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While the subway, trains, and buses are the fastest and easiest ways to get around New York, the ferries shouldn’t be overlooked—especially if you’re in the city on vacation. Each of the different ferries offers unique views across the city making them the most scenic way to travel between the different boroughs. 

So, how does the ferry system work? 

The Routes 

The ferry system operates six different routes, connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. 

East River Ferry: The East River Ferry connects 34th Street in Manhattan with Hunters Point South in Long Island City, with several stops in Brooklyn along the route. 

Rockaway Ferry: The Rockaway Ferry connects Wall Street in Manhattan with Rockaway Beach and Sunset Park, both located in Brooklyn. 

South Brooklyn Ferry: The South Brooklyn Ferry links Wall Street in Manhattan with DUMBO, Red Hook, Sunset Park, and Bay Ridge - all located in Brooklyn. 

Astoria Ferry: Traveling between Wall Street and Astoria, the Astoria Ferry also stops at East 34th Street in Manhattan, Long Island City, and Roosevelt Island. 

Soundview Ferry: The Soundview Ferry travels between Soundview in the Bronx and Wall Street in Manhattan, with stops on East 34th Street and East 90th Street.  

Staten Island Ferry: The Staten Island Ferry is the only free ferry in New York, linking Wall Street in Manhattan with Staten Island. This ferry is particularly popular because it is free and passes the Statue of Liberty on its route. 

How to Use the NYC Ferry System 

Like all public transport in New York City, the ferry system is very easy to use, no matter which ferry you take. 

Tickets 

All ferry tickets in the city, with the exception of the free Staten Island Ferry, cost $4.00—and a variety of discounts are available for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. You can purchase tickets using the NYC ferry app, at the ticket kiosks located on the ferry landings, or onboard - however prices are higher if you buy tickets onboard.

Schedules

All New York ferries run seven days a week, with the ferries running from early morning to late at night. Each ferry’s schedule is different so you will need to check the NYC Ferry website or app to find out the schedule for your desired route. 

Boarding

You will need to be at the ferry landing 10-15 minutes before departure. Bikes can be taken onboard for the additional cost of $1, and small pets are accepted as long as they are in a carrier. 

Sightseeing from New York Ferries 

If you want to take the ferry in order to see the best views of the city, some routes are better than others - depending on what you want to see. 

East River Ferry 

The East River Ferry has some of the best views of the Manhattan Skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty, making it one of the most popular routes for visitors to the city. 

The Rockaway Ferry

The Rockaway Route is one of the easiest ways to reach Rockaway Beach and offers views of the Lower Manhattan Skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and Coney Island. 

The Astoria Ferry 

Finally, from the Astoria Ferry, you can see Roosevelt Island, the East River, and the Queens Waterfront. 

Ferry Riding Tips 

Plan in advance - check times and buy tickets through the NYC Ferry app to save time at ferry landings. 

Stay on deck - the best views are from the deck of the boat, weather permitting, so don’t forget a jacket to protect you from the wind (especially in the cooler months). 

Avoid rush hour - ferries are used by commuters working in and around the city, and like any other method of transport can be very busy during rush hour. The best time to use the ferries if you don’t want to find them too crowded is mid-morning or early afternoon. 

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