Main Content
NYC Ferry

FAQ

Home > About > FAQ

Frequently Asked Question

Got questions? We’ve got the answer. Choose a topic below to get started.

Ferry Discount Program

What is the Ferry Discount Program?

The Ferry Discount Program was created to provide opportunities for seniors, people with disabilities, and people who participate in the Fair Fares NYC program to access NYC Ferry with a reduced fare ticket price of $1.35.

How does the Ferry Discount Program work?

Eligible users must apply to the program. Once approved, participants will be able to access the $1.35 ticket in the NYC Ferry app or be able to purchase the ticket in-person at Pier 11/Wall Street between the hours of 8 AM – 7 PM. Applications may take up to 30 days to process.

Am I eligible for the Ferry Discount Program?

You are eligible for the Ferry Discount Program if you meet at least one of the categories below:

  • You are age 65 or older
  • You are a person with a disability
  • You are a participant in the Fair Fares NYC program and have a valid Fair Fares MetroCard. Fair Fares NYC participants who receive their discount on Access-A-Ride should apply for the Ferry Discount Program for persons with a disability.

Does my immigration status affect my ability to participate in the Ferry Discount Program?

NYC Ferry will not ask about your status or record any information regarding immigration status.

How can I apply for the Ferry Discount Program?

Please visit our website at https://www.ferry.nyc/ticketing-info/, fill out the form, and submit all required documents for review. You can also print the above-mentioned form and mail it to the address listed on the form. Validation/processing time may take up to 30 days.

What documentation is required to apply for the Ferry Discount Program?

The documentation required to apply is dependent on the eligible category for the Ferry Discount Program. Those ages 65 and over are required to submit documentation that validates identity and age. Fair Fares participants need to submit documentation that validates participation in Fair Fares (by submitting a photo of a valid Fair Fares MetroCard and entering the Fair Fares MetroCard serial number in the application or, if the Fair Fares MetroCard serial number is illegible, by submitting a screenshot of your Access HRA account showing current enrollment, serial number, and enrollment/expiration dates). People with disabilities are required to submit documentation that confirms their disability status. All passengers are required to submit clear photographs or scans of all required documentation with their application. For a full list of approved documents, please go to the application form and select the application type under which you are eligible for the Ferry Discount Program.

What disabilities qualify?

Holders of any of the documents listed in the Terms and Conditions for Persons with Disabilities qualify as disabled for purposes of the Ferry Discount Program.

How long will it take for my application to be approved?

Once you submit your application and upload all required documents, allow 30 days for your application to be reviewed and processed. Once your application has been reviewed, you will be notified of your enrollment.

Once I am approved, when can I start purchasing tickets?

Once approved, you can immediately begin purchasing tickets in the NYC Ferry app or by visiting the ticket booth at the Wall St./Pier 11 Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 7 PM.

My application was denied. How can I get more information?

Your application may be denied if your application does not meet program eligibility requirements. For more information on your denial, you may call 844-469-3377 or email [email protected] for more information.

My application was denied and I think the decision was wrong. Can I request additional review of this decision?

If you think that your application was denied in error, you can request a review of your application or renewal application. You must make this request within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the notice of denial letter. You may request a review by calling 844-469-3377 or sending an email to [email protected]. If a request for review is not received in this time frame, the denial will become final.

Do I need to renew my enrollment in this program?

If you qualify for the Ferry Discount Program because you participate in Fair Fares NYC, you will need to reapply when your Fair Fares MetroCard expires. To confirm eligibility, you must reapply using the new Fair Fares MetroCard you received. Enrollment in the Ferry Discount Program will expire 60 days after your Fair Fares MetroCard expires, to allow time for your renewal to be processed without a lapse in enrollment. Information on how to renew your enrollment in Fair Fares NYC can be found here. If you would like more information on the Fair Fares NYC program, please visit the program website or call 311.

