new york ferry free tour

NYC for Free: Free Boat Ride, Museums, and Walking Tours

Whether you are solo visiting New York City on a budget, are looking for free things for families to do, are enjoying a visit with friends or are on a couple's getawau, there are some excellent opportunities to enjoy some of the best of New York City without spending a dime.

You'll want to see NYC from the water, taken in a few museums, and go on a walking tour to learn more about New York City's iconic neighborhoods.

Free NYC Boat Rides

The Staten Island Ferry is rumored to be "the cheapest date around." A cruise on the Staten Island Ferry will cost you nothing as you enjoy the hour-long round-trip from Battery Park (South Ferry Subway station) to the borough of Staten Island. During the trip you can experience some of the same fabulous views that the pricier trips offer, including the skyscrapers and bridges of lower Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty .

Check out the weekday or weekend schedules for the ferry and plan your free cruise. A couple of things to note: 1) you will have to get off the boat in Staten Island and get back on, even if you just want to ride back and forth and 2) the sightseeing cruises get much closer to the Statue of Liberty (& include time for a photo-op with the Statue of Liberty behind you) but since this is a commuter ferry, the Staten Island Ferry doesn't get as close or stop for photos.

Free NYC Museums

National Museum of the American Indian : The sixteenth museum in the Smithsonian Institution, the national museum works in collaboration with Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere to preserve, study, and exhibit the lives, history, and art of Native Americans. The museum is housed in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House and museum admission is free daily. The museum is located in lower Manhattan on Bowling Green, just a short walk from the Staten Island Ferry .

Goethe House: Learn about German life and culture at the library and gallery of the Goethe Institut. Exhibits, lectures, and performances are changed regularly. The museum is located on Spring Street and is open Monday through Friday. Admission to the exhibits and lectures is free. The library is closed Mondays and costs $10 ($5 for students) for year-long access.

New York Public Library: Entrance to exhibits at the four major Manhattan branches as well as borough branches is free. The various branches of the library are located throughout the city— check out the current exhibit schedule and descriptions to find out what most interests you. Exhibits are as diverse as the libraries themselves—from science, industry, and business to performing arts and the humanities.

Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum: The only U.S. museum dedicated to contemporary and historic design is open free to the public on Saturdays from 6-9 p.m. Located on museum mile at 91st Street and 5th Avenue, the museum is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. In addition to the permanent collection , there are changing exhibitions .

See the list of Free and Pay-What-You-Wish Days at NYC Museums for more ways to enjoy the museums of NYC on the cheap.

Free NYC Walking Tours

One fun and free walking tour is available every Friday at 12:30 p.m. Meet the guide at the Sculpture Court at 120 Park Avenue (southwest corner of East 42nd Street). You'll be treated to a wonderful tour of Grand Central Station and the surrounding neighborhood. The 90-minute tour also includes many neighborhood highlights, including Pershing Square and the  Chrysler Building .

Walking offers you the opportunity to see and experience a  neighborhood  up-close and learn about the people and places that make it unique. These free walking tours cover a variety of neighborhoods, as well as two of  New York City's great parks —Central Park and the High Line. Free tours tend to attract large groups, so you're not going to get the same intimate experience you might experience some of New York City's best walking tours, but you can't beat the price.

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Local Highlights

All the cool (and free) ferry rides available in New York

• Aniyah Smith
• Posted on June 17, 2019
• Updated on February 24, 2023

Much of New York City’s beauty can be found in its skyline, parks, and diverse cultural communities. But some of the most gorgeous parts of the city stem from the fact that it’s surrounded by water. To enjoy the true beauty of NYC, take an awesome ferry ride, offering photo-ops of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan Bridge, and more. These five ferries in NYC are sure to be a blast.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is totally free. This ferry runs 24 hours a day and transports people from the suburbs to Manhattan in 25 minutes. While still a commuter necessity, more and more sightseers are taking it to get off the streets and see the stunning panoramas of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

Tips & What to Expect!

• This ferry is the world’s busiest passenger only route! We suggest avoiding the rush hours in the morning and evening to avoid the crowds
• You can board the Staten Island Ferry at the Whitehall Ferry Terminal near Battery Park ! If you’re hungry this terminal has a few places for a quick snack.
• Once on board, go to one of the outer decks to check out the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline during your ride
• If traveling towards Staten Island , look out the right side of the boat for a view of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island

Once you reach Staten Island , you’ll have to exit the boat and re-board at the St. George Terminal to head back to Manhattan.

East River Ferry

This ferry ticket only costs $2.75, the same as the city’s subway fare. The East River Ferry connects lower and midtown Manhattan, and makes stops in Brooklyn and Queens. This tour gives you views of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Brooklyn Bridge and more.

This NYC ferry is an easy and practical way to get around and explore New York City. Some highlights include

Highlights of this Ferry

• Wall Street/ Pier 11 stop where you can take a tour of the 9/11 museum, walk around lower Manhattan , or go to the top of the One World Observatory
• North Williamsburg- if you love art, this stop is for you! Take the Williamsburg Street Art tour or take the bus to the Bushwick Street Art tour
• Hunters Point South- a great area for beer lovers! You can explore all the micro-breweries in this area
• The Empire State Building
• Grand Central
• Times Square

Water Taxi Ikea Ferry

This ferry service runs from the Wall Street Terminal to Red Hook, Brooklyn. Tickets are free on weekends and $5 on weekdays. If you make a minimum purchase of $10 at IKEA, your weekday ride is free. It’s a great way to get to Red Hook Brooklyn and back to the city without taking the subway.

This ferry ride takes 20 to 30 minutes and gives you great views of the city on the way there! This ferry service drops you off right at the IKEA store so you can do some shopping or explore Red Hook.

New York Harbor Hop On Hop Off Cruise

These cruise boats are hard to miss at the pier, as they look just like New York taxis: bright and yellow. At $37 a ticket, this cruise leaves New York Harbor daily, offering ferry riders views of the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, the Brooklyn Bridge , Governor’s Island , Battery Park,  and the Statue of Liberty. The entire loop can be done in 70 minutes, or you can hop on and off to explore the city and its great eats and attractions.

What to Expect

• 1 hour 30 minute cruise, with stops in Midtown and Downtown
• Hop-on and hop-off up to three times!
• Live tour guide with narration
• A full bar on board with concessions available

Hornblower Rock the Yacht New York Party Cruise

This 3-hour party cruise leaves the city’s pier and offers live DJ entertainment with an open bar and bar food. The cruise has photo-ops of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge and beautiful views of the city skyline through the Hudson River . The tour starts in April and ends in October, Thursday through Saturday. Tickets range from $35 and up. Summer is on the way, and good times wait for no one. Common members in New York can take advantage of any of these ferries and tour the city by way of water. Find our homes near these fun cruises, ferries, and other boats. Take a free tour today.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Common (@hi.common) on May 10, 2019 at 2:03pm PDT

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NYC Ferry: What you need to know about routes, tickets, and more

How to use the city’s new ferry service, one of the most pleasant ways to get around

Ferry rides on New York City’s waterways are the latest public transportation system to join the city’s subway and buses, with the NYC Ferry system —which now connects four of the five boroughs—launching in 2017. (Some 6.3 million people turned to the ferries for their travels in 2019.) The ferry system currently has six routes serving neighborhoods like lower Manhattan, the Rockaways, and the Lower East Side; in the next few years, several new routes and stops will be added to the service.

It’s one of the more pleasant ways to get around the city : The mini-voyages on the East River and throughout New York Harbor offer sprawling cityscape views and are a great way for out-of-towners to take in the boroughs without spending a fortune. If you’re interested in switching up your commute or just enjoying a leisurely boat ride, here’s everything you need to know about the city’s newest public transportation network.

What routes are currently operational?

Between the ferry’s launch in May 2017 and the end of 2018, NYC Ferry launched six routes: East River, Rockaway, Astoria, South Brooklyn, Lower East Side, and Soundview. (A new Brooklyn Navy Yard stop has since been added to the Astoria Route.)

The system’s main hub is Pier 11/Wall Street, where all lines converge. From there, on the weekends during the summer, the South Brooklyn and East River routes offer connections to Governors Island.

What routes are coming soon?

Several new routes are on the horizon for the service, including one from Staten Island to Battery Park City and then up the west side of Manhattan scheduled to launch in 2020. Another route from Coney Island to lower Manhattan is in the works, and a new landing in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx is also planned for 2021.

The South Brooklyn Route will also be reconfigured to commence from Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal instead of Bay Ridge, which will be added to the new Coney Island Route, and will no longer stop at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park (that stop will only be accessible via the East River route).

How much does a ferry ride cost?

It’s the same as riding the subway: $2.75 for a one-way fare , and $121 for a 30-day pass. You have to pay an additional $1 to bring your bike onboard, which translates to $141 for a 30-day pass that includes a bike onboard.

Unfortunately, you can’t use your MetroCard on the ferry, which has led critics to question how much the ferry will actually benefit commuters. But the service does offer free transfers within its routes up to 90 minutes from when you first board the ferry.

How do I buy tickets?

Each of the ferry landings has electronic vending machines and ticket agents to help you out, but the easiest way to do it is to download the ferry app on your smartphone. The app also offers a detailed breakdown of the ferry schedule. Tickets are also available for purchase on the NYC Ferry’s website .

How many people can each ferry seat?

Most of the NYC Ferry’s existing fleet fits 129 inside and 28 people on the outer deck for a total of 149 passengers. In 2018, the city debuted the first of its six 350-passenger boats to meet the growing demand for the system.

How long is the ride?

Times vary depending on the route. The shortest route is the Lower East Side, which is completed in about 34 minutes. But the distance between the Rockaways and Wall Street, meanwhile, is covered in approximately 57 minutes. It takes about 35 minutes between Wall Street and Astoria; from South Brooklyn to Pier 11 it’s 46 minutes; the Soundview trip takes 46 minutes; and the East River route last 48 minutes.

