Can you just ride the Staten Island Ferry?

Can you just ride the Staten Island Ferry? It's FREE and you can either get off and spend some time on Staten Island, or simply disembark, walk around and get back on the ferry returning to Manhattan. It is about an hour round-trip.

Why is there no fare on the Staten Island Ferry?

Eliminating the ferry fare was seen as an action to standardize Staten Islanders' MetroCard fares with those of commuters in other boroughs. Despite the fact that the ferry fare had netted $6 million in annual revenue for the city, its abolition only cost the city about $1 million.

Which side of Staten Island Ferry to sit on?

If you're getting on from the Manhattan side, go to the right (starboard) side of the boat for the best view of the Statue of Liberty. From the Staten Island side, go to the left (port). The ride is 25 minutes each way with boats departing every 30 minutes on either side on weekends.

How do you pay for the Staten Island train?

Fares – All MTA New York City Transit trains (subways and Staten Island Railway) and local buses (including Limited-Stop and +SelectBusService buses at MetroCard® fare collection machines) accept MetroCard. MetroCard® may be purchased at vending machines located at St George terminal and at Tompkinsville station.

Does the Staten Island Ferry stop at Ellis Island?

The Staten Island Ferry does not dock at Liberty Island or Ellis Island but passes both and affords spectacular views from a harbor perspective. So, here's the rub. If you're dead set on visiting and climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty then the cruise option is for you as there's no other way to do it.

What is the best time to ride the Staten Island Ferry?

First off, avoid traveling at or around the commuter rush hours of 7:00 to 8:45 am and 5:00 to 6:45 pm! Even the boats right before and after these times are often very busy. Traveling in the late morning and early afternoon is your best chance to get a boat that isn't overly packed.

Can you ride the Staten Island Ferry back and forth?

The ferry rides each way are approximately 25-30 minutes. You must get off at the Staten Island side and you can join the queue to take the same ferry back to Manhattan, so it is possible to spend an hour on the ride back and forth.

Can you go to Statue of Liberty without a tour?

You don't need a ticket to enter the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, but you do need a ticket to ride the ferry to get there. Here's a very important part: the vendor authorized to sell tickets to Liberty and Ellis Islands is City Experiences.

Do you need MetroCard for Staten Island Ferry?

Using MetroCard fare cards, passengers from Manhattan can exit a subway or bus on Whitehall Street, take the ferry for free, and have a free second transfer to a train or bus at St. George. Conversely, passengers from Staten Island can freely transfer to a subway or bus in Manhattan after riding the ferry.

Can I see the Statue of Liberty without a tour?

Take The NYC Ferry See the schedule here. If you are on the west side of Manhattan (near West 39th Street) or Battery Park City, this ferry is a great option to see Lady Liberty. If you want to do more sightseeing in Lower Manhattan, just take the free Statue of Liberty ferry back to Battery Park City!

How to go to Staten Island for free?

NYC DOT operates the Staten Island Ferry, providing free service between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan every day of the week, year-round.

Can you just stay on the Staten Island Ferry?

Once arriving in St. George terminal, the ferry docks and all passengers have to exit the ferry. So you can't stay on it. If you want to take a full round-trip, walk through the terminal to the departure gates on the Staten Island side, and you can board the next ferry back to Manhattan.

Is it worth going to Staten Island?

Staten Island is worth visiting if one has the time in New York City; a 10-day itinerary for NYC is enough time to see all five boroughs. But if one only has a weekend in NYC, and it's one's first time in the Big Apple, then perhaps one is best focusing on the key highlights in Manhattan.

How to get to Statue of Liberty for free?

Take the Staten Island Ferry If you want to see the Statue of Liberty for free, this is the best way to do it. This public ferry will take you to the borough of Staten Island, passing by the Statue of Liberty along the way. To get there, head to the Staten Island Ferry terminal next to Battery Park.

Do you need tickets for the Staten Island Ferry?

Route Information The Ferry operates between the St. George Terminal on Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The trip is about 25 minutes. The Ferry ride is free.

How much does it cost to ride the Staten Island Ferry?

Route Information The trip is about 25 minutes. The Ferry ride is free. All passengers are required to comply with applicable U.S. Coast Guard Security Regulations regardless of which level they board from. The Staten Island Ferry does not carry cars.

Is it worth taking ferry to Statue of Liberty?

Taking the ferry to the Statue of Liberty is an absolute must! Not only does it offer unparalleled views and incredible experiences - it's also a great opportunity for some iconic pictures with Lady Liberty herself! Don't forget your camera – this is an experience not soon forgotten!

Which ferry is best for the Statue of Liberty?

Staten Island Ferry The Staten Island Ferry is a free transportation service provided between Manhattan and Staten Island. Each boat is quite large, carrying over 4,000 people. But the route across New York harbor takes you directly in front of the statue.

How long is Staten Island Ferry ride to Statue of Liberty?

More than a means of transportation, the Staten Island Ferry is an attraction unto itself. For no charge, visitors can take a 25-minute voyage by...

Do you have to pay for the ferry to get to the Statue of Liberty?

Entrance Passes The cost of the ferry ticket is not an entrance fee but a transportation fee. There is no additional charge to visit the museum on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. General Admission tickets are our most widely available ticket.

Can you see Statue of Liberty from Staten Island Ferry?

Staten Island Ferry Since the service is completely free, this is a great option for viewing the Statue of Liberty up close. The ferry route brings you directly across New York Harbor and right by the statue and Ellis Island. Pros: Of all the free options, the ferry has the best and closest view of the statue.

What is the only way to visit the Statue of Liberty in New York?

To get to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty you'll need to purchase a ferry ticket through our partners at Statue Cruises. The only merchant authorized to bring passengers to the islands, Statue Cruises' tickets give you access to ferries, the grounds, the museums, and audio guides.