Enrollment in the Ferry Discount Program does not expire for those eligible for the program as a senior citizen. If you applied for the Ferry Discount Program as a disabled person but no longer possess the documentation used to verify eligibility as disabled, you will be considered ineligible for the Ferry Discount Program and must notify NYC Ferry. If you have another accepted form of documentation, you may re-apply using that document for verification.

Can my family/friends use my Ferry Discount Program tickets?

No. Ferry Discount Program tickets are for personal use only and cannot be used by family or friends. You cannot sell tickets to anyone. Violation of this policy is subject to suspension and/or disqualification from the Ferry Discount Program. If any of your family or friends are eligible for the Ferry Discount Program, they must submit their own application for approval. All sales are final, and tickets purchased through the Ferry Discount Program are non-refundable.

Can I use Ferry Discount Program benefits on all NYC public transportation systems?

No. Ferry Discount Program tickets can only be used on NYC Ferry routes. Reduced fare tickets will not be accepted on any other public transportation operator in the region.

Can I still get a Reduced Fare Monthly Pass?

No. Starting on September 12, 2022, NYC Ferry will no longer offer Monthly Passes.

Can I get tickets for the Ferry Discount Program at the ticket vending machines located at all NYC Ferry landings?

No, reduced fare tickets are only available on the NYC Ferry Mobile App for approved accounts and in person at the Pier 11/Wall Street ticket booth office between the hours of 8 AM – 7 PM.

Ferry Landings

How can I find something to do by the ferry landings?

Please visit our blog for guides and information on the NYC Ferry blog.

Am I allowed to smoke on the ferry landing?

No

Are there restrooms in the waiting areas?

No

Is there parking by the ferry landings?

Parking is very limited near most of the NYC Ferry landings (Only the Brooklyn Army Terminal/Sunset Park landing has a municipal lot nearby). Over 70% of our riders walk or bike to landings and we do not encourage passengers to park near the landing. The City and NYC Ferry work closely with other agencies to provide bike racks.

Journey Information

Can I bring alcoholic beverages off the ferry?

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted off the vessel. We ask that you finish your beverage prior to leaving. We also do not allow opened alcohol containers onto the vessel.

NYC Ferry policy is that we serve one alcoholic beverage per ID at a time.

We request that you please drink responsibly and continue your journey safely. Please do not drink & drive.

Can I bring outside alcoholic beverages onto the ferry?

Finish those beverages before you ride
No outside food or beverages shall be consumed on board NYC Ferry vessels at any time. For the safety of our riders and for a pleasant trip, we ask that you please finish your food and beverage items before you board our vessels.
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at our concessions stand

Lost & Found at NYC Ferry

NYC Ferry does not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged belongings.

Before disembarking the vessel, please check your surrounding area for items that may have been dropped or have fallen. All retrieved items will be returned to Lost & Found at the end of each day. Lost items are held for 30 days. Items not claimed within 30 days are donated to charity or properly disposed of or destroyed. To inquire about a lost item, contact  [email protected] providing a description of your item and the route, direction and time of day traveled.

NYC Ferry is unable to contact vessel crews throughout the course of the day to retrieve items in attempt to reduce the number of direct inquiries that occur throughout the day to our crew.

NYC Ferry is not liable for damages to personal items, including bicycles, strollers, cell phones, computers, etc. Theft or damage to personal items, injury as a result of loading and unloading a bicycle, acts by a third party and all other incidents are solely the responsibility of the rider and not NYC Ferry.

Where can I get tourist information onboard the ferry?

Please see the information displays on board the ferry!

Am I allowed to smoke on the ferry?

No.

Can I record video aboard the ferry?

Only for non-commercial use. If you are looking to photograph or record video for commercial use, please  visit https://www.ferry.nyc/advertising/film-photo-inquiries/ to download the Film & Photo Application Form. Please send the completed form and inquiries to .

Is there a fee for bringing strollers on the ferry?

