The little-known boat tour has a bar and can take you to several NYC landmarks for just $4

WALKING the streets of New York City is one of the best ways to see everything it has to offer, but there’s a more relaxing way to stroll in style.

Travelers and residents can enjoy spectacular views of the New York City skyline – including top landmarks and attractions – with a drink in hand.

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The NYC Ferry is a public network of ferry routes that cross Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.

Passengers can choose from seven main routes, including:

• Astoria – Western Queens and Roosevelt Island
• East River – East River to Midtown and Financial District
• Sound vision – from the Bronx and the Upper East Side to Lower Manhattan
• South Brooklyn – South Brooklyn to Midtown and Financial District
• Saint George – Staten Island to the West Side of Manhattan, in Battery Park and Midtown West
• Governor Island Bus – On summer holidays and weekends, New York City ferry rides can be transferred (for free!) from any of the above routes to the above bus.
• Rockaway – The Rockaways, Sunset Park and Lower Manhattan

All routes and timetables can be found on the website New York Ferry Appwhich can also be used to buy tickets.

A single trip will cost travelers just $4, and free transfers are included between all ferry routes.

There’s one small catch: free transfers are only valid for two hours from the start of the one-way journey.

Seniors, people with disabilities and individuals in the Fair Fares NYC program can, however, secure even lower fares for $1.35.

Visitors and residents looking for an even better deal can also hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry, a free year-round service operated by the New York Department of Transportation.

Those looking to splurge on a summer day at the beach can also rejoice – and plan ahead – with NYC Ferry’s Rockaway Reserve.

The program allows passengers to secure a roundtrip spot on NYC Ferry weekend trips to Rockaway Beach from 9am to 2pm and back from 3pm to 9pm.

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With over 17,000 people traveling daily on the New York City Ferry and rising passenger numbers in the summer season, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

New York ferries are 86 feet long and can accommodate 150 to 350 passengers.

• 150 passenger ships – 129 seats on the lower floor and 28 seats on the upper floor
• 350 passenger ships – 162 seats on the lower floor and 182 seats on the upper floor

All New York ferries are equipped with bathrooms, charging sockets, cup holders and work tables, which are useful for those who use the means of transport on their journeys.

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While many use New York’s ferry system to get to and from their jobs or run errands, commuters should also consider using ferries for recreational purposes.

Instead of taking a crowded subway or walking miles from apartments or hotels, visitors and residents can navigate in comfort and style for both quick trips and longer routes.

Since its launch in May 2017, the NYC Ferry has amassed a legion of loyal fans.

“If the New York Ferry doesn’t have fans, I’m dead” he wrote an Instagram user, along with several red heart emojis.

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“New York Ferry – impractical for transportation, but nice to see,” wrote one user X, formerly of Twitter, alongside a view of a ferry sailing down the river.

“Ferry, you remain my favorite form of transportation,” another Instagram user commented.

“Such a nice form of transportation @NYCferry,” another user tweeted.

The shortest ferry line is Governador Island, which starts at Wall St/Pier 11 and runs less than two miles – and just two stops – to Governador Island/Yankee Pier.

Despite the short journey, the Ilha do Governador ferry offers passengers an additional advantage: spectacular views of the iconic Statue of Liberty.

The longest ferry line is Rockaway, which covers just over 15 miles from Rockaway (Queens) to Wall St/Pier 11.

Passengers can admire Lower Manhattan landmarks, the Statue of Liberty, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and even Coney Island during the walk, which takes just under an hour each way.

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Additionally, most New York City ferry landings are near some of New York City’s most beautiful parks, including Ferry Point, Brooklyn Bridge, Gantra Plaza, and Battery Park City.

While no outside food or alcohol is allowed on board, most New York ferries offer onboard concessions, allowing passengers to purchase chips, candy, trail mix, and a variety of beverages.

In addition to coffee, juice and soft drinks, the snack bar offers a great advantage for passengers aged 21 and over: alcoholic drinks.

From this weekend [May 26, 2024], we have limited beer options on board ships. A wide selection for the next couple [of] weeks.

@NYCFERRYX, formerly Twitter

Passengers can enjoy craft, domestic and imported beers, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, wine coolers or rosé.

While there is no limit to how many drinks passengers can drink during their trip, they can only purchase one drink at a time.

“You can drink in an Uber,” said 22-year-old Irene Kafkis, as reported by The New York Times.

“But this is more elegant,” she added.

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Unfortunately, people cannot take their drinks with them to disembark, as alcoholic drinks cannot be brought off the ferry.

Passengers should plan accordingly before they are faced with the prospect of having to chug their drinks, or worse: throwing them away.

Still, with more than 60 nautical miles of waterways, NYC Ferry doesn’t just offer a great place to grab a drink before heading out for the night.

It can also be the perfect place to spend a day or night on the town, with alcoholic drinks and stunning views.