What can I do once I’m on board?

Well, aside from the free Wi-Fi and charging stations, you can also hit the sauce, among other beverages. The ferry offers beer on tap, wine, and coffee, along with a selection of snacks, all part of a concessions stand called The New Stand . Brooklyn Pilsner and the Gotham Project are on tap, and Joe Coffee is the pick-me-up of choice.

How have New Yorkers reacted to the new ferry system?

Mayor Bill de Blasio launched the NYC Ferry system in 2017, and cast his ferries as an alternative to the ailing public transportation offered by the MTA, pegging the fare to the price of a subway or bus swipe. This, de Blasio said at his 2015 state of the city address announcing the service, would make ferries “ affordable to everyday New Yorkers just like our subways and buses .”

But since its launch, the service has navigated choppy waters, with critics calling it a boutique transportation project that lacks the capacity to meaningfully serve commuters. (The latest ferry boats holds up to 350 riders, while a single subway train can carry upwards of 1,000 straphangers.) The fare may be the same as a subway or bus ride, but the system sails with a $9.34 per passenger subsidy; meanwhile, the subway fare is subsidized at $1.05 per rider. Long-withheld surveys also found that upon its launch the typical ferry rider earned a six-figure salary —not exactly the average New Yorker de Blasio cast as the service’s target audience.

Still, for all its foibles, the ferry system draws millions of riders each year and as the city continues to pour resources into it, so it won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

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NYC Ferry provides a daily ferry service connecting all five boroughs.

You can purchase tickets using your smartphone, online, or at ferry locations.

Learn more about NYC Ferry online or by phone.

• View ferry routes and schedules.
• Get the latest service alerts.
• Learn more about NYC Ferry.
• Agency: Economic Development Corporation
• Division: NYC Ferry
• Phone Number: (844) 469-3377
• Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Leave a message if needed.

You can buy tickets online, using the NYC Ferry app, or from ticket vending machines at each landing.

NYC Ferry offers single rides and 10-trip passes. Bikes can be taken on the ferry for no extra charge.

Single Rides

• Adults and children over 44 inches: $4
• Children under 44 inches: free
• Ferry Discount Program participants: $1.35

10-Trip Pass

10-trip passes cost $27.50.

All transfers to other NYC Ferry routes are free and valid for 120 minutes once you start your one-way trip. Round-trip journeys don’t qualify for free transfers. 

Learn more about NYC Ferry Tickets.

Ferry Discount Program

The Ferry Discount Program offers one-way tickets for $1.35.

You are eligible if you're a:

• Senior (65 or older)
• Person with a disability
• Participate in the  Fair Fares NYC  program
• Student at the New York Harbor School

Learn more and apply for the program.

Astoria Route

The Astoria Route operates 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 10 PM between these stops:

• Astoria (3-10 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, Queens)
• Roosevelt Island (104 Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge E Main Street off of Tram Plaza, Long Island City, Queens)
• Long Island City (47th Road, Long Island City, 46th Avenue and Center Boulevard, Long Island City, Queens)
• East 34th Street (East 35th Street at FDR Drive, Manhattan)
• Brooklyn Navy Yard (Non-Navy Yard tenants can access the ferry landing by walking through BLDG 77, which is located at Flushing Ave and Vanderbilt Ave.)
• Wall Street/Pier 11 (Gouverneur Lane at South Street, FDR Drive, Manhattan)

The approximate total running time is 49 minutes.

Get a map, schedule, and other route information.

Coney Island Route

NYC Ferry currently has no plans to launch ferry service in Coney Island.

For more information, visit ferry.nyc or send an email to [email protected] .

East River Route

The East River Route operates 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM between these stops:

• Hunters Point South (54th Avenue on 2nd Street, Long Island City, Queens)
• East 34th Street (East 35th Street at FDR Drive, Manhattan)
• Greenpoint (10 India Street, Brooklyn)
• North Williamsburg (North 6th Street and Kent Avenue, Brooklyn)
• South Williamsburg (440 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn)
• DUMBO (Old Fulton Street and Furman Street, Brooklyn)
• Wall Street/Pier 11 (Gouverneur Lane at South Street, FDR Drive, Manhattan) 

The approximate total running time is 43 minutes.

Rockaway Route

The Rockaway Route operates weekdays from 5:15 AM to 8:30 PM and weekends from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM between these stops:

• Rockaway (Beach 108th Street and Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway Park, Queens)
• Sunset Park (140 58th Street, Brooklyn) 
• Wall Street/Pier 11 (Gouverneur Lane at South Street, FDR Drive, Manhattan) 

The approximate total running time is 57 minutes.

Soundview Route

The Soundview Route operates 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 10 PM between these stops:

• Throgs Neck/Ferry Point Park (Bronx)
• Soundview - Clason Point (2 Bronx River Parkway, Bronx)
• East 90th Street (Manhattan)
• Stuyvesant Cove (East 20th Street at FDR Drive, Manhattan)

The approximate total running time is 56 minutes.

South Brooklyn Route

The South Brooklyn Route operates weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9 PM and weekends from 6:30 AM to 10 PM between these stops:

• Bay Ridge (American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn)
• Sunset Park (140 58th Street, Brooklyn)
• Governors Island   (except on summer weekends and holidays)
• Red Hook (Ferris Street and Clinton Wharf, Brooklyn)
• Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6/Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway, Brooklyn)
• Wall Street/Pier 11 (Gouverneur Lane at South Street, FDR Drive, Manhattan)
• Corlears Hook (397 FDR Drive, Manhattan) 

The approximate total running time is 63 minutes.

St. George Route

The St. George Route operates 7 days a week from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM between these stops:​

• St. George  (1 Bay Street in Staten Island)
• Battery Park City (Battery Park/Vesey Street in Manhattan)
• Midtown West/Pier 79 (12th Avenue in Manhattan)

The approximate total running time is 35 minutes.

Boarding Rules

Boarding Areas

NYC Ferry has covered wait and boarding areas at most locations.

Strollers and Vehicles

There is no fee for bringing strollers on board the ferry. There are designated spaces for strollers as well.

Cars, motorcycles, and trucks are not allowed on NYC Ferry.

Pets and Service Animals

Only service dogs or dogs in a pet carrier or with a muzzle are allowed on the ferry.

COVID-19 Safety

Learn more about NYC Ferry's COVID-related policies and safety measures.

Shuttle Bus

The Rockaway Route has a free shuttle bus in Queens which departs from Beach 108th Street. Shuttle stops are located at existing bus stops.

Get a Rockaway route shuttle bus schedule.

Eastbound Stops

• Ferry Terminal at Beach Channel Drive and Beach 108th Street
• Stop 2: Rockaway Beach Blvd and Beach 86th Street
• Stop 3: Beach Channel Drive and Beach 67th Street
• Stop 4: Beach Channel Drive and Beach 54th Street
• Stop 5: Beach Channel Drive and Beach 41st Street
• Bus Terminus: Beach Channel Drive and Beach 35th Street

Westbound Stops

• Stop 1: Ferry Terminal at Beach Channel Drive and Beach 108th Street
• Stop 2: Rockaway Beach Blvd and Beach 116th Street 
• Stop 3: Rockaway Beach Blvd and Beach 127th Street
• Stop 4: Rockaway Beach Blvd and Beach 135th Street
• Stop 5: Rockaway Beach Blvd and Beach 149th Street
• Stop 6: Jacob Riis Park Road and Bath House
• Terminus: Rockaway Point Blvd and Beach 169th Street (WEEKDAYS ONLY)

The East River Route has a free “Flag Down Service” shuttle bus in Manhattan which operates in a loop approximately every 10-20 minutes from 6:34 AM - 9:56 AM and from 4:11 PM - 7:18 PM. This shuttle does not operate on a schedule. You may flag down the shuttle at any of the stops.

Get an East River route ferry landing departure schedule.

• 6th Avenue and East 35th Street
• 6th Avenue and Bryan Park
• 6th Avenue and 47th Street
• East 34th Street and 2nd Avenue
• East 34th Street and 3rd Avenue
• East 34th Street and 5th Avenue
• East 34th Street and 6th Avenue
• East 34th Street and Park Avenue
• East 34th Street Ferry Terminal 
• East 34th Street and Madison Avenue
• East 48th Street and Park Avenue
• East 48th Street and Lexington Avenue
• Lexington Avenue and East 34th Street
• Lexington Avenue and East 37th Street
• Lexington Avenue and East 42nd Street

Complaint or Lost Item

You can make a complaint or report a lost item with NYC Ferry and get a tracking number.

Contact NYC Ferry:

Make a complaint or report a lost item to NYC Ferry.

[email protected]

Additional Assistance

You can get additional assistance with NYC Ferry inquiries by phone.

Disclaimer:

The City intends to use the data collected from this survey to generally add and improve City services. Survey participation is voluntary. Participants in this survey will not receive further communication from the City with regards to this survey.

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I've lived in NYC for 4 years, and the Staten Island Ferry is my favorite free activity when I have visitors

• I live in New York City and often take visitors on the Staten Island Ferry. 
• The ferry runs 24/7 and is totally free for a 25-minute ride from Lower Manhattan to the island. 
• I recommend the ferry to all New York City tourists on a budget for the stunning skyline views.

When you live in New York City , everyone wants to visit you. 

I should know. I moved to the city four years ago and have had countless visits from friends and family members who both miss me and want to explore the iconic metropolis I call home.

To show my guests a good time on a budget, I often take them to the Staten Island Ferry — a free boat ride from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island with stunning views of New York from the water. I highly recommend it to any city dwellers with loved ones coming to town. 

In 2019, I moved to New York City. Since then, I've had several friends and family members visit me, so I'm always looking for fun, low-budget activities to show them around.

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From the high line elevated trail to central park strolls, there's plenty to do here without spending a dime..

