Guide to the East River Ferry | Free Tours by Foot

This post is about the East River Ferry service including information about tickets, schedules, routes and what there is to see along each route.

OVERVIEW AND MAP

At just $2.75 per ticket, this is the cheapest boat ride in NYC - except for the free Staten Island Ferry, which is a New York City must-do!

As you can see on the map, the ferry has several routes (and they are adding more every year!) Most routes have incredible views of Lower Manhattan, the Freedom Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.

Some routes offer a gorgeous view of Midtown Manhattan, including the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.

The ferry is not just an inexpensive sightseeing ride. It is a practical way to get around and visit different parts of NYC.

In this post, we share ideas for what you can do at each of the stops along the different routes.

Keep in mind that this is not a hop-on, hop-off ferry. Once you get off the ferry, your ride is done. You will need a new ticket to board another ferry.

If you are curious about hop-on, hop-off ferries, read our post about which New York boat tour or cruise is best.

EAST RIVER ROUTE

If you are a visitor to New York, this is the route that we recommend you take. From start to finish the ride is 43 minutes with great views all around. All for just $2.75!

SCHEDULE (as of April 4, 2022)

Monday-Friday

From Wall St./Pier 11- first departure at 6:20 am. Last departure 9:46 pm.
From Hunters Point South - first departure at 6:32 am. Last departure 9:41 pm.
See ferry schedule for exact times.

Weekends

From Wall St. - first departure 7:22 am then every 50 minutes. Last departure 9:32 pm.
From Hunters Point South - first departure 6:32 am then approximately every 30 minutes. Last departure 9:27 pm.
See ferry schedule for exact times.

NOTE: As this is a commuter ferry, we recommend that you avoid "rush hours" (8 am-10 am) and (4 pm-6 pm).

See the full schedule here.

THINGS TO DO AT EACH STOP

Wall Street/Pier 11

Take a Wall Street tour since you will disembark there.
Take a tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Visit the South Street Seaport with stunning waterfront views.
Explore Lower Manhattan on your own or with us on one of our many Lower Manhattan tours.
Go to the top of One World Observatory (Freedom Tower).
See the Charging Bull of Wall Street, Federal Hall, and the Stock Exchange.

DUMBO

This is a must-see neighborhood. Consider taking our pay-what-you-like DUMBO walking tour.
Visit the Brooklyn Heights Promenade which is just a short walk from the ferry landing.
Walk over the Brooklyn Bridge as the entrance to the pedestrian path is right in DUMBO.

North Williamsburg

Visit East River Park with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.
Love Street Art? We have a pay-what-you-like Williamsburg Street Art Tour that begins just 10 minutes away from the ferry.
You can also take the L train to Bushwick and check out our pay what you like Bushwick Street Art tour.

Greenpoint *stop temporarily closed

Check out relaxing Transmitter Park right near the ferry landing. It’s a prime spot for unsurpassed panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Eat some of the best pizza in New York City at Paulie Gee's, consistently voted one of the top 10 pizzerias in NYC.

East 34th Street

At the ferry landing, there is a free shuttle bus that stops near Midtown sights that are likely on your NYC bucket-list.

Visit the Empire State Building.
Take our pay-what-you-wish walking tour of Grand Central or explore it on your own!
See the lights of Times Square.
Join us on our pay-what-you-like Midtown Manhattan Tour.
Take a self-guided tour of Rockefeller Center.
Visit the United Nations.

Hunters Point South

Head to Transmitter Brewing, a micro-brewery known for its unusual craft beers. If you like to imbibe, see our other posts:

HOW TO BUY TICKETS

There are two ticket types available: a one-way ticket and a 30-day pass typically meant for commuter use.

You cannot use your subway MetroCard. You must buy a ferry ticket.

There are two ways to buy tickets. You can either purchase your tickets at the ferry landing ticket machines using a credit card, debit card, or cash.

The other option is to purchase your tickets through their website or app then redeem your ticket by showing your phone when you board the ferry.

Ticket Prices as of 2022

Adult One-way Pass $2.75
Children: up to two children under the height of 44 inches ride free when accompanied by an adult.
Bicycle ticket $1.00 one-way
30-Day Adult Pass $121.00
30-Day Adult Pass with Bike $141.00

One-way tickets include free transfers within the NYC Ferry system for up to 90 minutes once you start your one-way trip.

For additional information about tickets, click here.

TIP: Some NYC subway apps have begun including the ferry in suggested routes. For more information, see our post listing the best NYC subway apps.

OTHER ROUTES

South Brooklyn Route

For this route, check out our guide to things to do in Brooklyn.

