Directions & Ferry Schedule

Governors Island is a short ferry ride away from Manhattan and Brooklyn. From early June through mid-October, The Trust for Governors Island operates free public ferries during public hours from Manhattan on Fridays (10am-5pm), and from Manhattan and Brooklyn on Saturdays and Sundays (10am-7pm).  See below for more information. CONCERTS: There is special ferry service to the Island for most concerts, and special ferries serve all concerts ending after the Island is closed to the general public. Please check your concert website for details about special ferry service. 

Manhattan Ferries

Free ferries run between Manhattan and Governors Island on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Manhattan ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) in Lower Manhattan.

Friday Service

On Fridays, ferries leave once an hour, on the hour from 10 AM to 3 PM. Ferries return to Manhattan once an hour on the half hour. The last ferry returns to Manhattan at 5 PM.

Saturday and Sunday service

On Saturdays and Sundays, ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 AM, 11 AM and then every half hour until 5:30 PM. Ferries return to Manhattan every half hour, beginning at 10:30 AM. The last ferry returning to Manhattan is at 7 PM.

 Brooklyn Ferries

Saturdays and Sundays

Free ferries run between Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Governors Island on Saturdays and Sundays. The ferry ride is a quick three minutes, so ferry service runs continuously beginning at 11 AM.  Ferries run to the Island from 11 AM to 5:20 PM. Ferries return continuously to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 until 7 PM.

There is no free Friday ferry service from Brooklyn.

NYHarbor Way Ferry (FRIDAYS ONLY)

 On Fridays, NY Water Taxi runs the NYHarbor Way Ferry that makes stops at Fulton Ferry Landing, South Street Seaport, Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Governors Island. This ferry requires a paid ticket. For information on ticket prices and a full schedule visit http://www.nycgo.com/nyharborway.

Directions to the Governors Island Manhattan Ferry

The Governors Island Ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located 10 South Street, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. The Manhattan ferry terminal is accessible as follows:

By Subway
1 – South Ferry Station
4, 5 to Bowling Green
R, W to Whitehall St. Station

By Bus
M1 (weekdays only), M6, M9 and M15

By Car
There is no public parking at the Governors Island ferry building. There is garage parking across the street from the Battery Maritime Building for a fee.

Driving from the East Side:
Take the FDR Drive to Exit 1, South Ferry. As you exit, stay in the left lane and turn left around the (left) u-turn at the end of the street in front of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. The Battery Maritime Building is the historic ferry terminal just to the northeast of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The Governors Island ferry departs from the northernmost slip of the Battery Maritime Building.

Driving from the West Side:
Take the West Highway around the tip of Lower Manhattan and go through the Battery Underpass. When you emerge from the Underpass, take the first exit, Exit 1, Staten Island Ferry. Stay left, and make a left-hand u-turn onto South Street going south. Stay to your turn left and make the (left) u-turn at the end of the street in front of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. The Battery Maritime Building is the historic ferry terminal just to the northeast of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The Governors Island ferry departs from the northernmost slip of the Battery Maritime Building.

Driving: Local Streets:
Take Broadway south onto Whitehall Street. Turn left onto Water Street. Go one block and turn right onto Broad Street. Go one block and turn right onto South Street. Go to the left land, and make the (left) u-turn at the end of the street in front of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. The Battery Maritime Building is the historic ferry terminal just to the northeast of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. The Governors Island ferry departs from the northernmost slip of the Battery Maritime Building.

 Directions to the Governors Island Brooklyn Ferry

Free ferries run from Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 on Saturdays and Sundays only. Pier 6 is located at the foot of Atlantic Avenue.

By Subway

2/3 or 4/5 to Borough Hall

 By Bus

 B63 at the terminus of Atlantic Avenue, at Columbia Street

72 Responses

  1. Jack, on August 28, 2010 at 4:38 am Said:

    IS their service to Governor’s Island from Pier 6 in Brooklyn for the Rock The Bells show?

    Reply
    • Ellen, on August 28, 2010 at 12:08 pm Said:

      No. Rock the Bells’ concert ferries leave from Pier 11 at the foot of Wall St. in Manhattan and will take concert goers to the special events dock adjacent to the concert venue. Special concert ferries run continuously from 12pm until the last concert-goer is off the island. For information about getting to Rock the Bells visit http://rockthebells.net/faq.

