Best Tips for Riding the Staten Island Ferry

First, a big thanks to @太空牛仔 for providing this fantastic guide! It’s sure to help many visitors, so instead of repeating the same information and avoiding any suspicion of plagiarism, I’ll share some additional tips that may not have been mentioned by the original poster.

The Staten Island Ferry: A Free New York Experience

The Staten Island Ferry is a commuter ferry provided by New York City that allows residents to travel back and forth between Manhattan and Staten Island—best of all, it’s free! You don’t need a ticket to board.

Finding the Ferry Terminal

To get to the ferry terminal, simply search for Staten Island Ferry or Whitehall Terminal. Please avoid searching for the detailed address below, as it may direct pedestrians to the park path:

❌ 4 Whitehall St, New York, NY 10004

Getting There Via Subway

For subway access, you can take the 1 train to South Ferry or the R or W trains to Whitehall St-South Ferry.

What to Expect at the Terminal

Most tourists depart from the southernmost point of Manhattan, which is Whitehall Terminal. There is only one route to Staten Island, so just follow the crowds to the boarding area and hop on the ferry!

Return Options

When returning from Staten Island to Manhattan, you have two options:

1. Return to the original Whitehall Terminal.
2. Head to Brookfield Place Terminal next to the Oculus.

Make sure to check which ferry you’re taking! If you’ve already visited Trinity Church, Wall Street, and the Charging Bull, you can bypass the southern terminal and take the other route directly.

Choosing the Right Ferry

There are three ferries that operate in rotation:

• ✅ DOROTHY DAY
• ✅ SSG MICHAEL H.OLLIS
• ❌ SAMUEL I. NEWHOUSE

If you’re not in a rush, be sure to avoid the ❌ SAMUEL I. NEWHOUSE ferry! This enclosed ferry can become crowded and uncomfortable, with poor photo opportunities due to the glass windows. If you find yourself at the front of the line for this ferry, exit to the right-hand side and wait for the next boat.

The other two ferries, DOROTHY DAY and SSG MICHAEL H.OLLIS, provide open sides for a fantastic view, ensuring you can capture stunning shots of the Statue of Liberty 🗽.

Choosing the Best Time to Go

Besides checking the weather, timing is crucial:

• ❌ Avoid early morning and evening rush hours when locals commute.
• ❌ Rainy or foggy weather 📷🌫️ will hinder your photography.
• ✅ The best time is on clear mornings ☀️ or lightly cloudy days ☁️, which guarantee great photo opportunities.

Photo Tips for the Statue of Liberty

Lastly, remember that the Statue of Liberty faces west towards East. Unless you’re equipped with professional gear for stunning sunset shots, it’s best to visit in the morning for optimal lighting. Otherwise, relying solely on your smartphone may result in unflattering images!

Final Thoughts

Make the most of your Staten Island Ferry experience by planning ahead, being aware of the ferry options, and visiting at the right time for the best photographs. Enjoy the gorgeous views and the unforgettable sights of New York City! #StatueOfLiberty #NewYork #TravelNY