Staten Island Ferry is a free, pedestrian and bicycle shuttle service for workers and tourists that runs continuously between lower Manhattan and Staten Island. Departures are about every 30 minutes or more depending on the time of day and the day of the week. No reservation is needed and the capacity is impressive. The terminal borders Battery Park to the east.

The beauty of the ferry, in addition to its practicality and being free, is the fact that it allows a closer view of the Statue of Liberty. It is certainly possible to see the statue from the southern tip of Manhattan Island, but Liberty Island, the island where the statue is located, is far enough in the distance that you cannot see the details. Although you get closer with the ferry, the statue is still far away. You will be able to better see its “flame” which, under the sun’s rays, magically light up and notice a better definition of its crown as well as its starry pedestal.

No other boat can dock on Liberty Island than the Statue Cruise so if you want to stop, the ferry is not the solution.

If your goal is to get closer to the lady with the torch, departing from the island of Manhattan, go to the right side of the boat. The crossing takes about 25 minutes and the view of the city is also very pretty and even more so in the evening when the skyscrapers of the financial district shine and the sky is clear.

You must disembark from the ferry at your destination, but you can move along very easily to catch the next one.

Obviously, since you are offshore it’s a little cooler, so plan to wear a windbreaker or a slightly warmer sweater.

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