The Staten Island Ferry is a great thing to do when visiting New York City for the first time. It is one of Manhattan’s more iconic tourist attractions.
But is worth the time to visit when you have limited time to take New York City in?
Your Weekend Travel has you covered. We will walk you through the history of Staten Island and other important information you need to know about the Staten Island Ferry that will help you make a better-informed decision to spend the time to ride or not.
Brief Overview Staten Island Ferry History
Staten Island’s Private Ferry Service Beginnings
Manhattan is actually an island located in the middle of New York Harbor. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, your only means to get to Manhattan was by boat.
During these times, there were a series of private boatmen called “per augers” who took passengers from the southern tip of Manhattan to Staten Island.
One of those augers was future railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt. He started his own private ferry in 1810 offering service to and from Manhattan.
The Vanderbilts, Richmond Turnpike Company, and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Around the same time, Vice President of the United States Daniel Tompkins received the green light to start his own ferry from Tompkinsville, Staten Island.
The ferry was operated under his company called “Richmond Turnpike Company”. His “Nautilis” had the notable distinction of being the first mechanically powered ferry in service in New York Harbor.
Tompkins ultimately sold his ferry to Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1834. Vanderbilt dominated the ferry route until 1850 when he sold his ferry service to the Staten Island Railway Company, owned by his relative, Jacob Vanderbilt.
Demand increased for ferry service across New York Harbor during the 1860’s leading to the acquisition of more boats for the Staten Island Railway Company. Each of these boats was named after towns found on Staten Island. Jacob’s Ferry was then purchased by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1885.
Staten Island Ferry Modern History
Devastating accidents during the start of the 1900s ultimately ended the private ferry business between Staten Island and Manhattan. The city of New York absorbed the ferry and oversaw its operation.
Five ferries were purchased, each named for the five boroughs of New York (Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Richmond).
The ferry continued to operate to growth throughout the 20th century. During the 1960s, The Staten Island Ferry began to experience some difficult times due to advances in automobiles. This caused services to be cut such as night time ferry service.
During the 1980s, demand for the ferry began to soar again. The next round of changes would come after the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in 2001. Extra security measures were put in place like limiting the entry and exit points for the ferry to ensure everyone can be screened by security. They also eliminated the ability for people to drive their cars on the ferry as well.
Where Does The Staten Island Ferry Go?
The Staten Island Ferry currently provides service between St.George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island and Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
This is the only route being served by the Staten Island Ferry.
St.George Ferry Terminal
St.George Terminal is the departure and terminus point in Staten Island for the ferry.
This location was selected in the 1870s because of its 5-mile distance away from Manhattan.
The terminal has been burnt down and renovated several times during its existence.
Today, it is a transit hub with access to the New York City Bus and the Staten Island Railway.
Whitehall Terminal
Whitehall Terminal is located in the southernmost location in Lower Manhattan. You can find it in a region called “The Battery” or Battery Park.
It was built in 1903 for ferry service and has been renovated several times since.
The terminal is a central transportation hub. You can board the ferry, catch a taxi, or find a NYC subway to bring you uptown or Brooklyn.
How Long Is the Staten Island Ferry Ride from NYC to Staten Island?
The ride between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan takes about 25 minutes.
Weather and New York Harbor conditions can factor negatively in the time estimated to complete this short journey.
The Staten Island Ferry operates 24/7 365 days a year. Rides aboard the ferry are typically available every 30 minutes. At peak hours (morning & afternoon commuter rush), trips are provided more often at almost every 15 minutes.
How Much Does It Cost to Ride the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is free!
Please be aware of scammers that sell tickets to the Staten Island Ferry.
It is a major cost saving considering the other methods you have to use to get from Manhattan to Staten Island and vice versa.
If you were to take an automobile from Manhattan to Staten Island. You would have to cross over bridges to get out of Manhattan and drive towards Brooklyn to cross the Verrezzano Bridge. The Verrazzano Bridge toll alone can cost you well over $18.
You can also take the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel to New Jersey and drive down to Staten Island but again, there are tolls associated.
By using the Staten Island Ferry, at most, you will have to pay $2.75 which is the fare to get to Whitehall Station using the New York City Subway.
How Many Boats Are Part of The Staten Island Ferry?
The Staten Island Ferry currently operates 9 vessels.
- Dorothy Day
- Sandy Ground
- Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis
- Spirit of America
- Senator John J. Marchi
- Guy V Molinari
- Samuel L Newhouse
- Andrew J Barberi
- Alice Austen
- John A Noble
Where To Sit On The Ferry to Get The Best Views?
There isn’t a bad seat on the Staten Island Ferry. It all depends on what you are looking to see and which direction you are heading.
When leaving Whitehall Terminal on a Staten Island-bound ferry, if you want to see the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Ellis Island, and Jersey City, you might be best served to sit on the right side of the ferry.
If you want to see Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge. The left side of the ferry will be the best place to sit for that view.
One of the better times to view the New York City skyline on the Staten Island ferry is at night. The views will be breathtaking!
Conclusion: Is The Staten Island Ferry Worth Going On?
If you are in Manhattan for the first time, going on the Staten Island Ferry is a must-do.
The best part about the Staten Island ferry is that it is free, very accessible by public transport.
When riding on the ferry, you will see beautiful views of New Jersey, Brooklyn, and the New York City Skyline especially when you ride at night.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staten_Island_Ferry
https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml
