Information
Landmark: Staten Island Ferry Terminal (Whitehall Terminal)City: New York
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Staten Island Ferry Terminal (Whitehall Terminal), New York, USA New York, North America
Overview
At the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, you’ll find the Staten Island Ferry’s Manhattan stop-officially Whitehall Terminal-a busy transit hub where gulls circle above the water.It’s the spot in Manhattan where the Staten Island Ferry pulls in and heads out, carrying passengers-free of charge-across the bay to Staten Island.You’ll find it at 4 South Street, New York, NY 10004, tucked into the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, just a short walk from the trees and waterfront paths of Battery Park.Just a few steps from Wall Street, Battery Park, and the bustling landmarks of Lower Manhattan, where the air smells faintly of the river.The Whitehall Terminal is a spacious, modern hub with bright waiting areas, ticket counters for special access even though rides are free, clean restrooms, and shops where you can grab a coffee or snack.Built to move thousands of passengers every day, it offers touches that make travel easy-quiet seating areas, bright signs, and plenty of space to breathe.Take the 1 train all the way to South Ferry-its last stop drops you right beside the terminal, just a few steps from the doors.Take the R or W train and hop off at Whitehall Street; from there, it’s just a quick two-block stroll to the terminal, past the coffee shop on the corner.Take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green, then walk about seven minutes-you’ll pass a row of food carts on the way.Take the J or Z train to Broad Street, then walk about fifteen minutes past coffee carts and newsstands.Take the 2 or 3 train to Wall Street, then it’s about a 15‑minute walk past the old stone buildings.Several bus lines stop at the terminal, including the M5, M15, M15 SBS (Select Bus Service), and M20, their engines humming as they pull in.You can walk to the terminal from parts of Lower Manhattan, including Battery Park, Wall Street, and the South Street Seaport, where the air smells faintly of salt from the harbor.Terminal waiting areas offer plenty of space, cool air on hot days, and rows of comfortable chairs.The public restrooms are clean and ready for use, with a faint scent of fresh soap in the air.Food and Beverage: Inside the terminal, you’ll find several concession stands and cozy little cafés serving snacks, fresh coffee, and cold drinks.Retail: You’ll find small shops and kiosks where you can grab something quickly, like a cold drink or a snack.It’s fully ADA compliant, with elevators that hum softly, sturdy ramps, and restrooms designed for easy access.Information booths have staff on hand to help, whether you need directions or want the latest ferry update as the horn echoes across the dock.The Staten Island Ferry runs all day, every day-yes, even on holidays-with boats gliding across the harbor around the clock.On weekday rush hours-6:00 to 9:30 in the morning and 3:30 to 8:00 at night-ferries pull away about every 15 to 20 minutes, the engines rumbling as they leave the dock.When it’s quiet, a ferry pulls away about every half hour, the diesel hum fading into the breeze.Each ferry ride lasts about 25 minutes, carrying you from Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan to St. George in Staten Island as the skyline slips by.Fare: Everyone rides the ferry for free-no tickets, no fees, just step aboard and go.Large, double-deck ferries carry thousands of people on each trip, their decks humming with footsteps and sea air.You can choose from cozy, climate‑controlled seats inside or step out onto the open decks, where the salty breeze carries wide‑open views of New York Harbor.On board, you’ll find free Wi‑Fi, clean restrooms, and-on certain vessels-a small counter offering snacks and drinks.When the ferry docks, everyone has to step off at each terminal-no staying aboard for a full loop, even if the rain’s coming down in sheets.You can bring your bike on the ferry, and there’s a marked spot to board and a rack to store it.Security screenings help keep passengers safe, from the moment bags slide onto the conveyor belt to the final boarding call.Battery Park, just a short stroll from the terminal, is a historic spot with shady gardens, striking monuments, and sweeping views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: The Staten Island Ferry glides past these famous sights, but to actually step onto them, you’ll need to buy separate tickets for the dedicated ferries that depart from Battery Park.South Street Seaport buzzes with shops, cozy cafés, and maritime museums, just a short stroll from the ferry terminal where gulls wheel over the water.Staten Island’s St. George Terminal links straight to local buses and the Staten Island Railway, with stops just steps from the ferry’s exit.Just down the street, Empire Outlets buzzes with shops and restaurants, from sleek fashion boutiques to the smell of fresh pizza drifting out the door.If you’re traveling during busy times, get to the dock a little early so you can snag a spot on the ferry-rush hour or a festival crowd can fill it fast.From the outdoor decks, you can watch the Statue of Liberty gleam in the sun, the Manhattan skyline rise in sharp lines, and the Brooklyn Bridge stretch across the water.The ferry’s free, so it draws both commuters and tourists-by rush hour, you might find yourself squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder on the deck.While you wait, take advantage of the terminal’s cafes or step into the clean, bright restrooms.Remember, the ferry’s first job is getting commuters where they need to go, so even though you can enjoy sweeping views of the bay, it’s really meant for travel, not lingering.Every year, millions of New Yorkers and visitors pass through Whitehall Terminal, a vital hub that blends efficiency with sweeping views of the harbor and the city’s jagged skyline.
