Staten Island Ferry Schedule & Guide 2025

The Staten Island Ferry stands as New York City's most beloved free transportation service, carrying over 75,000 passengers daily between Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal and Staten Island's St. George Terminal. For travelers seeking an alternative to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the ferry offers spectacular harbor views, Statue of Liberty sightings, and a completely cost-free journey across New York Harbor.

🚢 Current Ferry Schedule 2025

Daily Service Hours

Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Crossing Time: 25 minutes each direction

Cost: FREE for all passengers, vehicles, and bicycles

Weekday Schedule (Monday-Friday)

Weekend Schedule (Saturday & Sunday)

Daytime (6:00 AM - 10:00 PM): Every 30 minutes

Overnight (10:00 PM - 6:00 AM): Every 60 minutes

🚗 Alternative to Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

When to Choose Ferry vs Bridge

Choose Staten Island Ferry When:

• Cost Savings: Ferry is free vs $10.17 Verrazano Bridge toll
• Tourist Experience: Spectacular harbor views and Statue of Liberty sights
• Traffic Avoidance: Bridge traffic delays during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM)
• No Vehicle Needed: Walking passengers and cyclists welcome
• Weather Events: When high winds restrict bridge access for high-profile vehicles

Choose Verrazano-Narrows Bridge When:

• Speed Priority: 10-minute crossing vs 25-minute ferry + waiting time
• Direct Brooklyn Access: Ferry only connects Manhattan and Staten Island
• Flexible Timing: Bridge available 24/7 without schedule constraints
• Staten Island Resident: Discounted toll of $2.75 vs standard $10.17

📍 Ferry Terminal Locations

Whitehall Terminal (Manhattan)

Address: 4 Whitehall Street, New York, NY 10004

Nearest Subway: R/W at Whitehall-South Ferry, 1 at South Ferry, 4/5/6 at Bowling Green

Parking: Limited street parking, nearby garages available

Amenities: Waiting areas, restrooms, food vendors, taxi/ride-share pickup

St. George Terminal (Staten Island)

Address: 1 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

Transit Connections: Staten Island Railway, SIR buses, Staten Island Bus Terminal

Parking: St. George Ferry Terminal Parking Garage ($8-12 daily rates)

Amenities: Shops, restaurants, Staten Island September 11 Memorial

🎯 Tourist Guide & Sightseeing Tips

Best Views During the Journey

Statue of Liberty: Best views from the right side (starboard) when traveling from Manhattan to Staten Island. The ferry passes within 600 yards of Liberty Island, offering excellent photo opportunities without the crowds of dedicated statue tours.

Manhattan Skyline: Spectacular views from the left side (port) when traveling Staten Island to Manhattan. The Financial District skyline creates a dramatic backdrop, particularly beautiful during sunset hours.

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge: Visible in the distance during clear weather, showcasing the massive suspension bridge that connects Brooklyn and Staten Island. The ferry offers a unique perspective of the bridge from the water.

Photography Tips

Golden Hour: Best lighting occurs 1 hour before sunset for warm, dramatic photos of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty.

Deck Position: Outdoor decks provide unobstructed views, but arrive early during peak tourist seasons (June-August) to secure prime spots.

Weather Considerations: Clear days offer 20+ mile visibility including the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, but foggy conditions can create mysterious, atmospheric shots.

💡 Money-Saving Travel Tips

Cost Comparison Analysis

Daily Commuter Savings:

• Verrazano Bridge: $10.17 x 2 trips = $20.34 daily (standard rate)
• Staten Island Ferry: $0.00 + Manhattan parking (~$25-40 daily)
• Net Savings: Ferry saves $10-20 daily for Staten Island residents working in Manhattan

Tourist Budget Benefits

Free Harbor Tour Alternative: The Staten Island Ferry provides essentially the same harbor views as paid sightseeing cruises that cost $25-40 per person, making it perfect for budget-conscious tourists or families.

Round-Trip Strategy: Many tourists take the ferry to Staten Island just for the views and immediately return to Manhattan, creating a free 50-minute harbor cruise experience.

🚌 Transportation Connections

From Whitehall Terminal (Manhattan)

Subway Access:

• R/W Train: Whitehall-South Ferry station (2-minute walk)
• 1 Train: South Ferry station (5-minute walk)
• 4/5/6 Express: Bowling Green station (7-minute walk)
• J/Z: Broad Street station (10-minute walk)

Bus Routes: M5, M15, M20 buses serve the area with connections throughout Manhattan

From St. George Terminal (Staten Island)

Staten Island Railway (SIR): Direct connection to all Staten Island neighborhoods

Staten Island Bus: Over 50 bus routes connect throughout Staten Island

Express Bus to Manhattan: X1, X10, X17 express buses to Manhattan (additional fare required)

⚠️ Service Alerts & Updates

Real-Time Information

Official Website: siferry.com for current schedules and service alerts

Phone Updates: Call 311 (within NYC) for real-time ferry status

Social Media: @NYCDOTFerry on Twitter for immediate service disruptions

Weather-Related Delays

High Winds: Service may be suspended when winds exceed 35 mph for passenger safety

