Cover photo: Brooklyn Bridge viewed from a boat on the East River, New York City, in October 2023. Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized.
The cheapest way to see New York from the water is free: the Staten Island Ferry passes the Statue of Liberty on a 25-minute crossing. For a little more, NYC Ferry and the Governors Island ferry give you skyline views with time to explore. Choose a sightseeing cruise only if you want commentary or a full loop of Manhattan.
This guide was researched on 5 November 2026 using the operators' official pages. Fares and seasonal schedules change, so check before you go.
Compare the options
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| Option | Adult fare | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staten Island Ferry | Free | About 25 minutes each way | Statue of Liberty views on a budget |
| NYC Ferry (East River) | $4.00 | About 30–50 minutes end to end | Skyline views and hopping between neighbourhoods |
| Governors Island ferry | $5 return; free at weekends before 11:00 | A few minutes | Lawns, views of Lower Manhattan and the harbour |
| Statue City Cruises | From $26.00 | Half a day with both islands | Landing on Liberty and Ellis islands |
| Circle Line Best of NYC | Check when booking | 2.5 hours | A guided loop around Manhattan |
| The Beast speedboat | Check when booking | 30 minutes | A fast, wet thrill ride (May–October) |
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is free, runs every day of the year and takes about 25 minutes between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St George on Staten Island. Departures run around every half hour for much of the day.
For the best views, stand on the right-hand (starboard) side going out to Staten Island, which faces the Statue of Liberty, and on the opposite side coming back for the Lower Manhattan skyline. Most visitors simply ride back on the next boat. The ferry does not stop at Liberty Island.
NYC Ferry
NYC Ferry is the city's commuter ferry network, and at $4.00 for a one-way adult ticket it is one of the best-value sightseeing trips in New York. Children under 44 inches ride free, seniors pay $1.35, and transfers between routes are free within 120 minutes. A two-day unlimited ticket costs $15.
The East River route is the most useful for visitors. It runs from Wall Street/Pier 11 to DUMBO, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Long Island City and East 34th Street, passing under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges. Get off in DUMBO for Brooklyn Bridge Park, or in Williamsburg for food and shops. Winter schedules apply from early November.
Governors Island
Governors Island, a former military base in the harbour, is now a car-free park with lawns, hammocks, cycle paths and some of the best views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. It is open daily all year.
Ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal, every 30 minutes (more often on busy weekends). A return ticket costs $5 for adults; seniors (65+), children 12 and under and IDNYC holders ride free. Everyone rides free on Saturdays and Sundays before 11:00. Tickets for each month are released on the first day of the previous month.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
To land on Liberty Island and Ellis Island, you need a ticket from Statue City Cruises, which the National Park Service describes as the only authorised ticket seller. Boats leave from Castle Clinton in Battery Park and from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, and the ticket covers both islands.
- General Admission: $26.00 for adults, $23.00 for seniors (62+), $17.30 for children aged 4–12.
- Pedestal or Crown: from $26.30 for adults, but these must be booked in advance. Crown tickets usually sell out months ahead; the operator recommends booking three to four months early. The climb from the pedestal to the crown is 162 narrow steps with no elevator.
Be wary of street sellers and websites offering "Statue of Liberty cruises" that do not land on the islands.
Cruises and speedboats
Circle Line's Best of NYC cruise is a 2.5-hour guided loop around Manhattan from Pier 83 in Midtown. It is the best choice if you want to see the whole island with commentary.
For speed, The Beast is a 30-minute speedboat ride that reaches 45 mph across the harbour. It runs seasonally, roughly from May to early October, from Pier 83 and Pier 16. Riders must be at least 40 inches tall, and you should expect to get wet.
For a slower trip under sail, Classic Harbor Line operates year-round from Chelsea Piers (Pier 62).
See our New York City travel guide for neighbourhoods and where to stay.
NYC on the water: FAQ
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes. It is free for everyone, every day, all year. You do not need a ticket.
Does the Staten Island Ferry stop at the Statue of Liberty?
No. It passes the statue at a distance. To visit Liberty Island, book with Statue City Cruises.
What is the best cheap boat ride in NYC?
The free Staten Island Ferry for the statue, and NYC Ferry's East River route ($4.00) for the skyline and bridges.
Can I visit Governors Island in winter?
Yes. The island is open daily all year, although some attractions and the Brooklyn ferries are seasonal.
Sources and planning checks
Fares and schedules were checked on 5 November 2026 against NYC DOT, NYC Ferry, the Trust for Governors Island, the National Park Service, Statue City Cruises, Circle Line and Classic Harbor Line. Circle Line and The Beast prices are shown only at booking. Recommendations are editorial judgments.
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