Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry
4.5
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
Monday
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
Tuesday
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
Wednesday
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
Thursday
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
Friday
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
Saturday
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
Sunday
1:00 AM - 12:59 PM
About
Avoid the traffic of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge by taking the free ferry to Staten Island, where you can marvel at the beauty of New York’s coastline along the way. The iconic orange ferry sails right through New York Harbor and is one of the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Snap photos, watch life pass by, and even look out for the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance. Upon arrival in Staten Island, be sure to visit the National Lighthouse Museum and the Empire Outlets mall, located right next to the terminal. – Tripadvisor
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Top ways to experience Staten Island Ferry and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
How to get there
  • South Ferry • 1 min walk
  • Whitehall St – South Ferry • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Nic C
    London, United Kingdom36 contributions
    Couldn't believe how good the views was
    Amazing and we could not believe it was free. We went on our last evening and went over inside to staten Island then back on the boat for the return trip which we braved the cold outside ( and boy was it cold) but the views was amazing. Statue of liberty and the nyc skyline wow
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written December 20, 2022
  • Michelle A
    Panama City, Panama5 contributions
    Amazing view
    The trip was a dream, you can not only see the Liberty Statue, but also all the city of Manhattan, the best skyline. Plenty of seats even though it was a crowded hour. Definitely recommend it, and will be coming back.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled solo
    Written December 27, 2022
  • adventix
    Boston, Massachusetts1,639 contributions
    free!! great view of the statue of liberty
    Don't let the agents at the entrance to the terminal lure you into buying an expensive ticket for a private ferry. This free transportation to and from Staten Island will give you a great view of the statue of liberty and Manhattan. Worse case, you can always buy the ticket after your return. The ferry leaves every 30min on average and it is very specious + have out decks for taking excellent pictures.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 29, 2022
  • Kay R
    Essex, United Kingdom200 contributions
    Great budget alternative to see Liberty Island
    On previous trips to New York, we have got the ferry to Liberty Island and also bypassing the island on the Staten Island Ferry. This time we opted for the Staten Island Ferry as we hadn't prebooked the Liberty ferry tour. Tio, when leaving Manhattan, make way for the right hand side of the boat at this gives the best views. In a city where everything is so expensive, it's a breath of fresh air to see The Statue of Liberty for free. YOu can't ttay in the ferry to return, you have to disembark into the terminal to get on a different boat to return.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 7, 2023
  • Niamh B
    Alvesta, Sweden57 contributions
    Free boat ride
    It was a great way to travel around the area. It was a bit unreliable . One boat never arrived so that ment even more people were getting on the next one. Got some really lovely pics of the city.
    Visited May 2022
    Written January 19, 2023
  • m4rk-uk
    13 contributions
    Free view of Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan
    As the main write-up says - it’s free. The ferry runs on the hour and half-hour from the southern end of Manhattan Island. While it’s a useful commuter link for many locals, the tourist element is a good view of the Statue of Liberty as you pass, and views of lower Manhattan. Worth trying to schedule one of the trips as it’s getting dusk.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 23, 2023
  • Paul S
    30 contributions
    Breezy morning on the river ..
    This was a wonderful treat on our first day. We took the underground from Times Square (50th and Broadway) directly to the ferry terminal. So easy. The ferry runs every half hour on the hour. You don’t need to book no matter what they say. Especially if you are travelling out of rush hour. Pick the ferry with the outside spaces, there are enclosed ferry’s these are very hot and the windows are steamed up or dirty. If you find yourself on one, quickly get off the way you go on and wait till the next one. It is so worth it. There are places to get a snack at both ends. There is a shopping center right next to the stain island ferry terminal or maybe visit staton island, we just grabbed a coffee and got back on another ferry back to Manhattan. There is no catering on the ferry. Have a great trip x
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written January 24, 2023
  • mammbear
    Sydney, Australia135 contributions
    Great free ferry ride
    Took the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Make sure you sit on the right to get the best view. Also note that when the ferry arrives at Staten Island you need to disembark, line up again and catch another ferry back. Great that it was free too!!
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 30, 2023
  • The best desert ambassador!
    Morocco20 contributions
    The best Island Ferry
    The Island Ferry offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan skyline, and surrounding waterways, providing an unforgettable experience for its passengers. Modern amenities such as comfortable seating, restrooms, and snack bars make it perfect for families, tourists, and anyone seeking a convenient and comfortable ride. The friendly and knowledgeable crew always assists passengers with any questions or needs. In addition to daily services, the Island Ferry also hosts special events and tours, including sunset cruises, fireworks displays, and guided historical tours of New York Harbor. With multiple ports and terminals located throughout the city, the ferry is easily accessible for passengers. Convenient scheduling allows passengers to plan their trips around their own schedules and interests, with services running throughout the day and into the evening. The Island Ferry provides a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who take it, whether seeking a relaxing ride with stunning views or a thrilling adventure. Highly recommended! #deepmoroccotours
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written January 30, 2023
  • Simonbully
    Barnstaple, United Kingdom162 contributions
    Free and worth it if you done want to pay to get up close to the Statue of Liberty
    Great ferry to jump on if you want to see the stunning views of manhattan and Statue of Liberty. Don’t be out of with the big crowds as once you’re on the boat the boat looks empty. For good views head straight to the outside on the right going over and the fron or left on return. Try and get the return at sun set stunning.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Wanderer581490
119 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
This is a fantastic way to see the Statue of Liberty without any extra cost. New York can be so expensive, so this is great. The ferry service was used by locals as well as tourists. There wasn’t a great demand for outside seating but that could be because it was a cold time of year. As a result, I had ample opportunities both ways to take plenty of pictures. Highly recommend!
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hsasmith
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK854 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Solo
This was a great was to see the statue of liberty for free. Plenty of seats and if course its free. It was clean and staff were friendly
Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah D
3 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Crowded lobbies and SO filthy. At least glad we could see the Statue of Liberty on the one viewing deck.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ruth B
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Solo
Loved getting the free ferry, packed with mostly locals returning home but also other visitors. Left late afternoon so I could see the skyline during the day then return and see the night skyline. Great outdoor access on way out so views were good but no access outside on way back so views were through windows - still great to see but not to photograph!
Written November 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

