer decks for the best views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline. Arrive before departure! Instagram+1

📸 Best Photo Angles

Stand on the right side going to Staten Island, left side returning to Manhattan for Statue of Liberty views. TikTokInstagram

pov: you ride the Staten Island Ferry, passing by the Statue of Liberty 🥹 Shot on iPhone 4k at 30fps new york #newyork #nyc #newyorkcity #cinemasb
@cinema_sb
158.6K likes • 1.1M views
pov: you ride the Staten Island Ferry, passing by the Statue of Liberty 🥹 Shot on iPhone 4k at 30fps new york #newyork #nyc #newyorkcity #cinemasb
cinema_sb
11.4K likes • 111.5K views

💰 It's Totally Free!

No tickets needed! This commuter ferry is completely free for everyone. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore Staten Island

Don't just ride back! Explore the outlet mall near the terminal or enjoy local eats. TikTokInstagram

✨ The Staten Island Ferry: NYC’s Best Free Ride! ✨🗽 Want skyline views, Lady Liberty, and Ellis Island all for $0? The Staten Island Ferry is a New York icon, free, famous, and running 24/7. Each ride is about 25 minutes across the harbor, with ferries every 15–20 minutes during rush hour and about every 30 minutes off peak. 🌟 History & Highlights •First launched in 1817 by the Richmond Turnpike...
newyorkcitykopp
8.7K likes • 212.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Grab a Deck Spot Early

Head to the outer decks for the best views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline. Arrive before departure! Instagram+1

📸 Best Photo Angles

Stand on the right side going to Staten Island, left side returning to Manhattan for Statue of Liberty views. TikTokInstagram

💰 It's Totally Free!

No tickets needed! This commuter ferry is completely free for everyone. TikTokInstagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore Staten Island

Don't just ride back! Explore the outlet mall near the terminal or enjoy local eats. TikTokInstagram

💨 Dress for the Weather

It can get windy and chilly on the water, even on warmer days. Layer up! :cloud:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travelers overwhelmingly praise the Staten Island Ferry for its incredible, free views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. It's consistently highlighted as a must-do, budget-friendly NYC experience. Some minor drawbacks include potential crowds during peak hours and limited onboard amenities.

What People Like

Spectacular free views
Iconic landmarks
Budget-friendly

What People Dislike

Crowded during peak
Limited onboard food

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The main terminal in Manhattan is the Whitehall Terminal. You can easily reach it via the subway. Take the 1 train to South Ferry, or the R or W trains to Whitehall Street. Instagram+1 It's located at the southern tip of Manhattan, near Battery Park.

The closest subway station is South Ferry, served by the 1 train. The Whitehall Street station (R, W trains) is also a short walk away. Instagram+1

While there isn't direct parking at the terminal, there are several parking garages in the Financial District. However, taking the subway is generally more convenient and cost-effective. Reddit

Yes, you can take a taxi or rideshare directly to the Whitehall Terminal. Just set your destination as 'Staten Island Ferry Terminal' or 'Whitehall Terminal'.

The Staten Island Ferry operates between the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free! You do not need to purchase any tickets to ride. TikTokInstagram+1

The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with departures approximately every 15-30 minutes depending on the time of day. Instagram+2

The Staten Island Ferry is free! There is no Staten Island Ferry price or Staten Island Ferry cost associated with riding it. TikTokInstagram+1

Ferries depart roughly every 15-20 minutes during rush hour and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. It's a continuous service, so you rarely have to wait long. Instagram+1

Yes, you can disembark at the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island and then re-board a ferry back to Manhattan for free. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Staten Island Ferry ride duration is approximately 25 minutes each way. Instagram+1

For the best Statue of Liberty view, stand on the right side of the ferry when heading towards Staten Island, and the left side when returning to Manhattan. TikTokInstagram

You'll see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Manhattan skyline, and the New York Harbor. TikTokInstagram

It can get crowded, especially during morning and evening commute hours. Weekends and evenings can also be busy with tourists. Instagram

Yes, restrooms are available on the Staten Island Ferry boats. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You can purchase snacks and drinks on board the ferry, though options are limited. TikTok

Yes, there are dining options near the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. For recommendations on Staten Island, check out restaurants near the St. George Ferry Terminal. Instagram

After arriving in Staten Island, you can find various dining options. Some popular spots include those near the St. George Ferry Terminal, offering diverse cuisines. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos of the Statue of Liberty and skyline. TikTok+1

Use a steady hand or a tripod if possible. Consider a wider aperture for low light and a faster shutter speed to combat motion blur from the ferry. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos from inside, but the views are best from the outdoor decks. Be mindful of other passengers. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, avoid intrusive filming or photography that might disturb other passengers or crew. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Staten Island Ferry is a fantastic, free activity for families. Kids will be mesmerized by the boat ride and the impressive views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. TikTokInstagram It's a low-cost way to entertain the whole family for about an hour round trip. Pack some snacks and drinks, as onboard options are limited, and be sure to find a spot on the outer decks for the best experience. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For travelers on a tight budget, the Staten Island Ferry is an absolute must. It offers world-class views of iconic New York landmarks for absolutely no cost. TikTok+1 Forget expensive boat tours; this commuter ferry provides the same, if not better, vantage points of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Instagram+1 It's the ultimate free sightseeing experience in NYC. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find the Staten Island Ferry a goldmine for capturing stunning cityscapes and iconic landmarks. Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. TikTok+1 Positioning yourself on the correct side of the ferry during each leg of the journey is crucial for optimal shots. TikTokInstagram Consider bringing a zoom lens to capture details of the Statue of Liberty and the city's architecture from afar.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Free Ride

The Staten Island Ferry is more than just transportation; it's a quintessential New York experience. Operating 24/7, this commuter ferry shuttles around 45,000 people daily between Manhattan and Staten Island, and remarkably, it's entirely free. TikTokInstagram This makes it a top attraction for budget travelers and anyone looking for incredible views without the hefty price tag of other harbor tours. The journey offers unparalleled perspectives of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the sprawling Manhattan skyline, making it a must-do for any visitor. TikTokInstagram

Many travelers highlight the ferry as a fantastic way to see the Statue of Liberty without paying for a dedicated tour. TikTokInstagram The approximately 25-minute ride provides ample time to soak in the sights and capture stunning photographs. Instagram While it's a functional commuter service, the scenic beauty and iconic landmarks visible from its decks transform it into a beloved tourist activity. Remember to dress in layers, as it can be breezy on the water, and aim for the outer decks for the best, unobstructed views. Instagram

Maximizing Your Ferry Experience

To make the most of your Staten Island Ferry trip, strategic timing and positioning are key. For the most dramatic photo opportunities, aim for sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the city and the harbor. TikTok+1 If you're heading to Staten Island, position yourself on the right side of the ferry for the best views of the Statue of Liberty. Conversely, when returning to Manhattan, the left side offers the most iconic skyline shots. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the views, consider exploring Staten Island itself. Some visitors have discovered outlet shopping centers near the terminal, offering deals on popular brands. TikTok Others recommend exploring local eateries on Staten Island after your ride. Instagram This transforms the ferry from a simple transit into a gateway for further exploration, adding another layer to your New York City adventure. Remember that while it's a commuter ferry, it's also a fantastic, free entertainment option. TikTok

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