The Staten Island Ferry runs between Manhattan and Staten Island with no fare

The Staten Island Ferry is a free public transit service operated by the New York City Department of Transportation. It carries passengers between Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and St. George Terminal in Staten Island, crossing New York Harbor. The ferry runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no ticket required — you straightforward walk on.

The service has operated continuously since 1905, though the current fleet of orange and green vessels dates to the 1980s and 1990s. Each ferry holds roughly 4,500 passengers per trip. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and ferries depart every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours and every 20 to 30 minutes during off-peak times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Staten Island Ferry is free and operates around the clock, with no ticket or reservation needed.
  • Ferries depart from Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan (near Battery Park) and St. George Terminal in Staten Island.
  • The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes, with departure frequency varying from every 15 minutes during rush hours to every 30 minutes late at night.
  • Bicycles are allowed on board at no cost, but passengers must walk them on and off the vessel.
  • The ferry is primarily a commuter service, though many visitors use it for the views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

Where the terminals are located and how to reach them

Whitehall Terminal sits at 4 South Street in lower Manhattan, at the southern tip of the Financial District. It is accessible by subway via the Bowling Green station (lines 4 and 5) or the Whitehall Terminal station (line 1). If you are driving, paid parking is available in nearby lots, though spaces fill quickly during rush hours.

St. George Terminal is located at 4 Bay Street in Staten Island, directly on the waterfront. From the terminal, you can walk to the St. George neighborhood or catch a local bus. The terminal itself has a waiting area, restrooms, and a small food concession, though options are limited compared to Manhattan.

Schedules and wait times during different times of day

During weekday rush hours (roughly 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), ferries depart every 15 to 20 minutes in both directions. Midday service runs every 20 to 25 minutes. Late evening and overnight service (roughly 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.) operates every 25 to 30 minutes.

Weekend schedules are less frequent than weekday service. Ferries typically run every 20 to 30 minutes on Saturday and Sunday, with reduced service late at night. Wait times vary: during peak commute hours, you may board within 10 minutes of arrival. During off-peak times, you might wait 20 to 30 minutes for the next departure. The NYC Department of Transportation publishes current schedules on its website, and real-time departure information is posted at both terminals.

What you can bring on board and restrictions

Passengers may bring bicycles on the ferry at no cost, though you must walk them on and off the vessel — they cannot be ridden aboard. Small personal items like backpacks and shopping bags are permitted. Service animals are allowed. Pets other than service animals are not permitted on the ferry.

Alcohol and smoking are prohibited on the ferry and at the terminals. Food and beverages purchased at the terminal concession may be brought aboard. The ferry does not allow hazardous materials, weapons, or items that pose a safety risk. Luggage and large bags are permitted, but oversized items may be refused if they obstruct passenger movement or safety.

Accessibility features for passengers with disabilities

Both Whitehall Terminal and St. George Terminal have elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated seating areas for passengers with mobility limitations. The ferry vessels themselves are equipped with wheelchair lifts and accessible seating. Service animals are permitted throughout the terminal and on board.

Passengers requiring information can notify staff at the terminal before boarding. The ferry does not require advance notice for most accessibility needs, though contacting the NYC Department of Transportation ahead of time can help may support smooth passage if you have specific requirements. Accessible parking is available near both terminals, though spaces are limited and often full during peak hours.

Why the ferry is free and how it is funded

The Staten Island Ferry has been free since its inception in 1905. The service is funded through the New York City Department of Transportation's operating budget, which draws from city tax revenue and federal transit grants. Unlike most other NYC transit services, the ferry does not charge a fare.

The decision to keep the ferry free reflects its role as essential infrastructure connecting Staten Island to Manhattan. The service is heavily used by commuters who work in Manhattan and live in Staten Island, as well as by residents traveling in the opposite direction. The free fare removes a barrier to transit access and supports the city's broader goal of maintaining affordable public transportation.

Common reasons passengers use the ferry and what to expect on the crossing

The ferry serves two main groups: commuters traveling to and from work, and visitors seeking views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. During weekday mornings and evenings, the ferry is crowded with commuters. Weekday midday and weekend service carries a mix of tourists, local travelers, and residents running errands.

The crossing itself takes about 25 minutes. The upper and lower decks both have seating, though during peak hours seats fill quickly and many passengers stand. The ferry has large windows and open-air sections on the upper deck, offering views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. The ride is generally smooth, though weather can occasionally cause delays or service changes. Restrooms are available on board, and the vessel has climate control, though it can become crowded and warm during rush hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket or reservation to ride the Staten Island Ferry?

No. The ferry is free and does not require a ticket or reservation. You straightforward walk into Whitehall Terminal or St. George Terminal and board the next available ferry. During very crowded periods, staff may temporarily hold passengers to manage capacity, but this is rare.

Can I bring my car on the Staten Island Ferry?

No. The ferry is for passengers only; vehicles are not permitted. If you are driving, you must park at a lot near Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan or arrange parking in Staten Island and walk to St. George Terminal. Bicycles are allowed but must be walked on and off.

What happens if the ferry is cancelled due to weather?

The ferry operates in most weather conditions, but severe storms, high winds, or fog can cause delays or temporary closures. The NYC Department of Transportation posts updates on its website and at the terminals. During extended closures, the city may arrange alternative transportation, though this is uncommon.

Is the ferry a good way to see the Statue of Liberty?

The ferry offers views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water, but it does not stop at either location. If you want to visit the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, you must take a separate ferry operated by Statue Cruises, which departs from Battery Park near Whitehall Terminal.

How crowded does the ferry get during rush hour?

During weekday rush hours, the ferry is very crowded, with most seats filled and many passengers standing. Ferries depart every 15 to 20 minutes during these times, so if one is too crowded, another will arrive soon. Arriving at the terminal 10 to 15 minutes before your desired departure time usually allows you to board without excessive waiting.