Weekend Ferry Service Returns Between Historic Hudson River Towns

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A Hudson Valley summer "rite of passage" isn't just for commuters anymore. The ferry is in shipshape and ready for sightseers.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the return of weekend service on Metro-North Railroad's Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry. The pilot program, now in its second year, will offer hourly service across the Hudson River starting on Saturday, with ferries timed to connect at Ossining with Metro-North trains to and from New York City.

"Rockland County is once again proud to welcome visitors from across the region with the return of the Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry Service," Rockland County Executive Ed Day said. "Thanks to our Transport of Rockland [TOR] Weekend Ferry Connection bus, travelers can easily reach some of the many unique destinations and attractions Rockland has to offer — all without needing a car."

The hourly service will run between 10:23 a.m. and 7:46 p.m. on weekends, through Oct. 12. Ferries will not operate on Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day.

"As we prepare to embark on a fun and festive Memorial Day Weekend and the unofficial kick-off to summer, we are thrilled that weekend ferry service will be returning for residents to enjoy from Westchester to Rockland counties," said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. "The Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry can quickly turn a trip across the Hudson into an adventure, with fresh air, scenic views and a relaxing ride for children and families. I want to thank our partners at Metro-North Railroad for bringing back this service, which offers a great alternative to driving and an enjoyable experience for all."

An adult one-way ticket on the Haverstraw-Ossining ferry costs $4.50. Seniors (62+), people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients pay $2.25 with appropriate ID. Children ages 6-11 pay $2.25, while children 5 and under ride for free. A 10-trip ferry ticket costs $38.25.

First launched in May 2024, the weekend ferry service was designed to enhance the reach of Metro-North to Rockland County and serve as an alternative to driving into NYC. During the opening weekend last year, the ferry averaged 240 riders a day. In June, that grew to around 284 riders daily, and in July, ridership reached about 455 riders a day on the weekend. The ferry set a record of 822 riders on Sunday, July 21.

In addition, Metro-North will continue to offer discounts on monthly ferry tickets as well as three other ways to cross the Hudson into Orange and Rockland Counties: the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, the Newburgh-Beacon bus, and the Hudson Link bus service between Rockland County and Tarrytown and White Plains via the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.