NYC Ferry Schedules 2026

NYC Ferry runs the commuter boat network across New York City's waterways, linking Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island on routes named for where they go: East River, South Brooklyn, Astoria, Rockaway, Soundview, St. George and Coney Island.

Seasonal weekend routes

Two services run only in season and only at weekends: the Governors Island Shuttle, and the Rockaway Rocket, an express to the beach that skips the intermediate stops.

Tickets

An Unlimited 2-Day Ticket costs $15 and gives 48 hours of travel across the network — worth knowing if you are using the boats to see the city rather than to commute. There is a discount programme and a separate student discount programme. Tickets are redeemed through the NYC Ferry app, and Rockaway Reserve lets you hold a place on the busiest summer sailings.

Using it as sightseeing

The operator publishes travel guides per route, a summer beach guide for getting to Rockaway, and a cuisine guide to what is near each landing. For the price of a transit fare it is the cheapest harbour tour in the city.

Operator

The service is run by Hornblower on behalf of the city.

What a ride costs

A one-way ticket is $4.50, a 10-trip pass $29.00, and an unlimited 2-day pass $15.00 — the last available in the app only. Verified seniors, riders with disabilities and Fair Fares NYC participants pay $1.45 under the Ferry Discount Program; NYC middle and high school students pay the same on weekdays during term. Tickets expire 90 days after purchase and are bought in the app or at vending machines on the landings.

Transfers are free — but not on a return trip

Every transfer within the network is free and valid for 120 minutes from the moment you start a one-way journey. Round trips do not qualify, which is the distinction that catches people out: two singles behave differently from a return. Children under 44 inches tall ride free with an adult — a height limit rather than an age one. Folding bikes of suitcase size travel with you at no charge.

The boats

The vessels are 86 feet long with washrooms, cup holders, charging outlets and work tables — built for commuting rather than sightseeing. Hulls are aluminium for fuel efficiency; the fleet of 27 represents the equivalent of some 77 million aluminium cans. Engines are ultra-efficient T3 units with the first T4 vessels arriving, and the hull design is shaped to limit wake. The 150-passenger boats seat 129 below and 28 above; the 350-passenger boats, 162 and 182. A snack bar operates 11.00–21.00.

Aisles must stay clear — and that can cost you a sailing

US Coast Guard rules 46 CFR §177.800(c) and §116.800(c) require aisles free of obstruction, so luggage, large bags, strollers and scooters cannot be left in them. NYC Ferry states the consequence plainly: if you have large items and space is limited, you may have to wait for the next departure. The forward area of the main cabin is prioritised for people with disabilities. Life jackets sit at the stern of the main deck and beside the stairs on the upper deck, in marked containers.