But to me, the best free tourist attraction isn't an attraction at all — it's the Staten Island Ferry.

This ferry provides free rides between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to The City of New York.

Source: The City of New York

The city took over the operations of the ferry in 1905, and The New York Times reported that it became free to ride in 1997.

Source: The New York Times

Today, the ferry transports more than 12 million passengers each year, according to The City of New York.

To get to the ferry from Manhattan, I take visitors to the Whitehall Terminal for a free ride to Staten Island. If anyone tries to sell you tickets, the ferry's website warns that it's a scam.

Source: Staten Island Ferry

Once on board, there are plenty of places to sit or stand and take in the views of the city. I recommend standing at the back of the boat to see the Manhattan skyline as you sail away.

After a 25-minute ride, the ferry arrives at Staten Island's St. George terminal and passengers get off. At this point, I like to get right back on for another half-hour journey back to the city.

I usually time these rides around sunset so my visitors can see golden hour turn to dusk over the city sights.

This free activity only takes about an hour. And it always leaves my visitors with a unique memory of NYC.

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• Main content

The Free Staten Island Ferry

Enjoy your free ride on the staten island ferry.

Add this and other places to your personal travel plan. We will then help you with further suitable suggestions: free of charge and straightaway!

The Staten Island Ferry is one of the most iconic attractions in New York City for tourists. The Ferry, which connects Lower Manhattan with Staten Island, runs frequently, 365 days a year. A ride with the ferry is free and the view you get is absolutely amazing. Considering that there are many cruises available that you pay a lot of money for in Manhattan, this is a great budget-friendly option to take the skyline in from the water. 

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Table of Contents

The Staten Island Ferry – Amazing views of NYC for free

5 Miles in 25 Minutes

The 5-mile ride across to Staten Island will take approximately 25 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the view. Have your cameras ready and take some amazing pictures when you pass the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline behind you. In our opinion there is no extra value of taking the ferry to Liberty Island, it is always extremely busy and it is very difficult to take good pictures of the statue from that close.

Unless you have specifically booked tickets for the crown, it really doesn’t make sense to take the Liberty Ferry to see just Lady Liberty. The ferry ride with the Staten Island Ferry is also far more relaxing. Find the Ferry Terminal at Battery Park South Street / State Street / St. George Ferry-Terminal.

Did you know – Interesting facts

A special ferry was also constructed in memory of the victims of 9/11 . It was built with steel from The World Trade Center Towers and named to Honour the Spirit and Unity of America after the attacks. It was built to make sure we never forget the victims and the civil servants who died trying to save them.

More than 60.000 passengers take the ferry from Monday to Friday. Every year the ferry runs more than 35.000 times with more than 21 Millions of passengers between the two islands. During the week they have to run five ferries, which do 109 rides per day. On weekends 3 are usually enough to cater to all those traveling from Manhattan to Staten Island. This is partially due to the fact that the ferry is used more as an attraction for tourists on the weekends compared to being used as a means of transportation between the two islands during the week.

Our tips & tricks for the perfect Staten Island Ferry ride

The Best NYC Cruises

Although the Staten Island Ferry is a great free alternative to the many cruises that NYC has to offer, if you are after amazing skyline views and exploring NYC from the water, you will need to buy tickets to a cruise.

If the idea of seeing Manhattan from the water is what has got you onto the Staten Island Ferry, be sure to check out the cruises below. As these ranging from 40 minutes to two hours, the views of the city are much there are a number of cruises that allow you to explore the Manhattan skyline from a completely different angle. Although these options are not free, they are well worth the money! With amazing views of everything from the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty to the One World Observatory. Check out the options below to cruise around Manhattan!

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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NYC Boat Tours Compared

Cruise around manhattan.

This post compares New York City boat tours and cruises to help you choose the best one.

We include cruises around Manhattan, hop-on-hop-off tourist cruises, lunch and dinner cruises, speedboats, sailboats, and more.

As local tour guides, we lead thousands of visitors each week throughout NYC. And some of us narrate on boat cruises as well.

One of the most oft-asked questions we answer has to do with choosing the right boat tour, cruise, ride, (whatever you call it).

We've used our expertise and experiences to help craft this post.

Additionally, we also used tips and opinions from the roughly 250k members of our popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook group .

Our group is comprised of locals, like our tour guides, expats, and regular visitors, as well as newbies to NYC.

You don't need to join the group to search for and read the posts, comments, and suggestions.

Check out the group once you are finished reading this post. A link can be found at the bottom of the page.

Now, on to our analysis.

• Single Trip Cruises
• Hop-On-Hop-Off
• Dinner + Night Cruises
• Speed Boats
• Statue of Liberty Cruises
• Free + Cheap Options

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

NYC BOAT CRUISES

These cruise options are typically short, sweet, and focused on specific areas of the city. You can expect to see a lot of the best landmarks alongside the New York harbor.

Tourist cruises will require you to arrive at a specific time. 

Many of these choices are included for free or at a concession on the New York Pass , New York Sightseeing Pass or Explorer Pass .

Read our guide on whether a tourist concession pass is a good fit for you. 

CIRCLE LINE CRUISES  

Probably the most popular of the cruise service companies, the Circle Line offers 3 different main sightseeing tours around Manhattan, as well as a number of themed tours, such as a sunset tour .

Cruises run daily and run from 1 - 3 hours in length.  

Sightseeing commentary is provided throughout the tours and there is a bar onboard where guests can purchase drinks. 

Where does Circle Line depart from?

All Circle Line boats leave from Midtown Manhattan, 42nd Street on the Hudson River.

The cost of the trip varies depending on which cruise you select.

However, Circle Line Cruises are included for free on the New York Pass , Explorer Pass , and New York Sightseeing Pass , so guests can really save money by taking advantage of one of the tourist passes!  

Does Circle Line go around Manhattan?

Yes, they currently have two different cruises that will take you around Manhattan (more or less).

This company currently has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).

Although there are some negative reviews, an overwhelming majority of customers felt that the views and commentary provided on their cruise were excellent.

Also, according to members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group , premium seating is generally accepted as a necessary thing to purchase.

Liberty Cruise

This 1-hour cruise (which is also referred to as the Statue of Liberty Express) covers the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the One World Trade Center.

This cruise gets very positive reviews .

• Departs several times daily.
• Adult - $31 | Child - $26 
• More information or to book .

Included for free with the purchase of many of the tourist concession passes .

This cruise is also sometimes included as part of a combo package with a Big Bus hop-on-hop-off bus ticket .

If you're interested in visiting Liberty Island, make sure to read our post on Statue of Liberty cruises for more details.

Landmark Cruise  

This 90-minute cruise focuses on Lower and Midtown Manhattan, with the highlights being views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other notable architecture.  

This cruise also gets very positive reviews .

• Departs 2-3 times daily.
• Adult - $37 | Child - $31 | Senior - $34
• More information and to book . 

Included for free with the purchase of any of the tourist concession

Best of NYC Cruise

This 2.5-hour NYC sightseeing cruise circles around the entire island of Manhattan and includes commentary on the Lady Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Harlem, and Yankee Stadium, among other things.  

This is their flagship tour, and it offers excellent views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Adult - $44 | Child - $37
• Departs 2 - 3 times per day
• More information or to book online .

This cruise is also included for free with the purchase of the  New York Pass  and the NYC Explorer Pass , both tourist concession cards.  

CITY SIGHTSEEING NEW YORK

This company offers a 90-minute Skyline Cruise that departs from Midtown Manhattan on the Hudson River and travels south, past the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. 

This is actually their hop-on-hop-off cruise, but in this case, you just wouldn't get off.

With an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Viator ( read the reviews ), it’s clear that the cruises offered by City Sightseeing are pretty popular.

Negative reviews tend to focus on poor customer service, but there are several comments from happy guests suggesting that this isn’t a very big problem.

Skyline Cruise

This 90-minute cruise is the only non-hop-on, hop-off boat tour offered by CitySightseeing.

It can also be booked as a night cruise .

• Boats depart from Pier 78 ( map ) 
• Several departures daily.
• $35 - Adult | $25 - Child

Predominantly a dinner and jazz cruise company in New York City, Hornblower also offers a 90-minute sightseeing tour called the International Sightseeing Cruise that includes views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty.  

This tour departs from South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan.

Hornblower offers a free app that can be downloaded at home or at the pier that has an audio tour for the ride in 9 languages.

International Sightseeing Cruise

• Several departures Thursday - Sunday
• Tickets are $37 - For adult | $27 - Child 
• More information and to book .

At 3 ½ out of 5 stars  on TripAdvisor, Hornblower has the lowest review rating on our list. Even so, there are far more positive reviews than negative, indicating that most customers enjoy this cruise ship.

Those who didn’t enjoy their experience complained that their boat is getting old and the seating isn’t as comfortable as it once may have been. 

HOP-ON, HOP-OFF FERRY SERVICES

A hop-on, hop-off ferry allows you to travel by water around the city at your leisure.

The main advantage of this service is that you can use it whenever you wish within operational hours.

You won’t be required to arrive at a specific time and plan your day around this boat tour!

Many of these ferries are free with tourist concession passes .

NYC - CITY SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Unlike their single trip sightseeing cruise, this is a hop-on, hop-off service with several terminals.

This boat makes stops at South Street, DUMBO, the World Financial Center, and Midtown. City Sightseeing also offers twilight and night tours.

They also offer a rainy day guarantee, which allows you to use your boat ticket at a number of popular indoor attractions.

The entire route takes 90 minutes if you do not get off. 

• $35 - Adult | $25 - Child
• Schedule posted below

The cruise service is also usually included for free with the purchase of the Sightseeing Pass and in their multi-day bus passes .  

