Is the Staten Island ferry free?

Although the Staten Island Ferry is designed to transport commuters to Manhattan and transports millions of workers every year, it is also one of New York City's popular attractions! Below, we will provide you with all the information you need about the Staten Island ferry free, including ferry schedules, how to get to the terminal, and the best time to depart!

A Brief History of the Free Ferry to Staten Island

Before we dive into the details of riding the Staten Island Ferry, let's take a look at its fascinating history! This ship set out on its maiden voyage in 1817 as a steamship, linking Staten Island with bustling Manhattan. He also supported the small villages that were springing up on the developing Staten Island.

Can you believe that the Staten Island Ferry is still in business more than two centuries later? It has undergone many changes during this time, but its route remains as popular as ever. The Staten Island Ferry carried close to 10 million passengers in 2021 alone, making it the world's busiest passenger-only ferry system.

If you live in Houses in New York then you definitely need to take a ride on this ferry.

How to get to Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan?

To get to the Staten Island ferry free Statue of Liberty Staten Island Terminal in Whitehall, take the 1, R, or W subway lines as they are close to the Whitehall Terminal.

You can get off at Whitehall St. South or Bowling Green stations, which are 4 and 6 minutes away, respectively.

There are also a number of buses, such as the BXM18, M15, M15-SBS, M20, M55, and QM11, that pass close to Whitehall Terminal.

The closest bus stops to Whitehall Terminal are at South Ferry/Terminal and State St & Whitehall St, both just two minutes' walk away.

How to get to St. George Terminal?

To travel to the free ferry ride to Staten Island terminal in Staten Island in St. George, you can take the S74, S76, or S78 buses that stop at the terminal.

Get off at the nearest bus stops, St George Ferry/Ramp B or St George Ferry/S46 and S96, which are just two minutes' walk from the St George terminal.

Why is the Staten Island Ferry free?

In this city where literally everything has a price, the Staten Island Ferry is free. You don't even need to purchase a ticket before boarding the ship. Simply check the Staten Island Ferry schedule, show up at the terminal, and hit the road right away!

Is the Staten Island Ferry free? Yes, that's why you definitely need to ride it, especially if you just moved and live in Coliving in NYC.

How to get the free ferry to Staten Island?

To board the ferry, you first need to get to the Staten Island Terminal and find out the Staten Island free ferry address, which is officially called Whitehall Terminal and is located in the financial district of Lower Manhattan.

The closest subway station is Whitehall Street, which is located next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal. It is recommended that you take time to explore Batari, both before and after your ferry ride. This is a beautiful park overlooking the harbor and an ideal place to relax on a sunny day.

Free ferry Staten Island schedule

When planning your trip, it's important to keep in mind that there are three different Staten Island Ferry schedules that vary depending on the day of the week, whether it's a weekday, weekend, or holiday. If you're visiting Staten Island as a tourist and want to enjoy the best views of the city, it's important to choose your departure time carefully.

First of all, you should avoid traveling during peak hours, which are 7:00-8:45 am and 17:00-18:45 pm, as even boats before and after these hours can be crowded. Traveling earlier in the morning and afternoon may give you the best chance of getting a spot with a great view.

Another popular option is the sunset ferry ride. There is nothing more beautiful than walking past the famous Statue of Liberty as the sky changes colors. Choosing the right Staten Island Ferry departure time is key to making your trip memorable.

Boarding the free ferry New York Staten Island

In the middle of the day, the ferry transforms from an ordinary commuter vessel into a real tourist attraction! You'll immediately notice the changes as the viewing area outwards becomes completely full.

Our advice is to queue at the terminal when departure time approaches so you can be one of the first to board. This way, you can sit on the boat's top deck and enjoy the best views. Staten Island ferry tickets free are completely unnecessary; you can just take the ferry. Traveling from Manhattan to Staten Island takes approximately 25 minutes one way. If your goal is to simply drive to Staten Island and then straight back, you can complete the entire trip in a little over an hour.

Best views from the ferry

Is the Staten Island ferry still free? Which seat should you choose after boarding the boat? As mentioned earlier, your goal is to get to the upper deck of the ship as quickly as possible. Not all ferries are decorated the same on the inside, but you can follow other passengers as they head up the stairs. You'll want to take a seat on the right side of the boat to enjoy views of the world-famous Statue of Liberty.

It is important to remember that the places along the railings fill up very quickly. Once you find the right spot, you'll want to take it and not move around. You may not be able to find another place like it.

If you have moved and live in Coliving, then a ferry ride is one of the most important first excursions you should take.

Ferry ride

The round-trip ride on the Staten Island Ferry is very popular. However, an important point to remember is that upon arrival, you will need to get off your current boat and board the next one.

Just like when setting off, try to be one of the first to get off the boat so you can be the first to get back on the next one. When you return to the Staten Island Ferry terminal, follow the signs to easily return to the ship. After returning to the ferry, head left to enjoy great views of the city. This will give you a slightly different perspective on your way back to Manhattan! When approaching the city, it is recommended to move to the bow of the boat and be sure to have a camera with you to capture the stunning views of downtown Manhattan and the impressive bridges that cross the water.

Staten Island Ferry Schedule

The Free Staten Island Ferry schedule also provides convenience as the ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It is interesting to note that more than 70,000 passengers use the Staten Island Ferry every day.

The Staten Island Ferry schedule is as follows: During peak hours, from 6:00 to 9:00 and from 15:30 to 20:00, the boat departs every 15-20 minutes.

On weekends, passenger traffic is lower, and the ferry runs at intervals of 30 to 60 minutes, as there is no peak load.

Please also note that the Staten Island Ferry operates on a schedule during holidays such as New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

During peak hours, the ferry is often crowded with passengers returning from work, so it is advisable to avoid taking the ferry for leisure purposes during these times. To make it easier to identify these hours, they are highlighted in yellow on the Staten Island Ferry schedule.

When did the Staten Island Ferry become free?

The Staten Island Ferry became free in 1997. Prior to that, it was used to charge a fare for passengers traveling between Staten Island and Manhattan.

Free parking on the Staten Island Ferry

As you know, cars are not allowed on the Free Staten Island Ferry, so it's important to know about the available free parking options near the Staten Island Ferry terminals.

The Staten Island Ferry serves two terminals: Whitehall Terminal and St. George Terminal. There are plenty of options for parking close to both terminals, such as the One New York Plaza garage at 85 Whitehall Street, which is located very close to the terminal.

Other options include the Valet Garage at 51 Beaver Street, the 95 MP Parking Lot at 106 Front Street, and the Battery Parking Garage. Parking costs at these private locations vary widely, ranging from $22 to $65.

In addition to plenty of private parking, St. George Terminal also has NYC DOT municipal parking. Parking here costs $1.50 per hour and $12 per day for periods up to 6 p.m., significantly more affordable than private parking.

If you need to use the free Staten Island Ferry regularly, you might consider parking in the nearby St. George Courthouse garage, which will cost you $70 a month.