Fog Conditions: Reduced visibility may cause delays or temporary suspensions

Winter Weather: Ice conditions rarely affect service, but severe storms may cause delays

🚲 Bicycle & Vehicle Information

Bicycles on Ferry

Cost: FREE for bicycles and cyclists

Boarding: Cyclists board first and disembark last for safety

Storage: Designated bicycle areas on each ferry

Rules: Must walk bicycles on and off, no riding on ferry decks

Vehicles (Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks)

Availability: Vehicle transport discontinued in 2021 due to security concerns

Alternatives: Vehicles must use Verrazano-Narrows Bridge or other Staten Island crossings

Parking: Vehicle parking available at both terminals for foot passengers

🏛️ Historical Significance

Ferry Service History

Origins: Ferry service between Staten Island and Manhattan dates back to 1713, making it one of America's oldest continuously operating ferry services.

Municipal Operation: The City of New York has operated the service since 1905, maintaining its status as the last free municipal ferry service in the United States.

Fleet Evolution: Current fleet includes three Barberi-class ferries and five Molinari-class ferries, each capable of carrying 4,400-6,000 passengers.

Connection to Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

Complementary Services: The ferry and bridge serve different transportation needs, with the ferry providing free access for pedestrians and the bridge enabling direct vehicle traffic between Brooklyn and Staten Island.

Shared Harbor: Both the ferry route and the bridge span the same historic waters first navigated by Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524, connecting modern New York to its exploration heritage.

📱 Mobile Apps & Technology

Helpful Apps

NYC Ferry App: Real-time departure information and service alerts

Citymapper: Integrated ferry schedules with subway and bus connections

Google Maps: Live ferry departures and estimated arrival times

Transit: Comprehensive NYC public transportation including ferry schedules

WiFi & Amenities

Free WiFi: Available on all ferries for passenger use during crossing

Food Service: Concession stands available on most ferries with snacks, drinks, and NYC souvenirs

Climate Control: Indoor seating areas with heating and air conditioning

Accessibility: All ferries ADA compliant with elevator access and designated seating

🎉 Seasonal Events & Special Experiences

Holiday Season (December-January)

New Year's Eve: The ferry offers spectacular views of Manhattan's fireworks displays, providing a free alternative to crowded harbor cruises costing $100+ per person. The outdoor decks become prime viewing areas for celebrations.

Winter Photography: Snow-covered Manhattan skyline creates dramatic contrast with harbor waters, making winter ferry rides particularly photogenic for social media and holiday cards.

Summer Tourist Season (June-August)

Peak Crowds: Expect full capacity during peak summer hours (10 AM - 4 PM). Arrive 15-20 minutes early for best outdoor deck positions and Statue of Liberty photo opportunities.

Harbor Festivals: Fleet Week (May), Fourth of July fireworks, and summer concerts create additional ferry traffic but also enhanced harbor activity for photography.

NYC Marathon Connection (November)

Alternative Transportation: During NYC Marathon weekend when the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge closes to vehicle traffic, the Staten Island Ferry becomes the primary connection between Staten Island and Manhattan, carrying 85,000+ passengers daily.

Runner Transportation: Many marathon participants and spectators use the ferry as their primary transportation method, creating a unique community atmosphere on race weekend.

🌉 Ferry vs. Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Comparison

Cost Analysis 2025

Unique Advantages of Ferry Service

Tourist Experience: The ferry provides unparalleled harbor views that vehicle travelers on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge cannot experience, including close-up Statue of Liberty sightings and 360-degree Manhattan skyline perspectives.

Weather Independence: Unlike the bridge, which can close during severe weather conditions, the ferry operates in most weather conditions, providing reliable harbor transportation.

Environmental Benefits: Carries 6,000 passengers per trip versus individual vehicle crossings, making it one of NYC's most environmentally efficient transportation options.

🏗️ Future Developments & Improvements

Terminal Upgrades 2025-2026

Whitehall Terminal Renovation: $715 million renovation project includes expanded waiting areas, improved accessibility, and enhanced dining options, scheduled for completion in 2026.

St. George Terminal Improvements: $50 million upgrade focusing on transportation connections and passenger amenities, integrating better with Staten Island Railway and bus services.

Fleet Modernization

New Vessels: Three new Staten Island-class ferries scheduled for delivery 2025-2027, featuring improved fuel efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort, and better weather protection for outdoor viewing areas.

Capacity Increases: New ferries will carry 4,500 passengers each, helping accommodate growing tourism demand while maintaining free service.

Whether you're a daily commuter seeking a cost-effective alternative to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, a tourist wanting spectacular harbor views, or a cyclist needing free transportation between Manhattan and Staten Island, the Staten Island Ferry provides reliable, scenic, and completely free service across New York Harbor. With its frequent departures, year-round operation, and ongoing improvements, the ferry remains one of New York City's most practical and beloved transportation services, offering experiences that no toll bridge can match.