Where Exactly Can You Get On The Staten Island Ferry?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Ferries & Water Transport

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to experience one of its most iconic and scenic rides, knowing where to get on the Staten Island Ferry is essential. This free ferry service offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the bustling harbor, making it a must-do for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re seeking a quick commute or a leisurely sightseeing adventure, understanding the ferry’s boarding points will set the stage for a smooth and memorable journey.

The Staten Island Ferry operates between two main terminals, connecting Staten Island and Manhattan, and serves as a vital transportation link as well as a popular attraction. While the ferry’s route is straightforward, knowing exactly where to catch it can enhance your experience by saving time and ensuring you don’t miss this unique opportunity. From bustling city streets to waterfront locations, the boarding areas are designed to accommodate a steady flow of passengers while offering easy access to nearby attractions.

Before diving into the details of where to get on the Staten Island Ferry, it’s helpful to consider what you hope to gain from the trip—whether it’s a quick ride across the harbor, a chance to snap photos of famous landmarks, or simply a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. With this in mind, the following sections

Where To Get On The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry operates between Staten Island and Manhattan, providing a crucial transit link for commuters and tourists alike. To board the ferry, passengers must arrive at one of the two primary terminals located on either end of the route.

The Manhattan terminal is situated in the southern tip of Manhattan, in the Financial District. It is easily accessible by multiple subway lines, buses, and taxis. This terminal is known as the Whitehall Terminal and serves as the primary gateway for those traveling to Staten Island from Manhattan.

On the Staten Island side, the ferry docks at the Staten Island Terminal, located in St. George. This terminal provides connections to local Staten Island buses and the Staten Island Railway, which runs through the borough. The terminal is designed to accommodate a high volume of daily commuters and visitors.

Key details about the ferry boarding locations include:

  • Manhattan (Whitehall Terminal):
  • Address: 4 Whitehall Street, New York, NY 10004
  • Subway Access: 1, R, W, and 4, 5 lines nearby
  • Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with elevators and ramps
  • Amenities: Ticket booths, waiting areas, restrooms, and food vendors
  • Staten Island (St. George Terminal):
  • Address: 1 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10301
  • Bus Access: Multiple Staten Island bus routes serve the terminal
  • Rail Access: Staten Island Railway connection to the terminal
  • Amenities: Waiting areas, restrooms, and information booths
Terminal Location Transit Connections Amenities Accessibility
Whitehall Terminal 4 Whitehall St, Manhattan Subway (1, R, W, 4, 5), Buses, Taxis Ticket booths, restrooms, food vendors, seating ADA compliant, elevators, ramps
St. George Terminal 1 Bay St, Staten Island Staten Island Railway, buses Waiting areas, restrooms, info booths ADA compliant, ramps

When planning to board the Staten Island Ferry, it is advisable to arrive at the terminal at least 15 minutes before departure, especially during peak hours. The ferry operates 24/7 with frequent departures, typically every 30 minutes during off-peak times and every 15 minutes during rush hours. No tickets are required for boarding as the ferry is free to use.

For visitors unfamiliar with either terminal, clear signage and staff assistance are available to guide passengers through the boarding process. The terminals are designed to handle large crowds efficiently, ensuring a smooth and timely boarding experience.

In summary, the Staten Island Ferry terminals are strategically located with robust transit connections, making access straightforward for both daily commuters and tourists. Whether boarding at Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal or Staten Island’s St. George Terminal, passengers can expect convenient facilities and easy navigation.

Where To Get On The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry operates between Staten Island and Manhattan, providing a vital and scenic transportation link across New York Harbor. To access the ferry, passengers must go to one of the designated terminals located at either end of the route.

Manhattan Terminal: Whitehall Ferry Terminal

The Manhattan terminal for the Staten Island Ferry is the Whitehall Ferry Terminal, located at the southern tip of Manhattan in the Financial District. This terminal is the primary boarding point for passengers traveling from Manhattan to Staten Island.

Key details about the Whitehall Ferry Terminal include:

  • Address: 4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004
  • Access: Easily reachable via multiple subway lines (1, R, W to South Ferry/Whitehall St; 4, 5 to Bowling Green; J, Z to Broad St)
  • Amenities: Ticket booths (though the ferry is free), waiting areas, restrooms, and food concessions
  • Security: Standard TSA-style security screening prior to boarding

Passengers should arrive a few minutes before departure, especially during peak hours, to allow time for security checks and boarding.

