Answer: Yes, there is a free cruise in New York - although calling it a “cruise” isn’t entirely accurate. We’re talking about the Staten Island Ferry, which goes over a 5.2-mile stretch of water between the Whitehall Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan and the St. George Terminal in Staten Island. The ride takes about 25 minutes. The ferry is completely free to use, and there is no need to pay a cent (beware of scammers who may try to convince you otherwise).   

But why don’t we call it a cruise? Because at the end of the day, it’s a public transportation ferry - think of it as a bus on water - and not a sightseeing cruise designed for tourists, with commentary and views focused on New York’s landmarks.

So, if you’re just looking to get a free close-up view of the Statue of Liberty without spending any money, this ferry ride is a great option. But if you’re hoping to enjoy a true New York sightseeing cruise experience, it’s better to go with one of the real cruise tours.

You can find the full information about the Staten Island ferries in the complete guide we wrote on the following page.