There is no fee for bringing strollers onboard. All NYC Ferry boats have designated spaces for strollers onboard. However, there is no priority boarding.  Ferry access is a first come first serve basis. Strollers are not allowed to be on the outside decks or the second decks.

Are pets/animals allowed on the ferries?

Dogs, with the exception of trained service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are not permitted on NYC Ferry vessels unless they are in a pet carrier and/or muzzled.

Can I bring my hoverboard onboard?

No.

Are rollerblades or skateboards allowed on the ferry?

Yes, however, be mindful of your fellow riders and carry the equipment.

Can I bring a bicycle/scooter on the ferry?

Bicycles, including electric bicycles with pedals and electric stand up scooters, are allowed on NYC Ferry boats. All NYC Ferries have bicycle racks for your convenience.

Bike Capacity:  NYC Ferries can accommodate approximately 8-10 bicycles. Please note that there is a limit to how many bicycles each ferry can safely carry and if we reach bicycle capacity you may not be permitted to board with your bicycle.

Motorized sit down scooters and gas-powered bikes are not permitted onboard.  Only ADA Compliant motor vehicles (scooter or wheelchair).

All bicycles and scooters are required to remain outdoors on the bow of the vessel unless the bicycle/scooter is a folding unit, in which case it may be brought into the cabin portion of the boat. The crew may request that foldable units be kept outdoors on the bow of the vessel if they pose a safety issue due to the vessel being at capacity, the item is blocking an aisle/seating area or exit. Please keep in mind walkways/staircases must be clear at all times for safety purposes.

NYC Ferry is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Are vehicles allowed on the ferries?

No.

Lost & Found Policy

Lost & Found at NYC Ferry

NYC Ferry does not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged belongings.

Before disembarking the vessel, please check your surrounding area for items that may have been dropped or have fallen. All retrieved items will be returned to Lost & Found at the end of each day. Lost items are held for 30 days. Items not claimed within 30 days are donated to charity or properly disposed of or destroyed. To inquire about a lost item, contact [email protected] providing a description of your item and the route, direction and time of day traveled.
NYC Ferry is unable to contact vessel crews throughout the course of the day to retrieve items in attempt to reduce the number of direct inquiries that occur throughout the day to our crew.
NYC Ferry is not liable for damages to personal items, including bicycles, strollers, cell phones, computers, etc. Theft or damage to personal items, injury as a result of loading and unloading a bicycle, acts by a third party and all other incidents are solely the responsibility of the rider and not NYC Ferry.

NYC Ferry Application

How do I use the NYC Ferry App?

For complete video tutorials on NYC Ferry App functionality, please visit (https://www.ferry.nyc/appguide/)

Will App work on the new Windows and Blackberry Mobile Phones?

The app is currently not available on Blackberry and Windows Smartphones

What should I do if I change or lose my device?

Contact [email protected] and someone will assist you.

Which mobile phones can I download the mobile app to?

Android, iPhone

If I am having a problem loading the application, who should I call?

Contact [email protected] and someone will assist you.

Press

TBA

Rockaway Reserve

Can I still get a Do I wait in the un-reserved Rockaway line to board with my Rockaway Reserve ticket?
 Fare Monthly Pass?

No. Rockaway Reserve ticketholders must queue in a separate line at the Wall Street/Pier 11, Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal, and Rockaway landings. Riders with Rockaway Reserve tickets should report to the designated line. If you are confused on where to queue based on your ticket type, ask an NYC Ferry staffer at your landing.

What if it’s raining on the day I purchased a ticket for? Can I get a refund for weather or reschedule to another time?

No. Rockaway trips operate regardless of rain and Rockaway Reserve tickets are non-refundable. In the event of extreme weather, NYC Ferry may cancel ferry service; in that case, refunds will be issued to all Rockaway Reserve ticketholders whose trips have been cancelled.

Does my Rockaway Reserve ticket include round trip transportation?