Ferries run between 9:45 am - 3:45 pm, daily. Tours depart at the following times:

• Pier 78 in Midtown Manhattan  - 9:45 am, 11:45 am, 1:45 pm, 3:45 pm
• Brookfield Place Terminal in Lower Manhattan - 10:20 am, 12:20 pm, 2:20 pm, 4:20 pm

Reviews for this hop-on-hop-off cruise are generally very favorable. Although there were a few complaints, the majority of reviewers were very happy with their trip.

The only significant complaint was about how infrequently the boats run.

NEW YORK WATER TAXI 

Like their competitors, New York Water Taxi offers a hop-on-hop-off boat service that takes 90 minutes in total to complete.

However, you are free to jump off and explore the city at your own pace, hopping back on whenever you wish at several stops throughout the city.

NYWT offers 6 piers to explore compared to the 4 offered by City Sightseeing.

Although this isn’t technically a boat tour, they do provide recorded narration describing some of the sights you’ll see on the cruise.

This company runs about as frequently as similar services.

With a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Viator ( read the reviews ), New York Water Taxi might even be more popular than their competition.  

Ticket Costs:

• $37 - Adult | $26 - Child
• Departure every 30 - 40 minutes from each stop (10 am to 7 pm).

All-Day Access Passes are sometimes available at no extra cost with the New York Pass . This is not currently being offered, but it will likely return to the pass very shortly.

EAST RIVER FERRY  

This commuter ferry is the most economical choice for hop-on-hop-off service.

As the name suggests, this ferry service rides the East River and is a commuter boat, with single-ride tickets costing $4. 

If you’re looking for transportation that will allow you to enjoy a self-guided tour of NYC, this could be one of the most affordable options.

Despite the fact that they aren’t a cruise company, the East River Ferry actually has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Most passengers are very pleased with this affordable service, indicating that the ferry is an easy way to get around the city.

Find out about the many NYC ferries, by reading our  visitor's guide to riding NYC ferries .

NIGHT AND DINING CRUISES

This section covers evening cruises and we have a special post dedicated to dinner cruises.

There are a lot of different dinner cruises to choose from in New York City. Some offer better meals while others focus more on entertainment.

Whether you’re interested in hearing some great live music while you drift along the water or you want to wine and dine a loved one with a truly romantic experience, there are several great options to choose from.

If you’re curious about which cruise will best fit your desires, please read our post covering the  best dinner cruises in NYC .

In this post, we provide a list of the best dining cruises in the city based on 5 different criteria: lowest price, best dinner, best music, most romantic, and best specialty cruise.

We also include information about how to save money on these services with tourist passes and offer sites, making it easier to get a good deal on your dinner cruise.

Circle Line

If you're looking for a sunset cruise, consider one of these outings.

This company offers a 60-minute Statue by Night Tour. See the Statue of Liberty after dark!

Cruises depart at 7:30 pm (19:30) from Pier 16/South Street Seaport ( map ).

Harbor Lights Tour

There is also a 90 min Harbor Lights Tour which departs just before sunset so you can enjoy the skyline while the sun goes down!

Departs at 7 pm (19:00) from Pier 81 ( map ).

This cruise is well-reviewed ( read the reviews ).

• Adults/$41 | Children/$34

Included for free with the purchase of the New York Pass and the Explorer Pass .

Statue by Night Cruise

• $31 – Adult | $19 – Child
• Departs at 7:30 pm (19:30) from Pier 16/South Street Seaport ( map )

NYC   SPEEDBOATS

There are 2 speedboat companies, which offer guests a bit of a thrill ride as well as a tour!

These speedboats are usually a huge hit with families. If the typical boat tour or cruise doesn’t sound like fun, consider this alternative instead.

Although most of these services are not included on tourist passes, there is at least one speedboat cruise that is offered for free with an attraction pass .

THE BEAST  

Operated by the Circle Line company mentioned above, the Beast travels at 45 mph (73 kph) and gets within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty.

The Beast Speedboat Ride has earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

Very few people have left negative reviews, indicating that this speedboat tour is a pretty fun experience. 

How much does the Beast NYC cost?

• $30 - Adult | $25 - Child
• Departs every hour on the hour 11 am – 6 pm from Pier 81 ( map ).
• Available Wednesday - Sunday.

Included in the Go City New York Explorer Tourist Pass .

RIB New York

A new and incredible way to experience the New York City skyline by riding a RIB. This “Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boat” is safe, exciting, and perfect for sightseeing.

If you’re interested in a RIB ride in NYC, this company also provides high-speed cruises around the city.

With speeds of up to 50mph, there’s a good chance that you’ll get splashed while seeing such popular sites as the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, The World Trade Center, and more.

This boat will also slow down near popular landmarks to give guests the opportunity to take photographs.

• Tickets start at $39 per person
• Not currently available due to the pandemic.
• If you're looking for an alternative, the New York Media Boat also offers a speedboat service.

This service is sometimes offered through the New York Sightseeing Pass .

NYC SAILBOAT CRUISES 

If you’re not in the mood for the usual cruise or a ferry ride, consider the more traditional route with a sailboat trip.

These services will allow you to sail around the city and go wherever the wind takes you.

  Ticket prices are a bit higher than some of the other options on our list, but you can also enjoy some of these services for free with various attraction passes .

Manhattan by Sail 

Manhattan by Sail has 2 different types of boats including the Shearwater and Clipper City , and each runs a huge variety of tours.

Sailing adventures include trips near the Statue of Liberty, NYC Skyline sightseeing, and sunset outings around the city.

Manhattan by Sail is a good option for those using a tourist pass, as several different attraction passes usually include this service.

Currently, Manhattan by Sail offers at least one of their cruises on the New York Sightseeing Pass .

• Adult Tickets: $45 and up
• Children Tickets: $25 and up
• More information and to book

Much like their competitors, Manhattan by Sail has received respectable reviews with an overall score of at least 4½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

Guests note that the prices are very reasonable and they provide excellent service. Customers also report that it’s pretty easy to get around on the boat despite there often being pretty big crowds.

Classic Harbor Line  

There are 3 types of boats available, including the Luxury Yacht Manhattan, the Schooner Adirondack, and the Schooner America 2.0.

Each offers different tours of surrounding sites, as well as a brunch option. You can expect sails at sunset, around the Statue of Liberty and providing views of the NYC skyline.

• Adult Tickets: $60 and up
• Children Tickets: $28 and up

Reviews for this service are pretty good, with most people giving Classic Harbor Line at least 4 ½ out of 5 stars ( read reviews here ).

The only complaints anyone seemed to have were that the boats can get crowded at times.

Aside from those issues, most people report that the views are spectacular and the service is excellent.

What Boat Ride in NYC is Free?

This section is a summary of the various free, and almost free, options for you to get out on the waters of NYC.

Though none of these options are "official" boat tours, each offers guests incredible views of the New York skyline, Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and more.  

• Staten Island Ferry
• East River Ferry
• IKEA Shuttle Ferry
• Kayaking + Rowb oats

Budget Tip:  If you are planning on purchasing the one of the New York City tourist passes, most have boat tours included in the price. Read our post to see if one of New York tourist passes are for you . 

1.   Staten Island Ferry  

This may be the best known "secret" in the Big Apple. This is a free commuter ferry.

It just so happens that this ferry offers one of the best views of the New York skyline including a pretty close look at the  Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The ferry departs Lower Manhattan and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Staten Island, where you could get off and explore or just get back on and return to Manhattan. The ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal.  

The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, so consider making this also a fantastic thing to do at night for a sparkling view of the city. 

Riding the ferry before or after our Lower Manhattan Tour  is a great way to spend half a day without spending half your budget!

We also offer this tour as a GPS-enabled audio tour .

2.  East River Ferry  

This is the cheapest boat ride in NYC, after the free Staten Island Ferry.  This is also a commuter ferry and costs the same as a subway, just $4 one way. 

The East River Ferry connects Lower and Midtown Manhattan making stops in Brooklyn and in Queens along the way.

In the summer, the ferry also goes to  Governors Island , located just near the tip of Manhattan.

From start to finish a ride is about 45 minutes.

Riding the ferry will give you great views of Lower Manhattan , the Freedom Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge (you ride right under it), the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge and a lot more.

Read our East River Ferry  post for all the details, schedules, stops and how to buy your ticket.

3. Water Taxi IKEA Shuttle Ferry  

This ferry service runs from Wall Street Terminal to Red Hook in Brooklyn.

It's free on weekends and $5 on weekdays. If you make at least a $10 purchase at IKEA (lunch?), then your weekday ride is free.

It's a great way to get to Red Hook Brooklyn and back without taking the subway.

4. Free Kayaking

Okay, so this option is definitely not a boat tour... but, it's an awesome idea and it's free!  

The Downtown Boathouse , one of the organizations that run the kayak rides is an all-volunteer organization. Donations are accepted.

They have four locations: Pier 26, Governors Island, Pier 40 and Pier 96.  

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse also offers free kayaking, where you can kayak underneath the Brooklyn Bridge .

5.  Village Community Boathouse  

Perfect for a more adventurous soul, Village Community Boathouse offers guests the chance to participate in completely free community rowing sessions after dusk from April - November.  

On Sundays they also have an additional rowing session at noon, as well as a variety of other activities intermittently throughout the year.

During the winter, guests can join in for a free boat-building lesson.

Is the Statue of Liberty ferry free?

No. Although there are many ways to save money on this activity, it is not free to visit the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue of Liberty ferry is the only way to reach this island. If you only want to see the landmark from a short distance, consider taking a Statue of Liberty cruise instead.

For more details about this service, please read our post covering how to visit the Statue of Liberty .

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Stephen Pickhardt

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Discover NYC

Staten Island Ferry: Your Ultimate Q&A Free NYC Guide

Welcome to our Questions and Answers on the Staten Island Ferry , a must-visit free NYC attraction and transportation service between Manhattan and Staten Island.

In the following sections of my NYC blog , you’ll discover everything you need to know about this iconic ferry service, including its history, schedules, onboard experiences, accessibility, and more.

