Route InformationThe Ferry ride is free. All passengers are required to comply with applicable U.S. Coast Guard Security Regulations regardless of which level they board from. The Staten Island Ferry does not carry cars.
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It's FREE and you can either get off and spend some time on Staten Island, or simply disembark, walk around and get back on the ferry returning to Manhattan. It is about an hour round-trip.
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.
Staten Island FerryThe 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.
It is not possible to stay on the boat after arriving at Staten Island. You have to get off and back on again through the waiting room, but this is very easy.
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.
If you're getting on from the Manhattan side, go to the right (starboard) side of the boat for the best view of the Statue of Liberty. From the Staten Island side, go to the left (port). The ride is 25 minutes each way with boats departing every 30 minutes on either side on weekends.
BEST VIEW: Hands down, the best view on land is from atop One World Observatory. Located in the southern most part of Manhattan, it's the closest observation deck to the Statue of Liberty, giving you the most intimate view possible from land.
The color choice helped allow the boats to be easily seen in fog and snow, increasing the overall safety of the crew and passengers. Vanderbilt Family Money Started the Fleet: In 1810, 16-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt received $100 for his birthday.
If you want to take photos of the Statue of Liberty, go up the flights of stairs until you reach the top deck, and go to the right side of the ferry. There is an outdoor deck on each side of the upper deck that you can stand on to get good photos. Coming back, you'll need to be on the left side of the ferry.
If you want to see the Statue of Liberty without a visit to the monument itself, but also make some amazing photos, not only those of Statue of Liberty, but also of the Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Verrazano Bridge, take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry.
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.
We recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes (1 hour during peak travel season) prior to your scheduled tour time to allow ample time to pick up your tickets and go through the security screening process (airport-style security).
As a tour guide, a question I hear a lot is: “Is it worth it to see Ellis Island?” For those who have no familial connection or relation to the people who passed through, its importance and influence can often be overlooked. Which is why I am here to tell you that it is absolutely, 100% worth it.