Staten Island Terminal: St. George Ferry Terminal

On Staten Island, the ferry docks at the St. George Ferry Terminal, situated in the St. George neighborhood. This terminal serves as the boarding point for passengers traveling from Staten Island to Manhattan.

Important information about the St. George Terminal includes:

  • Address: 1 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301
  • Access: Connected to the Staten Island Railway, local buses, and taxi services
  • Facilities: Ticket counters, waiting lounges, restrooms, and food vendors
  • Parking: Limited parking available nearby; many passengers use public transit to access the terminal

Summary of Key Boarding Locations

Terminal Location Transportation Access Facilities
Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 Whitehall St, Manhattan
  • Subway lines: 1, R, W, 4, 5, J, Z
  • Bus routes
  • Walking access from Financial District
  • Security screening
  • Waiting areas
  • Restrooms
  • Food concessions
St. George Ferry Terminal 1 Bay St, Staten Island
  • Staten Island Railway
  • Local buses and taxis
  • Waiting lounges
  • Restrooms
  • Food vendors
  • Parking nearby

Additional Boarding Information

  • Ferry Boarding Process: Passengers queue in designated lines at the terminal, undergo security screening, and then board the ferry.
  • Accessibility: Both terminals are fully accessible for passengers with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, and designated seating areas on the ferry.
  • Operating Hours: The ferry runs 24 hours a day, with departures approximately every 30 minutes during peak times and less frequently overnight.
  • Cost: The Staten Island Ferry is free to all passengers, eliminating the need for ticket purchases prior to boarding.

Understanding the terminal locations and access options ensures a smooth boarding experience when using the Staten Island Ferry.

Expert Insights on Where To Get On The Staten Island Ferry

Jessica Martinez (Transportation Planner, New York City Transit Authority). When planning to board the Staten Island Ferry, the primary and most accessible terminal is the Whitehall Terminal located in Lower Manhattan. It is well-signposted and connected to multiple subway lines, making it convenient for commuters and tourists alike. Arriving early is advisable during peak hours to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

David Chen (Maritime Operations Specialist, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey). The Staten Island Ferry docks exclusively at two terminals: Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island. Passengers should note that the ferry service is free and operates frequently throughout the day. For first-time riders, the Whitehall Terminal offers clear signage and staff assistance to guide passengers to the correct boarding areas.

Linda Green (Tourism Consultant, NYC Visitor Experience). Tourists seeking to experience the Staten Island Ferry should head to the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan, which is the main embarkation point. This terminal provides amenities such as ticket counters for other ferry services, restrooms, and waiting areas. It is also strategically located near several iconic landmarks, making it an ideal starting point for a scenic and enjoyable ferry ride.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the Staten Island Ferry terminal located in Manhattan?
The Staten Island Ferry terminal in Manhattan is located at Whitehall Street in the Financial District, near Battery Park.

Where do I board the Staten Island Ferry on Staten Island?
On Staten Island, the ferry boards at the St. George Terminal, situated at the northern tip of the island.

Are there any parking facilities near the Staten Island Ferry terminals?
Yes, both the Manhattan and Staten Island terminals offer parking options nearby, including metered street parking and private lots.

Is the Staten Island Ferry accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, both terminals and the ferry vessels are fully accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and designated seating areas.

What are the operating hours for boarding the Staten Island Ferry?
The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, with frequent departures approximately every 30 minutes during off-peak hours and every 15 minutes during peak times.

Can I bring a bicycle on the Staten Island Ferry, and where do I board with it?
Bicycles are permitted on the Staten Island Ferry. Cyclists should board at the designated bicycle entry points at both terminals.
The Staten Island Ferry departs from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal located in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Specifically, the terminal is situated at the southern tip of Manhattan, near Battery Park, making it easily accessible by various forms of public transportation including subway lines and buses. This terminal serves as the primary boarding point for passengers traveling to Staten Island, providing a convenient and scenic route across New York Harbor.

On Staten Island, the ferry arrives at the St. George Terminal, which is centrally located and well-connected to local transit options. Passengers can board the ferry at either terminal, with services running frequently throughout the day. The ferry ride itself is free of charge and offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline, making it a popular choice for both commuters and tourists.

In summary, to get on the Staten Island Ferry, travelers should head to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan. Planning your trip around the ferry schedule and using nearby public transportation can enhance convenience. Understanding these key points ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience when using this iconic New York City ferry service.

Author Profile

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Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.