      Reply
  2. shane johnson, on August 23, 2010 at 11:54 pm Said:

    im going to rock the bells on 8/28/2010. im staying on william st by south st. the concert wont get over til like mindinight . will there be a ferry ro bring us backto manhattan at that time. it says the ferry runs last at 530 pm? any help thanks

    Reply
    • Ellen, on August 24, 2010 at 4:10 pm Said:

      Ferry transportation for Rock the Bells is being provided by the concert producer. For information on transportation and the show, please visit http://www.thebeachconcerts.com.

      Reply
      • Joy Martinez, on August 27, 2010 at 10:27 pm Said:

        Can I not take the Brooklyn ferry? I like by Pier 6 in Brooklyn.

      • Ellen, on August 28, 2010 at 12:07 pm Said:

        All public ferries will operate as scheduled today. However, Rock the Bells’ concert ferries leave from Pier 11 at the foot of Wall St. in Manhattan and will take concert goers to the special events dock adjacent to the concert venue. Special concert ferries run continuously from 12pm until the last concert-goer is off the island. For information about getting to Rock the Bells visit http://rockthebells.net/faq.

  3. Crystal, on August 19, 2010 at 5:55 pm Said:

    I am attending the Rock the Bells concert 8/28 and the show doesn’t end until 12am so I was wondering if the Pier11 ferry will be transporting people back to manhattan after the show or if we will be stranded on the island. If stranded, are there any water taxis that are easily accessible and would I have to schedule for that ahead of time. I am from MA and am unfamiliar with NY so I need to know this info so I can plan for overnight parking, etc, if necessary. Thanks so much!
    Crystal

    Reply
  4. Phyllis, on August 18, 2010 at 10:12 pm Said:

    How long is the trip from Manhattan ferry to Governor’s Island?

    Should we anticipate a long wait for the ferry to and from the Maritime terminal on Fridays?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on August 19, 2010 at 1:31 pm Said:

      The trip is seven minutes long. The ferry can take 1,000 passengers at a time so usually the waits are not long on fridays.

      Reply
  5. candy, on August 15, 2010 at 10:21 pm Said:

    I will be attended the Rock the Bells festival on August 28th. What is the easiest way from NJ? i am 15mins outside Staten Island and the City, just trying to figure out the easiest route. Did not find any schedule on the sight.

    Reply
  6. Norah Schwartz, on August 14, 2010 at 7:06 pm Said:

    My sister uses a walker and needs some handicapped information. She will be taking Access-A-Ride and needs to know the cross streets for the ferry from Manhattan in addition to the address. Also, are there taxis nearby for the return trip? Will there be a problem bring the walker and the ferry and using it on the island?

    Reply
    • Ellen, on August 14, 2010 at 7:57 pm Said:

      There is no problem with bringing a walker on the ferry and there are accessible rest rooms and food within a short walk of the ferry dock. The ferry from Manhattan to Governors Island departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, which is slightly north of the intersection of South St. and Whitehall St. For directions please visit: http://www.govisland.com/html/visit/directions.shtml.

      Reply
  7. Joey T, on August 14, 2010 at 2:28 pm Said:

    Hi, I was planning on going to the island early to bike before the 8/14 concert. Can I bring my bike to the concert? Is there bike parking avail? Does the Water Taxi that departs after the concert allow bikes? Ty!

    Reply
    • Ellen, on August 14, 2010 at 7:23 pm Said:

      Yes, there is bike parking at the Beach and you can bring your bike on the boat on the way home from the concert tonight.

      Reply
  8. Kevin Jones, on August 13, 2010 at 5:29 pm Said:

    Can you take your own bike on the Gov Island ferry?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on August 13, 2010 at 5:34 pm Said:

      Absolutely! All visitors are welcome to bring their bikes to Governors Island to enjoy more than five miles of car free biking (or you can rent one while you are here!) On Fridays, bikes are free for up to one hour as a part of Bike and Roll’s Free Bike Fridays program.

      Reply
  9. Victor London, on August 11, 2010 at 11:57 am Said:

    Hi,

    What’s the best way to get to the Governor’s Island from New Jersey?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on August 11, 2010 at 4:48 pm Said:

      If you take NJ Transit to Penn Station, you can then take the 1 train to South Ferry. The Battery Maritime Building is located adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal which is where you exit the South Ferry Station.

      Reply
  10. evelyn, on August 6, 2010 at 4:29 pm Said:

    Hello, my family has been to the island only once and that was last year. We were pretty much at a loss as to which way to walk once we got there. I had believed there would be some sort of map by the entrance. Did I fail to see it? I’ve been looking online for the type of map of Governor’s Island that would guide us. Just like Central Park does. Even w/ arthritis I walk alot but I would sure like to know where I’m going. I there a map link that is active. I’ve run into a few error pages already, Thanks.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on August 8, 2010 at 6:29 pm Said:

      Evelyn,
      Thanks for your email. There are map kiosks located around the Island to help our visitors find their way around. There are three kiosks located together near the ferry landing (about 100 feet up the hill from Soissons dock if you are coming on the Manhattan ferry and about 50 feet from the ferry landing at Pier 101 if you are coming from Brooklyn). You can also download a map in advance of your visit from our website at http://www.govisland.com/html/visit/map.shtml.

      Reply
  11. E, on August 6, 2010 at 1:36 am Said:

    I’m going to the Grizzly Bear concert on August 12. Do you know what time the concert will end (an estimate would be fine). Also, are the audience members allowed to leave early (before the concert is over).

    Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Mike, on August 5, 2010 at 11:41 pm Said:

    Hi,

    I’m attending a concert on 8/28 on Governor’s Island and the concert will end around 12 midnight. Would the ferry be available then for this event or would i have to take the water taxi.

    Also, where do you recommend i park since i’m coming from delaware? Some have suggested I park in Newark, NJ and take the PATH from there to WTC and others say to park in brooklyn and take the ferry from there. Thanks

    Reply
  13. Sid, on July 22, 2010 at 6:38 pm Said:

    Hi,

    I’m attending the M.I.A. gig this coming Saturday (July 24th) – according to the set times M.I.A is not due on until 23.30. Assuming things run a little and it doesn’t start till midnight, what time will it finish, and will there be a ferry service back to Manhattan at that time. Is the last ferry back at a set time or will it run until everyone has left?

    Reply
  14. Mark Rowland, on July 19, 2010 at 9:25 pm Said:

    How big is the ferry that runs out to the island? About the same size as the Staten Island Ferry?

    Reply
    • Ellen, on July 20, 2010 at 12:34 pm Said:

      It’s not quite as big as the Staten Island Ferries! The Governors Island Ferry can carry up to 1,200 passengers.

      Reply
  15. Vannie Ryanes, on July 9, 2010 at 4:11 pm Said:

    Thanks, I’m almost on my way.

    Vannie

    Reply
  16. Vannie Ryanes, on July 9, 2010 at 3:43 pm Said:

    Planning to visit, is there a restaurant or food available or do we bring a snack in case we want a bite to eat? I checked site, did not see any mention of eats/food.

    Thanks much,

    Vannie

    Reply
  17. Jose Casas, on June 23, 2010 at 2:25 pm Said:

    I plan to attend a concert on July 4th starting at 4pm. Would like to stay at the Island to watch the fireworks. What time does that happen and will there still be ferry service back to Manhattan till the fireworks end? What time is the last ferry back to Manhattan?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Ellen, on June 23, 2010 at 3:18 pm Said:

      Hi!
      Governors Island is a great place to spend the day on July 4th! However, the last public ferry off the Island leaves at 7pm.

      This year, the fireworks are taking place over the Hudson River from the area by the Intrepid. They will be too far north to be seen from the island.

      Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island will remain open until 1am for a ticketed DJ event. Private Water Taxi’s will run between Manhattan and Governors Island all night to serve ticket holders for that event. For more tickets and info, visit http://www.watertaxibeach.com.

      Thanks,
      Ellen

      Reply
      • Jose Casas, on June 23, 2010 at 4:00 pm Said:

        Hi, Ellen. Thanks for the speedy reply.

        Great info. Sad about the fireworks. Unfortunately, the She & Him concert I will be attending is a FREE event and no tickets so (I guess) I can’t use the Water Taxi.

