Cruising the Harbor: The Staten Island Ferry
Welcome aboard one of the most iconic and budget-friendly attractions in New York City. The Staten Island Ferry offers passengers breathtaking views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the bustling New York Harbor. Best of all, it provides a perfect, stress-free family activity for Chol Hamoed.
What to Know Before You Go
- 100% Free to Ride: You absolutely never need to purchase a ticket to board the Staten Island Ferry. Simply walk right into the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and board the next departing boat.
- The Turnaround Rule: The ferry provides point-to-point transportation, not a continuous loop. Therefore, once you arrive at the St. George Terminal in Staten Island, all passengers must disembark the vessel. You must briefly exit into the terminal and re-enter through the waiting room doors to catch the return trip back to Manhattan.
- Empire Outlets: Instead of immediately rushing back, take some time to explore the Empire Outlets. You will find this massive outdoor shopping center located just steps from the St. George ferry terminal. Families love strolling through the open-air walkways, grabbing a bite to eat, and scoring great outlet deals right on the waterfront.
- Alternative Return Route: If you want a completely different view on the way back, consider taking the NYC Ferry instead. You can catch the St. George route directly from Staten Island, which drops passengers off at Battery Park City or Midtown West near Hudson Yards. Keep in mind, unlike the Staten Island Ferry, the NYC Ferry is not free and requires a paid ticket to ride.
- Subway Accessible: Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, the ferry is within close walking distance to the 4/5 Bowling Green Subway station, the R/W Whitehall St Station and right outside the 1 South Ferry Station
