Staten Island Ferry Tours
1 Review
The distinctive orange Staten Island Ferry passing through New York Harbor has been a familiar sight to New Yorkers since 1905, when the fleet first began carrying commuters between Staten Island and Manhattan. In recent years the free ferry has gained traction with tourists, who crowd the decks to admire front-row views of New York City’s dazzling skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
The Basics
The Staten Island Ferry is first and foremost a commuter vessel, and there is no on-board commentary. For extra insight, context, and information about the surrounding sights, join a guided tour of NYC or Lower Manhattan that includes a round-trip on the ferry. To maximize your experience, take the trip out to Staten Island during the day and return after dark to see the NYC skyline all lit up. The voyage to Staten Island takes around 25 minutes each way. Boats depart at least every 30 minutes, with more frequent departures during commuter rush hours. No ticket is required.
Things to Know Before You Go
- For the best views of Lady Liberty, sit on the right side of a Staten Island–bound ferry.
- Some, though not all, ferries in the fleet have large outdoor side decks, which afford the best views.
- The ferry is accessible to wheelchair users.
- Refreshments, including beer and hot dogs, are available on board.
- All passengers must disembark at St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.
How to Get There
The Staten Island Ferry runs between Whitehall, near Battery Park in Manhattan, and St. George on Staten Island. To get to the Whitehall Terminal, take the subway (1 train) to South Ferry. Other nearby subway stations include Bowling Green (4 and 5), Broad Street (J and Z), and Whitehall Street (1, R, and W).
When to Get There
The best time of year to ride the ferry is during summer, or on warm spring or fall days when you can comfortably soak up the view from the open-air decks. If you don’t like crowds, avoid rush hours (6–9am for boats departing from Staten Island, and 4–7pm for boats departing from Manhattan).
Exploring One of New York’s Lesser-Known Boroughs
Most visitors to NYC never venture outside Manhattan and Brooklyn, though Staten Island—New York’s least-populated borough—has several fascinating sites. Within easy reach of St. George Terminal is the Lighthouse Museum, St George’s Historical District, and the waterfront Richmond County Bank Ballpark, where the minor league Staten Island Yankees (not to be confused with the major league New York Yankees) play. Also of note is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, home to the Noble Maritime Collection and Staten Island Children's Museum.
Address: Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South Street, New York City, New York 10004, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Admission: Free
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Staten Island Ferry
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Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket
Take in all the highlights of New York City on this comprehensive, one-of-a-kind tour. Explore the Big Apple like a New Yorker, as you walk, ride the subway and take the Staten Island ferry. Visit Times Square, the Broadway Theater District, Grand Central Terminal, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and much more. Entrance to the One World Observatory is also included.
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$109.00
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$109.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
New York "Must See" Small-Group Half-Day Tour
Experience the best of the Big Apple during this half-day tour of Manhattan with a group limited to 15 guests. Rather than trying to do it all yourself, let an experienced guide lead you through the vibrant streets, colorful neighborhoods, and historic landmarks on foot, subway, and ferry. Get the full New York City experience and see iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, and Wall Street.
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$74.00
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$74.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour by Energetic University Student
Skip the run-of-the-mill group tours and enjoy a private tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a difference. This tour is led by a young college student and includes the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and entrance inside the statue's pedestal. On Ellis Island a tour of the Immigration Museum is also included.
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$100.00
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$100.00
Lower Manhattan walking tour
We focus on a fun, candid, and local experience. Our tours are different from the usual format. John-Tours are your friends in New York City. We want to share our love for this city and it's unique role in making the United States the country it is today.
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$32.00
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$32.00
Private Super Tour of NYC: Heroes, Comics and More!
New York City is filled with TV and movie filming locations from some of the most popular super-hero movies. Let a guide show you more than 40, and take the stress out of trying to find them on your own. From Spider-Man to The Avengers, and Batman and Superman, visit well-known spots where these superheroes saved the world during this super tour of NYC heroes and comics.
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From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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