Staten Island Ferry Terminal (Whitehall Terminal) | New York

The Staten Island Ferry Terminal on the Manhattan side, officially called Whitehall Terminal, is a major transportation hub located at the southern tip of Manhattan in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It serves as the Manhattan departure and arrival point for the Staten Island Ferry, which provides free ferry service between Manhattan and Staten Island.

Location and Overview

Address: 4 South Street, New York, NY 10004

Neighborhood: Located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, near Battery Park.

Proximity: Just steps from Wall Street, Battery Park, and many Lower Manhattan landmarks.

Terminal Features: The Whitehall Terminal is a large, modern ferry terminal with waiting areas, ticketing services (though ferry rides are free, ticketing is handled for special access), restrooms, and retail concessions. It’s designed to handle thousands of passengers daily and includes amenities to ensure comfort and convenience.

How to Get There

Subway

1 train: Terminates at South Ferry station, which is directly adjacent to the terminal.

R, W trains: Exit at Whitehall Street station, a short 2-block walk to the terminal.

4, 5 trains: Get off at Bowling Green station; from there, it’s about a 7-minute walk.

J, Z trains: Exit at Broad Street station, approximately a 15-minute walk.

2, 3 trains: Get off at Wall Street station, also about 15 minutes on foot.

Bus

Several bus routes serve the terminal area, including M5, M15, M15 SBS (Select Bus Service), and M20.

Walking

The terminal is accessible on foot from nearby Lower Manhattan areas such as Battery Park, Wall Street, and the South Street Seaport.

Terminal Facilities

Waiting Areas: Spacious, climate-controlled waiting rooms with seating.

Restrooms: Clean public restrooms available.

Food and Beverage: Several concession stands and small cafes inside the terminal offer snacks, coffee, and drinks.

Retail: Small retail shops and kiosks are present for quick purchases.

Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Information Booths: Staff available for assistance, including real-time ferry updates.

Staten Island Ferry Service Details

Schedule: Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Frequency:

During weekday rush hours (6:00 AM–9:30 AM and 3:30 PM–8:00 PM), ferries depart approximately every 15 to 20 minutes.

During off-peak times, ferries depart roughly every 30 minutes.

Duration: Each ferry trip takes about 25 minutes to cross between Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Terminal in Staten Island.

Fare: The ferry service is completely free of charge for all passengers.

Capacity: Large double-deck ferry boats accommodate thousands of passengers per trip.

Seating: Both indoor climate-controlled seating and outdoor decks are available for passengers, offering great views of New York Harbor.

Amenities on Board: Free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and basic food and drink concessions on some vessels.

Boarding Procedures

Passengers must disembark at each terminal; the ferry does not allow passengers to remain onboard for a round trip without exiting.

Bicycles are allowed and have designated boarding areas and storage on the ferry.

Security screenings are in place to ensure passenger safety.

Nearby Attractions and Connections

Battery Park: A historic park located just a short walk from the terminal, offering gardens, monuments, and views of the harbor and Statue of Liberty.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: While the Staten Island Ferry passes near these landmarks, visiting them requires purchasing separate tickets for dedicated ferry tours from Battery Park.

South Street Seaport: A vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and maritime museums, located close to the ferry terminal.

Staten Island – St. George Terminal: On the Staten Island side, the terminal connects to local buses and the Staten Island Railway. The nearby Empire Outlets is a major shopping center with various stores and dining options.

Tips for Travelers

Arrive a bit early during peak hours to secure a spot on the ferry, especially during rush hour or special events.

The ferry offers spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, and Brooklyn Bridge, especially from the outdoor decks.

Since the ferry is free, it is a popular commute option and tourist attraction; expect crowds during rush hours.

Use the terminal’s amenities while waiting, including cafes and restrooms.

Be mindful that the ferry is a working commuter route, so while it offers great sightseeing opportunities, it’s primarily a transit service.

The Whitehall Terminal is a key gateway for millions of New Yorkers and visitors each year, combining functionality with views and access to New York’s iconic harbor and skyline.