Overview
The Staten Island Ferry is the way most New Yorkers and visitors travel between Manhattan and Staten Island, two of the City's five boroughs. It transports
Of course, the ferry is more than a means of transportation—it is an attraction unto itself. The 25-minute voyage offers riders stunning vistas of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
The City used to charge a small fare to ride the ferry, but now it's free—and thus one of NYC's great bargains. If you'd like to climb aboard yourself, read on for more information and tips about how to do it right.
History
According to the Encyclopedia of New York City, boat service between Staten Island and Manhattan dates back to 1713; it was a century later when steam-powered ferries began running the route. The City took over the ships in 1905, and they've remained an important part of the New York transit system—as well as a major tourist attraction—in the years since.
Before bridges linked NYC's islands (Staten Island, Manhattan and Long Island—on which Brooklyn and Queens sit), boats were the way people traveled from one to another. Of the ferry services that still exist, the Staten Island Ferry serves by far the greatest number of passengers.
How to Get There
Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South St. (between Whitehall St. and Peter Minuit Plaza, Manhattan): Take the 1, N or R subway train to South Ferry; the 4, 5 to Bowling Green; or various bus lines.
St. George Ferry Terminal, 1 Bay St. (Staten Island): Staten Island Railway or various bus lines.
Tips
The 5-mile ride takes about 25 minutes each way, and you should also set aside some time to board, disembark and pass through security.
The ferry runs 24 hours a day. Boats leave at least every half hour on weekdays and every hour on weekends, and more frequently during busy times. Check the
There are indoor and outdoor spaces on the ferry—and the indoor part has windows—so it's comfortable to ride year-round.
You can also buy refreshments on board. Offerings include hot dogs, coffee and beer. It makes for a fun, inexpensive and creative date.
Accessibility
Both ferry terminals are accessible, and disabled passengers can board the ferry on the lower level, but should call ahead to make arrangements (212-839-3061); there's more information at
Nearby
The Whitehall Terminal is near a bevy of Lower Manhattan attractions.
Over in Staten Island, the St. George Ferry Terminal is just a short bus ride from the
Social Media
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Fast Facts
The ferry carries nearly 70,000 passengers per day.
There are eight ships in the Staten Island Ferry fleet, up to five of which are in operation at any one time. Here are their names and the inspirations behind them:
Guy V. Molinari
: Former borough president of Staten Island.
Sen. John J. Marchi
: Former New York State senator.
Spirit of America
: Named in honor of the nation's resilience and unity in the wake of the September 11 attacks. The ship's keel includes steel from the WTC towers.
Andrew J. Barberi
: Respected Staten Island high school football coach.
Samuel I. Newhouse
: Businessman, publisher and philanthropist; owner of the Staten Island Advance newspaper.
Alice Austen
: Esteemed photographer and Staten Islander.
John A. Noble
: Artist whose work focused on maritime subjects, including the waters near Staten Island.
John F. Kennedy
: Former president of the United States.
Cars are not allowed on the ferry, but you can bring a caged or muzzled pet.
The highest the ferry fare ever got was 50 cents, from 1990 until 1997, when the fare was eliminated completely.
The Ferry on Screen
As a part of many New Yorkers' everyday lives—and the memories of countless visitors—the Staten Island Ferry has shown up frequently on screen over the years.
The movie
Meanhwhile, there's a whole episode of TV sitcom