How to get to Staten Island for free?

NYC DOT operates the Staten Island Ferry, providing free service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan every day of the week, year-round.



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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.

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If you don't mind seeing the Statue of Liberty from a distance, Free Tours by Foot explains that hopping aboard the Staten Island Ferry is the best way to see her. Not only is the ride on the commuter ferry free of charge, but it's also a way to get some iconic views of Lady Liberty.

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All visitors must purchase a ticket to board the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands. All tickets are available to purchase up to six months in advance. Grounds Tickets are available daily and can be purchased via the Statue Cruises website or in-person at the Statue Cruises ticket booths.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Ferry operates between the St. George Terminal on Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The trip is about 25 minutes. The Ferry ride is free.

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Fares – All MTA New York City Transit trains (subways and Staten Island Railway) and local buses (including Limited-Stop and +SelectBusService buses at MetroCard® fare collection machines) accept MetroCard.

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Refer to this step by step process to sign up for an E-ZPass:
  1. Go to the E-ZPass website.
  2. Select “Sign Up Now”
  3. Choose which state you live in.
  4. Choose, “Click here to enroll online”
  5. Fill out the form and apply.
  6. You will receive your tags and account profile in 5-7 days.


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Staten Island Ferry It 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.

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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.

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Without E-ZPass The bill for your tolls will be mailed to the registered vehicle owner. You can pay this bill by mail, on the phone or in person, using a check, credit card, bank account or cash. Visit the Tolls by Mail site or call 1-844-826-8400 for more information. Go to the Tolls by Mail site.

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First off, avoid traveling at or around the commuter rush hours of 7:00 to 8:45 am and 5:00 to 6:45 pm! Even the boats right before and after these times are often very busy. Traveling in the late morning and early afternoon is your best chance to get a boat that isn't overly packed.

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