Things to do nearStaten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry has carried passengers across New York Harbor since 1817, evolving from steam-powered vessels into the large, diesel-electric orange ferries operating today. The route connects the St. George Terminal on Staten Island with the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, and it remains one of the busiest ferry routes in the United States, serving both daily commuters and visitors.

The crossing delivers some of the most dramatic urban scenery on the East Coast. As the boat clears the terminal, Statue of Liberty comes into clear view to the south, and on the return leg the dense towers of the Financial District rise dramatically from the waterline. Photographers and first-time visitors alike tend to crowd the bow and upper decks for these unobstructed sightlines.

Beyond the ride itself, both terminals sit near worthwhile destinations. On the Manhattan side, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is a short boat ride away, and the streets of the Financial District are minutes on foot. The ferry runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and there is no fare in either direction, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to experience New York Harbor.