the Staten Island Ferry
the Staten Island Ferry
About
The Staten Island Ferry, one of the last operating ferry systems in New York, transported people between Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs long before bridges were introduced. The northern shores of Staten Island were littered with piers, competing ferry companies vied for a place in the busy waters. Today, the Staten Island Ferry provides almost 22 million people with ferry service annually: taking almost 70,000 passengers daily between St George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Manhattan. The ferry is the only non-vehicular mode of transport between Staten Island and Manhattan. The New York City Department of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance of the ten-vessel fleet along with numerous facilities including the St George and Whitehall terminals in Staten Island and Manhattan respectively.
Announcements
- 4 Boat 15 minute rush hour service is back.
- The Staten Island Ferry is a free service provided by the City of New York. Be aware of scammers trying to sell tickets.
Additional Information
LOST & FOUND
The Ferry's Lost and Found Office is open Monday through...
FREE WIFI
Free WiFi services are available in each terminal and also on all...
PETS
Pets, other than service animals as defined by the Americans with...
SECURITY
All passengers are subject to random screening by NYPD and K9...
ACCESSIBILITY
Both terminals are equipped with escalators and elevators...
Ferry Information
history
In The Beginning
interesting facts
Interesting Facts
- In the 1700s, ferry service was provided by private individuals with small twin mast sailboats called per augers. Read More
Passenger Safety
Passenger Rules of Conduct
Bicyclist Rules of Conduct
- Bicyclists are subject to all Passenger Rules of Conduct.
- Bicyclists must board on the lower level at both the St. George and Whitehall Ferry Terminals. Read More
Safety Management System
NPDES Discharge Elimination
FAQ’s & Tips
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. On weekends, service is provided every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the Schedules for more information.
St. George Ferry Terminal is located at 1 Bay Street and is accessible by MTA Busses and the Staten Island Railway (SIR). The Whitehall Ferry Terminal is located at 4 South Street, and is accessible by MTA busses and the Subway. See Getting There for more information.
During rush hour trips the boats are packed with commuters going to or returning home from work. This is not the best time to take a leisurely ride on the ferry. These trips are clearly marked on the schedule with yellow highlighting. Bringing large tourist groups on board during these trips will make it difficult for visitors to enjoy our great city and enjoy the ride. Please plan accordingly.
At the Kiss and Ride drop off for the Staten Island Ferry please pull over to the right when dropping off or picking up passengers. Do not block the lane for other vehicles. Also be aware of all posted speed limits and stop signs. Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks.
Do not stand at the top of the stairways while the ferry is docking. The sea is unforgiving, and a gust of wind can easily push the ferry into the racks. Be proactive about your safety.
When traveling with small children it is advisable to point out the ferry workers to them and tell them to see one of these people if they get separated from you. Also plan to meet at a terminal if you get separated. There are police rooms at each terminal, and this would be a great place to tell your children to wait for you if they do get separated.