Like a lot of lifelong New Yorkers, I’ve always been guilty of skipping the big tourist attractions. I’ve lived here my entire life, yet somehow I had never made the effort to actually see the Statue of Liberty up close. You know how it goes—you tell yourself “I’ll get around to it”—and before you know it, years pass without checking off the very things that visitors fly thousands of miles to see.
This year, I made it my mission to finally change that. On my New York City bucket list: see Lady Liberty in person. And what better way to do it than with the Staten Island Ferry—a classic New York experience that also happens to be completely free.
Why the Staten Island Ferry?
The Staten Island Ferry is one of those things you hear about constantly if you live in or visit NYC. It’s not just a mode of transportation; it’s one of the most underrated tourist attractions in the city. The ferry connects Manhattan to Staten Island, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Best of all, it costs nothing. Zero. Nada.
For locals, it’s simply a commute. But for visitors (or in my case, locals finally acting like tourists), it’s an incredible opportunity: a free 40-minute round-trip boat ride with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, Governors Island, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and of course, the Statue of Liberty.
Many travelers pay $25–$30 or more for official Statue of Liberty cruises. But if you’re short on time, on a budget, or just want the thrill of seeing the statue without a full excursion, the Staten Island Ferry is the ultimate hack.
Spontaneous Decision to Go
It was a hot Sunday when we decided to board the ferry. Maybe not the smartest day to try—weekends are when both tourists and locals pile on—but sometimes you just gotta be spontaneous.
I had been talking about wanting to see the Statue of Liberty all year, and with a Blank Slate Sunday staring us down, we took the opportunity. The ferry ride seemed like the perfect solution: no tickets to book, no money to spend, just show up at the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and hop on.
Herded Like Cattle
Of course, when we arrived, reality set in. The terminal was packed—wall-to-wall people, the kind of crowd that makes you wonder if you’re about to waste your afternoon. For a moment, I thought we wouldn’t even make it onto the -next- ferry.
As boarding time got closer, everyone surged toward the gates, eager to get a prime spot on the boat. And when those gates finally opened? It was chaos.
We were herded in like cattle, swept along with the tide of people. It was hot, it was crowded, and it was very, very New York. But somehow, that’s part of the fun!
Picking the Wrong Side
Once we made it on board, we climbed upstairs and managed to snag a spot at the very front of the ferry. We thought we were being smart—clear views, fresh air, the wind in our hair. Perfect, right?
Well… not exactly.
Pro tip: if your goal is to see the Statue of Liberty, you need to be on the right side of the ferry when leaving Manhattan (the starboard side). We didn’t know that at the time, so we planted ourselves firmly on the port side.
The good news? We still had amazing views of Governors Island, Ellis Island in the distance, and even the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge stretching toward Brooklyn. The bad news? When it came time for Lady Liberty to make her grand appearance, we realized we were on the wrong side of the boat.
::sigh::
First Glimpse of the Statue of Liberty
Even though we weren’t in the -perfect- spot, we still managed to catch glimpses of the Statue of Liberty from the front of the ferry. I craned my neck, leaned over railings, and tried to peek through gaps in the crowd. Over the tops of heads, raised iPhones, and selfie sticks, there she was—the iconic symbol of freedom and hope, standing tall in New York Harbor, lifting her light beside the Golden Door.
It wasn’t the unobstructed, postcard-worthy view I had imagined, but honestly? It was still magical. After a lifetime of putting it off, I was finally seeing her with my own eyes.
Staten Island Arrival
About 20 minutes later, we pulled into Staten Island. At this point, the heat and the crowd had taken a bit of a toll. We debated whether to explore Staten Island, but exhaustion won out. Instead, we turned right back around to catch the return ferry.
And this time, I wasn’t making the same mistake twice.
Round Two: The Winning Side
On the ride back, I made sure to position myself on the left side of the ferry (the port side, for the nautical folks, when heading back to Manhattan). And let me tell you—it made all the difference.
This time, the Statue of Liberty loomed into view perfectly. The light hit her just right, glinting off the copper-green surface. I kept rolling, zooming in to capture the details. It was exactly the view I had been hoping for.
Seeing her from the water, with the Manhattan skyline in the distance, felt surreal. I finally understood why so many people travel across the world for this moment.
Practical Tips for Riding the Staten Island Ferry
If you’re planning your own adventure, here are a few insider tips to make the most of your Staten Island Ferry ride:
- Timing matters. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, especially during rush hours when it’s mostly commuters. For photography, aim for golden hour—sunrise or sunset.
- Know where to stand.
- Leaving Manhattan: left side of the ferry for Statue of Liberty views.
