It's possible to drive to Staten Island, but when you factor in heavy traffic and tolls, it is more convenient to take the ferry. This free ferry makes the 25-minute crossing between Manhattan and Staten Island's St George Terminal every 30 minutes.
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There is not much to do there but it's a nice boat trip and you can just join the queue, jump back on board and head straight back to Manhattan. The ferry runs frequently but it's suggested that you avoid rush hour as it does get very congested. Definitely worth a trip especially as it's free!
Eliminating the ferry fare was seen as an action to standardize Staten Islanders' MetroCard fares with those of commuters in other boroughs. Despite the fact that the ferry fare had netted $6 million in annual revenue for the city, its abolition only cost the city about $1 million.
Thursday's vote marks the first toll increase on Port Authority crossings since January 2020, when the cash-by-mail toll increased from $15 to $16, with the E-ZPass peak hours toll increasing from $12.50 to $13.75 and the E-ZPass non-peak hours toll increasing from $10.50 to $11.75.
The Staten Island Ferry provides service every day, year-round. It is free to ride the ferry. Travel time in either direction between St. George and Whitehall is approximately 25 minutes.
Staten Island FerrySince the service is completely free, this is a great option for viewing the Statue of Liberty up close. The ferry route brings you directly across New York Harbor and right by the statue and Ellis Island. Pros: Of all the free options, the ferry has the best and closest view of the statue.
The Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2022, the Staten Island Ferry's annual on-time performance was 94%. On a typical weekday, five boats make 117 trips, carrying approximately 35,000 passengers. During rush hours, the ferry runs on a four-boat schedule, with 15 minutes between departures.
Staten Island is most well-known for its green park spaces, museums and historical buildings. It is often considered the “borough of parks” because of its numerous natural spaces. Notable parks include Clove Lakes, High Rock Park, Greenbelt and Lemon Creek Park.
Drivers with an E-ZPass simply have their toll paid through their E-ZPass account and often experienced reduced rates. For those drivers without an E-ZPass, a picture of your car's license plate will be taken and a Tolls by Mail bill will be mailed to the registered owner's address.
Staten Island FerryIt makes dozens of trips a day, leaving every 20-30 minutes. Since the service is completely free, this is a great option for viewing the Statue of Liberty up close. The ferry route brings you directly across New York Harbor and right by the statue and Ellis Island.
Getting to Staten IslandIn comparison to the other boroughs of New York, reaching Staten Island can only be done by use of the Staten Island Ferry or through the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn since you will need to cross the river.
The Staten Island Ferry boasts a 24-hour schedule. That's right: it never stops. It takes trips every half hour on the half hour, and every 20 minutes during rush hour.