The Staten Island Ferry is free, runs every day of the year, and carries you across New York Harbor with the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline in view. If you want a New York City harbor cruise without paying for a tour, this is the ride. The NYC DOT Staten Island Ferry page confirms the service is free and runs between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan every day, year-round.
This guide covers where to board, when to go, which side of the boat to stand on, and how to turn a 30-minute ride into a proper afternoon. We checked the facts below against the official city pages in October 2026.
What Is the Staten Island Ferry?
The Staten Island Ferry is a commuter service run by the city. Locals use it to get to work, and visitors use it for the views. According to the NYC Department of Transportation, the city has operated the ferry since 1905. It carries over 16 million passengers a year on a 5.2-mile run between the St. George Terminal on Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
That mix of commuters and sightseers makes it a good way to see everyday New York. You stand next to people heading home with groceries while the Statue of Liberty slides past the window.
How to Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Riding is simple. You do not need a ticket, a reservation, or a tour operator. Follow these steps.
- Pick your terminal. Most visitors start at Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, near the southern tip of the island.
- Walk on. Join the line, move through the terminal, and board when staff open the gates.
- Choose a spot. Head to an outside deck for photos, or stay inside if the wind is strong.
- Cross the harbor. The boat takes you to St. George Terminal on Staten Island.
- Ride back. Riders usually leave the boat at each terminal, then rejoin the line for the return trip.
Staff run the terminals around the clock, so you can ask for help at either end. For the latest service notices, check the NYC DOT Staten Island Ferry page before you go.
Staten Island Ferry Schedule and Best Times to Ride
The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to the official ferry facts page. Departure frequency changes through the day. On a typical weekday, the city says five boats make 117 trips. During rush hours the ferry runs a four-boat schedule with 15 minutes between departures. On weekends, three boats make 96 trips a day.
Always check the official Staten Island Ferry schedule for exact departure times. Do not rely on a screenshot from last year. Schedules change, and the official page is the only source we trust.
Best Time of Day
- Late afternoon. The light is soft on the skyline, and the harbor looks its best.
- Sunset. The sky turns orange behind the Statue of Liberty. This is the most popular time for photographers.
- Late evening. The Lower Manhattan skyline glitters, and the decks are quieter.
- Mid-morning on a weekday. The boats are calmer after the commuter rush.
Times to Avoid
Weekday rush hours fill the boats with commuters, and the best deck spots go early. If you want room for photos, travel between the rushes or on a weekend afternoon.
Where to Stand for the Best Views
The ferry does not stop at the Statue of Liberty. It does pass within sight of it, so choose your deck with care. On the way out from Manhattan, many riders gather on the right-hand side of the boat for the statue. On the way back, the Lower Manhattan skyline spreads out behind you. Watch where the crowd collects and join the rail early.
The city’s newest boats help here. The NYC Department of Transportation says the Ollis Class includes three ferries that each hold 4,500 passengers. They have an oval upper-deck promenade that works as an outdoor walking track, plus phone-charging outlets and comfortable seating. Not every sailing uses these boats, so treat them as a bonus.
For more places to see the harbor, read our guide to the best views in New York City.
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In Lower Manhattan
Whitehall Terminal sits at the southern end of Manhattan, so you can pair the ride with a walk through the Financial District. Our Financial District guide covers the area step by step. If you want a longer harbor day, read about Governors Island, which sits just off the same shoreline.
On Staten Island
St. George Terminal is the Staten Island end of the run. Our guide to things to do on Staten Island lists places to explore if you want to leave the terminal. If you only want the views, turn around and ride straight back. Both choices work.
If You Want Statue of Liberty Details
The ferry gives you a view from the water. It does not let you visit the island. For the monument itself, read our Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island visitors guide.
Practical Tips for First-Time Riders
- Dress for wind. The harbor is breezy even on warm days, and the outside decks feel colder than the street.
- Hold your phone tight. Wind and open railings make a dropped phone easy. Use a wrist strap if you have one.
- Pack light. Big bags slow you down at the terminal gates and on the stairs.
- Charge before you go. The newer boats include phone-charging outlets, but you cannot count on them for every sailing.
- Keep the budget in mind. The ride costs nothing, so it pairs well with our list of free things to do in New York City.
Accessibility
The city publishes accessibility and contact details on its ferry pages. If you need assistance, the NYC DOT Staten Island Ferry page lists the Passenger Service Office phone number, and you can also reach NYC311. Contact them before your trip if you have specific access needs.
Staten Island Ferry vs. Paid Harbor Cruises
A paid cruise gives you commentary, a fixed route, and often a closer pass by the statue. The Staten Island Ferry gives you a regular crossing, a local crowd, and a free ticket. If you want narration, book a cruise. If you want the skyline and the Statue of Liberty from the water without spending money, ride the ferry. Many visitors do both on different days.
Staten Island Ferry FAQ
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes. The NYC Department of Transportation says the Staten Island Ferry provides free service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan every day of the week, year-round. You do not need a ticket to ride.
How often does the Staten Island Ferry run?
The ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During rush hours, boats leave about every 15 minutes, and the frequency drops between rush hours and on weekends. Check the official schedule for exact times.
Where does the Staten Island Ferry leave from in Manhattan?
It leaves from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The other end of the 5.2-mile run is the St. George Terminal on Staten Island.
Does the Staten Island Ferry stop at the Statue of Liberty?
No. The ferry only connects Whitehall Terminal and St. George Terminal. It does pass within sight of the Statue of Liberty, so it works as a free viewing trip rather than a visit to the island.
What is the best time to ride the Staten Island Ferry?
Late afternoon and sunset give the best light on the skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Mid-morning on a weekday is quieter than the commuter rush.
Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Our 3-day New York City itinerary shows where the ferry fits into a full visit, and our guide to biking in New York City offers another way to see the waterfront.
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