Riding the Staten Island Ferry
Whitehall Terminal to St. George
- Staten Island Ferry
Quick answer: The Staten Island Ferry runs 24 hours a day between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island. There's no fare and no ticket. Boats leave every 15 to 20 minutes in weekday rush hours and every 30 minutes otherwise, and the ride takes about 25 minutes.
The basics
- No fare. There's no ticket to buy. Ignore anyone trying to sell you one.
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, between Whitehall Terminal (4 South Street, Manhattan) and St. George Terminal (Staten Island).
- About 25 minutes each way.
Source: Staten Island Ferry; NYC DOT: Staten Island Ferry.
Getting to Whitehall Terminal
- 1 to South Ferry, next to the terminal. About 18 minutes from Times Sq-42 St. Step-free.
- R or W to Whitehall St-South Ferry.
- 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, a short walk away. Step-free.
Source: MTA published subway and bus schedules (fall 2026); MTA station accessibility data (data.ny.gov).
How often it sails
On weekdays, boats leave every 15 to 20 minutes in rush hours (6 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 8 p.m.), and every 30 minutes the rest of the day and night.
Source: Staten Island Ferry.
The Statue of Liberty view
The ferry passes the Statue of Liberty on the way to Staten Island, but it doesn't stop there. To set foot on Liberty Island, you need the Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery Park, which is a separate trip with tickets.
Source: Staten Island Ferry; Statue City Cruises: FAQ.
Access, bikes and pets
- Step-free: both terminals have elevators and escalators. Riders using wheelchairs or other mobility devices board on the lower level, no paperwork needed.
- Bikes: allowed. Walk your bike and board on the lower level.
- Pets: only if caged or muzzled. Service animals are welcome.
Source: NYC DOT: Staten Island Ferry traveler information; NYC DOT: Staten Island Ferry rules; NYC Ferry: FAQ.
Staten Island Ferry: common questions
Is the Staten Island Ferry free?
Yes. There's no fare and no ticket.
Does the Staten Island Ferry run 24 hours?
Yes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Outside weekday rush hours, boats leave about every 30 minutes.
How long is the Staten Island Ferry ride?
About 25 minutes each way.
Does the Staten Island Ferry stop at the Statue of Liberty?
No. It passes the Statue for a view. To visit Liberty Island, take Statue City Cruises from Battery Park.
Is the Staten Island Ferry wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Both terminals have elevators and escalators, and riders using wheelchairs board on the lower level.
Official sources
Cobblehop is independent and isn't affiliated with these agencies or operators. Check their pages for the latest schedules and service changes:
- Staten Island Ferry
- NYC DOT: Staten Island Ferry
- NYC DOT: Staten Island Ferry traveler information
- Statue City Cruises: FAQ
- MTA: published schedules (GTFS)
Published November 7, 2026. Ferry details were checked against NYC DOT's Staten Island Ferry pages in November 2026, and ride times against the published schedules for fall 2026. Service changes, so check Cobblehop for live times before you go.
Plan your trip in Cobblehop. Say where you're going and get one clear route, a leave-in countdown and a buzz before your stop.
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