Staten Island Ferry Life: Is It Worth the Commute to Manhattan?

The Ferry: Totally Free, Surprisingly Reliable First things first—the Staten Island Ferry is 100% free. It runs 24/7, every day of the year, and takes about 25 minutes to cross from St. George Terminal to Whitehall Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan. 🕐 Frequency: • Every 30 mins most hours • Every 15–20 mins during rush hours • Runs overnight too (less frequent) Compared to waiting for delayed subway trains, the ferry is surprisingly punctual—and the view of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyline is unmatched. 📍 Best Neighborhoods Near the Ferry Terminal If you want to maximize ferry life, look for rentals in: • St. George – Walkable, artsy, and home to Empire Outlets • Tompkinsville – One stop away with great food and culture • Stapleton – A short bus ride or bike ride to the ferry, and up-and-coming vibes All three offer better deals than comparable Manhattan or Brooklyn rentals, often with more space, lower rent, and actual peace and quiet. 💸 Rent Comparison: Staten Island vs. Manhattan Borough. Avg. 1BR Rent Avg. Commute to FiDi St. George (SI) ~$1,700 ~35–45 min (ferry + walk) East Village (Manhattan). ~$3,400. ~10 min walk Bay Ridge (Brooklyn). ~$2,200. ~45–55 min (subway) If you’re working in the Financial District, Battery Park, or SoHo, the ferry commute is totally doable—and potentially quicker than coming from parts of Brooklyn or Queens. 🚨 Pros & Cons of Ferry Commuting ✅ Pros: • Free & scenic commute • No subway stress • More affordable rents • A calmer, more suburban vibe ❌ Cons: • Only one terminal in Manhattan • Can get packed during rush hour • You’ll need to sync your schedule with the ferry timetable • Bad weather = delays (occasionally) 👀 Who Is Staten Island Ferry Life Best For? • Remote workers who only go into Manhattan a few times a week • Downtown employees looking to save on rent • Nature lovers who want beaches, parks, and bigger apartments • Couples or small families who crave peace but still want city access 🧠 Final Verdict: Is It Worth It? If you work in Lower Manhattan or have a hybrid schedule, renting near the Staten Island Ferry is 100% worth it. You’ll get twice the space for half the price, and you can sip your morning coffee watching the skyline instead of being crushed on the F train. For savvy renters looking to get the most out of NYC without going broke, Staten Island is officially on the map. Want to explore apartments near the ferry? 👉 Browse Staten Island Rentals on lowrent.nyc