Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is the best free thing in New York, and one of the best views. The orange boats shuttle commuters across New York Harbor between Whitehall Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island, a trip of about five miles that takes roughly twenty-five minutes each way. There is no charge for passengers, and the ferry runs around the clock every day of the year, so you can ride at sunrise, noon, sunset or after midnight. The ride passes close to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, offers sweeping views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and Governors Island, and is an authentic New York experience, because the boat is a commuter service shared with locals going to work. Take a seat on the outer decks, bring a camera and enjoy the harbor.

How it works is simple. Walk into Whitehall Terminal, near the South Ferry subway station, follow the signs for the Staten Island Ferry and board when the gate opens. Boats run roughly every half hour most of the day and more frequently during rush hours, and the schedule is published on the city transportation department's site. On arrival at St.

George Terminal, passengers must disembark and walk through the terminal before boarding a return boat, and many visitors simply ride out and straight back, which takes about an hour in total. The right side of the boat when leaving Manhattan generally offers the better view of the Statue of Liberty, though the boats are big and mobile, so it pays to walk around the decks.

The ferry is an excellent choice for sunset and for the evening skyline, when Lower Manhattan lights come on and the harbor glows. Summer weekends can be crowded, so go early or late for room on the rails. In cold weather the decks are windy, so dress warmly, and the indoor cabins offer a refuge.

The ferry carries millions of passengers a year, and boats are accessible and have restrooms and a snack bar. Bicycles can be carried, and vehicles are no longer carried. The voyage is not a tour, so there is no narration, but the sights are well known and a quick look at a map beforehand will help you identify them.

Combine it with Lower Manhattan. Whitehall Terminal is next to Battery Park, from which you can walk to the Statue of Liberty ferries, the 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street. St. George has a minor-league ballpark and a growing waterfront if you want to explore, but most visitors return straight away.

For a more guided harbor experience, the Circle Line and the harbor cruise provide commentary and closer approaches to the Statue; the ferry is the economical, authentic alternative. Anyone on a budget or short on time should ride it at least once, ideally at golden hour with the skyline glowing behind.

For the best experience, check the schedule for sunset times and arrive at Whitehall Terminal about fifteen minutes before your chosen departure, because the boats fill during rush hours. Bring a jacket in all seasons since the harbor breeze is strong, and keep your camera strap secure on the open decks. If you want a snack, the terminal has small food counters, and the boat has a modest snack bar, but a coffee from Battery Park is a pleasant extra before boarding.