Staten Island Ferry – The Free Statue of Liberty Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry, operating since 1817 under the New York City, provides a free option for those wanting to see the Statue of Liberty on a budget.
Although it does not stop at Liberty Island, passengers can enjoy views of the Statue from a distance.
Staten Island ferry is an essential daily transportation for Staten Island residents.
Annually, the Staten Island Ferry serves nearly 22 million people, transporting around 70,000 passengers each day.
Departing from Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal, the ferry covers 8.4 km (5.2 miles) in about 25 minutes, arriving at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island.
Important:
Visitors pay $25 for the skip the box office cruise of the Statue of Liberty departing from NYC for priority entry and live commentary while watching the monument from a distance.
To access the Liberty Island and Ellis Island grounds, buy the Ground Access Statue of Liberty ticket with free roundtrip transportation on a ferry from NYC.
If you are traveling from NJ, here’s the Statue of Liberty ticket with a ferry from Liberty State Park and access to the Liberty Island and Ellis Island grounds.
Why Choose the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry provides a free scenic tour of New York Harbor, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic city views at no cost.
This 25-minute journey offers sights of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the ferry’s deck.
Passengers benefit from complimentary WiFi in both terminals and on all ferry vessels.
Additionally, food and beverages, including beer, are available for purchase on board, enhancing the travel experience.
Insider Tip!
Catch the Statue of Liberty at sunset by taking a ferry between 5.30 pm and 7 pm. These sunset timings may change based on the season. Check here to board a ferry accordingly.
You must note that these are rush hours, and you may need to wait for half an hour extra at the ferry terminal while waiting. Know more about Staten Island ferry rush hours.
How to Reach Whitehall Terminal, Manhattan for Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry Directions: The Staten Island Ferry leaves from Whitehall Terminal, Manhattan, and stops at the St. George Terminal.
To reach the Staten Island ferry terminal at Whitehall, take subway lines 1, R, or W, with routes passing near the Whitehall Terminal.
Get down at Whitehall St.South Ferry or Bowling Green, which are 4 and 6 minutes away from the terminal.
Buses BXM18, M15, M15-SBS, M20, M55 and QM11 pass near Whitehall Terminal.
The closest bus stops are South Ferry/Terminal and State St & Whitehall St, two minutes from the Whitehall Terminal.
How to Reach the St George Terminal at Staten Island
To reach the Staten Island ferry terminal at St George, hop on buses S74, S76, or S78 that bypass the terminal.
Get down at St George Ferry/ Ramp B or St George Ferry/S46 & S96, the closest bus stations, two minutes away from the St George Terminal.
Staten Island Ferry Schedule
The Staten Island Ferry, operated by New York City, runs 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The travel time from one terminal to another is approx 25 minutes.
The Staten Island ferry schedule is subject to change. The timings may be adjusted for reduced visibility or severe weather.
Please check www.nyc.gov/dot or dial 311 for updates about the Staten Island ferry times.
Important:
Avoid taking a leisurely ride during rush hour as the ferries are packed.
Rush hours are from 6 am to 9 pm for the ferries departing from St. George Terminal in Staten Island and 5 pm to 7 pm for the ferries departing from Whitehall terminal.
Insider Tip! To avoid the rush, you can make the most of this free ride by hopping on the ferry between 10 am and 11.30 am.
Frequency of Staten Island Ferry:
Staten Island Ferry runs from 12 pm to 12 am for a duration of 24 hours but the frequency of ferries is different throughout the day.
During the weekdays, a boat departs every 20 minutes during the peak travel times of 6 am to 7 am and every 15 minutes from 7 am to 9 am from St. George Terminal.
However, a boat departs every 15 minutes from the Whitehall terminal on weekdays during the peak travel times of 5 pm to 7 pm.
There’s a rush during the peak hours, as the ferry crowds with commuters return home from work. It is recommended to refrain from taking leisure rides during these hours.
On weekends and public holidays, the frequency of people boarding the ferry is low. The boat sails within a 30 gap due to no rush hours.
The Staten Island Ferry follows the weekend schedule on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Night closure
Whitehall Terminal’s waiting areas are always available for visitors.
However, to adhere to federally mandated security protocols, St. George Ferry Terminal waiting rooms occasionally close between 1 am and 4.30 am.
In such situations, travelers can wait in a specific area of the Terminal.
