Governors Island
A car-free harbor island a 5-minute ferry from Manhattan — lawns, bike paths, art, and skyline views.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you are traveling with kids.
Why
- 01
A short ferry drops you onto a car-free island of open lawns, historic forts, public art, hammocks, and a hilltop with 360-degree harbor and skyline views.
Our read - 02
Wonderfully relaxed and great for biking or a picnic — but it's seasonal (open roughly May–Oct) and there's little to do on a cold or rainy day.
Our read - 03
The round-trip ferry is just $5, and free on weekend mornings before 11am.
helpnewyork.com
Is it a fit?
Go if
Think twice if
You only have one day
Governors Island is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
You want time outdoors
For nature & scenery, Governors Island is hit or miss.
Plan it well
- Cost
- $5 round-trip ferry (free weekend mornings before 11am)
- Timing
- Warm-season weekends; arrive before 11am Saturday or Sunday for the free ferry.
- Booking
- Buy the $5 round-trip ferry ticket online or at the dock; bike rentals on the island.
- Allow
- Half day
- Accessibility
- Flat and car-free with paved paths, making it easy for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Getting there
- Ferry from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan, about 5–8 minutes; also from Brooklyn.
Consider instead
Ready to plan it?
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Sources and method (2)
- The island is car-free and the ferry from Lower Manhattan takes about 5–8 minutes. govisland.com ↗
- Round-trip ferry is $5, and free for all passengers on weekend mornings before 11am. helpnewyork.com ↗