NYC Ferry Service Sets Sail: Routes, Schedules, Fares And More

NEW YORK, NY - The New York City Ferry has set sail.

The first two routes brought commuting sailors into the city Monday. One steamed into Wall Street from the Rockaways in Queens, while the second linked E. 34th Street, Hunter's Point, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Dumbo and Wall Street.

They were the first of six routes that will eventually dock throughout the city.

A full list of routes and schedules is available on the NYC Ferry website.

The system is expected to be fully operational next year, the city said. It will cover more than 60 miles of waterway and cost $2.75 per ride – the same as a subway fare. The cost of a 30-day, unlimited ferry pass will be $121.

(For more commute updates and other news for your NYC neighborhood, click here to sign up for Patch's daily newsletter and free, real-time news alerts.)

“For the first time in generations, our amazing New York Harbor is part of our city’s critical public transportation system and, for the price of a subway ride, you an get to work and also explore New York City’s beautiful coastal communities much more directly,” said de Blasio.

Alicia Glen, deputy mayor for housing and economic development, called the ferry’s launch a “milestone two years in the making,” with State Sen. Daniel Squadron commenting on the ferry’s promotion of more streamlined service.

“More routes, cheaper fares and faster trips mean a better commute for New Yorkers across the city,” Squadron said. “As a long-time proponent of expanded ferry service across my district, today’s launch is great news."

A third route is scheduled to launch June 1, linking Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Wall Street. Astoria service is set to launch in August and the final routes — Lower East Side and Soundview — are scheduled for 2018.

The city also shared a number of names for what will be about 20 new NYC Ferry boats, with each proposed by second-grade student enrolled in schools near the ferry system’s 22 landings. The names include Happy Hauler, McShiney, Opportunity and Great Eagle.

Photo credit: New York City Mayor's Office