Prepare to be amazed by the stunning views of New York City’s skyline , the Statue of Liberty , and Ellis Island as you sail across the harbor on this unforgettable journey.

So, sit back, relax, and let us help you make the most of your Staten Island Ferry experience.

Staten Island Ferry General Information

How long is the Staten Island Ferry ride?

The Staten Island Ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes, offering stunning views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island during the journey. As you sail across the harbor, you’ll also be treated to breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn.

For more info about DUMBO in Brooklyn, make sure to read  How do I get to DUMBO from Manhattan? and  Best Restaurants in DUMBO Brooklyn.

This scenic trip provides a unique perspective of the city’s most famous sights, making it an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Where does the ferry go?

The Staten Island Ferry operates between the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and the St. George Terminal in Staten Island , providing a convenient and scenic route for commuters and tourists alike.

For more info on things to do in Lower Manhattan, check out my blogs about Seaport Ice Skating: Free Rink under the Northern Lights and  Wall Street Christmas Tree.

Along the way, passengers will sail across the bustling New York Harbor, taking in spectacular sights of Lower Manhattan, the Financial District, Battery Park, and Governors Island.

This journey also offers a unique vantage point for observing the historic Brooklyn Bridge, as well as the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn. By traversing these waters, the Staten Island Ferry not only connects two essential boroughs but also showcases some of the most iconic landmarks and scenery that New York City has to offer.

History and facts of the Ferry

How many Staten Island Ferries are there?

The service consists of a fleet of multiple vessels to handle the busy passenger-only ferry system, ensuring timely service for millions of riders each year.

How big is each ferry?

Each vessel can accommodate thousands of passengers, providing ample seating and space for a comfortable journey across New York Harbor.

What is the passenger capacity?

The busiest passenger-only ferry system in the world can carry up to several thousand passengers per vessel, ensuring an efficient and reliable service for commuters and tourists.

What is the history of the Staten Island Ferry service?

The history of the Staten Island Ferry dates back to the 1800s, evolving from privately operated steamboats to the modern-day, municipally run ferry service providing a vital transportation link between Manhattan and Staten Island.

Are there any food or drink options available onboard?

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry features a snack bar that offers a variety of food and drink options to satisfy your cravings during the scenic 25-minute ride. Passengers can choose from a selection of snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, chips, and candy bars.

For more substantial options, the snack bar also serves sandwiches, hot dogs, and pastries. To quench your thirst, a range of beverages is available, including water, sodas, coffee, tea, and even alcoholic drinks like beer and wine.

With these diverse choices, you can indulge in a tasty treat while enjoying the stunning views of New York City’s iconic landmarks.

Looking for more food ideas in NYC? Check out the following guides from my blog:  The 10 Best Burgers in Brooklyn and Where to Find Them ; The 10 Best Burgers in New York (2023 Updated) ; Israeli Restaurant NYC: Best Middle East and Tel Aviv Food

Access and Transportation

Is the Staten Island Ferry free?

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is free for all passengers, making it an affordable and enjoyable way to experience stunning views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

Related article:  Free Things to do in New York

How to get to the ferry from Times Square?

From Times Square, you can take the 1, R, or W subway trains to South Ferry/Whitehall Street Station. Alternatively, you can take the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green Station, both located near the Whitehall Terminal.

A related and useful article from my NYC blog is the one about Times Square to Brooklyn Bridge: NYC Subway and Walking Guide.

Where to catch the Staten Island Ferry?

You can catch it at the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan or the St. George Terminal in Staten Island, with boat running frequently throughout the day and night.

Transportation tips to get to the Ferry terminal

How to reach the terminal by train?

To reach the terminal by train, take the 1, R, or W trains to South Ferry/Whitehall Street Station or the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green Station, both located near the Whitehall Terminal.

How far is the terminal from Times Square?

The Whitehall Terminal is approximately 5 miles from Times Square, easily accessible by subway, bus, or taxi in around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and transit schedules.

Are there any accessibility features on the ferry for passengers with disabilities?

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is fully accessible for passengers with disabilities, featuring ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey for all riders.

How early should I arrive before departure?

It’s recommended to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure you have ample time to board and secure a seat on the boat.

Schedules and Operations of the Staten Island Ferry

Is the Staten Island Ferry running today?

The Service operates 365 days a year, providing reliable transportation between Manhattan and Staten Island, even on weekends and holidays.

How often does the ferry run?

The Staten Island Ferry runs every 15-30 minutes during rush hours and every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours and weekends. This offers frequent service throughout the day and night.

Does the Staten Island Ferry operate 24 hours a day?

Yes, it operates 24 hours a day, ensuring round-the-clock transportation between Manhattan and Staten Island for commuters, tourists, and late-night travelers.

Is there an all-night service?

Yes, there is an all-night service with ferries running approximately every 60 minutes during late-night hours, ensuring convenient transportation for passengers at any time.

Onboard Experience

Which side to sit on for the best view of the Statue of Liberty?

For the best view of the Statue of Liberty, sit on the right side when traveling from Manhattan to Staten Island or the left side when traveling from Staten Island to Manhattan.

Can you see the Statue of Liberty during the ride?

Yes, it offers fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as it travels across New York Harbor, making it a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Can you stay on the Staten Island Ferry during the return trip?

While you can’t stay on the ferry during the return trip, you can simply disembark and reboard the next departing ferry. Like this you will enjoy the round-trip journey with minimal waiting time.

Do you have to disembark at each terminal?

Yes, passengers are required to disembark at each terminal, but you can easily reboard the next departing ferry for a return trip.

Can you sit outside during the ride?

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry features both indoor and outdoor seating areas. This allows passengers to enjoy the fresh air and panoramic views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

Are there restrooms available on the ferry?

Yes, restrooms are available for passengers on the Staten Island Ferry, ensuring a comfortable journey during the 25-minute ride.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard the Staten Island Ferry?

Wi-Fi is not currently available onboard the ferry. However, passengers can enjoy the scenic views and use their own mobile data for internet access during the ride.

Tickets and Parking

Do I need a ticket for the Staten Island Ferry?

No, the Staten Island Ferry is free for all passengers, so no tickets are required for boarding.

Is there parking at the Staten Island Ferry terminal?

Yes, there is parking available at the St. George Terminal in Staten Island, with both short-term and long-term options. Alternatively, you can find parking garages and lots located near the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan.

Destinations and Activities

What to do in Staten Island after disembarking from the ferry?

After disembarking from the boat, you can explore various attractions. For example, you can visit the Staten Island Museum, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Richmond County Bank Ballpark, or take a stroll along the waterfront esplanade.

Does the Staten Island Ferry go to Ellis Island?

There is no stop at Ellis Island; however, it offers excellent views of the island during the ride. For visits to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, separate services are available from Battery Park.

Allowed Items and Pets on the Staten Island Ferry

Can you take a bike on the Staten Island Ferry?

Yes, bicycles are allowed on the boat, providing a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option for cyclists.

Are cars allowed on the ferry?

No, cars are not allowed, as it is a passenger-only ferry service.

Are dogs allowed on the Staten Island Ferry?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the boat as long as they are leashed and muzzled or contained in a pet carrier.

Safety and Security

What safety measures are in place on the Ferry?

There are numerous safety measures in place, including life vests, life rafts, and trained crew members to ensure passenger safety during the journey.

Are there security checks before boarding the ferry?

Yes, passengers are subject to security checks before boarding the Staten Island Ferry. This includes bag inspections and random screenings, to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew members.

Seasonal and Special Events on the Staten Island Ferry

Are there any special events or seasonal activities on or around the Staten Island Ferry?

Throughout the year, special events and seasonal activities may take place on or around the Ferry. For example, fireworks displays, concerts, or holiday celebrations. It’s best to check local event listings for the latest information.

Does the ferry operate on holidays?

Yes, the service operates on holidays, providing reliable transportation between Manhattan and Staten Island year-round. However, schedules may vary during holidays, so it’s recommended to check the latest information on the ferry’s official website .

Are there any unique experiences offered during the ride?

While the Ferry primarily serves as a commuter and tourist transportation service, it offers passengers unparalleled views of New York City’s skyline. From the boat you will also see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, making it a memorable experience for both locals and visitors.

Are there any guided tours available on the Staten Island Ferry?

Currently, there are no guided tours on the boat itself. However, passengers can use mobile apps, guidebooks, or other resources to learn about the sights and history during the journey.

Can you rent the Ferry for private events or parties?

The service is not available for private events or parties. In fact, it primarily serves as a public transportation service between Manhattan and Staten Island.

Tips to ride on this scenic route

What are some tips for first-time riders on the Staten Island Ferry?

For first-time riders, it’s helpful to arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This ensures ample time for boarding and finding a seat. Make sure to choose the correct side of the boat for the best views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Additionally, remember to disembark and reboard at each terminal if you plan to make a round trip.

Are there any rules or guidelines to follow while on the Staten Island Ferry?

While on the Staten Island Ferry, passengers should follow general safety guidelines and rules posted throughout the ferry. These include no smoking, no littering, and keeping noise levels to a minimum. Additionally, passengers should respect fellow riders and crew members and follow any instructions provided by the crew.

In conclusion, the Staten Island Ferry provides a free, reliable, and scenic transportation option for commuters, tourists, and residents alike. With stunning views of New York City’s skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, it offers a memorable experience for anyone visiting or living in the city.

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The best free things to do in New York

N ew York City is not cheap. That’s a well-known fact. It’s even more expensive these days, thanks to post-pandemic inflation. But don’t let that stop you form enjoying this metropolis of nearly nine million denizens. That said, there are a legion of fun, free things to do too. Here are the best free things to do for solo travelers, children, couples, and families, from free ferry trips to Staten Island (where views over Manhattan are glorious), and wandering through Central Park, to watching the street artists at Washington Square, and soaking up the atmosphere at South Street Seaport.

Below our expert shares his pick of the best things to do for free in New York . For more inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels , restaurants , nightlife , bars , shopping and attractions , plus how to spend a weekend in New York . 

Ellis Island

Search for a lost ancestor at ellis island.

For more than 60 years from 1892, Ellis Island served as one of the main immigration processing centres in the United States. It's estimated that 40 per cent of living Americans today can trace at least one ancestor whose gateway to America was through this island just off the coast of Manhattan, many escaping war and famine. Today the place is a fascinating monument to human immigration. Visit the restored Main Arrivals Hall and the museum which is a self-guided tour through the complex's history. At the American Family Immigration History Center, visitors can do multimedia searches through the archives. Who knows? You might just find a lost ancestor.

Website:   ellisisland.org

Nearest metro:  Ferry terminal from Battery Park

Governors Island

Explore a lesser known corner of new york city.

This 172-acre island south of the Brooklyn Bridge off the southern tip of Manhattan is one of the city's most beloved green spaces. Between May and October, you can access it by ferry from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) in Manhattan or from Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO. With bikes for hire, a beach, acres of lawns, and a promenade around the perimetre, it's perfect for a stroll, or an afternoon picnic taking in views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty. There are a number of food trucks and vendors operating on the island, and a line-up of summer-long events from the Jazz Age Lawn Party  to pop-up dinners.

Website:   govisland.org

Nearest metro: Ferry from Battery Maritime Building

Financial District

Visit the 9/11 memorial monument.

There are few places in New York City as emotionally, politically and patriotically loaded as this spot in lower Manhattan. The memorial consists of the footprints of the two towers, today, two giant reflecting pools with the names of the victims inscribed along the periphery. Another powerful monument to the victims who lost their lives on 11 September, 2001 is inside St. Paul's Chapel, the diminutive church from 1766 across the street from the reflecting pools, houses photos, fliers, and mementos related to the attacks. Fans of contemporary architecture should take a look at the new Santiago Calatrava-designed subway station that looks like the skeleton of a stegosaurus. 

Website:   911memorial.org

Nearest metro:  World Trade Center; Chambers St; Wall St; Fulton St

Take it to the bridge… the Brooklyn Bridge

Arguably the most famous bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge is not only aesthetically pleasing, it makes for a great walk. The 271-foot-tall neo-gothic arches are certainly the bridge's trademark, but strolling along the elevated pedestrian walkway (starting in Brooklyn and walking toward Manhattan) is a must for any visitor. When it was completed in 1883, it not only united the two, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at almost 7,000 feet. The bridge's construction was overseen first by John Augustus Roebling and then his son, Washington. But after Washington suddenly died, his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, took over and finished the job, a fact that has been largely lost to history.

Nearest metro:  Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (Manhattan); York St, High St (Brooklyn)

South Street Seaport

Explore an historic port.

Most New Yorkers have known the 400-year-old South Street Seaport as the home of the massive fish market. It moved to the Bronx in 2005 and now locals and visitors flock here to meander the cobblestoned streets flanked by the largest concentration of 19th-century buildings in New York. Big efforts have gone into reviving the neighbourhood, whose roots can be traced back to the 17th century, with the development of wide spaces, social dining and drinking scene, shops and a market. It's entertaining enough to stroll the streets, window shopping, checking out the historic ships docked on the East River, and taking in the views of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge.

Nearest metro:  Wall St

Little Italy

Sip an espresso in little italy.

Benvenuto al'Italia Piccola. Also known as Little Italy, this swathe of all things Italian isn't what it used to be. For decades the area has been losing its Italianness to encroaching Chinatown. But that hasn't stopped the masses of tourists from descending upon what's left, Mulberry Street. Little Italy today is a collection of shops peddling in Italian food products and mediocre restaurants (complete with aggressive barkers trying to lure every passerby inside). Nurse a cappuccino at an outdoor café if you must, but don't waste time and money eating at any of these restaurants. Still, Little Italy is an amusing quick diversion on your way to Chinatown or elsewhere.

Nearest metro: Canal St

Head to the markets of Chinatown

Sprawling and dense at the same time, New York's Chinatown isn't just the chief neighbourhood in which to pick up super cheap 'I Love NY' t-shirts and gadgets. Chinese began settling in the area in the 1850s and it has grown and expanded since. It's not the biggest Chinatown outside of the motherland – that distinction would go to the Chinese-area in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – but estimates suggest there are about 100,000 Chinese living in this Manhattan enclave. There aren't many Chinese landmarks here, so put away the map and wander the streets where markets brim with live seafood and restaurants buzz with atmosphere.

Lower East Side

Feel like a movie star as you explore lower east side.

Sometimes this neighbourhood feels like a movie set, with five-floor tenement buildings, their façades partly masked by snaking fire escapes; narrow streets; and subterranean shops. It all makes for one of the city's most atmospheric neighbourhoods. A century ago, the Lower East Side was a bastion of new immigrants – mostly Central and Eastern European – and due to high crime rates it became known as the place not to go (lest you wanted to leave without your wallet). Today, though, the Lower East Side has become synonymous with one thing: partying. Its streets are overflowing with bars but there are also some great restaurants. And don't miss the very intriguing Tenement Museum.

Nearest metro:  Delancey St

Greenwich Village

Live like the locals in greenwich village.

Say you live in 'the Village' and locals who know their New York neighbourhoods will swoon. This leafy area, filled with historic brownstones, stretches from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River, W. 14th to Houston Streets. There are actually two neighbourhoods that make up the Village. The names 'Greenwich Village' and 'West Village' are generally interchangeable, but locals use West Village to demarcate the more tranquil section between Sixth Avenue and the Hudson River, while Greenwich Village is generally referred to as the area centred around Washington Square and the intersection of Bleecker and MacDougal Streets. The latter area might interest fans of the 1960s, as it was here where young, struggling artists named Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, among others, got their start.

Nearest metro:  W. 4th St

Enjoy the street performers at Washington Square

It might be hard to envision it today, but this well-manicured swath of land in the centre of downtown Manhattan was once murky marshland, a cemetery, and then a military parade ground. Of the city's 1,900 or so parks, Washington Square is one of the most memorable. Not only because of the giant arch that stands where Fifth Avenue begins; nor for the recently revamped and re-manicured landscape of the place, but because of the people who frequent the park. Bohemians and beatniks, street performers and students from nearby New York University give the place a groovy and fun vibe. On hot days, children play in the fountain and jazz musicians thump out tunes.

Nearest metro: W. 4th St

Meatpacking District

Admire the high line park's glorious gardens.

It all began with a long stretch of abandoned elevated railroad track. Built in the 1930s, the track was used to transport cargo from the piers along the Westside at 34th Street to downtown Manhattan until 1980. But the track fell into disarray and a movement to turn it into a park picked up steam, aided by the support of celebrities. And finally in June 2009, the High Line Park officially opened, becoming only the second elevated park in the world (after Promenade Plantée in Paris).  Since opening, the High Line has become an instant Big Apple classic site, wowing visitors and locals with its cool design (it goes right under the Standard Hotel) and incorporating much of the natural surrounding.

Nearest metro:  W. 14th St./Eighth Ae

Explore a ‘Little Island’ in the middle of the Hudson River

While it was being built in 2020, many passersby stopped to marvel at this odd structure in the Hudson River with its massive stone tulip-shaped columns emerging from the water to support a lush landscape of verdant, path-carved hills. Little Island put down its drawbridge to Manhattan in May 2021 and it’s been a hit ever since. Funded mostly by a foundation run by  businessman Barry Diller and his fashion designer wife Diane von Furstenberg and designed by London-based Thomas Heatherwick, the one-hectare artificial island boasts food kiosks and an amphitheatre where regular free concerts take place in the warm-weather months. Spend an hour or so traversing the trails and taking in the splendid views of Manhattan. 

Nearest metro: W. 14th St./Eighth Ave

Flatiron and NoMad

Take a walking tour of the flatiron district.

Every Sunday at 11am, rain or sunshine, a professional tour guide is waiting at the Flatiron Building on 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue, in order to give a walking tour of the Flatiron District and the NoMad neighborhood . And it’s entirely free. The 90-minute stroll takes you past some of the neighborhoods’ most iconic landmarks while the guide puts everything into a historical context. 

Website: flatironnomad.nyc/things-to-do/free-tours

Nearest metro: 23rd St

Midtown West

Pull up a chair at times square.

This 'square' (which is really just the convergence of Seventh Avenue and Broadway) flashes and pops with enough lights to make your head spin. But the square wasn't always so bright. After the Depression, the area was the most dangerous part of town. And in the 1980s, the strip clubs and peeps show houses became infamous. All that's gone now in the new Disney-fied version of the space, where mega-stores compete with fast-moving news tickers and flickering billboards for your attention. The latest development, though, is a good one: tables and chairs have replaced part of the street, making Times Square a much more comfortable place to spend a couple hours.

Nearest metro: Times Square

Look studious at the New York Public Library

Perhaps one of the most iconic libraries in the world—its two stone lions acting as sentries that bookend the steps leading up to the entrance—the main branch of the New York Public Library is a fun (and free) place to wander around. Head up to the famed first-floor Main Reading Room and marvel at a two-block-long space,  52-foot-high ceilings, bathed in natural light, where scholars and the intellectually curious comb over documents from the cellar archive where over four million books are stored. 

Website: nypl.org

Nearest metro: 42nd St./Bryant Park

Midtown East

Marvel at grand central station's architectural elegance.

What is this, Grand Central Station? We've all asked this question when we're in a suddenly and unexpectedly busy place. Now go see where it originated and you'll catch the true meaning of this bustling transportation hub, as a whopping 750,000 people pass through the station every day. Yes, you say, it's only a train station. But quite a majestic one indeed. Roman-style vaults may impress, but visitors are awed by the starry sky of an arched ceiling in the main ticket hall. Built in 1913, Grand Central is the dream of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Unlike once-glorious, now decrepit Penn Station, Grand Central is still shining like the day Vanderbilt conceived it.

