New York City's modern ferry network is a revival of a centuries-old transit tradition.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before bridges and tunnels dominated the landscape, New York City relied on a vast web of ferries. Today, NYC Ferry has emerged as a major public transit player, operating the largest passenger fleet in the United States while navigating the complex challenges of high demand and significant public subsidies.

The history of New York City ferries dates back to 1642, when Cornelius Dircksen established a crossing between New Amsterdam and Brooklyn. By 1904, the city boasted 147 ferry services. However, the rise of the automobile and the construction of massive infrastructure projects—including the Holland Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, and numerous subway tunnels—rendered most of these routes obsolete by the mid-20th century. By 1967, the last cross-Hudson ferry had ceased operations, leaving the Staten Island Ferry as the city's sole remaining commuter link.

The modern NYC Ferry system, launched in 2017, was designed to address the limitations of a transit map largely rooted in the 19th century. Operated by Hornblower Cruises, the network connects 25 piers across all five boroughs. Its rapid growth surprised city officials; while initial projections estimated 4.5 to 4.6 million annual riders, demand was so intense that estimates were revised to 9 million by 2018. The system quickly faced operational hurdles, including severe hull corrosion on several new vessels and significant overcrowding that forced the city to charter additional boats to maintain service.

Despite its popularity, the service remains a subject of debate. Critics point to the high cost of operation, noting that the city pays a substantial subsidy per rider. In 2017, the system averaged 10,000 daily riders, a fraction of the millions served by the city's subway and bus networks. Proponents, however, argue that the ferry provides essential transit equity and relieves pressure on an overburdened system. As the city continues to evaluate its transit future, the ferry stands as a testament to the enduring necessity of navigating New York's waterways to connect its sprawling urban landscape.

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