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Staten Island Ferry
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| The Staten Island Ferry is a
passenger ferry that operates between South Ferry, located at Whitehall
Street, in Lower Manhattan, near to Battery
Park, and the St. George Ferry
Terminal, at Richmond Terrace on Staten Island. The trip takes about 25
minutes each way. During peak periods, the ferries can become very
crowded. |
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| The ferry is free of charge, which
has resulted in a large increase in the number of passengers using the
service, and not just as a commuter link between Manhattan and Staten
Island, but has also become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors
doing the round trip just to get wonderful views of New York harbour,
although you must disembark on your arrival, and re-enter, through the
terminal building for the return trip. This often often means having to
queue. |
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The 201 million dollar Whitehall Ferry
terminal, opened by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is built on a pier
cantilevered over the harbour. It has a 75 foot high entry hall, and
wrapped around the building is an outdoor deck. Facilities
include, police and tourist offices, plus a number of concession spaces.
It also possesses stunning views of New York Harbour, and the downtown
skyline. |
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 The
price of the ferry, has for long time been considered to be good value
for money. But it hasn't always been free. In 1897, the price was set at
five cents, and it remained at that price for almost 80 years. In
1972 it went up to 10 cents, Then over the next 18 years the cost
gradually increased, with it reaching 50 cents in 1990. On July 4th
1997, the Staten Island Ferry became one of the biggest bargains in New
York as it was then that passengers began riding for free. |
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| The ferry ride has become a firm
favourite with tourists to New York as it provides excellent views of
the Lower Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island,
and the Statue of Liberty. |
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New
York City Guide
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