Paula from New York

About me I'm a native New Yorker and a flight attendant for an international airline. My work takes me all over the world, but I'm always happy to return home to New York City! I was born and raised on Staten Island, went to college in upstate New York, and I now live in Astoria, Queens. I'm an art-lover and nature girl, so you can usually find me at one of New York City's spectacular art ga...
Oct 4, 2025

Staten Island Ferry New York

Hop aboard for harbor views

""Staten Island Ferry" in New York City takes 30 minutes from Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal, runs every half hour and it's free! I love it around sunset..."

The Staten Island Ferry is an iconic symbol of New York City's smallest borough. The stout orange ferryboat carries commuters between Staten Island's St George Ferry Terminal and Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal about 100 times per day. The ride takes 30 minutes, runs every half hour, and it is free! I recommend hopping on the ferry for spectacular views of lower Manhattan, and a glimpse into Staten Island life. 

As you ride towards Staten Island, you can see landmark sights like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to your right. On the left side of the boat, you'll get views of Governor's Island and Brooklyn. Ride at the front of the boat for the best views and the easiest disembarking. There is a concession stand on board, selling the usual snacks, but they are famous for their cheap "ferry beers." A ferry beer ranges from $3-$4, probably the cheapest you'll find in NYC, and there's nothing quite as relaxing as sipping your beer while enjoying the breeze on the outer deck. I like to time my ferry ride around sunset, when the buildings of Manhattan’s financial district reflect the orange sky, and the copper-green Statue of Liberty is cast in flame-red silhouette.

If you want to take a round-trip, you do need to disembark the ferry and re-board through the waiting room. If you want to explore Staten Island’s north shore, the St George Theater, Staten Island Museum, Empire Outlets and SI Yankee Stadium are all within walking distance from the ferry terminal.

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About this spot

Staten Island Ferry, Whitehall Street

US$

free

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