Route InformationThe 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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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.
To get on the boat you'll first need to find your way to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The official name is the Whitehall Terminal and it is located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan. The closest metro station is the Whitehall St stops right next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
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.
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.
If you want to go inside the Statue of Liberty, you must buy a Pedestal Access or Crown Access ticket. General Admission tickets do not get you access inside the statue. If you are interested in tours of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, read more below.
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. You'll get other great views of Brooklyn and Manhattan on the ride, too.
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 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.
As of August 20, 2023, fares increased to the following amounts: Subways, local buses, and Staten Island Railway: $2.90 (Reduced Fare: $1.45) Single ride (only sold at subway vending machines): $3.25. Unlimited 7-day MetroCard: $34 (Reduced Fare: $17)
Can You Use a MetroCard on NYC Ferries? No, MetroCards are either not accepted or not needed, as some, such as the Staten Island Ferry, are free to take.
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.
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.
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.
Generally, the ferry runs every 30 minutes during most times of the day, so the wait time can be anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. During peak hours, such as rush hour on weekdays, the wait time may be longer due to increased demand.
The Staten Island Ferry SIF ferry - Staten Island Ferry serves 2 ferry terminals in the NYC area departing from St. George Ferry Terminal and ending at Whitehall Ferry Terminal.
Stand on the port side (right side) at the back of the ferry going out to the Statue of Liberty. It will give you the best views of the city and of the statue as you approach. Book ahead of time on the Government Website, for reserved tickets and skip the security lines.
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).
Staten Island FerryThe Staten Island Ferry is a free transportation service provided between Manhattan and Staten Island. Each boat is quite large, carrying over 4,000 people. But the route across New York harbor takes you directly in front of the statue.
However, visitors who wish to enter the pedestal and visit the crown must secure reservations through Statue City Cruises, the ONLY AUTHORIZED ticket seller for Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. The National Park Service has implemented a reservation system for over a decade.