Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?

Yes, it's free for pedestrians and cyclists, running 24/7 between St. George and Whitehall.

How do I get to Staten Island from Manhattan?

Take the free ferry from Whitehall Terminal (South Ferry) or drive via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

What are the top attractions?

Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island Zoo, Historic Richmond Town, and the Greenbelt.

Is Staten Island safe for solo travelers?

Yes, it's generally safe. Stick to well-lit areas at night and use common sense.

Can I use my MetroCard on Staten Island?

Yes, MetroCard and OMNY work on MTA buses and the ferry.

What's the best way to see the Statue of Liberty?

The ferry passes close to Liberty Island; you can also book a separate tour.

Yes, South Beach and Midland Beach offer sandy shores and boardwalks.

Staten Island

CityNew York, United States

Staten Island is a CITY in New York, United States.

Staten Island offers a refreshing escape from Manhattan's hustle with its lush parks, historic landmarks, and stunning waterfront views. Explore the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, a former sailors' home turned arts hub with botanical gardens and museums. Ride the free Staten Island Ferry for iconic skyline vistas and a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. The island's diverse neighborhoods, like St. George and Tompkinsville, boast authentic Italian and Sri Lankan cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts love the Greenbelt's hiking trails and the beaches at South Beach. With a slower pace and local charm, Staten Island reveals a side of New York City often overlooked.

Best time to visit Staten Island

Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage or blooming gardens. Summer is warm but busy with ferry tourists.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 10-18°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Fall foliage at its peak

Know before you go

Getting there

EWR

Newark Liberty International Airport

International

24 km away

JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport

International

35 km away

LGA

LaGuardia Airport

Domestic

30 km away

Getting around

"Staten Island Ferry is free and runs 24/7. MTA buses connect neighborhoods; use a MetroCard or OMNY tap. Taxis and ride-shares are available. Biking is pleasant along the waterfront. Car rentals are useful for exploring the Greenbelt."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, libraries, and ferry terminals

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport or stores from $10

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime; occasional petty theft near ferry.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime; occasional petty theft near ferry.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Generally safe, especially in residential areas. Stay alert in less crowded spots at night. The ferry and public transport are secure. Keep valuables out of sight. Scams are rare but watch for overpriced tours near ferry terminals."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Entry and health

Health information

"No special vaccinations required. Tap water is safe. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common. For emergencies, Staten Island University Hospital offers comprehensive care. Travel insurance recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"New Yorkers are direct but polite. Tipping 15-20% at restaurants is standard. Casual dress is fine; pack layers for changing weather. Respect personal space on public transport. Smoking banned indoors and in parks."

English (official)SpanishChineseTagalogVietnameseFrenchArabicKoreanGermanItalianEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range restaurant meal costs $15-25

Hotels

$100-200 | budget hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$2.90 | single bus ride with MetroCard $2.90

Cost notes

Ferry is free; dining cheaper than Manhattan.

Timezone

America/New_York
Local time 11:55

More facts

Population

468,730

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Borough of Staten Island, Staten Island, Статен-Айленд, Статен Ајланд, Staten Ajland, 史泰登岛, 史泰登島

Major HubBeachHistoricFamily-FriendlyHikingCultural

Staten Island

Best time to visit Staten Island

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Neighborhoods in Staten Island

Arrochar

Bloomfield

Charleston

Chelsea

Clifton

Concord

Dongan Hills

Eltingville

Emerson Hill

Fort Wadsworth

Graniteville

Grant City

Great Kills

Grymes Hill

Huguenot

Mariners Harbor

Midland Beach

New Brighton

New Dorp

New Dorp Beach

New Springville

Oakwood

Pleasant Plains

Port Richmond

Rosebank

Rossville

South Beach

Stapleton

Tompkinsville

Westerleigh

Willowbrook

Woodrow

Frequently Asked Questions