By:Daniel Brooks
If you want to see the Statue of Liberty up close without spending a dime, there’s a secret most tourists don’t know about - the Staten Island Ferry. This free public ferry, operated by the New York City Department of Transportation, sails right past the Statue every day-24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You don’t need a ticket, and if anyone tries to sell you one, it’s a scam.
While it was originally designed to serve local commuters, it’s become a favorite hidden gem for visitors who want to enjoy skyline views, sea breezes, and a front-row look at Lady Liberty - without paying for a cruise. So here is everything you should know about the free Staten Island Ferry.
The voyage takes around 25 minutes and 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. On weekdays, the ferry departs every 15 to 20 minutes during rush hours (6:00-9:30 AM and 3:30-8:00 PM), and every 30 minutes at all other times. On weekends, service runs every 30 minutes throughout the day.
The cruise is most popular during off-peak hours when there aren’t as many people on the decks and people can locate the best place to see the Statue of Liberty pass by.
There are various subway lines and city buses that go to the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan, which is at 4 South Street. It has four levels and is modern. It has escalators, elevators, food kiosks, restrooms, and even a rooftop viewing deck.
The St. George Terminal is located at 1 Bay Street on Staten Island. It links immediately to the Staten Island Railway and local buses. Both terminals are totally accessible and have elevators, so those in wheelchairs or with strollers can easily get about.
There are 10 ferries in the fleet, and they come in different sizes and ages. Some of the newer ones have eco-friendly features such engines that run on renewable diesel. The Ollis-class ferries are the newest type of ferry, and they came out between 2022 and 2023.
These ships can hold more than 4,000 people apiece so don’t worry about not having enough space. Even though the ferries are mostly for commuters, they take you through the harbor in a tranquil and beautiful way, with great views of Governors Island, Ellis Island, and of course, the Statue of Liberty.
One main thing you should know is that the ferry goes by the Statue of Liberty but doesn’t stop at Liberty Island. You can still take great pictures from the deck, especially if you go to the outdoor areas on the starboard (right) side of the ship when you leave Manhattan or the port (left) side when you leave Staten Island. But if you want to see the Statue up close, you’ll have to take a different tour with Statue City Cruises. You can find all info about that in our guide here.
If you want to view the sights on the Staten Island Ferry, try to avoid rush hour when the boats are full of people going to work. These visits can be crowded and not as fun for relaxing viewing. You have to get off the ferry when it gets to the other terminal since you can’t take the same ferry back and forth. But you can get back on the bus for a return ride, which makes the whole round trip take just under an hour.
You may use free Wi-Fi in both ports and on the ferries. There are also lots of places to sit on the ferries. There are NYPD policemen and sometimes K9 units on duty to keep passengers secure, and random screenings are possible. You can’t bring pets on board unless they are service animals, however you can bring bikes on board as long as you enter through the lower-level door.
The Staten Island Ferry has a long and interesting history that goes back to the early 1800s, when small private boats made the trip. It has developed into one of the busiest ferry networks in the world, carrying more than 20 million people per year. There have been some serious mishaps in the past, including as crashes and mechanical failures, but the service has made a lot of safety improvements and is still a safe and reliable aspect of New York’s public transit system.
The Staten Island Ferry is more than simply a way to move from one place to another. It’s a beautiful and unforgettable experience that doesn’t cost anything. A ferry ride is the best way to see New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty without spending any money. It’s great for both first-time visitors and locals who want to relax.