Website:   grandcentralterminal.com

Nearest metro: Grand Central/42nd St

Take a closer look at the Chrysler Building

The 86-storey Empire State Building may get all the oohs and aahs from out-of-towners, but the 'little' Chrysler building (at 77 floors) is a stunner. Look closely enough and you'll notice the grills of automobiles at the top (the name of the building should be a clue as to why it's car themed). But there are more than just car parts going on here: gargoyles jut out at floor 59 and eagles two floors above that. Made with stainless steel, this striking skyscraper gleams in the sunlight during the day and reflects the city lights at night. Most of the exterior of the building is off limits, but pop into the lobby, open to the public during the day, to get a taste of the marble-clad Art Deco interiors.

Nearest metro:  Grand Central/42nd St

Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral

It's not New York's biggest cathedral (that honour would go to St. John the Divine), but St. Patrick's is the city's most famous and arguably most beautiful. This bewitching neo-gothic structure makes for a nice architectural contrast with the Art Deco-clad Rockefeller Center across the street. Completed in 1878, the cathedral is one of the country's most identifiable churches. Up to 2,200 people can fit inside and the interior has been packed to take part in requiem masses for notables such as Babe Ruth, Celia Cruz, Robert F. Kennedy, Joe DiMaggio, and Andy Warhol. Be sure to check out the Pieta, three times larger than Michelangelo's version in the Vatican, and sculpted by Araldo Perugi.

Website: saintpatrickscathedral.org

Nearest metro: 5th Ave./53rd St

Central Park

Explore central park and enjoy its many elements.

Central Park is the work of genius landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (who also helped create Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco). Olmsted's objective was to give city dwellers a reprieve from the blights of urban life, to make them forget – if only for a couple hours – that they were in one of the most bustling cities on the planet. It worked. Even today, one finds New Yorkers and New York visitors taking advantage of the park's many elements: from ponds and orchards to rock formations and meadows. A whopping 25 million people visit the park each year and it still does a fine job of absorbing urban dwellers.

Website: centralparknyc.org

Nearest metro: 59th St./Columbus Circle

Upper West Side

Take a stroll around columbia university.

Sedate and tranquil compared to the rest of Manhattan, the Upper West Side is for many a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Midtown or lower Manhattan. Largely residential with quiet tree-lined streets, the neighbourhood has a few attractions that may inspire a visit: the American Museum of Natural History, for example. Fans of Seinfeld should most certainly wander up: the coffee shop on the corner of Broadway and W. 112th St. may look very familiar, but Columbia University is a lovely stroll, as it exudes a classic university campus with its monumental neo-classical buildings, sculpture-studded plazas, and students buzzing around.

Website: columbia.edu

Nearest metro:  116th St./Columbia University

Washington Heights

View spanish art at the hispanic society museum.

Hop on the A or C subway trains to 155th Street to the Hispanic Society Museum , a free museum that owns the the largest collection of Spanish art and manuscripts outside of Spain. The collection includes religious artifacts, furniture, textiles, ceramics and art by some of Spain’s most famous artists, including Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, and Joaquin Sorolla, whose monumental 14-panel painting called “Visions of Spain” is worth the trip to the museum in and of itself. 

Website: hispanicsociety.org

Nearest metro: 155th St

Watch fireworks at Coney Island

It's one of the longer journeys you'll take on the subway – about an hour – but it's a pleasant one, as part of the way is elevated. Coney Island has long been a summer escape for urbanites. Stroll the historic boardwalk, take a dip in the Atlantic, or take in a baseball game, as the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team play at the charming MCU Park just off the Boardwalk with free fireworks every Friday night through summer. If you're there for lunch, Nathan's Famous  on Surf Avenue is, indeed, world famous, hosting their Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest since 1916, but for a better calibre of food try Totonno's (1524 Neptune Ave) offering some of New York's finest pizza.

Website: coneyisland.com

Nearest metro:  Coney Island/Stillwell Ave

Take a peaceful walk through Green Wood Cemetery

When it was founded in 1838, this vast and bewitching cemetery was actually a rural spot in Brooklyn. Today it sits smack in the centre of an urban landscape. And provides for an enchanting, peaceful stroll. The 478-acre city of the dead is actually the highest elevation in the borough, making for some lovely views, as you stroll along ornate gravestones and neo-Gothic chapels. In the 19th century before Prospect Park was constructed, Green Wood was Brooklyn's unofficial city park. If you’re looking for the graves of famous people, seek out the burial spots for conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Website: green-wood.com

Nearest metro:  25th St

Staten Island

Board the staten island ferry for great views of manhattan.

Sad as it is to say, there are few obvious sightseeing opportunities in the borough of Staten Island. One of them, though, is to take the free ferry from Manhattan. It provides a great view of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. And the Staten Island neighbourhood at the ferry dock, St. George, boasts cafés and restaurants. Over 70,000 people per day take the five-mile, 25-minute scenic ferry ride. You should too. Ferries leave every 30 minutes. 

Website: siferry.com

Nearest metro: Whitehall St./South Ferry

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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Taking a Trip on the Staten Island Ferry

Twenty-two million people can’t be wrong. That’s the number of folks who ride the Staten Island Ferry each year. And while most of those people on the boat are residents of the “forgotten borough” who are commuting in and out of Manhattan for work or fun, many of them are locals or tourists taking advantage of one of the city’s best-kept secrets. After all, there is only one place where you can have unparalleled vistas of New York Harbor, explore bargains, see cultural sites, and do it all for free: the Staten Island Ferry.

Although people had been traveling back and forth from Staten Island to Manhattan long before the Dutch settled New Amsterdam in 1625, the roots of the Staten Island Ferry as a commercial venture can be traced back to 1810 and several entrepreneurs–one of whom was a 16-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt who was the first to offer steamboat service. At the turn of the twentieth century, after numerous private companies provided service between the two islands, The City of New York took over the operation of the ferry route.

In addition to providing reliable transportation, the ferry has made its mark in popular culture, most notably in the 1998 film Working Girl, where Staten Island gal Tess (played by Melanie Griffith) commuted on the ferry to her job on Wall Street. The ferry was also featured in Spide-Man: Homecoming, The Dark Knight, and an episode of TV’s Sex and the City. In 2022, Saturday Night Live cast members Colin Jost and Pete Davidson (both Staten Island natives) made headlines by purchasing a decommissioned 57-year-old Staten Island Ferry for $280,000.

But the ferry is much more than history, transportation, and pop culture. Here are our top five reasons why we love the Staten Island Ferry

It’s Free

Competing New York Harbor tour boats charge anywhere between $24 and $50 and require reservations. All you need to do to enjoy the Staten Island Ferry is show up at either terminal (South Ferry in Manhattan and St. George in Staten Island) and enjoy the ride.

It’s incredibly frequent. Depending on when you leave, there are at least two ferries leaving per hour. There are four ferries during rush hour!

It’s Instagramable

With unbeatable views of landmarks that include The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and Governor’s Island, you can get enough photos in your social media feed to cause serious FOMO in all your followers.

The Shopping

New York City isn’t famous for its shopping bargains unless you go to Staten Island. The ferry terminal in St. George is a quick walk to Empire Outlets, the city’s only outlet shopping destination.

It’s Romantic

Looking for something unique to do after a dinner date in Lower Manhattan? Hop on the ferry and ride on the deck outside for romantic views of New York’s skyline.

Getting to the Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry departs from the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan, located at 4 South Street in Lower Manhattan. You can get there by taxi or rideshare or by taking the following subway lines.

South Ferry – 1 train

Whitehall Street South Ferry – R & W trains

Bowling Green – 4 & 5 trains

Broad Street – J & Z trains

The ferry arrives at St. George Terminal on Staten Island. For more information on the Staten Island Ferry, visit the New York City Department of Transportation website.

Bobby McGuire

A native New Yorker, Bobby saw his first Broadway show at the age of eight and has been hooked on culture ever since. After a brief flirtation in performing as a member of the Actors Equity Association, Bobby found his calling backstage and eventually worked on a slew of Broadway shows and tours that included a famous blockbuster hit, and a few notorious fiascos. His post-showbiz life led him to work for Ogilvy and Mather, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Edge Media Network, and The Nielsen Company. A contributing theater critic for Queerty and Passport Magazine’s The Broadway Blog, Bobby resides in two blocks from the theater district with two roommates and three dogs named Nero, Murray, and Mrs. Jingles.

Free New York City Sightseeing Tours: By Bike, Bus, Boat & More

By Frommer's Staff

To get the most out of your vacation dollar, take advantage of all the free events ( www.nycgo.com/free ) that take place in New York City all year long. Here's a sampling of some free rides that will help you experience and enjoy the city in a whole new light.

For the times when you don't feel like walking another step, here's where to hop on a bus, ferry, or trolley and where you can rent kayaks, canoes, or bikes -- all for free.

New York City Sightseeing Tours: Where to Get a Free Bus or Ferry Ride

The Downtown Connection Bus ( www.downtownny.com ) Free, year-round

Here's a convenient - and absolutely free -- way to explore downtown Manhattan. A little bus, run by The Downtown Alliance, connects the South Street Seaport with Battery Park City, making several stops from river to river. Hop on and off to check out the interesting shops, restaurants and attractions along the route.

Staten Island Ferry (Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South St.; www.siferry.com ) Free, year-round

Consider this glorious 25-minute ride a mini-cruise with some of the world's best views --the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and lower Manhattan. On Staten Island ( www.visitstatenisland.com ), get out and explore all the wonderful sights, such as the Alice Austen House Museum ( www.aliceausten.org ), the Tibetan Museum ( www.tibetanmuseum.org ), and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Garden ( www.snug-harbor.org ).

