Yes, New York is expensive but that old cliché “the best things in life are free” is also true about this beautiful and exciting city — bird-watching in Central Park, strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge, and riding the Staten Island Ferry are just three examples.
The Staten Island Ferry is actually a service for commuters but is also a popular attraction to tourists and locals alike. Why? Because on a clear day, you’ll get incredible views of Upper New York Bay; the skylines of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City; the Brooklyn, Verrazzano-Narrows, and Bayonne bridges; and even the Statue of Liberty.
Indeed, billionaire former Mayor Mike Bloomberg has famously said that when he was a young bachelor on a budget back in the 1960s, he’d buy a six-pack of beer and a pizza and bring dates on the ferry (back then a ride actually cost a nickel — the fare was abolished in 1997).
So to get one of the quintessential New York experiences under your belt, head over to Whitehall Terminal.
What is Whitehall Terminal?
Whitehall Terminal is a 200,000-square-foot maritime transportation building at the southernmost tip of Manhattan where you can board the Staten Island Ferry for the 5.2-mile, 25-minute ride across the bay to Staten Island, the most geographically remote of New York City’s five boroughs.
But if you ask a New Yorker, “How do I get to Whitehall Terminal?” chances are they’ll furrow their brow for a second and then say, “Oh, do you mean the Staten Island Ferry Terminal?” (I grew up in New York City — I know I’ve never really called it “Whitehall Terminal.”)
Technically, there are two Staten Island Ferry terminals: Whitehall Terminal on the Manhattan side of the route and St. George Terminal on the Staten Island side.
A short history of New York’s Whitehall Terminal
Although the current Whitehall Terminal is only about 20 years old, ferry services have been operating from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island (and other points along New York Harbor and the Hudson River) for well over two centuries.
The city took over an existing private ferry route to Staten Island in 1905, which is considered the founding of what we now call the city-owned Staten Island Ferry. The original terminal building at Whitehall Street and South Street was completed in 1909 after several years of construction and setbacks (including a fire) while it was already in use.
The terminal endured more fire damage and general decline over the years, leading to an almost total rebuild in the 1950s.
Then in 1991, another fire gutted the building. The city launched the process to redesign and rebuild the terminal, which took well over a decade.
A new Whitehall Terminal featuring a 75-foot-high entry hall with a glass facade, a 19,000-square-foot waiting room, escalators, elevators, wide staircases, and spaces for concessions opened in 2005.
How to visit Whitehall Terminal
Whitehall Terminal is at Whitehall Street and South Street at the tip of Lower Manhattan. Several subways (1, 4/5, R/W, J/Z) and buses (M15, M20, M55) stop nearby.
The Staten Island Ferry runs 24 hours a day, so the terminal is open around the clock, but the hours of the concession stands vary. Note that the waiting room may intermittently close between 1 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. for security sweeps. The waiting room can also get crowded, especially during rush hour when boats run more frequently.
Here are some features of this popular terminal:
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Public restrooms
- Water fountains
- Benches (more on that in a minute)
- Shops and casual eateries
- Heating and air conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Art displays
Note that wheelchair users can take the elevator to the second-floor waiting area but still need to board the ferry from the lower level.
If you have time, take a look at the permanent and temporary public art. Currently, tapestries by artist Cynthia Alberto, hanging above the elevator on the second floor, are on display through January 2025. As for the permanent art — well, you might find yourself sitting on it. Those benches I mentioned? They’re actually a sculpture installation called “Whitehall Crossing” by New York-based artist Ming Fay, who designed them to evoke canoes used by Native Americans.
“The rounded benches and the travelers resting on them, ‘float’ over a water-themed terrazzo floor,” Fay explains on his website. “As a functional art piece, Whitehall Crossing is often invisible to the ferry goer who, through sitting on the sculpture, engages with and thus become[s] a part of the artwork.”
As I mentioned, the Staten Island Ferry is a wonderful way to get a look at the Statue of Liberty for free, but only at a distance — the ferry doesn’t actually go to Liberty Island itself.
For that, you can book one of our Statue of Liberty tours instead. Our top-rated tours led by expert and engaging guides include tickets on the only authorized ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
How to take the Staten Island Ferry
Taking the Staten Island Ferry is easy. It’s free and you don’t need a ticket. Check out the views from the towering glass walls, grab a snack and a drink, and hang out in the waiting room until crews open the doors leading to the ferry gangways. Just a reminder that those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices must board the ferry from the lower level.
Yes, the ferry is a popular way to see the Statue of Liberty for free. Just note that when you get to Staten Island, you can’t stay on the boat to come back. You must get off and catch the next ferry back from the departure area.
Local tip: No need to rush back to Manhattan. Instead, check out some of what Staten Island’s St. George neighborhood has to offer.
Where to eat at Staten Island Ferry terminal
The terminal has several food concessionaires. If you like familiar fast food brands, you’ll be satisfied. However, I recommend getting an overpriced but delightfully cheesy slice from Pizza Plus and a salty-sweet cocktail from Margarita Bar. Both are on the lower level.
Then grab a soda or beer for the ride. (You’re allowed to drink alcohol on the ferry. In fact, the ferry boat has a snack bar that sells fast food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, too.)
Here are your other options, including some that are combined concessions, where one retailer sells more than one brand:
- Wendy’s (burgers, fries)
- Dunkin’ Donuts (coffee, donuts, snacks)
- Auntie Anne’s (pretzels)
- Len’s Papaya (hot dogs, juices)
- Subway (sandwiches, salads)
- Rita’s (frozen custard)
- Nathan’s Famous (hot dogs)
- Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips (seafood, fries)
- Central Market New York (snacks, souvenirs)
Whitehall Terminal FAQs
What is the closest subway station to Whitehall Terminal?
The closest subway station to Whitehall Terminal is South Ferry on the No. 1 line — the exit of the station is right outside the terminal. Other nearby stations within a short walk are Whitehall Street–South Ferry on the R/W lines, Bowling Green on the Nos. 4/5 lines, and Broad Street on the J/Z lines.
Is Whitehall Terminal safe to visit?
Whitehall Terminal, like New York City itself, is generally a safe place.
Police and private security officers, some with bomb-sniffing dogs, patrol the terminal and the Staten Island Ferry boats 24 hours a day. Officers may ask to search you and your bags. If you refuse, they’ll ask you to leave the terminal.
The terminal has security cameras that are monitored around the clock.
Also, U.S. Coast Guard vessels sometimes escort the ferry along its route, so don’t be alarmed if you see them from the boat.
Where is the Staten Island Ferry terminal?
The Staten Island Ferry terminal is the colloquial name for Whitehall Terminal, which is also sometimes simply called “South Ferry,” hence the name of nearby subway stations.
Whitehall Terminal’s address is 4 South Street. It’s located next to Battery Park, where you can catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The open space immediately in front of the terminal is Peter Minuit Plaza, which features benches, walkways, bike paths, bus stops, a subway entrance/exit, and more.
Whitehall Terminal: Final thoughts and ideas
Whitehall Terminal itself is pretty utilitarian — you go there to get on the ferry, which is the real draw. Yes, you can get food and drinks and admire the view. But you’re better off just riding the ferry, taking some great photos and videos, and then coming back to Manhattan to spend quality time elsewhere.
For example, you can explore Battery Park or tour the Financial District. Then end your day with a proper meal at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty.
That’s a pretty great New York day.