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
You are watching the budget
Governors Island earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Governors Island is an easy yes.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Governors Island is an easy yes.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Governors Island is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You only have one day
Keep Governors Island only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You want time outdoors
Governors Island offers some nature & scenery, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
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
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 ↗