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Staten Island Ferry

A free commuter ferry from the tip of Manhattan that sails past the Statue of Liberty, with great harbor and skyline views. Ride over and straight back.

Schedules →

Photo: InSapphoWeTrust · CC BY-SA 2.0

Open: Runs around the clock, every day
Price: Free
Time needed: 1 hour
Best time: Late afternoon for the light on the statue, or after dark for the skyline.
Address: Whitehall Terminal, 4 South St, New York, NY 10004Google Maps Apple Maps
Getting there: Whitehall Terminal at the tip of Manhattan: South Ferry (1), Whitehall St (R, W) or Bowling Green (4, 5).
Accessibility: Terminals and boats are accessible.
On site: Restrooms on board and in the terminals.

Why go

The orange commuter ferry has carried passengers between Manhattan and Staten Island for over a century, and it has been free since 1997. The 25-minute crossing passes close to the Statue of Liberty and gives a sweeping view of the Lower Manhattan skyline on the way back.

Tips

Stand on the right side of the boat going out for the best view of the statue.
Everyone has to get off at St. George; follow the signs to reboard the next boat back.