No. A Rockaway Reserve ticket only reserves a spot onboard a single ferry departure. A separate NYC Ferry ticket must be purchased for an unreserved return trip, or a separate Rockaway Reserve ticket can be purchased for a reserved spot on your return trip.

What if my scheduled Rockaway Reserve departure is cancelled?

If your scheduled Rockaway Reserve departure is cancelled by NYC Ferry, you will receive an automatic refund for the purchased Rockaway Reserve ticket(s) impacted by the cancellation. If your reserved trip is cancelled, you do not need to contact NYC Ferry to receive a refund.

What if I miss the departure I purchased a Rockaway Reserve ticket for?

If you miss your reserved departure time, you may enter the unreserved Rockaway line and use your Rockaway Reserve ticket to board the next Rockaway trip; however, you will not have access to a reserved spot on any departure other than the one you purchased a ticket for. As a reminder, riders must be in the Rockaway Reserve queue at least ten minutes before their scheduled departure to guarantee boarding.

Can I transfer to other NYC Ferry routes with my activated/used Rockaway Reserve ticket?

No. Rockaway Reserve ticketholders must purchase a separate base fare NYC Ferry ticket to use and transfer between other routes.

What if I purchase Rockaway Reserve tickets from ferry.nyc and don’t see them in my NYC Ferry app?

Android users purchasing tickets via ferry.nyc may not immediately see their tickets in the NYC Ferry app. Riders using the Android NYC Ferry app will automatically receive a ticket purchase confirmation email and can expect to see their reserved tickets in the app the day prior to their scheduled departure. If your ticket is not appearing in the app, please show the ticketing agent your ticket purchase confirmation email.

Can I still use my regular NYC Ferry ticket to board the Rockaway route?

Yes! The majority of spots on all Rockaway departures are un-reserved and available for riders using regular tickets. Riders who wish to board using their regular NYCF ticket must line up in the regular Rockaway line. On high ridership days, riders who do not purchase a Rockaway Reserve ticket may be unable to board the departure of their choice.

Can I use an unused Rockaway Reserve ticket for another scheduled Rockaway Reserve departure?

No. Purchasing a Rockaway Reserve ticket only reserves a spot on the trip you bought a ticket for. Your ticket does not guarantee you a spot onboard any other NYC Ferry departure. As a reminder, Rockaway Reserve ticketholders must arrive at least ten minutes before departure time to guarantee boarding.

Can I purchase a Rockaway Reserve ticket at the NYC Ferry ticket vending machines or Pier 11/Wall St ticket booth?

No. Rockaway Reserve tickets can only be purchased through the NYC Ferry app or at ferry.nyc.

Can I bring my bike on-board?

Yes, but bike space is limited. To bring your bike on the Rockaway route, you must additionally reserve a $0 bicycle ticket in advance when purchasing your Rockaway Reserve ticket via the NYC Ferry app or ferry.nyc.

How do I purchase a Rockaway Reserve ticket?
NYC Ferry riders can purchase their Rockaway Reserve ticket(s) via the NYC Ferry app or ferry.nyc beginning Friday, June 23rd. Tickets purchased at ferry.nyc will be sent to the purchasing rider’s NYC Ferry digital app account. Tickets purchased via ferry.nyc or the NYC Ferry app cannot be printed out and used to board a departure. Riders must present a valid Rockaway Reserve ticket within the NYC Ferry app to board their ticketed departure.

Riders may purchase Rockaway Reserve tickets for multiple people on the same departure and activate them all at once, but the entire party must be present before boarding.

Will the Rockaway Reserve be a year-round program?

No. NYC Ferry riders will only be able to reserve a spot onboard during peak beach travel times on weekends and holidays between Saturday, July 1, 2023 and Monday, September 4, 2023.

When should I arrive for my Rockaway departure?

