New York City’s waterways might be getting a long-awaited update—and if it goes through, commuters of Staten Island and Brooklyn may finally get a direct ferry route connecting the two boroughs for the first time in decades.
This week, the NYC Ferry team rolled out a proposal that’s turning heads—and for good reason. Among several changes to the system is a plan to bring back Brooklyn to Staten Island ferry, something that hasn’t existed since 1964. That’s right, we might finally be able to sail from St. George on Staten Island to Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, just like New Yorkers used to do over 60 years ago.
As someone who lives and breathes NYC’s pulse (and spends more time than I should following our transportation updates), this one feels… important. Not just for the convenience, but for what it symbolizes: reconnecting boroughs without relying on Manhattan.
Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry Route Plan
According to NYC Ferry’s newly proposed map, a new spur would be added to the existing St. George route. Boats would travel from St. George Terminal on Staten Island, stop in Bay Ridge (American Veterans Memorial Pier), and continue to Atlantic Avenue at Brooklyn Bridge Park, finally ending at Pier 11/Wall Street.
This means Staten Island riders could connect to the rest of the NYC Ferry network—including stops like Governor’s Island, Astoria, Long Island City and even Throggs Neck in the Bronx—all without ever stepping foot in Manhattan’s major transit hubs.
Currently, the St. George route only offers service to western Manhattan, with stops at Battery Park City and Midtown West (Pier 79).
A Step Closer After Years of Advocacy
Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry Ferry proposal didn’t come out of nowhere. Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, who represents Staten Island’s North Shore, and Councilmember Justin Brannan, who represents Bay Ridge, have been pushing for this water link for years.
In fact, they sent a joint letter to Mayor Eric Adams back in December 2023 asking for this exact route. Their goal? To give Staten Islanders a more direct link to Brooklyn’s planned Interborough Express, a light rail project that will connect Brooklyn and Queens—without detouring into Manhattan.
Everything about the Interborough Express—its route, timeline, and station stops—can be found here.
“Linking Staten Island and Bay Ridge by water again just makes sense,” Brannan said in the proposal’s announcement. Hard to argue with that.
Why This Matters
If you’re someone who commutes daily or even occasionally between Brooklyn and Staten Island, you already know the pain. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is the only real connection, and it’s often congested. Meanwhile, public transit options between the boroughs are either non-existent or painfully long.
Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry route would change that. Imagine skipping traffic, catching a boat at golden hour and cruising across the harbor in under 30 minutes.
Even better? It’s not just about convenience. A ferry connection here boosts economic activity, eases street congestion and gives us a sustainable, scenic alternative to car or subway.
Before anything becomes official, the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)—the agency that operates NYC Ferry—will be collecting rider feedback all summer.
So, if this route sounds like something you’d use, now’s your time to speak up. The survey is open to all New Yorkers, even if you’ve never taken a ferry before.
Final changes are expected to be announced in September, and if approved, the new Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry route could launch as soon as winter 2025.
More Changes on the Horizon
Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry Route isn’t just a one-route update. The NYC Ferry system is undergoing its first major overhaul since its launch in 2017. The full proposal includes:
- Breaking the East River route into two segments
- Combining the Rockaway and Soundview routes for more direct service
- Adding a one-seat ride from South Brooklyn to Midtown
- Reducing travel times and increasing trip frequency
- Improving system sustainability by lowering public subsidies per trip
Executive Director James Wong called it a holistic reconfiguration meant to fix long-standing issues and make the ferry system work better for everyone.
The History Behind Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry Route
If this route feels nostalgic, that’s because it is. Staten Island and Brooklyn were once connected by ferry regularly until the Verrazzano Bridge opened in 1964. After that, service was discontinued and never brought back—until possibly now.
And the best part? The infrastructure is already there. The St. George ferry terminal exists and is already part of the NYC Ferry network. Over in Brooklyn, the 69th Street Pier (now American Veterans Memorial Pier) in Bay Ridge is ready and waiting.
Let’s Make It Happen
As a Staten Islander myself (and occasional Bay Ridge wanderer), Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry Route is something I’m genuinely excited about. Not only would this route shorten commutes, but it reconnects two communities that have been separated for far too long in terms of practical transportation.
If you agree, I’d encourage you to fill out the feedback survey once it’s released and spread the word. The more support, the higher the chance Brooklyn to Staten Island Ferry Route becomes a reality.
Reconnecting Staten Island and Brooklyn by ferry isn’t just about a smoother ride. It’s about smarter city planning. It’s about putting people (not just cars) first. And it’s about time.
If you’re as excited about this as I am, follow us for more updates on NYC transit, city happenings, hidden gems and all the stories that make this city pulse.
Stay tuned—because this ferry might just set sail sooner than we think.
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