- Returning from Staten Island: left side again.
- Arrive early. Ferries run every 30 minutes, but if you want a prime spot, get there at least 15 minutes before boarding.
- Don’t sit inside. Unless you’re exhausted or it’s freezing, stay on deck. The views are the whole point.
- Keep moving. The crowd surges toward the doors as the ferry docks. If you want to avoid being trampled, hang back until the initial rush clears.
- Don’t bring big luggage. It’s not a sightseeing cruise—it’s a commuter ferry. Large bags will just make the experience more stressful.
Staten Island Ferry vs. Statue of Liberty Tours
Now, the big question: is the Staten Island Ferry a substitute for an official Statue of Liberty tour?
The short answer: no. The ferry gives you a solid view, but you won’t set foot on Liberty Island or Ellis Island. You also won’t get close enough to see the intricate details of the statue.
But the longer answer: it depends on what you want. If you’re short on time or budget, the ferry is fantastic. It’s free, it’s quick, and you still get that thrilling glimpse of one of the most iconic monuments in the world.
If, however, you want the full experience—walking around Liberty Island, climbing the pedestal or crown, visiting the museum—then a paid tour is worth it. Many travelers actually do both: the ferry for free skyline views, and then a dedicated Statue of Liberty tour for the full deep dive.
The Ferry as a Bucket List Item
For me, the Staten Island Ferry wasn’t just about the Statue of Liberty. It was about finally doing the “touristy” things I’d been putting off as a lifelong New Yorker. It was about seeing my own city with fresh eyes, the way millions of travelers see it each year.
Checking this off my bucket list reminded me that adventure doesn’t always mean hopping on a plane. Sometimes it’s about slowing down and experiencing what’s right in your backyard.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got 40 minutes to spare in New York City, I cannot recommend the Staten Island Ferry enough. It’s one of the best free activities in NYC, offering million-dollar views at absolutely no cost.
Just remember my mistake—stick to the right side of the ferry heading out, and the left side heading back, and you’ll have the perfect vantage point for Lady Liberty.
For me, the ferry ride was more than just a tourist activity. It was a reminder to embrace the city I call home, to continue to take pride in the landmarks that make New York one of the most incredible places in the world.
And now, I can officially say: I’ve seen the Statue of Liberty.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Staten Island Ferry
How long is the Staten Island Ferry ride?
The ferry ride is about 25 minutes each way. If you’re doing a round trip without exploring Staten Island, plan for about 50–60 minutes total (including boarding and disembarking time).
Does the Staten Island Ferry go to the Statue of Liberty?
No—the ferry does not dock at Liberty Island. It passes by at a distance, giving you great views, but if you want to visit the Statue up close or go inside, you’ll need to book an official Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour.
Is the Staten Island Ferry free?
Yes! The Staten Island Ferry has been completely free since 1997. There are no tickets to buy—just walk into the terminal and board. Be wary of scams: if anyone tries to sell you a ticket, it’s fake.
How often does the ferry run?
The ferry runs every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During weekday rush hours, service is more frequent (every 15–20 minutes).
Can you bring food or drinks on the ferry?
Yes, you can. Many locals grab a snack or coffee before boarding. Just be considerate with trash, and avoid anything too messy if the boat is crowded. Alcohol is not permitted unless purchased on board (some ferries sell beer).
What’s the best time of day to ride the Staten Island Ferry?
For photos, sunrise and sunset are the most beautiful times—the lighting on the skyline and Statue of Liberty is stunning. For fewer crowds, try weekdays outside of rush hour. Avoid weekends if you can, unless you don’t mind a packed boat.
Which side of the ferry should I sit on to see the Statue of Liberty?
- Leaving Manhattan → sit on the right side.
- Leaving Staten Island → sit on the left side.
This ensures the best views both ways.
Is the Staten Island Ferry safe at night?
Yes, the ferry is generally considered safe at all hours since it’s heavily used by commuters and staffed by crew. Still, like anywhere in NYC, keep an eye on your belongings, especially late at night.
Can I bring luggage on the ferry?
Yes, but keep in mind this is primarily a commuter ferry, not a sightseeing cruise. Large rolling suitcases can be inconvenient in crowds. If you’re traveling to or from Staten Island with luggage, try to avoid peak times.
Is the Staten Island Ferry wheelchair accessible?
Yes—the terminals and ferries are both ADA accessible with elevators and ramps.
Can you stay on the ferry for multiple trips?
Not directly. At each terminal, all passengers must disembark. But you can immediately reboard for the return trip, just like we did. Many people do this when they only want the views.
June Jalle's Journeys 
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