Why is Staten Island Ferry 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.



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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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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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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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The Ferry carries over 12 million passengers annually on a 5.2-mile run between the St. George Terminal in Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2022, the Staten Island Ferry's annual on-time performance was 94%.

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To put cars on the ferry would require a major security checkpoint, DeSimone said. It's not as simple as just driving down here, there's a whole bevy of regulations the Coast Guard would require. Vehicles haven't been allowed on the Staten Island Ferry since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

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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.

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Staten Island Ferry 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. Pros: Of all the free options, the ferry has the best and closest view of the statue.

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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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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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Davidson, Jost and comedy club owner Paul Italia purchased the ship for $280,100 through an online public auction just over a year and a half ago.

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While Staten Island was rich in natural resources, it may have been an effort to control the access to New York's harbor.

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Davidson and Jost, who both were born and raised on Staten Island, purchased the decommissioned ferry for $280,000 last year with plans to turn it into a comedy and entertainment venue.

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In 1817, the first mechanical-powered ferry ran between Staten Island and Manhattan -- the Nautilus, commanded by Captain John De Forest. In 1817, the cost to ride was 25 cents for an adult and 12 cents for children. In 1897, the fare was reduced to 5 cents, before being raised to 10 cents in 1972 and 25 cents in 1975.

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When departing from Manhattan, the trip to Staten Island takes about 25-30 minutes. Once arriving in St. George terminal, the ferry docks and all passengers have to exit the ferry. So you can't stay on it.

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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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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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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. Each ferry has a capacity of around 5,000 people, and daily ridership frequently tops 70,000 passengers a day.

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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.

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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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We ask that you finish your beverage prior to leaving. Alcoholic beverages can only be sold (1) per I.D. at a time with a limit of (2) drinks per passenger. No outside food or beverages shall be consumed on board NYC Ferry vessels at any time.

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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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