A boat trip with views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan for free! (Staten Island Ferry)

Member Name: andyLDN

Product:	Staten Island Ferry
Date:	19/11/08 (105 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Costs nothing, great for taking photos and viewing Manhattan from a distance

Disadvantages: Nothing really, however the 25 minute journey is quite long.

I have recently returned from a trip to New York and one thing I can really recommend is the Staten Island Ferry. In 1997, the NYCDOT removed the 50c charge allowing passengers to travel on the boat for free. On the 25 minute trip each way, you get an excellent view of the island, Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty - for nothing.


The ferry departs from the newly completed terminal at 1 Whitehall Street at South Street in Lower Manhattan and will dock again at the St. George Ferry Terminal at One Ferry Terminal Drive, Richmond Terrace, Staten Island.

The ferries have capacity for large numbers of people, so you don't have to queue to board and are fairly free to move around the boat whilst it is en route.

On a clear day you can get excellent views, and you don't have to wait long to board the ferry, it leaves every 30 minutes, but up to every 15 minutes at peak times. You can travel on the ferry 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is great for taking sunset shots of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty on the enclosed, seated deck or on the open terrace. If you want to come straight back, you can quickly exit the ferry and reboard again at the arrival terminal.

You can also carry bicycles with no charge and there is dissabled access to the lower decks.

If you're travelling on a budget, this is one of many free attractions in New York, and if you're short on time you can be there and back in around an hour. A visit to Liberty Island takes considerably longer with long queues and a security check.

Summary: Great for travellers on a budget