Soissons Landing ferry dock at the north end of Governors Island
Governors Island is not connected to Manhattan or to the New York / New Jersey mainland by bridge, so a 10-minute ferry ride is required to visit. No private motorized boats may land at the docks, though a dock near Pier 102 welcomes those in hand-paddled watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. Three ferries operated by the Trust for Governors Island depart from Manhattan and Brooklyn, one of which runs year-round. The New York Ferry also stops at the island. The property under control of the National Park Service—Fort Jay and Castle Williams—is only open seasonally, but the island is always open for recreational activities.
The following information applies to the ferries operated by the Trust for Governors Island.
Everyone needs a ferry ticket to board the ferries, even those riding for free. There is no charge for departures before 11 AM on the weekends, but otherwise there is a fee for most people ages 13 to 64. Residents of NYCHA housing, IDNYC holders, active and retired military personel, and Governors Island Foundation members ride for free. In most cases you can purchase tickets at the ferry dock without a problem, as departure times generally do not sell out. You can purchase tickets online as well. See the Trust for Governors Island Ferry web page for fees, schedules, online ticket information, and other regulations.
While you choose a departure time when purchasing a ticket online, you can actually leave at any time as long as there are seats available. You are only guaranteed a seat at the departure time on your ticket. You can also return at anytime, for no return time is specified when purchasing a ticket, either online or at the dock.
Bikes and baby strollers are allowed on the ferry at no charge on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited, so arrive early. The island is quite large, and biking is the best way to get around. You can rent bikes, but they cost an arm and a leg, so bringing your own is the way to go.
Biking on Governors Island National Monument
MANHATTAN FERRY
A ferry from Manhattan to Governors Island departs seven days a week year-round from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street and docks at Soissons Landing on the northern end of the island. It is a short walk to Fort Jay and Castle Williams from the dock.
Soissons Landing ferry dock at the northern end of Governors Island
BROOKLYN FERRY
A seasonal ferry from Brooklyn to Governors Island departs on weekends only from Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park and docks at Yankee Pier located at the mid-section of the island on the east side.
RED HOOK / ATLANTIC BASIN
A seasonal ferry from Brooklyn at Red Hook / Atlantic Basin to Governors Island departs on weekends only. The address is 10 South Street, Slip 7. Enter at the corner of Pioneer and Conover streets.
NEW YORK CITY FERRY
The New York City Ferry also runs to Governors Island year-round. The ferry departs from Pier 11 near the intersection of South Street and and Gouverneur Lane. It is not operated by the Trust for Governors Island, so none of the above information applies. It also has a completely different ticketing system. See the NYC Ferry website for details.
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Last updated on January 27, 2025
