Governors Island to Launch Expanded Ferry Service This Summer
Ferries from Lower Manhattan will run every 15 minutes at peak hours, with Brooklyn and Red Hook routes also returning.
The Trust for Governors Island has announced expanded ferry service and extended late-night hours for the 2026 summer season, making it easier than ever for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the Island.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, ferries from Lower Manhattan will run every 15 minutes during peak travel times, including weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m and weekday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Seasonal weekend ferry service from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Red Hook will also return May 23 through November 1.
"This summer, we're making it easier and more accessible than ever for New Yorkers and visitors to experience everything that Governors Island has to offer,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “With 15-minute ferry service at peak hours, there's no need to plan around the schedule: you can simply show up. Whether you're coming to enjoy the park or an art exhibit, or coming to work or to learn, Governors Island is just a short ride away.”
From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends, the Island will remain open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with evening food and beverage offerings from vendors including Taco Vista, Six Coasts by Smorgasburg, and Three Peaks Lodge at Collective Retreats. Visitors can also enjoy public artworks, a full events calendar, 120 acres of expansive open space, recreation opportunities, and cultural programming throughout the season. A calendar of summer events, programs, activities, and art exhibitions is available at govisland.org.
Trust-operated ferries run daily between the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan and Soissons Landing on Governors Island, with seasonal weekend and holiday service from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook through November 1, 2026. Round-trip ferry tickets are $5 for adults, with free ferry service available for children 12 and under, older adults, NYCHA residents, IDNYC holders, military service members, and Governors Island members. Weekend ferries before 11 a.m. are free for all visitors.
The Trust also offers free ferry fares for nonprofit and community-based organizations, youth camps, and senior centers. To inquire about group visits, organizations may email groupvisits@govisland.org.
In addition, NYC Ferry serves Governors Island daily via the South Brooklyn Route and the seasonal Governors Island shuttle. For ticketing information and full schedules for NYC Ferry, visit the NYC Ferry website, www.ferry.nyc.
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