Ferry to NYC from New Jersey
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Consisting of more than 20 lines, NY Waterway offers express service in the NYC metropolitan area. The ferries of this private transportation entity navigate the Hudson River and New York Harbor. After hopping on a ferry, you can enjoy panoramic views of NYC’s skyline along with a refreshing breeze.
Sightseeing Along the Hudson River
Although it primarily provides commuter transportation service, NY Waterway simultaneously offers great sightseeing opportunities along the Hudson River. The network’s northernmost stops are located in pristine and quaint communities that have stunning landscapes.
A ride between Newburgh and Beacon comes with panoramic views of highlands and mountains that define the charm of the Lower Hudson Valley. When taking a ferry between Haverstraw and Ossining, passengers will pass one of the widest points of the Hudson River. Rockland County’s Hook Mountain and Westchester County’s Croton Point Park are clearly visible during such a trip.
NY Waterway ferries that operate between northern New Jersey and Manhattan let passengers enjoy awesome views of NYC’s famous skyline. Even the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island might be visible during a quick trip across the area where the Hudson River meets the New York Harbor.
Ferry Terminals
Home to a bustling financial sector, Lower Manhattan naturally has some of the busiest terminals in the NY Waterway network. Brookfield Place/Battery Park City is located near the newly built World Financial Center. The 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center are some notable attractions that are a short walk away from the ferry stop.
Situated on the southeastern tip of Lower Manhattan, Pier 11/Wall Street offers convenient access to Wall Street and the South Street Seaport district. This ferry slip overlooks the East River that separates Manhattan from the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn.
Situated right above the Lincoln Tunnel, Midtown/ W. 39th Street is another major station that’s served by NY Waterway. Madison Square Garden and Times Square are some top attractions that are located just a few blocks away from this ferry terminal.
When riding a NY Waterway ferry, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot Jersey City’s contemporary skyline. The Paulus Hook stop is nested right in the heart of Exchange Place, which is the city’s main financial, entertainment and retail hub. There are also miles of riverfront promenades that link the ferry stop with the rest of Jersey City. Some other notable NY Waterway terminals along New Jersey’s waterfront include Hoboken/NJ Transit, Lincoln Harbor, and Port Imperial/Weehawken.
Brief History
In the early 1980s, some of New Jersey’s banks along the Hudson River were in severe decline. Arthur Imperatore Sr., who operated a major trucking enterprise, invested about 2.5 million dollars in an industrial waterfront land in Weehawken. In 1986, he officially established the NY Waterway as a private transportation network in the New York City metropolitan area.
The first ferry service transported passengers between Weehawken and various parts of Lower Manhattan. Eventually, NY Waterway expanded into one of the most extensive ferry systems in the United States of America.
Transportation Connections
The NY Waterway ferries are seamlessly connected to all forms of public transportation in NYC and NJ. For example, NJ Transit commuter trains, light rail cars, and buses are easily accessible from the ferry slips. PATH trains, which link Manhattan with NJ, are available at various points in Jersey City and Hoboken.
Upon landing in any of the slips in Manhattan, you should be able to easily spot an underground NYC subway station. Additionally, some Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses stop within walking distance of the ferry terminals.
Phone: For Ferry Information: 800-53-FERRY (800-533-3779)
Click here to visit NY Waterway official website.