Information
Landmark: Staten Island FerryCity: Staten Island
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Staten Island Ferry, Staten Island, USA New York, North America
Overview
Day or night, the Staten Island Ferry glides across the harbor, carrying passengers for free between Staten Island and Manhattan-an enduring New York icon as dependable as the skyline it sails toward.The ferry plays a key role in the city’s transit system, and it draws countless visitors with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the glittering Manhattan skyline.Here’s a closer look at the Staten Island Ferry, starting with fact number one.The Staten Island Ferry runs a 5.2‑mile route between St. George Terminal on Staten Island and the opposite terminal, with the trip offering views of the harbor along the way.Whitehall Terminal sits in Manhattan, just a short walk from Battery Park, where the air smells faintly of salt from the harbor.Travel time’s quick-about 25 minutes on the ferry each way, just enough to watch the gulls skim the water.As you cross, you can take in sweeping views of New York Harbor, spot the gleaming Statue of Liberty, and watch the towers of lower Manhattan rise against the sky.Number two.The ferry runs around the clock, seven days a week, so it’s always there for commuters grabbing the early ride or tourists catching a sunset trip.The timetable shifts with the hour and the day-on weekday mornings between 6:00 and 9:30, ferries pull away from the dock every 15 to 20 minutes.During the evening rush, from 3:30 to 8 p.m., ferries pull in about every 15 to 20 minutes, their engines humming as they load and depart.During off-peak hours, the ferries pull in about every half hour, their engines humming softly against the docks.On Saturdays and Sundays, ferries leave every half hour, all day long, and the docks feel quieter than they do on a busy weekday morning.On big holidays-New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day-the ferry runs on its weekend timetable, heading out every half hour from morning until evening, the smell of salt in the air as passengers board.Number three.The Staten Island Ferry doesn’t cost a dime-you can just step aboard and watch the water slide past for free.You don’t need a ticket to get on board, and it’s one of the few public transit rides in New York City where passengers aren’t charged a dime.Watch out for anyone offering to sell you “ferry tickets” - they’re not authorized, and that crisp paper slip in their hand isn’t worth a thing.You don’t need a ticket or a reservation-just show up and claim your spot when you get there.That’s why the ferry draws a steady crowd, from office workers rushing aboard with coffee in hand to visitors eager for the view.Number four.St. George Terminal in Staten Island sits at 1 Bay Street, right by the water’s edge.At Staten Island’s northern tip, this terminal sits just steps from the Staten Island Railway, making it simple to hop a train and reach the island’s other neighborhoods.Several bus routes stop here, so it’s an easy place to hop on if you’re traveling by public transport.Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan sits at 4 South Street, right by the water.In Lower Manhattan, just steps from Battery Park, you’ll find this terminal.Take the R or W train to Whitehall Street, or hop on one of the buses that pull up nearby.Tourists love it for its spot right in the heart of lower Manhattan, just steps from bustling streets and historic landmarks.Both terminals are fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and even wide automatic doors to help passengers with disabilities.Five.Riding the ferry is one of New York City’s best free sightseeing adventures, gliding past the Statue of Liberty so close you can see the folds in her copper robe.If you grab a spot on the starboard side as the ferry pulls away from Manhattan, you’ll catch some of the best photo shots-think skyline glittering in the afternoon light.As the ferry glides across the harbor, passengers catch sight of Ellis Island, once a bustling immigration station where millions stepped ashore to begin new lives in America.Manhattan Skyline: For the best view of the city’s jagged towers, grab a seat on the left (port) side as the boat pulls away from Staten Island.The ferry offers roomy indoor seats with wide windows for taking in the scenery, and open-air decks where you can feel the wind on your face.On sunny days, the outdoor decks fill quickly, with the upper levels offering the best view.When the air turns crisp, passengers can settle inside and still enjoy stunning views, like sunlight glinting off snow-covered hills through the windows.Number six.Bicycles are welcome on the ferry, whether it’s a sleek road bike or one with a squeaky old bell.Passengers need to board with their bikes only in the marked spots, like the yellow zone by the platform edge.It’s smart to check the ferry’s bike storage policy-especially during the rush, when the deck can feel crammed with handlebars and wheels.Small pets can come aboard the ferry, but they’ve got to stay in a carrier-think of a snug crate tucked under your arm. If you’re carrying a big bag or bulky item, make sure it’s stowed in the spot marked for it-tucked out of the aisle and safely in place.Seven.The Staten Island Ferry is committed to making travel accessible for everyone, with elevators and sturdy ramps at both terminals and on the boat itself, so even a passenger in a wheelchair can roll aboard without a hitch.Hearing Impairments: Ferries use clear visual displays for announcements, so even if you can’t hear the words, you can see the next stop flash across the screen.Passenger Assistance: Our crew is here to help with any special needs, whether it’s steadying you on the gangway or guiding you safely off the ship.Eight.If you’d rather skip the crush of people, steer clear of the ferry during weekday rush hours-when the deck feels packed shoulder to shoulder-and choose a quieter time for a slower, more peaceful ride.Photography: Early morning or late afternoon is often ideal, when the sun spills a warm gold over the harbor and lights up the skyline.Don’t skip the ride back-lots of visitors hop the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island, then turn right around for a fresh look at the harbor and the Statue of Liberty glinting in the sun.You can hop on the next ferry at no extra cost.Nine.Safety Guidelines: Passengers should know the onboard safety rules, like keeping away from roped-off areas where crew work with heavy equipment.Safety announcements come over the speakers, and bright orange life jackets are on hand if there’s ever an emergency.Weather considerations: In severe conditions like driving snow or pounding storms, service can slow down or even stop.The ferry usually runs through rain, wind, and choppy waves, stopping only when passenger safety could be in danger.Ten.The ferry’s main job is getting you from one place to another, but its terminals sit near plenty of New York City sights.Step off in Staten Island and you’re a short ride from the shady trails of the Greenbelt, the Staten Island Museum, and the lively calls of the zoo’s peacocks.In Manhattan, Whitehall Terminal sits near Battery Park, just a short walk from the 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street, and it’s where you can hop on other ferries, including the one to Liberty Island.In short, the Staten Island Ferry stands out as a vital piece of New York City’s transit system, carrying thousands past the glittering harbor every day.It’s a free, scenic way to get from S, with views that sweep past the water and catch the light.
