How Much Does Staten Island Ferry Cost?

Published on October 1, 2025 | Prices Last Reviewed for Freshness: January 2026
Written by Alec Pow - Economic & Pricing Investigator | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Educational content; not financial advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rates, fees, taxes, and terms with providers or official sources.

The Staten Island Ferry is one of New York City’s most recognizable services, carrying millions of riders each year across New York Harbor. For both daily commuters and visiting tourists, one of the first questions that comes up is: how much does the Staten Island Ferry cost? The answer surprises many. The ferry is completely free, with no ticket charges or hidden boarding fees.

This article explains why the ferry has no fare, how much the city spends to operate it, and what that means for riders. It also compares the Staten Island Ferry with other New York transit and harbor options, highlighting its value as both a commuter service and a tourist attraction.

Article Insights

• The Staten Island Ferry has been completely free since 1997.
• The city spends more than $100 million annually to operate it.
• A paid alternative like NYC Ferry costs $4.00 per ride.
• Harbor cruises range from $30–$50 per person, making the ferry a major savings opportunity.
• Hidden costs include food, drinks, and travel to terminals.
• Tourists can use the ferry as a free substitute for sightseeing tours.

How Much Does Staten Island Ferry Cost?

Staten Island Ferry costs $0. Every rider boards the Staten Island Ferry at zero cost. Fares were officially eliminated in 1997 when then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani declared the ride permanently free, ending a 50-cent ticket that had been in place since the 1970s (NYC DOT, 2023). That means whether you are a daily commuter from Staten Island or a tourist hoping to see the Statue of Liberty, there is no fare, fee, or ticket required.

There are also no premium tiers, hidden access charges, or surcharges for tourists. You simply arrive at the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan or the St. George Terminal on Staten Island, board the vessel, and enjoy the 25-minute crossing. That consistency makes the Staten Island Ferry one of the most remarkable bargains in an otherwise expensive city.

According to Ferry.NYC, the ferry operates 24/7, 365 days a year, with more frequent service during rush hours. There is no ticket required to board, and the service carries over 75,000 passengers daily, providing spectacular views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

Staten Island Ferry’s official website notes that boarding the ferry is straightforward at two terminals: the St. George Terminal on Staten Island and the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan. The ferry crossing takes approximately 25 minutes each way. Since no fare or tickets are required, it remains an excellent choice for commuters, tourists, cyclists, and pedestrians seeking affordable transportation as well as a scenic ride throughout the year.

Real-Life Cost Examples

The ferry’s zero cost has real financial benefits when compared with alternatives. A tourist might spend $25–$40 on a dedicated Statue of Liberty sightseeing cruise, but the Staten Island Ferry provides a harbor view for free. While those cruises may include narration and closer proximity to the Statue, the savings are obvious.

Commuters save even more. A daily subway rider in New York spends $2.90 per ride as of April 2025 (MTA, 2025). If Staten Island residents had to pay the same rate for the ferry, a two-way daily commute would cost nearly $1,400 annually. Instead, that cost is entirely absorbed by the city budget. Families also use the ferry for weekend excursions. Replacing a paid harbor cruise for a family of four with the Staten Island Ferry avoids a potential $120+ bill.

Also read our articles on the cost of Balboa Island Ferry tickets, Deuce Bus tickets, or California Zephyr train tickets.

Cost Breakdown

While free to passengers, the Staten Island Ferry is not free to operate. According to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT, 2024), annual operating expenses exceed $100 million, funded by city taxpayers. That budget covers vessel crews, mechanics, terminal staff, and administrative oversight.

Major costs include fuel for the nine vessels in operation, insurance, ongoing safety inspections, and the salaries of hundreds of employees. Each ferry can carry about 4,500 passengers and 30 crew members, requiring a consistent investment to keep the system running smoothly. Vessel upgrades and terminal renovations add millions more to the city’s capital costs.

Factors That Influence Costs

Running large passenger ferries across New York Harbor requires substantial recurring expenses. Fuel is one of the largest line items. Even with modern engines, a single round-trip consumes hundreds of gallons of diesel. Maintenance is another. The oldest ferries in the fleet have been in service since the 1980s, requiring constant attention to remain seaworthy.

Labor costs also drive the city’s expenses. Captains, deckhands, maintenance staff, security officers, and cleaners all contribute to daily operations. In addition, safety regulations from the U.S. Coast Guard mean that staffing cannot be reduced below certain levels. Seasonal demand adds complexity, with additional scheduling and higher overtime costs during summer months when ridership swells.