Riders must arrive at least ten minutes before their reserved trip. Boarding is only guaranteed for Rockaway Reserve ticket-holders who are in the correct line at least ten minutes prior to their ticketed Rockaway departure time when the boarding process begins. If you are not in the Rockaway Reserve line at least 10-minutes prior to departure, you may not be able to board on your planned departure. If you miss your departure, your Rockaway Reserve ticket may be used on any other NYC Ferry route (including the Rockaway route), but will not guarantee a spot on board.

Do children need a Rockaway Reserve ticket to guarantee boarding?
Like all NYC Ferry routes, children under 44 inches in height can travel for free with a paying adult. To reserve a spot for children, a $0 ticket must be reserved for each child in advance when purchasing your Rockaway Reserve ticket via the NYC Ferry app or ferry.nyc. Height will be verified upon boarding. All children over 44 inches in height must have a full-price Rockaway Reserve ticket.

During which peak times can a Rockaway Reserve ticket be purchased?

  • Riders can purchase tickets to reserve a spot on all Rockaway route departures from Pier 11 and Brooklyn Army Terminal between 9am and 2pm
  • Riders can purchase tickets to reserve a spot on all Rockaway route departures from Rockaway between 3pm and 8pm

For complete schedule and reservation information, visit the NYC Ferry app or ferry.nyc.

Does my Rockaway Reserve ticket guarantee boarding?

Yes. A valid Rockaway Reserve ticket guarantees you a spot onboard the scheduled departure you selected when purchasing your ticket. Riders must be in the designated queue at least 10-minutes prior to boarding. Reserved tickets do not guarantee a specific seat on the vessel.

How much is a Rockaway Reserve ticket?

A Rockaway Reserve ticket is $10.00 per passenger. Children under 44” ride free and a $0 ticket must be reserved for each child in advance when purchasing your Rockaway Reserve ticket via the NYC Ferry app or ferry.nyc.

Service Routes

How long will my travel time be?

Rockaway to Wall Street (1 stop): Approximately 1 hour

Astoria to E 34th Street (2 stops): Approximately 22 minutes
Astoria to Wall Street (4 stops): Approximately 45 minutes
Soundview to Wall Street (3 stops): Approximately 49 minutes
Throgs Neck/ Ferry Pint Park to Wall Street (4 stops): Approximately 56 minutes
Bay Ridge to Wall Street (4 stops): Approximately 44 minutes
Bay Ridge to Wall Street (1 stop): Faster Connections Pilot Weekdays 6 am – 10 am Approximately 21 minutes

To explore travel routes and times further, please see our website at https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/

Where are the ferry landings and how do I get there by public transportation?

You can find the most up to date information at our routes and landing page of the website.

Which ferry routes are currently open?

The following routes are now fully operational:

Rockaway, South Brooklyn, East River, Astoria, Soundview, St. George and Governors Island Shuttle (Seasonal and Weekends Only)

Do holiday schedules differ from regular schedules?

NYC Ferry will only have seasonal schedules, depending on whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter.

How do I find timetables for my ferry landing?

You can find timetables for the ferries on our website (ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/) and at the NYC Ferry landings.

How often do the ferries leave each ferry landing?

The time between each ferry depends on your route. Please visit our route explorer and timetables for more information.

How many hours per day will NYC Ferry operate?

The ferries will operate between 6:00am-10pm, 365 days per year.

How many landings are there and what communities will mostly benefit from it?

There are 25 landings, which will serve New Yorkers in neighborhoods that have previously been transit deserts.

What are the designated routes and terminals for this services?

NYC Ferry provides a new, affordable way to travel between waterfront communities throughout New York City. NYC Ferry currently connects Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx via its six operational routes: East River, Rockaway, South Brooklyn, Soundview, Astoria, and the St.George route. NYC Ferry service currently consists of 6 operational ferry routes and 25 landings.

Tickets

How do I get a refund?

All sales are final. Not for exchange, resale or transfer. Not intended for specific departure time, and can be used from any NYC Ferry location. Lost tickets will not be replaced.

