Most people meet New York from underground. They step off a train, climb the subway stairs and look up at the towers from street level. There is another way in. Seeing New York by ferry puts the whole city in front of you at once: the skyline, the bridges, the harbor and the islands that most visitors never notice. It is slower than the subway, and that is the point. This guide covers the routes worth riding, a one-day plan around the harbor and how to make the most of New York by ferry in any season.
Key Takeaways
- The Staten Island Ferry is free, runs 24 hours a day and crosses the harbor in about 25 minutes.
- NYC Ferry links piers in all five boroughs, with free transfers between its own routes.
- Governors Island is a 172-acre park in the harbor that you can reach only by ferry, now open year-round.
- Ride early in the morning or near sunset for softer light, fewer crowds and the best skyline views.
- Stay near the water so the ferries become part of your daily rhythm, not a special trip.
Why see New York by ferry
The city was built around its water. Long before bridges and tunnels, ferries were how people moved between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey. New York's first ferries date back to the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, and by 1904 there were 147 ferry services running in the city's waters.
Today, a ferry ride is still one of the easiest ways to understand the shape of New York. From the deck, you see how the boroughs fit together, how the rivers meet the harbor and how the skyline changes from one neighborhood to the next. You get fresh air, open space and a view that no rooftop can match.
It is also a gentle way to travel. There are no turnstile crowds, no stairs to climb at every stop and no rush. You find a spot by the rail, watch the water and let the city come to you.
The Staten Island Ferry, the free classic
If you ride only one ferry, make it this one. The Staten Island Ferry runs between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island. The 5.2-mile crossing takes about 25 minutes, and the ride has been fare-free since 1997.
The ferry runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Boats leave every 15 to 20 minutes at busy times and every 30 minutes at other times, so you rarely wait long. It is the busiest ferry route in the United States, carrying more than 16 million riders in 2025, many of them Staten Island commuters.
For visitors, the ride is a harbor tour without a ticket. As the boat pulls away from Manhattan, the towers of the Financial District stack up behind you. Along the way, the Statue of Liberty comes into view on Liberty Island, along with Ellis Island and Governors Island. Find a place by the outside rail for the clearest photos.
Many visitors simply ride over and back. You will need to leave the boat at St. George and board the next departure to Manhattan. If you have time, walk along the Staten Island waterfront before you head back.
NYC Ferry, the city's water network
The Staten Island Ferry is one route. NYC Ferry is a whole network, connecting piers in all five boroughs. Service on each route runs at intervals of 20 to 90 minutes, depending on the season.
The routes link neighborhoods that can be slow to reach by subway. The East River route stops along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts. Other routes reach Astoria, Bay Ridge, the Lower East Side, Soundview and the Rockaways, where city beaches draw crowds in summer. A route to St. George on Staten Island opened in 2021.
NYC Ferry sells single-ride and multi-ride tickets, and transfers between its own routes are free. There is no free transfer to the subway or buses, so plan your day with that in mind. Check the current schedule before you set out, since times change with the seasons.
Governors Island, a park in the harbor
Just south of Lower Manhattan sits one of the city's most peaceful places. Governors Island is a 172-acre island in New York Harbor, about 800 yards from Manhattan, and you can reach it only by ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn.
For more than two centuries, the island was a military post. It was an Army base from 1783 to 1966, then a Coast Guard station until 1996. It opened to the public in 2005, and since 2021 it has been open year-round instead of only in summer.
Today, most of the island is a public park. The National Park Service runs the Governors Island National Monument at the north end, including the old forts called Fort Jay and Castle Williams. The rest of the island offers lawns, paths, historic buildings, free arts and cultural events and some of the most open harbor views in the city.
A one-day ferry route around the harbor
You can see a great deal of New York by ferry in a single day. Here is a simple plan that keeps the pace relaxed.
- Start early with a round trip on the Staten Island Ferry, when the morning light falls on the harbor and the boats are full of commuters, not sightseers.
- Back in Lower Manhattan, walk to the Governors Island ferry and spend the late morning and lunch on the island.
- In the afternoon, return to Manhattan or Brooklyn and pick up an NYC Ferry route along the East River.
- Time your last ride for sunset, when the skyline lights up and the bridges glow above the water.
Bring a light jacket even in summer. The wind on the water can feel much cooler than the streets.
Tips for riding the ferries like a local
A few habits make every crossing better.
- Board early and head for the outside deck or a window seat on the side facing the skyline.
- Ride outside rush hour when you can, since commuters fill the boats on weekday mornings and evenings.
- Keep your camera ready as you leave the pier, when the best views often appear first.
- Check the weather before you go, since fog can hide the skyline and rough water can slow the ride.
- Carry water and a snack, especially for longer NYC Ferry routes.
When to ride
There is no wrong season for New York by ferry, only different moods. Summer brings long evenings, beach days in the Rockaways and busy decks. Fall offers crisp air and clear views. Winter rides are cold on the outside deck, but the harbor feels quieter and the low light can be beautiful.
Spring is a favorite for many visitors. The weather softens, the parks turn green and Governors Island starts to fill with events and visitors again.
Sleep Close to the Water
The easiest way to enjoy the ferries is to stay near them. A hotel close to the Lower Manhattan waterfront puts the Staten Island Ferry and the Governors Island ferry a short walk away. A base on the Brooklyn side gives you skyline views across the river and quick access to the East River route.
For a stay that matches the views, look for 5-star luxury hotels in NYC with rooms that face the water. Ask for a high floor facing the harbor or the river. Waking up to boats crossing below is a fine way to start a day on the water.
Let the Harbor Set the Pace
New York moves fast, but its ferries do not. Ride the free crossing to Staten Island, spend an afternoon on Governors Island and end the day on the East River as the lights come on. You will see the city the way its first residents did, from the water, and you will understand it a little better.
FAQs about New York by ferry
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes. The Staten Island Ferry has been fare-free since 1997. It runs 24 hours a day between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island and takes about 25 minutes each way.
Can you see the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry?
Yes. The ferry crosses New York Harbor, and the statue comes into view along the way. Stand by the outside rail for the clearest look and photos.
Where does NYC Ferry go?
NYC Ferry links waterfront neighborhoods in all five boroughs, including Astoria, Bay Ridge, the Rockaways and St. George on Staten Island. Check the current route map before you ride, since routes change.
Can I transfer from NYC Ferry to the subway for free?
No. NYC Ferry offers free transfers between its own routes, but not to the subway or city buses. Plan your fares with that in mind.
How do you get to Governors Island?
Governors Island can be reached only by ferry, from Manhattan or Brooklyn. The island has been open to the public year-round since 2021.
What is there to do on Governors Island?
You can walk or relax in the public park, visit the old forts at the national monument, enjoy free arts and cultural events and take in wide harbor views.
When is the right time of day to ride a ferry in New York?
Early morning and sunset bring softer light and calmer decks. Midday rides work well too, but weekday rush hours fill the boats with commuters.
Is a ferry ride worth it in winter?
Yes, if you dress warmly. The outside deck is cold, but the harbor is quieter, the light can be beautiful and the skyline views are just as striking.