        Maybe I will use the 7pm last ferry and moozy on up the Hudson to see the fireworks.

        Thanks again for the info.

        Jose

  18. Nancy, on June 19, 2010 at 6:20 pm Said:

    Where can I park at the Brooklyn terminal?

    Reply
    • Ellen, on June 21, 2010 at 7:23 pm Said:

      Hi,
      There is on-street parking within walking distance of Brooklyn Bridge Park/Pier 6, where the Brooklyn ferries depart for Governors Island
      Thanks,
      Ellen

      Reply
  19. Debra, on June 17, 2010 at 1:43 pm Said:

    I’ve heard there is ferry service from Jersey City to Governor’s Island on weekends and that you can buy tickets ahead of time online? Can’t seem to find anything about this on the site, however. Can you direct me to the correct place?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on June 17, 2010 at 2:20 pm Said:

      Debra,

      The free ferry to Governors Island runs only from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. Special events like NY Brewfest or City of Water Day may run ferries from other locations such as New Jersey, but there is not normally a ferry service from Jersey City to Governors Island.

      Reply
  20. radion, on May 23, 2010 at 7:44 pm Said:

    i would like to know a little more information about the governer long island fairy. is there any cost? my contact 6467258123 thanks

    Reply
  21. Samantha, on May 23, 2010 at 7:20 pm Said:

    Hello,

    The ferry schedule is missing on the web site. The site says its on the directions page, but it’s not. How can I find out when they ferries depart and whether they leave from Brooklyn over Memorial Day weekend?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on May 25, 2010 at 5:29 pm Said:

      Hi Samantha,
      We are going to be posting the ferry schedule shortly. Please check back soon for updates!

      Reply
  22. Janah, on May 14, 2010 at 3:46 pm Said:

    Hello!

    I am writing to see if there is any more information about Ferry service from Brooklyn for the 2010 season.

    Thank you,
    Janah

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on May 17, 2010 at 4:45 pm Said:

      Janah,

      There will definitely be ferry service between Brooklyn and Governors Island on Saturdays and Sundays this summer. We will post additional information in a week or so to let all visitors know the departure location and ferry schedule.

      Reply
  23. Rachel, on September 25, 2009 at 12:49 pm Said:

    The main Gov Island website says there is ferry service tomorrow – Sept 26 – from Brooklyn. The ferry schedule on the Gov Island blog says there isn’t any Brooklyn ferry service this weekend. Which is correct?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on September 25, 2009 at 2:12 pm Said:

      Thank you very much for your comment. There IS Brooklyn service starting at 11 AM tomorrow and Sunday. There was a technical glitch that indicated there wasn’t service but there definitley is service from both Brooklyn and Manhattan for Sept 26 and 27. The schedules on the website and blog are correct. Thanks.

      Reply
  24. norodo, on September 4, 2009 at 9:01 pm Said:

    Does the Manhattan ferry and the Brooklyn ferry land in the same spot on the Island? If not, how far apart are they (via walking or bike)?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  25. robert b rosen, md, on August 27, 2009 at 3:27 am Said:

    Where do I park my car near the Manhattan ferry terminal?

    Reply
  26. Theresa R., on August 26, 2009 at 6:06 pm Said:

    Will you be offering free ferry service to Governors Island from Manhattan Monday thru Thurs. in the near future?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth, on August 31, 2009 at 6:14 pm Said:

      This year, Governors Island is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 11. Each year, we try to open more areas of the Island to the public, and expand what we can offer visitors. While the long-term plans for Governors Island include extending the Island’s hours of operation, for now, we plan to be open from Firdays-Sundays from the end of May to mid-October. We hope this provides many visitors with opportunities to visit, enjoy car-free biking, picnic and more.

      Reply
  27. Adrien, on August 19, 2009 at 2:42 pm Said:

    Can cars go on the ferry, and if so will it cast anything???

    Reply
    • Ellen, on August 19, 2009 at 2:49 pm Said:

      Private cars are not allowed on Governors Island. The Island’s vehicle ferry is carries limited service, delivery and emergency vehicles by appointment only.

