Ferry rides in New York cost $4.00 per trip on NYC Ferry, with discounts for seniors, children, and monthly passes. The Staten Island Ferry remains completely free, making it the city’s most affordable transit option.
Ferry costs in New York average $4.00 per ride in 2025–2026. Learn about free ferries, cheapest travel days, payment methods, and borough-wise ferry costs across NYC neighborhoods.
What is the cheapest day to take a ferry [2025–2026]
Ferry fares in New York remain consistent at $4.00 per ride, so there is no specific cheapest day. Weekdays offer smoother, less crowded rides, while weekends attract tourists. The Staten Island Ferry, however, is always free, making it the most affordable option regardless of travel day or season.
Unlike flights or trains, ferry fares in New York do not fluctuate by day. The NYC Ferry flat fare is $4.00, regardless of weekday or weekend. However, traveling on weekdays is more efficient due to frequent schedules, while weekends are busier with tourists.
For budget-conscious riders, the cheapest option is always the Staten Island Ferry, which is free every day, 24/7. Families living in Staten Island or commuting to Manhattan save hundreds of dollars annually by relying on this free service instead of paid ferries or subways.
How to pay for a ferry in New York [2025–2026]
You can pay for NYC Ferry tickets through the NYC Ferry App, vending machines at docks, or by using contactless payments like Apple Pay or credit cards. Tickets cost $4.00. By 2026, the OMNY system is expected to integrate ferries with subways and buses for easier, unified fare payments.
Passengers can pay ferry fares in New York using different methods:
- NYC Ferry App: The most popular method—download, buy a digital ticket ($4.00), and scan when boarding.
- Ticket Vending Machines: Available at ferry landings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
- Contactless Payment: Tap debit/credit cards or digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
- OMNY Integration (Coming Expansion): By 2026, NYC plans to expand OMNY, allowing one unified payment system for subways, buses, and ferries.
For commuters, monthly passes and 10-ride ticket packs provide cost savings.
Which ferry is free in NYC [2025–2026]
The Staten Island Ferry is New York’s only free ferry service, running 24/7 between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan. It transports commuters and tourists daily, offering incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and city skyline without cost. It remains NYC’s most popular and budget-friendly ferry option in 2025–2026.
The Staten Island Ferry is New York’s only free ferry service, operating between St. George (Staten Island) and Whitehall (Lower Manhattan). It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, transporting over 22 million passengers annually.
The ferry is not just a commuter service—it also offers tourists a free way to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan skyline without paying for a sightseeing cruise.
Other ferries like NYC Ferry, Governors Island Ferry, and Liberty Landing Ferry require payment, though some offer reduced fares or free rides for children under a certain age.
How much does the NYC Ferry cost [2025–2026]
The NYC Ferry charges a flat fare of $4.00 per ride across all borough routes. Reduced fares of $1.35 apply for seniors and disabled riders, while children under 44 inches ride free. Frequent travelers can save using 10-ride packs for $27.50 or unlimited monthly passes for $121.
The NYC Ferry is a paid service connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
- Standard One-Way Ticket: $4.00
- Children (under 44 inches tall): Free
- Seniors & People with Disabilities: $1.35 (reduced fare)
- 10-Ride Pack: $27.50 ($2.75 per ride, expires in 30 days)
- Monthly Pass: $121.00 (unlimited rides, best for commuters)
- Rockaway Summer Shuttle: $1.00 add-on
Borough-wise Ferry Cost & Routes (2025–2026)
- Manhattan: $4.00 for connections to Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island (NYC Ferry). Staten Island Ferry remains free.
- Brooklyn: $4.00 per trip for ferries connecting DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Bay Ridge with Manhattan and Queens.
- Queens: $4.00 for ferries from Astoria, Long Island City, and Rockaway to Manhattan and Brooklyn.
- Bronx: $4.00 from Soundview to Manhattan, offering a scenic ride at the same flat rate.
- Staten Island: Staten Island Ferry is free; NYC Ferry routes from Staten Island to Manhattan cost $4.00.
Summary of Ferry Costs in New York (2025–2026)
| Ferry Service | Cost per Ride | Discounts & Free Options | Boroughs Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staten Island Ferry | Free | Always free, 24/7 service | Staten Island ↔ Manhattan |
| NYC Ferry | $4.00 | Reduced fare $1.35; kids free | Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island |
| Governors Island | $4.00 | Free for children & seniors off-peak | Manhattan ↔ Governors Island |
| Liberty Landing | $7.00–$10.00 | Limited discounts | Manhattan ↔ Jersey City |
FAQs about Ferry Cost in New York
Q1: What is the cheapest ferry ride in New York?
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free and always the cheapest option for traveling between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan.
Q2: How much is the NYC Ferry in 2025–2026?
The NYC Ferry costs $4.00 per ride, with reduced fares and monthly passes available for regular commuters.
Q3: Can I use a MetroCard or OMNY for NYC Ferries?
Currently, MetroCards cannot be used on ferries. OMNY expansion is planned by 2026 to unify payments across all NYC transit modes.
Q4: Do tourists use NYC Ferries?
Yes, tourists often use ferries to reach attractions like Governors Island and Rockaway Beach, as well as to enjoy scenic water views at a low cost.
Q5: Is the Staten Island Ferry only for locals?
No. It serves both commuters and tourists, offering a free way to travel while enjoying iconic skyline and Statue of Liberty views.