How long is the wait for the Staten Island Ferry?

How long is the wait for the Staten Island Ferry? Generally, the ferry runs every 30 minutes during most times of the day, so the wait time can be anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. During peak hours, such as rush hour on weekdays, the wait time may be longer due to increased demand.

Does the Staten Island Ferry serve drinks?

Food and drinks are available at both the St. George and Whitehall terminals, but the boats have not had a vendor in recent years.

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.

What to do after riding the Staten Island Ferry?

What time is rush hour on the Staten Island Ferry?

The Ferry runs 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. More frequent service, (every 15 or 20 minutes,) is provided on the weekdays during the rush hours of 6:00AM – 9:30AM and 3:30PM – 8:00PM, with 30-minute service to follow.

How long is queue for Staten Island Ferry?

You 'queue' at the entrance and when the ferry docks it takes about 10 minutes to empty and another 10 to load. The crossing takes 20 minutes. At Staten island, if you can get off quick you may be able to rush round and get straight on the ferry back. We missed it so had about a 30 minute wait for the next one back.

What is the best time to go on 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.

Which ferry is free in NYC?

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

What is the best ferry to see 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.

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.

Are masks required on Staten Island Ferry?

Effective Sept 8, 2022, masks are now optional for riders throughout the NYC Ferry system. We strongly encourage riders to continue to wear masks while inside the main cabin.

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.

Does Staten Island Ferry run every day?

The Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2022, the Staten Island Ferry's annual on-time performance was 94%. On a typical weekday, five boats make 117 trips, carrying approximately 35,000 passengers. During rush hours, the ferry runs on a four-boat schedule, with 15 minutes between departures.

Is Staten Island Ferry crowded on weekends?

Just try to avoid the rush hour and, yes, it's generally less crowded on weekends. I have taken it at various times of day -- morning, afternoon, sunset, late at night (when it's very romantic)-- and in various types of weather, and I don't know if I have a favorite time to take it, I always enjoy an excuse to ride it.

Is there free parking at the Staten Island Ferry?

Parking. In addition to privately operated lots, there is a NYC DOT Municipal parking lot at St. George Ferry Terminal. The hourly parking rate is $1.50. The daily parking rate is $12.00.

Is Staten Island Ferry bumpy?

Due to the smaller size of the boat, the trip was a bit less smooth than what riders of the Staten Island Ferry have come to expect, with choppy water resulting in a bumpy ride at one point.

Why is Staten Island so popular?

Staten Island is most well-known for its green park spaces, museums and historical buildings. It is often considered the “borough of parks” because of its numerous natural spaces.

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.

Why is there no fee for 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.