NYC Ferry Routes – The Cheapest Way To See the Skyline
Forget the $30 sightseeing cruises. The NYC Ferry costs $4 per ride and gives you the same waterfront views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Here is every route worth riding.
How NYC Ferry Works
- Cost: $4 per ride (no transfers, each boarding is a new fare)
- Payment: NYC Ferry app, contactless card, or ticket machines at the dock
- Bikes: Free to bring on board
- Food/Drinks: Snack bar on board with beer, wine, and snacks
- Schedule: Every 20-30 minutes, 6 AM to 10 PM (varies by route)
Best Routes for Views
1. East River Route (Best Overall)
Stops: Wall Street/Pier 11 → DUMBO → Williamsburg → Greenpoint → Long Island City → East 34th Street → East 90th Street
This is the money route. You get the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, UN Building, and the full East Side skyline. Ride the whole thing end-to-end for the best experience.
2. South Brooklyn Route
Stops: Wall Street/Pier 11 → Atlantic Avenue → Red Hook → Sunset Park → Bay Ridge
Passes the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island. The Red Hook stop puts you near Steve Key Lime Pie and the waterfront warehouses.
3. Rockaway Route (Summer)
Stops: Wall Street/Pier 11 → Rockaway Beach
A 60-minute ride to the beach for $4. Passes under the Verrazzano Bridge with open ocean views. Bring a surfboard (seriously, they allow it).
4. Soundview Route
Stops: Wall Street/Pier 11 → East 34th → Soundview (Bronx)
The only ferry to the Bronx. Passes Randalls Island and the Hell Gate Bridge. Less touristy, more local.
Free Ferry Option
Staten Island Ferry
Cost: Completely FREE
Route: Whitehall Terminal (Manhattan) → St. George Terminal (Staten Island)
25 minutes each way. Passes directly by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Runs 24/7, every 30 minutes. The best free activity in NYC. Stand on the right side (starboard) going to Staten Island for the Statue of Liberty view.
Pro Tips
- Sit on the upper deck outside for the best views and photos
- Sunset rides are incredible — time your trip for golden hour
- The Wall Street/Pier 11 terminal connects to the most routes
- Weekend mornings are the least crowded
- Download the NYC Ferry app for real-time tracking
We filmed the full East River route — watch on NewYorkNoNavro YouTube.