Can I use my MTA card on the ferry?

Not at this time. The MTA is a state agency, while NYC Ferry is an NYCEDC project. To date, there is not a fare payment system that integrates between the MTA and other entities, however, NYC Ferry is working with the NYCEDC and the MTA to ensure travel-planning applications will provide New Yorkers with the most optimal transit routes.

Do you have any senior citizen, military, student or child discounts?

NYC Ferry has offers for senior citizens , persons with disabilities, and current participants in the Fair Fares NYC program. For additional information please visit the Reduced Fares section on our Ticketing Info page

Can customers use a commuter debit card?

Yes, please make sure that you have the appropriate funds in your account. If the card is denied, it will take three to five business days before the funding will appear back on your card.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept cash and all major credit cards.

Can I use multiple tickets at the same time for myself and my family or friends?

Yes, just select the amount of tickets you would like to use all at the same time and activate them at once. The total number of tickets you activated will then be visible on the screen. You must keep your mobile app out and activated to show the deckhand at the gate when boarding. Please keep in mind, there is no priority boarding.  Ferry access is a first come first serve basis.

When should I activate my ticket?

You should only activate your ticket once you are at the slip and ready to board the ferry. If the ferry is crowded, you should make sure that you can get on before activating. There is no priority boarding. The ferry is boarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please note, one-way tickets are valid for one way only and cannot be used for a round trip. Tickets are valid for 120 minutes to allow for transfers to a different route but cannot be used on the same route it was already scanned on.

How long are tickets valid for?

Unactivated tickets are valid for 90 days. Activated tickets are valid for 120 minutes.

Please note, Adult One-Way tickets are valid for one way only and cannot be used for a round trip. Tickets are valid for 120 minutes to allow for transfers to a different route but cannot be used on the same route it was already scanned on.

Do you offer weekly or monthly passes?

We do not offer weekly or monthly passes. The 10-Trip Pass is only available for purchase on the mobile app.

How much are tickets for the ferry?

An Adult One-Way Pass is $4.00, and a 10-Trip-Pass is $27.50.

What if I did not bring my phone, how do I purchase a ticket?

Every NYC Ferry landing has a ticket vending machines where you can purchase tickets.

Can I purchase tickets aboard the ferry?

No, you cannot currently purchase tickets onboard. All tickets must be purchased in advance to boarding for your trip via the NYC Ferry App, website, or at a ticket kiosk machine located on all NYC Ferry landings.

Is there a fee for ferry transfers?

No. All transfers are free. However, there is no priority boarding.  The ferry boards on a first-come, first-serve basis when transferring.

If you activated a ticket on your mobile app, you can use that same ticket as a transfer to a different route within 120 minutes. Keep your paper tickets as those will act as your transfer to a different route if needed also within 120 minutes. You cannot use a one-way ticket for a round trip on the same route. All transfers must be to a different route than that ticket was previously scanned on.

Why should I download the NYC Ferry app?

By downloading our app you will enjoy benefits such track your ferry in real time, purchase and redeem tickets, receive service alerts, and view live schedules.

How do I purchase a ticket?

You may purchase your ferry ticket on our NYC Ferry app or at our NYC Ferry ticket vending machines at the ferry landings.

Title VI/ADA Compliance

Title VI/ADA Compliance

For more information about our Title VI and ADA policies, please visit https://www.ferry.nyc/accessibility/.

May I bring a service animal onboard?

Yes. Only service animals are allowed on board. Dogs, with the exception of trained service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are not permitted on NYC Ferry vessels unless they are in a pet carrier and/or muzzled.

What makes the NYC Ferries ADA compliant?

Our ferries are fully accessible to New Yorkers with disabilities, and comply with the requirements of both the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York City Local Law 68 of 2005.

Are the ferry landings and ferries ADA compliant?

All NYC Ferry boats and landings ADA compliant.  Please keep in mind that ferry access is a first come first serve basis.