The Staten Island Ferry has connected Manhattan and Staten Island since 1905, offering free views of the Statue of Liberty along the way. Here’s what you need to know, plus my tips for the trip.
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry has connected Manhattan and Staten Island since 1905. It is especially popular with visitors because it takes you past the Statue of Liberty for free. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the ferry, along with my practical tips for the trip!
When and where does the Staten Island Ferry run?
The large orange boat is the Staten Island Ferry. This commuter ferry regularly travels the 8.4 kilometers between Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island.
During the 25-minute ride, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline with One World Trade Center.
The Staten Island Ferry runs around the clock, 365 days a year. The frequency varies depending on the day of the week and time of day. Generally, it runs every 15-30 minutes.
On weekdays and weekends, it runs every 30 minutes. During weekday rush hours, from 7 AM-8:45 AM and 5:30 PM-8 PM, it runs every 15 minutes.
You can check the exact Staten Island Ferry schedule here.
The Staten Island Ferry is not officially a sightseeing ferry, so it does not provide commentary about New York or the Statue of Liberty.
Your Staten Island Ferry trip, step by step
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free, so you don’t need a ticket. As a general rule in New York, if someone offers you a ticket on the street, always say no or, even better, ignore them entirely.
Once you arrive at Whitehall Terminal, take the escalators upstairs. You’ll come straight to the waiting area with the departure boards.
The terminal can get quite crowded, but don’t worry: there will be enough room for you! In my live video from the Staten Island Ferry, I learned that the ferry can carry a total of 4,500 passengers.
Passengers spread out over three levels. The Staten Island Ferry also has outdoor areas where you can enjoy even better views.
For views of the Statue of Liberty, head straight to the right-hand side of the ferry. I recommend the outdoor area on the highest level.
Less than 10 minutes into the trip, you’ll pass the famous Statue of Liberty.
When you arrive on Staten Island, everyone has to get off, even if you want to head straight back to Manhattan. You won’t have to wait long, though. The next ferry to Manhattan leaves within a few minutes.
Allow about an hour if you want to take the ferry over and head straight back.
The Staten Island Ferry does not stop on Liberty Island
The Staten Island Ferry is a great way to see the Statue of Liberty for free. However, it only passes the statue and does not stop on Liberty Island. If you want to explore the island or visit the statue’s pedestal or crown, the Staten Island Ferry is not the right choice.
Only one ferry service stops on Liberty Island: Statue City Cruises, operated by City Experiences.
A visit to Liberty Island is included in many New York sightseeing passes. A pass can save you a lot of money on attraction tickets in New York. My free calculator shows you which pass is worth it for your trip.
A new alternative to the Staten Island Ferry
For a long time, the free Staten Island Ferry was the only connection between Manhattan and Staten Island. Since 2021, however, NYC Ferry has also served Staten Island.
NYC Ferry’s St. George route starts at the Midtown West/W 39th Street landing and reaches Staten Island in 35 minutes. It stops at Battery Park City before continuing past the Statue of Liberty.
NYC Ferry runs from Midtown to Staten Island every 30 minutes. Compared with the Staten Island Ferry, NYC Ferry runs less frequently. Depending on the time of day, it runs every 30-45 minutes. You can check the exact NYC Ferry schedule here.
How NYC Ferry compares with the Staten Island Ferry
Overall, NYC Ferry is smaller, runs less frequently, and costs more. In return, you can board in Midtown and enjoy a longer boat ride.
| Staten Island Ferry | NYC Ferry | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $5 |
| Frequency | Every 15-30 minutes | Every 30-50 minutes |
| Capacity | 4,500 | 350 |
| Views | Lower Manhattan & Statue of Liberty | Midtown skyline too, depending on your departure point |
NYC Ferry serves 6 different routes within New York. Most routes run along the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, and you can even take it all the way to Rockaway Beach.
