Staten Island Ferry

In 1997 they made the Staten Island ferry free. And now folks can spend a lovely afternoon crossing from Staten Island to downtown Manhattan and enjoy scenic filled ride. You can view downtown Manhattan from the water, see the Statue of Liberty, and you can see the Verrazano Bridge and Brooklyn. No cars, parking in Staten Island in the lots is pricy, but if you take public transport, it is a cheap and fun filled trip for a couple of hours. Do bring your camera, it is a great trip for the whole family. more

There is not much you can still get for free in New York City, but you still ride the Staten Island Ferry without reaching into your pocket. They ferry leaves from the southern tip of Manhattan, at South Ferry, and arrives at Staten Island about 20 minutes later. You get great views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and Governor's Island. more

The ferry is one of the best and cheapest ways to travel to and from Staten Island. It's only 25 minutes each way and it's free. The ferries are huge and run fairly often on weekdays. On the ferry you can see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. On weekday afternoons you can sometimes buy donuts for 2 for a dollar. The new terminals are also very nice. more

The Staten Island Ferry is not only a fantastic cheap date, it is also one of the more scenic rides in New York City. You get to see the Statue of Liberty up close and the Verrazano Bridge from not too far away either. Other highlights of this half-hour cruise are Governor's Island, Ellis Island and Red Hook, Brooklyn. Best of all, the ferry is absolutely free! more

Don't need to climb the Statue of Liberty, but you'd still like to see her? Same for Ellis Island? Curious for a peek at Govenor's Island. Want a gorgeous view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the entire NY Harbor? How about the Brooklyn Bridge....don't pay for the seasick (and boring) journey on the Circle Line - Just take a free trip on the ferry! Meet it either on the Staten Island side or at the tip of Downtown Manhattan, and you have a 20 minute trip to the other side. You can sit outside in nice weather, get a snack (or a beer) on the snack bar, get those perfect tourist shots as you float past the front of the Statue of Liberty - and it's all free. Once you get to the other side, just exit the boat and get on the next one which usually leaves immediately after unloading the last one. Personally, I think it's the best commute in NYC too... more