Is Staten Island Ferry worth it?

Worth itUnderrated · +37Free 25-minute commuter ferry from Lower Manhattan past the Statue of Liberty to Staten Island

Worth it. 4.7 on 9,858 Google reviews; reviewers repeatedly call it one of the best free things in NYC. The Statue is seen from ~500 yards, not up close.

Hype44How famous and hyped it is

Reality81Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in

The gap+37UnderratedHow we score

4.7 ★ Google · 9,858 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Staten Island Ferry? Was it worth it?

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Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 on a budget vote

It's free and delivers the classic Statue and skyline views that paid harbor cruises sell.

Why Reality is 81

Lives up to its fame4/54.7 on 9,858 Google reviews; reviewers repeatedly call it one of the best free things in NYC. The Statue is seen from ~500 yards, not up close.

Value for money5/5Free, and gives the Statue-and-skyline harbor views that cost $26+ on the Statue ferry or more on sightseeing cruises.

Can’t get it elsewhere4/5No other free ride gives this harbor view; NYC Ferry routes cost money and don't pass as close to the Statue.

Easy to do4/5No tickets, frequent 24/7 departures right by three subway lines; minus points for rush-hour crowds and having to disembark and re-board at St. George.

What people loved

Completely free, with close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, the harbor and the Lower Manhattan skylineFrequent, 24/7 service with no tickets or advance planningLarge, clean boats and terminal with seating, restrooms and snack barsFeels like a mini harbor cruise — reviewers call it relaxing after a day of sightseeing

What wore them down

Passes the Statue about 500 yards away and doesn't stop at Liberty or Ellis IslandPacked with commuters at weekday rush hours; the upper deck on the statue side is always the most crowdedYou must disembark at St. George and re-board, so a round trip takes about an hourTerminal plaza is exposed to wind and rain, with some homeless presence and smoking near the subway entrance

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Booking: No tickets or reservations; walk on at Whitehall Terminal.

FareFree; no ticket needed — anyone selling ferry tickets near the terminals is a scammerSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

FrequencyEvery 15–20 min at weekday rush hours, about every 30 min off-peak and weekends, every 30–60 min overnightSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Ride timeAbout 25 minutes each way (5.2 miles) between Whitehall and St. GeorgeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

TurnaroundEveryone must get off at St. George; walk through the terminal and board the next boat backSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Best sideRight (starboard) side heading to Staten Island, left (port) side coming back for the StatueSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Time neededAbout 1 hour round trip plus terminal timeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Getting thereWhitehall Terminal: 1 train to South Ferry (front five cars), R/W to Whitehall St or 4/5 to Bowling Green; ~25 min from Times Square on the 1Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026

In their words

“The Staten Island Ferry is one of the best (and free!) NYC experiences.”

Vera · Google review · 6 months ago

“You’re getting one of the best skyline views in the world… at no cost.”

Rodzilla · Google review · 3 months ago

“Crowding tends to occur often, but spreads itself out once you board; days with good weather bring larger crowds during the afternoon.”

Jeffrey Zhang · Google review · 6 months ago

Tips from people who went

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One thing people should know

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Questions people ask

Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?

Yes. The ride is free and no ticket is needed; anyone selling tickets near the terminals is a scammer.

How long is the Staten Island Ferry ride?

About 25 minutes each way; allow about an hour for a round trip.

Can you stay on the ferry and ride back?

No. Everyone disembarks at St. George; walk through the terminal and catch the next boat back.

Which side of the Staten Island Ferry has the best Statue of Liberty view?

The right (starboard) side going to Staten Island and the left (port) side returning to Manhattan.

Does the Staten Island Ferry stop at the Statue of Liberty?

No. It passes about 500 yards away; landing on Liberty Island requires the paid Statue City Cruises ferry.

Better fits, according to people who went

Worth itReality 81 0Brooklyn Bridge★ 4.8Lower Manhattan & Downtown · LandmarkFree skyline views on foot from the other side of Lower Manhattan.

Worth itReality 76 +57Governors Island★ 4.7Lower Manhattan & Downtown · ParkAnother short, cheap harbor ferry with lawns and Statue views from the island.

Worth it if…Reality 60 −21Statue of Liberty★ 4.7Lower Manhattan & Downtown · LandmarkIf you want to land on Liberty Island or climb the pedestal/crown (paid ferry, ~$26).

Worth itReality 90 −6Central Park★ 4.8Uptown & Central Park · ParkFree 843-acre park in the middle of Manhattan with lakes, lawns, bridges and the Ramble

Sources

Verdict by The Hype Gap editors. No one paid for it. Facts checked Oct 16, 2026. How we score · Standards