Free Staten Island Ferry

Staten Island Ferry Terminal

The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry between lower Manhattan and Staten Island.  The short ferry ride is the best way to take pictures the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island at no cost.  The ferry that operate trips that stop at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are NOT free.  I have paid $11.50 for the Statue of Liberty ferry and it wasn't that much better than than the free ride that you can get from the Staten Island Ferry.  Besides, there is no better way to get good pictures of lower Manhattan than from the Staten Island Ferry.  See the pictures below and decide for yourself! 

What to Expect
The photo on the above left shows the St. George Ferry Terminal entrance on the Manhattan side, located at 1 Bay Street.  Both terminals are impressive considering they service a free ferry.  The terminals are spacious and clean with ample restrooms, benches, and concessions.   If you plan on staying in

Statue of Liberty from State Island Ferry

Staten Island, tourist information is also available in the terminal. 

Once the ferry arrives, follow the masses and allow yourself to be herded onto the boat.  There is bench seating throughout the cabin.  The large windows on both sides of the ferry allow good views no matter where you sit.  However, you should still plan your seating location depending what you most want to see.

• If you want great views of lower Manhattan, stay nearest the back of the ferry (where you boarded).  The best view is on the outside of the cabin (see photo above right).
• If you want great views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, head to the front of the cabin and sit on the right side. 
• If you want to view Governor's Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, sit anywhere on the left side of the cabin.   

Once the ferry arrives at Staten Island, EVERYONE must disembark, even if you plan on immediately returning to Manhattan.  If you don't plan on exploring Staten Island, exit the ferry, follow the signs (and the rest of the tourists) and re-board the same ferry for the trip back to Manhattan.  If you get hungry at any point, there are concessions selling snacks, beverages, and beer on all ferries.

Manhattan from State Island Ferry

Just the Basics

• Location: 1 Bay Street 
• Cost: Free! 
• Advice: If you have extra time in the city, spend the day in Staten Island.  You can pick up tourist information and maps in the St. George Ferry Terminal. 
• Seating Tip: Sit in the front of the ferry on the outbound trip for the best views of the Statue of Liberty. 
• Concessions: Yes.  A variety of snacks and beverages (including beer) are sold on board.  
• Website: http://www.siferry.com