Governors Island Ferry (Battery Maritime Building, 10 South St.; www.govisland.com ) Free, accessible only on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays; June 5-Oct 8, 2010

Travel to Governors Island on a free, 7-minute ferry ride from Manhattan or Brooklyn. For 200 years, Governors Island was a military base for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard. Now, it's a public recreational area. The former barracks make it look a bit austere, but there's lots of redevelopment in the works and the views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty are spectacular. Almost every weekend, there are activities, concerts, and events.

Create a fun, free ferry loop of your own. First, go from Manhattan to Governors Island. Then, take the free ferry from Pier 101 on Governors Island to Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park ( www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org ). Do the loop in reverse to return to Manhattan.

While in Brooklyn , do a little exploring. From Pier 6, walk up hill on Joralemon St., take a left on Hicks St. to Montague St., which leads to the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights for stunning views of Manhattan. Walk back over the Brooklyn Bridge for more great views.

Free Shuttles and More Free Ferries: Shop Till You Drop

Free Shuttle Bus - IKEA Elizabeth, NJ (Port Authority Bus Terminal, 42nd St. & 8th Ave.; www.ikea.com ) Free, Saturdays & Sundays

On the weekends, take advantage of New Jersey's low 3.5% Sales Tax. A free shuttle bus runs from Manhattan's Port Authority Terminal (Gate #5, lower concourse, near Academy Bus line) to the massive home-goods store, IKEA in Elizabeth, NJ.

Free Ferry - IKEA Brooklyn, NY (Pier 11, Gouverneur Lane & the East River; www.nywatertaxi.com ) Free, Saturdays & Sundays

From Pier 11 (just a short walk from the South Street Seaport) take the IKEA ferry to Red Hook, Brooklyn. The store is right in front of the pier on Beard St. You can shop if you must, or take a lovely stroll along the waterfront, then head to the nearby Fairway Market (480 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY; tel. 718/694-6868 ; www.fairwaymarket.com ). The market has a dining patio with views of New York Harbor. Pick up something to eat at the salad bar (mid-store) or at the deli counter right before the exit to the patio.

Free Trolley Tours: Where to Catch Up on Culture

The HOB Connection Trolley -- Brooklyn ( www.heartofbrooklyn.org ) Free, 1st Saturday of each month, 5pm-11pm

At the Brooklyn Museum , free admission and entertainment is provided in the evening on Target First Saturdays ( www.brooklynmuseum.org ). The Heart of Brooklyn HOB Connection Trolley runs between the museum and local spots in the surrounding neighborhoods. At each stop, tour guides suggest nice restaurants, shops, and bars. The guides also provide maps, discounts, and tips.

Bronx Culture Trolley ( www.bronxarts.org ) Free, 1st Wednesday of each month (except Jan. & Sept.), 5pm-8:30pm & on select Saturdays

The Bronx Council on the Arts provides a cultural loop of the lower Grand Concourse and other sections of the Bronx. The old-fashioned trolley is a free, innovative way to explore the area's wonderful cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Hop on and off at stops along the route for art exhibits, poetry readings, music, and dance performances. Discover the Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos, The Bronx Museum of the Arts , or Pregones Theater . The trolley leaves from the Longwood Art Gallery (Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse & 149th St.).

Free Kayak, Canoe, and Bike Rentals: Where to Get Some Exercise

Kayaking on the Hudson -- Manhattan (3 locations: Pier 40, 353 West St., at W. Houston St.; Pier 96 at W. 56th St. & Clinton Cove Park; W. 72nd St. & Riverside Park; www.downtownboathouse.org ) Free, weekends & some weekday evenings

On the weekends, the New York City Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking on the scenic Hudson River at three locations. The equipment -- boats, paddles, life jackets -- and instructions are free. Wear shorts or a swimsuit. (You must know how to swim). Everything is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early.

Can You Canoe? -- Brooklyn (Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club; tel. 718/243-0849 ; www.waterfrontmuseum.org ) Free, weekends & weekday evenings

The Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club is dedicated to providing free waterfront access. They offer canoeing on the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn as well as on the waterfront in Red Hook, Staten Island, and Long Island City. (You must know how to swim).

This summer, they've teamed up with the Village Community Boathouse to offer free kayaking and rowing from Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park ( www.brooklynbridgepark.org ).

Row Your Boat -- Manhattan (Village Community Boathouse, Pier 40, Hudson River Park, at W. Houston St.; www.villagecommunityboathouse.org ) Free, every Sunday and Tues. & Thurs. evenings

The Village Community Boathouse offers free, group rowing sessions. The aim is to provide safe, public access to the city's waterways and to introduce people, especially kids, to the joys of rowing, sailing, and boatbuilding. (You must know how to swim).

For all these boating activities, the equipment is provided for free. No training or prior experience is needed but as noted, you must know how to swim. Boating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early.

Free Bike Fridays -- Governors Island ( www.govisland.com ) Free bikes only on Fridays, June 5-Oct. 8, 2010

Car-free Governors Island is a pleasant place for picnicking, walking, jogging, and biking. Bike rentals are free on Fridays. At other times, bring your own bike or rent one out there from Bike and Roll ( www.bikeandrollnyc.com ).

Bike - Summer Streets -- Manhattan ( www.nyc.gov ) Three Saturdays: Aug. 7, 14, 21, 2010

On select Saturdays in August, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, Park Avenue--and connecting streets -- will be closed to traffic and opened to people for biking, walking, strolling, etc. At Rest Stops along the route, you can rent free bikes and take part in other fun activities.

Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our New York Forum.

This article is featured as a Travel Gem on Uptake.com .

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The Staten Island Ferry, one of the last operating ferry systems in New York, transported people between Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs long before bridges were introduced. The northern shores of Staten Island were littered with piers, competing ferry companies vied for a place in the busy waters. Today, the Staten Island Ferry provides almost 22 million people with ferry service annually: taking almost 70,000 passengers daily between St George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Manhattan. The ferry is the only non-vehicular mode of transport between Staten Island and Manhattan. The New York City Department of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance of the ten-vessel fleet along with numerous facilities including the St George and Whitehall terminals in Staten Island and Manhattan respectively.

Announcements

• 4 Boat 15 minute rush hour service is back.
• The Staten Island Ferry is a free service provided by the City of New York. Be aware of scammers trying to sell tickets.

Additional Information

Lost & found.

The Ferry's Lost and Found Office is open Monday through...

Free WiFi services are available in each terminal and also on all...

Pets, other than service animals as defined by the Americans with...

All passengers are subject to random screening by NYPD and K9...

ACCESSIBILITY

Both terminals are equipped with escalators and elevators...

• Ferry Information

In The Beginning

Interesting facts, interesting facts.

• In the 1700s, ferry service was provided by private individuals with small twin mast sailboats called per augers. Read More

Passenger Safety

Passenger rules of conduct, bicyclist rules of conduct.

• Bicyclists are subject to all Passenger Rules of Conduct.
• Bicyclists must board on the lower level at both the St. George and Whitehall Ferry Terminals. Read More

Safety Management System

Npdes discharge elimination.

• FAQ’s & Tips

The Ferry runs 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. More frequent service, (every 15 or 20 minutes,) is provided on the weekdays during the rush hours of 6:00AM- 9:30AM and 3:30PM-8:00PM, with 30-minute service to follow. On weekends, service is provided every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the Schedules for more information.

St. George Ferry Terminal is located at 1 Bay Street and is accessible by MTA Busses and the Staten Island Railway (SIR). The Whitehall Ferry Terminal is located at 4 South Street, and is accessible by MTA busses and the Subway. See Getting There for more information.

During rush hour trips the boats are packed with commuters going to or returning home from work. This is not the best time to take a leisurely ride on the ferry. These trips are clearly marked on the schedule with yellow highlighting. Bringing large tourist groups on board during these trips will make it difficult for visitors to enjoy our great city and enjoy the ride. Please plan accordingly.

At the Kiss and Ride drop off for the Staten Island Ferry please pull over to the right when dropping off or picking up passengers. Do not block the lane for other vehicles. Also be aware of all posted speed limits and stop signs. Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks.

Do not stand at the top of the stairways while the ferry is docking. The sea is unforgiving, and a gust of wind can easily push the ferry into the racks. Be proactive about your safety.

When traveling with small children it is advisable to point out the ferry workers to them and tell them to see one of these people if they get separated from you. Also plan to meet at a terminal if you get separated. There are police rooms at each terminal, and this would be a great place to tell your children to wait for you if they do get separated.

Some Interesting Facts

The 5 cents fare was established in 1897. on october 10, 1972, the fare was raised to 10 cents. in 1975 the fare was increased to 25 cents. on august 1, 1990, the fare went up to 50 cents. finally, on july 4, 1997 the fare for foot passengers on the ferry was eliminated., in 1926 the city’s original white color scheme was eliminated in favor of a reddish maroon. this was changed to municipal orange later so that they could be seen in heavy fog and snow., in 1817 the cost to cross the harbor was 25 cents and half price for children. this was the cost to ride the nautilus, the first steam ferry to make the famous trip. the nautilus was commanded by captain john de forest, three of the ferries that were built to make the trip across the harbor were bought by the u.s. navy to fight in the civil war. the southfield i, westfield i, and the clifton i. none of these ferries ever returned to new york., on may 16, 1981, the american legion was rammed in the fog by a norwegian freighter., steam was used on the staten island ferries up until the 1980’s., the pvt. joseph merrill and cornelius g. kolff ferries were converted to prison dormitories for riker’s island., in 1960, a bomb was set off on the knickerbocker. there were no injuries., on february 8, 1958, the dongan hills was hit by the norwegian tanker tynefield. 15 passengers were injured., in the 1700s, ferry service was provided by private individuals with small twin mast sailboats called per augers., in 1978, the american legion crashed into the concrete seawall near the statue of liberty ferry port during a dense fog. 173 were injured..

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