FREE Ferry in New York → How to ride the Staten Island Ferry

Summary

The Staten Island Ferry offers a free, scenic 24/7 ride between Manhattan and Staten Island. Passengers can enjoy views of iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The ferry is easy to board at either Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan or St. George Terminal in Staten Island, with no ticket required. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, and there are both open-air and sheltered seating options. Perfect for tourists and locals alike, it's a great way to experience New York's harbor without spending a dime.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Staten Island Ferry is a free 24-hour service that runs between Manhattan and Staten Island.
• 😀 The ferry offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, and Brooklyn’s shoreline.
• 😀 It is often called the 'poor person’s cruise' due to its free service and scenic views.
• 😀 The ferry runs every 30 minutes, with more frequent trips (every 15-20 minutes) during rush hours.
• 😀 Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Terminal in Staten Island are the two primary departure points.
• 😀 No tickets are required to board the ferry since it is free, and boarding is simple with clear announcements.
• 😀 To get the best view of the Statue of Liberty, board the ferry on the right side when departing from Manhattan and on the left side when departing from Staten Island.
• 😀 The ferry journey takes approximately 30 minutes, with passengers needing to exit and reboard for the return trip.
• 😀 Both terminals have restrooms, seating areas, and concession stands to enhance the passenger experience.
• 😀 The ferry’s open-air upper deck provides a great way to enjoy the views, while there are also indoor seating options if preferred.

Q & A

What is the Staten Island Ferry and why is it popular?

The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry that shuttles passengers between Manhattan and Staten Island. It is popular because it offers stunning views of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island, and more, while being completely free to ride, earning it the nickname 'the poor person’s cruise.'

How often does the Staten Island Ferry run?

The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. It usually runs every 30 minutes, but during rush hours, the frequency increases to every 15-20 minutes.

Where do the Staten Island Ferry terminals connect?

The Staten Island Ferry runs between two terminals: Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan, located at the southern tip of the island near Battery Park, and St. George Terminal in Staten Island, located at the northern end of the borough.

What are the transport options to reach Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan?

Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan can be reached by several subway lines. Passengers can simply follow signs directing them to the ferry from the subway stations.

Can passengers get close to the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry?

Yes, the Staten Island Ferry passes by Liberty Island, offering passengers a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty, but it does not dock at the island. To visit Liberty Island, passengers need to take the Statue City Cruises ferry, which is the only one that actually docks at the island.

Is there a need to buy tickets for the Staten Island Ferry?

No, tickets are not required for the Staten Island Ferry as it is completely free to ride. Passengers simply need to wait in the designated areas at the terminals and follow the boarding instructions.

What should passengers consider when boarding the ferry if they want to see the Statue of Liberty?

Passengers should take note of which side of the ferry they board. To get the best view of the Statue of Liberty, they should board the ferry on the right side if departing from Manhattan, or the left side if coming from St. George, Staten Island.

What can passengers do during the ferry ride?

Passengers can enjoy the scenic views from different locations on the ferry, such as the open-air upper deck, the front or back of the boat, or inside the ferry. There are also sitting areas in the middle of the ferry if they prefer to stay indoors.

What happens when passengers reach St. George Terminal?

When the ferry reaches St. George Terminal, passengers must exit the ferry. They cannot stay on board for the return trip. After exiting, they can re-enter the terminal and board a new ferry to return to Manhattan.

Are there other ferry services in New York City that passengers can explore?

Yes, New York City offers many other ferry services. Viewers can check out additional ferry-related videos on the Urban Caffeine channel to learn more about other ferry routes in the city.