      Reply
      • Adrien, on August 19, 2009 at 3:01 pm Said:

        well we are having a poetry evnt there and are wondering how we are going to transport the bongos and other instruments from the dock to the #11 building, Barry Rd

  28. Return to Governors Island « A Movable Bridge, on August 11, 2009 at 12:06 am Said:

    [...] kids in tow. Unfortunately, we were not able to take Puffin, so we joined the huddled masses on the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, all yearning to breathe free on the lawns and promenade of the [...]

    Reply
  29. More Bikes! « Governors Island Blog, on August 6, 2009 at 6:24 pm Said:

    [...] Directions & Ferry Schedule [...]

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  30. Nikki, on July 28, 2009 at 12:55 pm Said:

    I am interested in attending the Erikah Badu concert on Monday, Are there any ferries that leave from New Jersey on weekdays

    Reply
  31. john, on July 16, 2009 at 4:33 pm Said:

    what is the best way to come from Hoboken NJ to reach the ferry tour pier 5

    thanks

    Reply
    • Christopher, on July 16, 2009 at 4:45 pm Said:

      This weekend we will have limited ferry service from Hoboken, New Jersey for the City of Water Day Festival on Saturday. See below. If you would like to come from Hoboken on any other day, your best bet would be to take the path to Christopher Street. Then you can take the 1 train down to South Street. For more directions please look at the Directions & Ferry Schedule page of this blog.

      “Reserve a place on the special City of Water Day Festival NY Waterway Ferry from Hoboken, NJ and the West 39th Street Ferry Terminal in Manhattan.

      Please only register for the number of places you need as seating is limited.

      – Ferry Picks up at Hoboken North at 10am
      – Ferry Picks up at Pier 39, Manhattan at 10:15am
      – Arrives, City of Water Day Festival, Governors Island, 11am

      This ferry departs the City of Water Day Festival at 4:30 pm from Governors Island, Pier 101, returning to the West 39th Street Terminal and Hoboken North.

      To reserve tickets on this ferry, click here.
      For directions to the Hoboken North Ferry Landing, click here.
      For directions to the West 39th Street Terminal, click here.”

      Reply
  32. martin billig, on July 7, 2009 at 9:11 pm Said:

    Looking to go to the Island on 7/11 for the concert. Can’t seem to find a ferry schedule for this…where can i find it. Thanx

    Reply
    • Christopher, on July 9, 2009 at 2:13 pm Said:

      Our ferry schedules are available on a week to week basis on our website, but generally on weekends they run every half hour and every hour on Fridays. This Island is open until 7 on Satrudays and Sundays and 5 on Fridays. Concerts usually happen after those hours, and so for ferry services to Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island after the Island is closed for public access, please contact Water Taxi.

      Thanks

      Reply
  33. John Young, on June 28, 2009 at 9:54 pm Said:

    This ferry service is a bit of a mess. We took the ferry to Governor’s Island from Brooklyn today at 11:00am and when we returned to the ferry at 1:30, we discovered there was apparently no ferry to Brooklyn. We ended up having to go to Manhattan and finding our way back to Brooklyn, which was severely inconvenient with kids, bikes, and a trail-a-bike. Of course there was no sympathy or concern from the ferry operators. We ended up rushing over to the South Street Seaport and caught a Water taxi back to Brooklyn. If the ferry service is not something that you can count on, then people won’t risk going. I know I won’t. It was fun while we were there, though.

    Reply
    • Christopher, on July 9, 2009 at 4:01 pm Said:

      John,

      I am so sorry you had a tough time that Sunday. Unfortunately, WaterWays started service that day even though we did not order it. We did not find out until later that they had brought people from Brooklyn until much later. We have Brooklyn service only on days when there is specific programming on Governors Island. Please check our website for ferry information here.

      Thanks and I hope you do decide to come via Brooklyn ferry again. In the future, please check to make sure we have ferries going to Brooklyn.

      Reply
  34. Governors Island Opening for the Season | SPR Environmental Law Blog, on May 28, 2009 at 9:39 pm Said:

    [...] planning of a new proposed park on the island.   Read more about island  activities, history, visiting hours, and more at the links [...]

    Reply
  35. Isabelle, on May 26, 2009 at 4:33 pm Said:

    Could you please let us know the Ferry schedule going to the Island and coming back to Manhattan. Thanks.

    Reply

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