If you have only a few days in New York, riding over and returning can still be worthwhile for the harbour views. Just understand what it is: a scenic public-transport journey, not a full Staten Island visit. If the weather is poor or harbour visibility is low, use that time elsewhere and return on a clearer day.
When a ferry-only trip makes sense
Take the ferry from Lower Manhattan in the morning, spend a little time around St George, then continue to Snug Harbor for gardens and one museum or gallery. Return to St George and take the ferry back with a different light over the harbour. This gives the borough a purpose without turning the day into a long transport exercise.
A simple half-day plan
St George connects with Staten Island Railway and numerous buses. The rail line is useful for the east and south shore but does not serve every visitor attraction directly. Plan the outbound and return journey before leaving the terminal, particularly on evenings or weekends when waits can make a short-distance trip take longer than expected.
Getting around after the ferry
Staten Island has extensive green space, including the Greenbelt, Clove Lakes Park and waterfront areas. This is the borough's biggest contrast with dense Manhattan. If your New York trip is long enough to need a low-key walking day, parks and gardens can be more satisfying than trying to collect another famous landmark.
Nature and parks
Historic Richmond Town preserves buildings and stories from Staten Island's past and can reward history-focused visitors, but it sits well beyond the ferry terminal. The same is true for many beaches, parks and south-shore neighbourhoods. These are better for a dedicated day — and often easier with a bus plan, taxi or car — than for a quick ferry excursion.
Historic Richmond Town and deeper island trips
The Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor covers art, natural science and local history. Current published hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 11am–5pm, with suggested admission. Nearby institutions include the Noble Maritime Collection and Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art. Because each venue keeps its own schedule, choose your priorities before leaving Manhattan.
Staten Island Museum and other culture
Snug Harbor is one of the strongest reasons to stay on the island. Its 83-acre outdoor grounds and public gardens are currently free and open from dawn to dusk. Paid or separately ticketed attractions include museums, galleries and the Chinese Scholar's Garden, so check opening days before visiting. It is a short bus or taxi ride from St George rather than a practical walk for everyone.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
St George is the borough's main transit hub and the easiest area to explore without a car. The waterfront is changing, and the neighbourhood mixes civic buildings, local restaurants and transport connections. Use it as the gateway rather than assuming the terminal itself is the attraction.
St George and the waterfront
Passengers cannot simply remain aboard for a round trip. Leave the vessel at St George and re-enter through the terminal for the return journey. If you only want the harbour crossing, that is straightforward — but allowing even an hour or two on Staten Island makes the trip feel less like a transport hack and more like a real borough visit.
You must get off at St George
The ferry provides broad views of Lower Manhattan, Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. You do not need to fight for one exact “secret” position: outdoor access and vessel layout can vary, and both directions give worthwhile views. Arrive with enough time to board calmly, then move around once the crew permits it.
Harbour views and where to stand
The Staten Island Ferry is operated by NYC DOT and remains free. It runs every day, year-round, between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St George. The crossing takes about 25 minutes each way. Service frequency varies through the day, so check the official schedule rather than relying on a fixed interval from an old guide.
The Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island is not essential on a first two-day New York trip, but it becomes much more appealing when you have time to slow down. The free ferry gives excellent harbour views, and getting off at St George opens the door to museums, gardens and neighbourhoods that feel very different from Midtown. Treat the borough as a deliberate half-day rather than simply a ferry turnaround.