Navigating New York City can be challenging, even for seasoned New Yorkers. It’s even more confusing if it’s your first trip to the city. My wife, Sharon, and I fall somewhere in the middle of those categories. Like most locals (well, former locals), we’ll choose to walk if it’s a reasonable distance. For longer trips, we’ll pick between an Uber, taxi or subway. Each one of those choices has its advantages and drawbacks.
Navigating New York City can be challenging, even for seasoned New Yorkers. It’s even more confusing if it’s your first trip to the city. Sharon and I fall somewhere in the middle of those categories. Like most locals (well, former locals), we’ll choose to walk if it’s a reasonable distance. For longer trips, we’ll pick between an Uber, taxi or subway. Each one of those choices has its advantages and drawbacks.
How We Found It By Accident
We had just finished lunch at Peter Luger Steakhouse, a New York classic, and decided to walk around the Williamsburg neighborhood.
Before long, we realized we had wandered far from the nearest convenient subway station. Taking an Uber seemed like a waste for such a short ride, especially at surge pricing. That’s when I noticed something unusual on Google Maps. An icon for… a ferry?
Discovering the NYC Ferry
Curious, I tapped into the route details and saw we were just a few minutes away from a NYC Ferry landing. Even better—the next boat was due in a few minutes. We figured, why not give it a shot?
As it turns out, NYC Ferry is a legitimate part of the city’s transit system. Launched in 2017, it now operates multiple routes connecting the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. And unlike most New York travel experiences, this one is surprisingly chill.
How It Works
NYC Ferry tickets cost $4.50 for a one-way ride (as of 2025), offering a scenic and relaxing alternative to the subway or a pricey rideshare. As the service itself says, it’s a way to “Work. Live. Play.” across NYC.
You can buy tickets:
- Through the NYC Ferry app
- At ticket vending machines located at each landing
During our first ride, I hadn’t installed the app yet. It was still downloading when the boat pulled in, but the staff let me hop on and show my ticket after I bought it mid-ride. (Try that on the subway!)
What It’s Like On Board
We boarded a boat called Happy Hauler, and the experience felt more like a river ride than a form of public transportation. There was indoor and outdoor seating, charging stations for your devices, and even a small concession stand selling snacks and drinks.
The ferry gently rocks on the water, but unless you’re very motion sensitive, it’s a smooth ride. And the views? Amazing. There’s something magical about seeing Manhattan from the water.
Should You Go Out of Your Way to Take It?
If it fits your route, absolutely. We wouldn’t take the ferry just for fun (unless maybe you’re visiting with kids or want a cheap sightseeing cruise), but if you’re going from one waterfront neighborhood to another, it’s a relaxing and affordable option.
Plus, it’s usually less crowded than other forms of NYC transit, and let’s face it—how many forms of New York public transportation come with fresh air and skyline views?
Final Thought
We’ve taken subways, buses, taxis, and Ubers in New York—but the NYC Ferry might be the city’s most underrated way to get around. It’s scenic, comfortable, and still affordable. The next time Google Maps suggests a ferry, don’t ignore it. You might end up loving it as much as we did.
Cover Photo: Rawpixel Public Domain CCO 1.0
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3 comments
An unexpected ferry trip is pretty cool.
It’s an amazing service in part because NYC is chipping in an extra $10.73 per passenger — they have a policy priority to stabilize ferry prices at the $2.75 price of an MTA ticket, which is a lot less than it turns out to cost to operate these comfy rides. It’s a great deal. See e.g. https://cbcny.org/research/swimming-subsidies (discussed in more detail at https://ny.curbed.com/2019/3/28/18285731/nyc-ferry-swimming-in-subsidies-mayor-de-blasio).
Thank you for sharing. I did not know this. Seems like there is a Staten Island ferry competitor now and also a way to see the WTC by ferry on the cheap.
E. 34th St to Wall Street via Brooklyn is also a potentially scenic route.