Staten Island Ferry trip: is it worth it?

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Staten Island Ferry trip: is it worth it?

Staten Island Ferry trip

Staten Island Ferry trip: is it worth it?

December 11, 2024 New York Info Comments Off

The Staten Island Ferry in New York is a ferry that allows you to make a free crossing to the fifth borough of New York, Staten Island. But is a free Staten Island Ferry crossing worth it? In this blog we will tell you all about that.

The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry in New York was founded in 1817 and was primarily used to transport fish, vegetables and other goods from Manhattan to Staten Island, but it eventually became one of the most popular ferry services in New York City.

How many passengers ride the Staten Island Ferry each year?

More than 15,728,600 passengers ride the Staten Island Ferry every year. And this makes the Staten Island Ferry the busiest ferry route in the United States, and the world’s busiest passenger-only ferry system.

Is a Staten Island Ferry crossing free?

It used to cost 50 cents to cross on the Staten Island Ferry, but since 1997 you can travel back and forth on the ferry for free.

How long does a Staten Island Ferry crossing take?

The 5.3-mile crossing to Staten Island takes about 25 minutes. The return journey to Manhattan also takes 25 minutes. In addition, you should take into account that boarding also takes some extra time if it is very busy.

Is the Staten Island Ferry open 24 hours?

yes, the Staten Island ferry is open 24 hours a day. And every day during peak hours between 6:00 AM and 9:30 AM and between 3:30 PM and 8:00 PM, a ferry runs every 15 to 20 minutes to Staten Island or back to Manhattan. Outside peak hours, a ferry departs every 30 minutes. And during weekends and holidays, the Staten Island ferry also runs every 30 minutes 24 hours a day.

Why is the Staten Island Ferry so special?

The Staten Island Ferry is very popular with tourists because it is a free ferry that runs between Manhattan and Staten Island. And during the crossing you have a beautiful view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty from the ferry. You can also admire the Manhattan skyline for free from the ferry.

How do you take the Staten Island Ferry?

The Staten Island Ferry departs from Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal and sails to Staten Island’s St. George Terminal. A few minutes before the ferry departs, passengers gather at the doors and wait to board. It’s not a very orderly system, but since each ferry can carry about 5,000 people, you really don’t have to worry about not being allowed on board. When boarding, you do not walk forward, but rather stay on the aft deck. From the rear deck you have the most beautiful view of Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

Empire Outlets on Staten Island

If you arrived on Staten Island on the Staten Island Ferry, do not immediately take the next ferry back to Manhattan, but first visit the Empire Outlets on Staten Island. The Empire Outlets on Staten Island is a very large shopping center with many stores of popular designer brands, including the Nike Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory and Nordstrom Rack. You can also grab a bite to eat in the shopping center at Shake Shack or Clinton Hall.

When is the best time to take the Staten Island Ferry?

To enjoy the view from the ferry, it is best to take the Staten Island Ferry outside peak hours, which is between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM and after 8:00 PM in the evening.

Is the Staten Island Ferry a tourist attraction?

No, the Staten Island Ferry is not a tourist attraction! The ferry is used daily by New Yorkers to travel back and forth to and from Staten Island. So if you are going to take a crossing on the Staten Island Ferry, take the local residents into account and do not occupy seats, push and pull or block the aisles.

Is a trip on the Staten Island Ferry worth it?

Yes, taking the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island is definitely worth it. From the ferry you have a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. In addition, a crossing with the Staten Island Ferry is free and the crossing only takes 25 minutes.

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