THINGS TO DO AT EACH STOP

Corlears Hook Park

Take a Lower East Side Food Tour.
Visit the Tenement Museum.
Eat at Katz's Delicatessen.
Explore Chinatown or take a Chinatown Food Tour.

Wall Street/Pier 11 (see above) and DUMBO (see above)

Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6

From the ferry landing, it is a 13-minute walk to the start of our pay-what-you-like Brooklyn Heights Walking Tour.
The ferry landing is next to the phenomenal Brooklyn Bridge Park. It is one of the best places to bring kids in NYC.
You can also visit the famed Brooklyn Heights Promenade for breathtaking views. It’s also a great view at night, and it’s free. In fact, it’s one of the top free things to do at night in NYC.

Red Hook

This waterfront enclave was a historically industrial neighborhood that underwent a transformation in the past ten years.
It is now an art and culture destination with a fun restaurant and bar scene.
You can get an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan from Valentino Pier.

Governors Island

This small island in the middle of the harbor, it is a playground for both kids and grown-ups. Read our post on things to do on Governors Island.
There is a separate seasonal route between Governors Island and Pier 11.

Brooklyn Army Terminal/Sunset Park

Sunset Park is NYC's second-largest Chinatown. Try any number of the great Chinese restaurants and the ferry ride will have been worth it.
- TIP: If you haven't visited the oldest Chinatown in New York City, join us for our pay-what-you-like Chinatown Food Tour.
You can also hike over to Green-wood Cemetery, one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city located on a hill from which you can see all the way to the Statue of Liberty.

Bay Ridge

Definitely for commuters only. You may want to hop off the ferry at one of the earlier stops as Bay Ridge is very residential and a far subway ride back to the city.

Staten Island/St. George Route

Midtown West/W. 39th Street

At the ferry landing, there is a free shuttle bus that stops near popular Midtown Manhattan sights (see above).

Walk 8 minutes to Hudson Yards and Edge Observatory for amazing views of NYC.
Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, just a 7 minute walk from the ferry landing.
Go to the High Line which is just a 15 minute walk away. Check out our pay what you like High Line tours!

Battery Park City

Walk just 10 minutes to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and One World Observatory (Freedom Tower).
See Lower Manhattan on your own or with us on one of our many Lower Manhattan tours.
Explore the area with our guide of things to do in Battery Park.

Staten Island/St. George Landing

Before buying a ferry ticket to this stop, read our post on taking the amazing free Staten Island Ferry! We also list some things you can do in Staten Island when you are there!

Astoria Route

THINGS TO DO AT EACH STOP

Wall Street/Pier 11 (see above)

Brooklyn Navy Yard

The Brooklyn Navy Yard was an active navy yard from 1801-1966 building well-known US battleships. It is now the site of an industrial complex with offices and a few restaurants.
Visit the Bldg 92 Museum with the three exhibition floors showcasing the past, present and future of the Navy Yard.
Beat the lines for one of NYC's best bagels at the outpost of the Russ & Daughters.
Walk to DUMBO (see above) in ten minutes.

East 34th Street (see above)

Long Island City

Go to MoMA P.S. 1, a branch of the Museum of Modern Art.
See sculpture for free at Socrates Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum with waterfront views of Manhattan or the Noguchi Museum, with works by sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
- TIP: Check out our extensive list of free museums in NYC.
Go kayaking! The Long Island City Boathouse offers free kayaking in the East River during the summer months!

Roosevelt Island

This small island is located on the East River accessed by an aerial tram that is a thrilling 3-minute ride with spectacular views.
We highly recommend you take this tram ride if you have the time. Then use our self-guided tour to explore the island.

Astoria

Check out NYC's largest outdoor beer garden at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Go to the Museum of the Moving Image. For cinema lovers, this preeminent history museum will not disappoint.
No visit to Astoria is complete without eating some Greek food. Find recommendations here.

East 90th Street

This ferry dock is in the Upper East Side, a mainly residential area. There are a few things to do nearby and destinations you can get to via crosstown bus.
Take a tour of Gracie Mansion, the historic house of New York City's mayors since 1942.
Visit the lovely Carl Schurz Park and walk along the East River.
Head to Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5th Avenue via the crosstown bus on E. 86th Street.

Rockaway Route

THINGS TO DO AT EACH STOP

Rockaway Walk 5 minutes to Rockaway Beach, one of the nicest and most popular beaches in New York City.

Wall Street/Pier 11 (see above)

Sunset Park (see above)

East River Ferry

OVERVIEW AND MAP

EAST RIVER ROUTE