Exploring New York City by Ferry: The Ultimate Guide to NYC Ferry Routes, Stops, and Travel Tips

New York City is famous for its subway system, but one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to travel across the city is by ferry. Instead of riding underground, you can glide across the water while enjoying panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

The NYC Ferry system connects waterfront neighborhoods across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. With 25 ferry landings and multiple routes, the system allows locals and visitors to travel between boroughs while experiencing the city from a completely different perspective.

Whether you're planning a sightseeing adventure, looking for a relaxing commute, or trying to explore neighborhoods along the waterfront, this guide will show you how to navigate NYC by ferry, the best routes to take, and tips to make the most of your ride.

Why Explore New York City by Ferry?

The ferry system has become one of the most enjoyable ways to get around the city. While the subway is faster for many trips, ferries offer an experience that combines transportation with sightseeing.

Here are a few reasons why travelers love using ferries in NYC:

Incredible Views

Ferry routes travel along the East River, New York Harbor, and Jamaica Bay. This means riders get incredible views of:

• Lower Manhattan skyline

• Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge

• Roosevelt Island

• Statue of Liberty and Governors Island

• Waterfront parks and neighborhoods

Less Crowded Than Subways

Ferries typically offer a more relaxed atmosphere than busy subway lines. Most boats include:

• Indoor seating

• Outdoor decks

• Large windows for sightseeing

Easy Access to Waterfront Neighborhoods

Many of NYC’s most exciting neighborhoods sit right along the water. Ferries provide direct access to places like:

• DUMBO

• Williamsburg

• Astoria

• Long Island City

• Red Hook

• Rockaway Beach

A Unique NYC Experience

Even locals treat ferry rides like mini sightseeing cruises. For visitors, it's one of the best ways to see the city from the water without booking a private tour.

Overview of the NYC Ferry System

The NYC Ferry system launched in 2017 to connect waterfront communities across the city. Today, it includes multiple routes and 25 ferry landings across five boroughs.

Ferries operate year-round and run frequently throughout the day, making them a practical transportation option as well as a sightseeing experience.

The system includes several major routes:

• Astoria Route

• East River Route

• Rockaway Route

• South Brooklyn Route

• St. George Route

Each route connects different waterfront neighborhoods and allows passengers to transfer between routes at major hubs such as Wall Street / Pier 11.

NYC Ferry Routes Explained

Understanding the routes will help you plan your trip and decide which ride offers the best views.

Astoria Route

The Astoria route connects western Queens with Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

This is one of the most scenic rides because the ferry passes:

• Roosevelt Island

• Queensboro Bridge

• Midtown Manhattan skyline

Key Stops:

• Astoria

• Roosevelt Island

• Long Island City

• East 34th Street

• Wall Street / Pier 11

This route is great for travelers exploring Queens neighborhoods and Midtown Manhattan.

East River Route

The East River route is one of the most popular ferry routes for visitors because it travels through some of Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhoods.

It runs along the East River between Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan while stopping in several Brooklyn and Queens waterfront districts.

Key Stops:

• East 34th Street

• Hunters Point South

• Greenpoint

• North Williamsburg

• South Williamsburg

• DUMBO / Fulton Ferry

• Wall Street / Pier 11

  
  

If you're visiting Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg or DUMBO, this route is extremely convenient.

Rockaway Route

The Rockaway route is one of the longest ferry rides in the system and offers a unique journey from the beach to Manhattan.

This ferry travels between Queens beaches and Manhattan while passing through New York Harbor.

Key Stops:

• Rockaway Beach

• Sunset Park / Brooklyn Army Terminal

• Wall Street / Pier 11

• East 34th Street

• Soundview (Bronx)

  
  

During the summer, this route is extremely popular with people heading to Rockaway Beach.

South Brooklyn Route

The South Brooklyn route connects residential Brooklyn neighborhoods with Manhattan.

Many of these neighborhoods are harder to reach by subway, making ferries especially useful here.

Key Stops:

• Red Hook / Atlantic Basin

• Brooklyn Bridge Park / Pier 6

• Corlears Hook (Lower Manhattan)

• East 34th Street

  
  

Red Hook is a particularly interesting destination thanks to its art studios, seafood restaurants, and waterfront views.

St. George Route

The St. George route connects Staten Island with Manhattan and Brooklyn. This route provides some of the best harbor views in the city.

Key Stops:

• St. George (Staten Island)

• Bay Ridge

• Brooklyn Bridge Park / Atlantic Avenue

• Wall Street / Pier 11

• Battery Park City

• Midtown West

Travelers can enjoy views of New York Harbor and even glimpses of the Statue of Liberty.

Major NYC Ferry Stops

There are 25 ferry landings across the city. Some of the most important include:

Manhattan

• Wall Street / Pier 11

• East 34th Street

• East 90th Street

• Midtown West / Pier 79

• Stuyvesant Cove

• Battery Park City

Brooklyn

• DUMBO / Fulton Ferry

• Brooklyn Bridge Park / Pier 6

• Red Hook / Atlantic Basin

• Bay Ridge

• Sunset Park / Brooklyn Army Terminal

• Greenpoint

• North Williamsburg

• South Williamsburg

Queens

• Astoria

• Long Island City

• Hunters Point South

• Rockaway

Bronx

• Soundview

• Ferry Point Park

Staten Island

• St. George

Many ferry landings are located near subway stations and bike-share docks, making it easy to continue your journey once you arrive.

How to Ride the NYC Ferry

Using the ferry system is straightforward, even if it’s your first time. You can find many helpful answers directly on the NYC Ferry Route Website.

1. Buy a Ticket

Tickets can be purchased through:

• Ticket machines at ferry landings

• The NYC Ferry mobile app

2. Check the Schedule

Ferries operate throughout the day, but schedules vary by route.

Before heading to a landing, check departure times online or in the ferry app.

3. Board the Ferry

Arrive a few minutes early and show your ticket to a crew member before boarding.

Once onboard, you can sit inside or head to the outdoor deck for better views.

Best Ferry Rides for First-Time Visitors

If you're visiting NYC, these ferry rides are especially memorable.

DUMBO → Wall Street

An incredible skyline view with the Brooklyn Bridge overhead.

Astoria → Midtown

Pass under the Queensboro Bridge with great Midtown skyline views.

Rockaway → Manhattan

A unique journey from beach to city skyline.

Williamsburg → Brooklyn Bridge Park

Perfect for photography and sunset rides.

Tips for Riding the NYC Ferry

To get the most out of your trip, keep these tips in mind.

Ride During Sunset

Evening rides offer spectacular views of the skyline as the sun sets behind Manhattan.

Sit on the Outdoor Deck

If the weather is nice, the outdoor deck offers the best photo opportunities.

Avoid Rush Hour

Morning and evening commutes can be busy, especially on weekdays.

Bring a Camera

Some of the best skyline photos in NYC come from ferry rides.

Final Thoughts: Why Ferries Are One of the Best Ways to See NYC

New York City is often experienced from the streets or the subway, but the ferry system reveals a completely different side of the city.

With 25 ferry landings and routes connecting every borough, ferries make it possible to explore waterfront parks, neighborhoods, and skylines while enjoying one of the most relaxing rides in the city.

For travelers, riding the ferry isn't just transportation; it's one of the best sightseeing experiences in New York City.

Want to learn more about the amazing public transportation options in "The Big Apple"?

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