Staten Island Ferry
The free 24-hour ferry between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, sailing past the Statue of Liberty.
Example
Stand on the right side heading out from Manhattan for the Statue of Liberty, then take the back deck on the return for the skyline approach.
Best tours and tickets
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Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
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Related terms
Landmarks
Statue of Liberty
The 1886 copper colossus on Liberty Island, reachable only by the official Statue City Cruises ferry from Battery...
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NYC Ferry
The commuter ferry network linking Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan piers at near-subway fares.
NYC slang
Borough
One of the five divisions of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.
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OMNY
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Pages that mention this term
- West Indian Day Parade 2026: Eastern Parkway Shuts Sept 7 for 7 Hours, and a Retired Ferry
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- Statue of Liberty: crown vs pedestal tickets and the ferry trick that saves an hour
- Staten Island Travel Guide: NYC's Fifth Borough, Done Right (2026)
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free and worth it?
Completely free, no tickets, and yes. It is the budget answer to statue cruises, with sunset sailings the premium version at the same zero price.
Which side of the ferry should I stand on?
Right side outbound from Manhattan for the Statue of Liberty, then the back deck returning for the skyline approach.
Do I have to get off at Staten Island?
Yes. Everyone disembarks at St. George, walks around the terminal and reboards the next boat back. Budget a few extra minutes for that turnaround.
