If you've got a clear day, don't even think twice, just do this trip - it's worth it. Its free and the views you get are insane. We decided to do this immediately after arriving in New York and it was the best introduction to the city and you get, with a good view of the Statue of Liberty too. When getting on the ferry from the Whitehall terminal I'd recommend standing on the starboard side of the vessel for the best views of Statue of Liberty and Downtown Manhattan - and the reverse on the way back. (Our trip took us closer to the Statue of Liberty going, than when coming back)

The Staten Island Ferry runs from the ferry terminal next to Battery Park to Staten Island. I visited in October 2023 and ferries were running every 30 minutes throughout the day and overnight apart from at peak times when they were running more often. At the South Terminal there's an opportunity to connect with the subway and buses. The terminal has places to get something to eat and drink and there are toilets here as well. I would suggest that if you want some great views of the Statue of Liberty that you travel on the right hand side of the ferry as you leave Battery Park. There are seats on the outside and if the weather is bad you can also sit indoors and create that "Melanie Griffith moment" from the movie "Working Girl". When I travelled the staff were all very professional and I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the ferry. Highly recommended!

Don't buy tickets! It's always FREE!!! You get a great view of the Statue of Liberty from it. Plenty of photo ops! All FREE! Don't be scammed by "Authorized ticket dealers" on your walk to the ferry terminal. Ignore their lies. Those are tours and the real Staten Island ferry is free. Lots of seating , bathrooms on board. Snacks as well. No tickets required to go to SI. It's always FREE. It runs almost all day/night every half hour/hour. I'm a former New Yorker, my husband grew up on Staten Island. We ride often.

Staten Island Ferry Sunday Afternoon Late October 2023 Manhattan-Staten Island-Manhattan Family were advised surrounding the Statem Island Ferry by a member of staff at the hotel we were staying at, & it being a free journey. Coming from the UK, it seemed very strange for such a service being offered for free. On arrival at the ferry terminal there were clean facilities & shops to purchase a drink. Boarding the ferry was swift and effortless despite there being a gathering of people. On boarding the ferry there was both internal and external seating allowing for a view out over the horizon. Needless to say the most popular side is that towards the Statue of Liberty, and it seems a number of people are well aware of the service allowing for a free view, making the trip straight across them then getting straight off to come right back. The ferries were running every 30 minutes on the Sunday afternoon we sailed, and both vessels were clean and could not see anything to moan about. They offered quick safe transport with an amazing view that I would do again without hesitation.

During the ferry ride we got a great view of the Statue of Liberty and could take great pictures. Would highly recommend as you get a better view than going to the island itself and it is free. The ferry was quite crowded and it was a long trip (30mins-1h) as you had to get off and back on for it to take you back. But overall a great view and experience.

Loved getting the free ferry, packed with mostly locals returning home but also other visitors. Left late afternoon so I could see the skyline during the day then return and see the night skyline. Great outdoor access on way out so views were good but no access outside on way back so views were through windows - still great to see but not to photograph!

This is a fantastic way to see the Statue of Liberty without any extra cost. New York can be so expensive, so this is great. The ferry service was used by locals as well as tourists. There wasn’t a great demand for outside seating but that could be because it was a cold time of year. As a result, I had ample opportunities both ways to take plenty of pictures. Highly recommend!

This is a totally free service. So, dont listen to anyone trying to sell you anything. Great way to see the Statue of Liberty and a great view of the Manhattan skyline from the water. Budget for a total of 90 minutes for a round trip including transit time.

We were meeting a relative who had driven up from Philli and Staten Island meet up avoided him having to come over to Manhattan. The free trip was excellent- prompt, on time and comfortable. Great views of the Statue and Manhattan sky line.

Looking for something fun and interesting to do - Oh and it's FREE. Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. You can see the Statue of Liberty and a great view of the Manhattan Skyline. Plenty of room to spread out and get a good view. They also sell snacks onboard and there are bathrooms as well. It's worth it to just ride even if you don't visit Staten Island or Manhattan.