The former East River Ferry route has transitioned to a new, expanded NYC Ferry Service featuring lower fares ($2.75 per ride), onboard concessions, new boats, and more. The popular East River Ferry was a three-year pilot program.

The Demise of the East River Ferry

The original East River Ferry service was launched in 2011. It was part of a three-year pilot program aimed at providing year-round ferry service between East 34th Street and Pier 11 in Manhattan, Long Island City in Queens, Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, and the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn. Seasonal weekend service to Governor’s Island was also included, according to the Mayor’s press office. The success of this ferry service led to increased stops and enhanced service.

New York residents and visitors alike loved the East River Ferry. In fact, in 2016, it experienced the largest ridership in its history. Riders enjoyed the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, often bringing their bikes onboard, and turning the ferry trip into a family outing. Many others utilized this ferry for their daily commute.

The East River ferry service effectively connected Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens across the East River.

The Current East River Ferry Route

As part of the transformation of New York City’s waterfront into a more vibrant space, you can now enjoy even more frequent ferry service connecting Manhattan to four exciting waterfront neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens: DUMBO, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Long Island City.

Where Does New York City’s East River Ferry Go?

Operating across the East River, the East River Ferry service provides numerous stops. However, if you wish to visit the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, you should look for alternative ferry options.

The East River Ferry now makes the following stops (note that the route may change seasonally):

• East 34th Street in Manhattan at the East River
• Long Island City (at Queens West) in Queens
• Greenpoint (India Street and the East River) in Brooklyn
• Williamsburg featuring two stops: one in North Williamsburg (North 6th Street) and another in South Williamsburg (Schaefer Landing) in Brooklyn
• Fulton Landing in Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1
• Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn (seasonal)
• Pier 11 in Wall Street in lower Manhattan, located on the waterside of the FDR

What Can You See from the East River Ferry?

As its name suggests, this ferry operates on the East River, offering passengers breathtaking views of Manhattan, New York Harbor, and the Statue of Liberty. Notable sights include the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building. If you venture to Brooklyn, delightful waterfront spots, glass-enclosed Jane’s Carousel, historical warehouses, and Brooklyn Bridge Park greet you. Essentially, you gain a unique perspective of New York City that differs significantly from viewing it atop skyscrapers or navigating busy streets.

How Much Does It Cost to Use the East River Ferry Service?

• Fares for passengers are $2.75 for a one-way ticket and $121 for an unlimited monthly pass.
• A maximum of two children aged five and under can travel free with each accompanying ticketed adult passenger.
• Ticketing machines are available at all commuter locations, along with staffed ticket agents at some stops.

Ticket Details You Should Know

• All one-way tickets are valid for 30 days from the purchase date.
• Ten-trip tickets are valid for 60 days from the purchase date.
• Monthly passes are valid only for the calendar month and year printed on the front of the ticket.
• All sales are final.
• No personal checks accepted.

When Do Brooklyn and Manhattan’s East River Ferries Run?

• On weekdays, the 149-passenger vessels operate from 6:45 a.m. until 8:45 p.m. in both directions.
• During morning and evening peak hours, three boats service each landing every twenty minutes.
• During off-peak hours, two boats run on a thirty-minute schedule.
• On Saturdays and Sundays, three 399-passenger vessels operate every forty-five minutes from 9:35 a.m. until 9:30 p.m.
• Governors Island is serviced on the weekend route during the Island’s operating hours. NYC ID holders can ride the ferry for free.

Can You Take a Bike on the East River Ferry?

Yes, bicycles are accommodated on ferries for an additional fee of one dollar.

Can You Keep Riding the Ferry in a Continuous Loop?

The ferry’s operators require that all passengers disembark no later than the end of a scheduled run, either at the East 34th St. Terminal in midtown Manhattan or the Pier 11/Wall St. Terminal in downtown Manhattan (on summer weekends, the end of the southbound scheduled run is at Governors Island).

Other Things to Know about the East River Ferry

• No rollerblades, skateboards, or heelies are allowed on board.
• Only service dogs or small dogs in pet carriers can be on the ferry.
• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Due to the number of children’s life preservers on each vessel and general safety considerations, no more than 25 children can be onboard a vessel at any one time.