Staten Island Ferry
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you're traveling with kids.
Short answer
Is Staten Island Ferry worth it?
Staten Island Ferry deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
A free commuter ferry that glides right past the Statue of Liberty and the harbour skyline.
How to do it right
- 01
9:30–11:30 a.m. or after 7 p.m. for fewer crowds; midday 12–3 p.m. (especially Wednesday) is busiest.
- 02
No ticket or reservation — free walk-on. Sit/stand on the right going out for Statue views.
- 03
Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan (1 to South Ferry; R/W to Whitehall St). Returns from St. George Terminal, Staten Island.
- 04
Runs 24/7; every 30 min off-peak, every 15 min during weekday rush (6–9:30 a.m. and 3:30–8 p.m.).
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to New York
A painless first taste of the harbor: no ticket, no booking, just show up at Whitehall and board. Manage expectations on how close you'll get to the Statue.
You're watching the budget
Staten Island Ferry earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Staten Island Ferry is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Staten Island Ferry is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You only have one day
Keep Staten Island Ferry only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You prefer local life to spectacle
Staten Island Ferry offers some local authenticity, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
You want time outdoors
Staten Island Ferry offers some nature & scenery, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
You're planning for two
Staten Island Ferry offers some romance, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free
- Timing
- 9:30–11:30 a.m. or after 7 p.m. for fewer crowds; midday 12–3 p.m. (especially Wednesday) is busiest.
- Booking
- No ticket or reservation — free walk-on. Sit/stand on the right going out for Statue views.
- Allow
- 1 hr round-trip
- Getting there
- Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan (1 to South Ferry; R/W to Whitehall St). Returns from St. George Terminal, Staten Island.
Consider instead
Keep exploring
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