callmedave
United Kingdom302 contributions
Nov. 2023
We have been to NYC several times, but never done the Staten Island Ferry......not sure why. Sensational views of the city and Statue of Liberty, and amazingly there is no charge!
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wayne
Tokoroa, New Zealand103 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
The ferry service is very efficient. There are plenty of seats, a couple have been recently renovated.
The ferry has wifi that is good.
A great transport option
Written November 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Slobodan F
Toronto, Canada68 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Staten Island ferry is a great way, and free too, to observe city from the water. You can see statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, Brooklyn...
After the return to Manhattan, it's a nice walk through Soho to Washington Square park...
Skip the Brooklyn bridge too. So many street sellers and crowd... looks like a flea market in Markesh...
Do not waste your time on waiting in idioticaly long lines in financial district to scratch the bull's balls, and taking a photo on the times square stairs. Just, stroll along and pass by those who think it's worth it ...
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

OceanAdvocate2
6 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Still the best views of the Statue of Liberty and a wonderful way to take in the Manhattan skyline. When I was a kid a ride cost 5 cents -- now it's free! Plenty of room to move about, with great views from inside & outside, front & back. Coming & going are easy -- just ride over, disembark, and get back on a few minutes later for the return trip.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

frankie
6 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
During the ferry ride we got a great view of the Statue of Liberty and could take great pictures. Would highly recommend as you get a better view than going to the island itself and it is free. The ferry was quite crowded and it was a long trip (30mins-1h) as you had to get off and back on for it to take you back. But overall a great view and experience.
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PhillyHReviews
San Francisco, CA20 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Ferry is free which is the only benefit. There is no line to wait for the ferry, it is an every man for himself kind of vibe. People rush the doors and run through to get on the boat.
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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STATEN ISLAND FERRY - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Staten Island Ferry


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