Staten Island Free Ferry Parking
The Staten Island Ferry has two terminals: the Whitehall Terminal and the St. George Terminal.
Visitors using the ferry from both terminals can access Staten Island ferry parking.
Visitors have plenty of parking options, such as the One New York Plaza Garage on 85 Whitehall Street, which is closest to the terminal.
Other options for private parking include a Valet Garage on 51 Beaver St., 95 MP parking on 106 Front St., and a Battery Parking Garage.
The parking prices in these private spaces vary and can be anywhere from $22 to $65.
In addition to the private parking, there is an NYC DOT municipal parking lot at the St. George Ferry terminal.
The hourly rate is $2, and the daily rate is $12 for up to 18 hours, which is cheaper than private parking.
If you must take the Staten Island free ferry daily, you can park at the nearby St. George Courthouse Garage. It will cost $70 per month.
Things to Know Before Taking Staten Island Ferry
- Both terminals for Staten Island Ferry (Whitehall terminal and Saint George terminal) have escalators and elevators.
- Passengers who use wheelchairs must use lower-level boarding.
- Staten Island Ferry doesn’t carry vehicles. Even though they don’t allow vehicles on board, you can carry your bicycle.
- Pets are not allowed on the ferry except for service animals.
- Whitehall Terminal and St. George Terminal offer free Wi-Fi.
- Smoking is prohibited from the ferry and most areas in the terminals.
Top Staten Island Ferry Tickets
Guided Tour of Staten Island Ferry
– Departure Point: South St #202, New York Tour
– Duration: 1.5 hours
– Guided ferry ride
– View the Manhattan skyline
– View & learn Statue of Liberty’s history
– Visit Staten Island 9/11 Memorial. Know more.
– Optional Empire Outlets shopping
– Staten Island Ferry Tickets Cost: $25
New York Guided Highlights Bus Tour with Staten Island Ferry
– Departure Point: South St #202, New York Tour
– Duration: 6 hours
– Guided tour
– Take Staten Island Ferry for a skyline view
– Statue of Liberty views
– Explore NYC highlights on a bus
– Staten Island Ferry Price: $99
FAQs
Is the Staten Island Ferry free to ride?
The Staten Island Ferry is the most recommended free ferry to the Statue of Liberty, so you can look closely at Lady Liberty without spending anything.
New York City DOT operates the State Island Ferry, which provides free ferry service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan year-round throughout the week.
You must board a ferry from NYC or a ferry from New Jersey if you want ground access to Liberty Island.
How long is the Staten Island Ferry ride round trip?
The Staten Island Ferry ride will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes to reach either side.
Thus, the roundtrip ride on the Staten island ferry will take an hour.
Where does the Staten Island Ferry travel to?
The free Staten Island ferry operates between the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island and the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Manhattan.
The Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Manhattan is also known as the South Ferry, and it takes approximately 25-30 minutes to travel one way to St. George terminal and return back.
Where is the Staten Island ferry parking?
Staten Island Ferry parking is available at the Whitehall Terminal and the St. George Terminal.
Parking options for visitors using the ferry from the Whitehall Terminal include the One New York Plaza Garage on 85 Whitehall Street, the Valet Garage on 51 Beaver St., and the Battery Parking Garage.
An NYC DOT municipal parking lot is at the St. George Ferry terminal. For regular ferry users, there is the option to park at the nearby St. George Courthouse Garage.
Staten Island ferry cost?
New York City DOT operates the State Island Ferry, which provides free ferry service.
You can ride the Staten Island ferry to get a free glimpse of the Lady Liberty from the water.
Do you need Staten Island ferry tickets?
The City of New York provides the Staten Island ferry service, which is absolutely free of cost.
The Staten Island ferry gives you a close look at Lady Liberty without spending anything.
Where to get the free ferry to the Statue of Liberty?
You can watch the Statue of Liberty up close by choosing the free Staten Island ferry.
You can board this ferry from St. George Terminal at 1 Bay Street, Staten Island or Whitehall Terminal located at 4 South Street, Manhattan.
This ferry can get pretty crowded as it is a daily commute for several people going to the office on the other side of New York.
How much does the Staten Island Ferry cost?
The Staten Island Ferry is free.
It gives free roundtrip transportation from Manhattan and Staten Island with close-up view of Statue of Liberty between the routes.
However, choosing a guided tour on the Staten Island ferry price is $25 for all visitors.
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