Alternatives to the Staten Island Ferry

New York offers other water-based transit options, but most come with a price tag. The NYC Ferry system, a separate service run by NYCEDC, charges $4.00 per one-way ticket (NYCEDC, 2025). These boats serve multiple boroughs but require a fare comparable to the subway. Harbor cruise operators, such as Circle Line Sightseeing, start around $30 per ticket and can rise above $50 for longer tours with onboard amenities.

Private charters and boat tours cost substantially more. A one-hour small group charter typically begins at $250–$400, with premium packages running well into four figures. When lined up side by side, the Staten Island Ferry is the only option providing harbor views and Statue of Liberty photo opportunities at no cost.

Ways to Save 

Tourists often spend heavily on sightseeing passes and boat tours, but the Staten Island Ferry is a reliable free alternative. A budget-conscious traveler can use the ferry as their harbor tour, saving $30 or more per person. Pairing the trip with a walk-through Battery Park or a visit to Staten Island’s cultural institutions adds value without additional transit costs.

The ferry also makes for excellent photography. Many visitors treat it as a free platform for Statue of Liberty photos rather than booking specialized tours. For families, this can eliminate hundreds of dollars in sightseeing charges, leaving more money available for meals, attractions, or Broadway tickets.

Expert Insights & Traveler Tips

Travel writers and local guides consistently praise the Staten Island Ferry as one of the city’s best free experiences. Fodor’s Travel (2024) recommends tourists sit on the starboard (right-hand) side when leaving Manhattan to get the clearest Statue of Liberty views. Locals advise avoiding rush hours—typically 7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.—when commuters crowd the decks.

Commuters view the ferry as more than a novelty. Staten Island residents rely on it daily, and its reliability matters. The NYC Comptroller’s Office reported in 2024 that the ferry maintained an on-time performance rate above 90 percent, making it one of the more dependable transit services in the city.

Total Costs

For taxpayers, the Staten Island Ferry represents a large annual investment. The New York City Independent Budget Office estimated in 2024 that ferry operations cost approximately $6 per passenger trip, even though riders pay nothing directly. With ridership near 22 million annually, that adds up to over $130 million per year.

Funding comes primarily from the city’s transportation budget, with some federal maritime support for infrastructure upgrades. As of April 2025, there are no plans to reinstate fares, despite occasional political debates about the ferry’s financial burden.

Hidden & Unexpected Costs

While the ferry itself is free, passengers often encounter incidental expenses. Food and drink vendors operate at both terminals and on board, and prices are typical New York rates—$4–$6 for coffee, $8–$12 for a sandwich, and higher for alcohol. Some tourists also spend on taxis or rideshare to reach the terminals, which can cost $15–$25 from Midtown Manhattan.

Another hidden cost is time. Long lines during peak tourist hours may add 30–40 minutes of waiting, which represents lost sightseeing time in a packed NYC itinerary. Riders planning carefully can minimize these delays.

Seasonal & Market Timing Factors

Demand for the ferry changes throughout the year. Summer months see the highest ridership, with tourists swelling daily numbers beyond 70,000. That can lead to crowded decks and longer waits, though the ride remains free. Winter months are quieter, making the experience more relaxed, but costs to the city remain the same.

Holiday events like July 4th fireworks or New Year celebrations create additional spikes, and the city often adds extra runs to handle the demand. Regardless of season, the ferry operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, maintaining its role as a lifeline between Staten Island and Manhattan.

Answers to Common Questions

Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?

Yes. Since 1997, there has been no fare for any passenger.

When did fares end?

The last fare was 50 cents, eliminated in July 1997.

Are there services on board that cost money?

Yes, food, beverages, and alcohol for sale are extra.

How does NYC fund the ferry?

Through the Department of Transportation budget, totaling over $100 million annually.

Can tourists use it just for sightseeing?

Yes, tourists frequently ride the ferry for Statue of Liberty and harbor views at no charge.

Sources:

NYC Department of Transportation, Staten Island Ferry Service Overview, 2023 – nyc.gov

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Fare Information, April 2025 – mta.info

NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), NYC Ferry Pricing, 2025 – ferry.nyc

Fodor’s Travel, Staten Island Ferry Travel Guide, 2024 – fodors.com

NYC Independent Budget Office, Annual Ferry Funding Report, 2024 – ibo.nyc.ny.us