Which Side Do You Sit on the Staten Island Ferry? Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Views

The Staten Island Ferry is a beloved New York City icon, offering free rides and unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and New Jersey's coastline. For many, the journey is as much about the breathtaking scenery as it is about reaching their destination. But with two sides to choose from, a common question arises: Which side do you sit on the Staten Island Ferry? The answer, of course, depends on what you want to see and where you're going.

The Manhattan Bound Journey: What to Expect

If you're embarking on the ferry from Staten Island and heading towards Manhattan, the decision of where to sit is crucial for maximizing your photographic and sightseeing opportunities. Generally, for the most iconic views, you'll want to aim for the starboard side (the right side of the boat when facing forward) of the ferry.

Starboard Side (Right Side) - The Money Shot

As the ferry pulls away from the Staten Island terminal, the starboard side will offer increasingly spectacular views of:

The Manhattan Skyline: This is the quintessential view. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan, including the Financial District, coming into sharper focus as you approach.
The Statue of Liberty: The most famous lady in New York Harbor will gradually reveal herself, often appearing directly off the starboard side. You'll get fantastic photo opportunities as the ferry sails past her.
Ellis Island: Just a stone's throw from the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and its historic immigration museum will also be visible.
Governor's Island: This large island, once a military base, also provides a scenic backdrop.

Essentially, if you want that postcard-perfect shot of the Statue of Liberty with the Manhattan skyline behind her, the starboard side is your best bet when traveling from Staten Island to Manhattan.

Port Side (Left Side) - A Different Perspective

While the starboard side is famous for its iconic views, the port side (the left side) isn't without its own merits:

New Jersey Coastline: You'll get expansive views of the New Jersey waterfront, including the ports and industrial areas, which can be interesting in their own right.
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: As you depart Staten Island, you'll get a good look at the magnificent Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from the port side.
Less Crowded (Potentially): Sometimes, the port side can be slightly less crowded, especially if the majority of passengers are aiming for the iconic Statue of Liberty view.

However, for most tourists and first-time riders, the port side is secondary to the starboard side for the classic New York City experience.

The Staten Island Bound Journey: Flipping the Script

Now, let's consider the return journey from Manhattan back to Staten Island. The dynamic of the views changes, and so does the optimal seating choice if you're looking for specific sights.

Starboard Side (Right Side) - A Farewell Glance

When traveling from Manhattan to Staten Island, the starboard side will give you:

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from a different angle: You'll see them receding into the distance, offering a different perspective than when approaching.
The Staten Island Shoreline: You'll begin to see the coastline of Staten Island coming into view.

Port Side (Left Side) - The Grand Finale

For the most dramatic views on your return trip to Staten Island, you'll want to be on the port side (the left side of the boat when facing forward).

The Unobstructed Manhattan Skyline: As the ferry moves away from Manhattan, the port side offers a breathtaking, unobstructed panorama of the entire skyline. This is your last chance to soak in the grandeur of the city from the water.
Governors Island: You'll also get good views of Governors Island from this side.
The Brooklyn and Queens Shorelines: Depending on the exact angle, you might catch glimpses of the distant Brooklyn and Queens coastlines as well.

Many people find the view of the Manhattan skyline from the port side on the return trip to be just as, if not more, impressive than the initial approach from Staten Island.

General Tips for Ferry Seating

Beyond the specific sides, here are a few general tips to enhance your Staten Island Ferry experience:

Arrive Early: Especially during peak hours or on weekends, arriving a bit early will give you the best chance to secure a spot by the railing on your preferred side.
Upper Deck vs. Lower Deck: The upper deck generally offers slightly better, unobstructed views, but can be more exposed to the elements. The lower deck is more sheltered but might have more people around.
Be Prepared for Crowds: The ferry is popular, so expect to share the space with many other passengers. Be courteous and patient.
Weather Considerations: On a windy or cold day, you might prefer to sit indoors on the lower deck and peer out through the windows. The views are still good, but not quite as immersive.
The "Middle" Strategy: Some savvy travelers opt to stand near the middle doors on either side. This can offer a good balance of views without being directly at the crowded railing, and you can move slightly to get different angles.

Ultimately, the "best" side is subjective and depends on your priorities. However, for the classic, must-see New York Harbor experience, aim for the starboard side going to Manhattan and the port side returning to Staten Island.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know which side is starboard and which is port?

Starboard is always the right side of the boat when you are facing the direction of travel. Port is always the left side. Think of "Port" and "Left" as having four letters each.

Why is the Statue of Liberty usually on the starboard side when going to Manhattan?

The ferry route is designed to provide passengers with the most iconic views. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are located to the southwest of Manhattan, so as the ferry travels north towards Manhattan, these landmarks naturally appear on the right (starboard) side.

What if I want to see both the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline clearly?

The best way to see both is to take the ferry in both directions. On your trip *to* Manhattan, sit on the starboard side for the Statue of Liberty and the initial skyline approach. On your return trip *to* Staten Island, sit on the port side for the grand, panoramic view of the entire Manhattan skyline as you move away from it.

Is there a difference in views between the older and newer ferries?

The fundamental route and the orientation of the landmarks remain the same. While newer ferries might offer slightly different window configurations or deck layouts, the general principle of which side offers which view is consistent across the fleet.