Is the Staten Island Ferry a good way to see the Statue of Liberty?

Staten Island Ferry 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. You'll get other great views of Brooklyn and Manhattan on the ride, too.



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Staten Island Ferry The 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.

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More than a means of transportation, the Staten Island Ferry is an attraction unto itself. For no charge, visitors can take a 25-minute voyage by...

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Located on the waterfront in Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood is Louis Valentino Jr. Pier and Park. This lovely park is the perfect spot for a picnic with unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty, plus Staten Island, New York Harbor, and Governor's Island.

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When you get on, it's best to go upstairs and out the back, this way you get a great view of the skyline and bridges. We chose to stay here and were able to get great pics of the Statue of Liberty. You can also chose to go out along the right side-but some of the boats don't give you that option.

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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!

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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).

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Staten Island is worth visiting if one has the time in New York City; a 10-day itinerary for NYC is enough time to see all five boroughs. But if one only has a weekend in NYC, and it's one's first time in the Big Apple, then perhaps one is best focusing on the key highlights in Manhattan.

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Top 6 Ways to See the Statue of Liberty: Land, Sea, and Air
  1. Statue of Liberty from the water.
  2. Statue of Liberty Helicopter Tour.
  3. Statue Cruises.
  4. Battery Park, NYC.
  5. Tour Group in front of Statue of Liberty.
  6. Boat Cruise Statue of Liberty.
  7. Statue of Liberty.


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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.

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Entrance Passes The cost of the ferry ticket is not an entrance fee but a transportation fee. There is no additional charge to visit the museum on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. General Admission tickets are our most widely available ticket.

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The Staten Island Ferry ride takes approximately 25 minutes, offering stunning views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island during the journey.

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Book your tickets for Lady Liberty's crown well in advance. For those who want to view Manhattan from the inside of the iconic crown, I can tell you it's a fantastic way to experience the statue and see New York Harbor.

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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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I don't think people realize just how steep and tight the stairway up is! The statue museum is amazing and it was just surreal to see it up close! The views from the ferry are better... but it is so worth it to plan ahead and book tickets to climb to the crown at least once in your life!

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These passes do not apply at the Statue of Liberty National Monument, which does not charge an entrance fee. The cost of the ferry ticket is not an entrance fee but a transportation fee. There is no additional charge to visit the museum on Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

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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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Due to the smaller size of the boat, the trip was a bit less smooth than what riders of the Staten Island Ferry have come to expect, with choppy water resulting in a bumpy ride at one point.

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The ferry is also popular among tourists and visitors due to the free-of-charge views of the New York Harbor a trip provides.

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Quick Tips To Make the Best of Your Staten Island Ferry Ride 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).

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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.

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