You cannot drive your own car to Governors Island — there is no bridge or causeway, and the National Park Service does not permit private vehicles on the island itself.
Governors Island sits in New York Harbor between Manhattan and Brooklyn, about 800 yards from the Battery Park waterfront. The only way to reach it is by ferry, and those ferries do not carry cars. If you want to visit, you'll park on the mainland and walk onto a boat.
The island is open to the public from May through October, with limited winter hours. During the season, ferries run from Battery Park (at the southern tip of Manhattan) and from Red Hook in Brooklyn. The trip takes about 10 minutes from Battery Park and 5 minutes from Red Hook.
Key Takeaways
- Governors Island is accessible only by ferry; no private vehicles are permitted on the island.
- Two ferry terminals serve the island: Battery Park in Manhattan and Red Hook in Brooklyn, both free to reach by car or transit.
- Ferry service runs seasonally from May through October, with reduced hours in winter months.
- Parking near Battery Park is expensive and fills quickly on weekends; Red Hook offers cheaper alternatives and less crowding.
- The island itself is car-free and designed for walking, biking, and exploring on foot.
Where to Park Before Taking the Ferry
If you drive to Battery Park, you'll find several paid parking garages within walking distance of the ferry terminal. The Battery Park Garage sits directly adjacent to the terminal, but rates run $20 to $35 per day depending on time of day and day of week. Weekday rates are lower than weekend rates. Other nearby options include the Whitehall Terminal Garage and various commercial lots in Lower Manhattan, though none are significantly cheaper.
Red Hook in Brooklyn offers a better deal if you're willing to drive across the East River. The Red Hook parking area near the ferry terminal charges $10 per day and rarely fills to capacity, even on summer weekends. You'll drive longer to get there from most of New York City, but you'll spend less on parking and face shorter ferry lines. Red Hook is accessible from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) and sits near the Ikea and other waterfront attractions, so you can combine a visit with other activities.
If you're coming from outside the city, consider parking in a cheaper outer borough lot and taking transit to the ferry. Parking in Astoria, Queens or Sunset Park, Brooklyn costs $5 to $10 per day, and the subway or bus ride to Battery Park or Red Hook takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on your starting point.
Ferry Schedule and What to Bring
The Governors Island Ferry runs from May 1 through October 31, with extended hours during summer months (typically 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends). Winter service is limited to weekends only, from November through April. Check the official Governors Island website before you go, because holiday schedules and weather closures change the posted times.
Ferry rides are free. You do not need a ticket in advance; you straightforward show up and board. On hot summer weekends, the ferry can reach capacity and stop boarding temporarily, so arriving early (before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m.) reduces wait times. The ride itself takes 10 minutes from Battery Park or 5 minutes from Red Hook.
Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. The island has limited food options — a few cafes and food vendors operate during peak season, but prices are high and selection is limited. Many visitors pack a picnic. Bicycles are allowed on the island, and you can rent them on-site for $15 to $20 per day, or bring your own on the ferry for free.
What to Do Once You Arrive
Governors Island is a 172-acre car-free park with two historic districts, open grassland, and waterfront views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The main attractions are the North and South Historic Districts, which contain restored military buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours walking the perimeter, exploring the buildings, and sitting on the grass.
The island hosts seasonal events, concerts, and art installations from May through October. These draw larger crowds and can make parking and ferry lines longer. Check the events calendar before you go if you want to avoid peak times or plan to attend something specific.
Driving Time and Route Planning
From Midtown Manhattan, allow 20 to 30 minutes to drive to Battery Park (depending on traffic), plus 15 to 30 minutes to park and walk to the ferry terminal. From Brooklyn, Red Hook takes 15 to 25 minutes from most neighborhoods. From New Jersey, you're looking at 45 minutes to an hour to reach either terminal, depending on which bridge or tunnel you use and where you start.
Plan for the ferry wait time as well. On weekday mornings, you'll board within 5 to 10 minutes of arriving. On summer weekend afternoons, waits can stretch to 20 to 30 minutes. Budget an extra 30 minutes if you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday between noon and 4 p.m.
Alternatives if You Want to Stay in Your Car
If you want to see the island without leaving your vehicle, you cannot — private cars are not permitted. However, you can drive to Battery Park or Red Hook, park, and take the ferry as a foot passenger. This is the standard way most visitors reach the island.
If you're interested in seeing the island from the water without landing, you can take a sightseeing cruise or water taxi that circles the harbor. These depart from various Manhattan piers and pass Governors Island as part of a larger tour. This option costs more (typically $25 to $50 per person) and takes longer, but it keeps you in or near a vehicle the entire time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my bicycle on the ferry?
Yes, bicycles are free to bring on the ferry. Many visitors bike around the island, which is mostly flat and has dedicated paths. If you don't have a bike, rentals are available on-site for $15 to $20 per day.
Is there parking at the Red Hook ferry terminal?
Yes. Red Hook has a dedicated parking area near the ferry terminal that charges $10 per day. It's cheaper than Battery Park and usually has available spaces, even on weekends. The ferry ride from Red Hook is also shorter (5 minutes versus 10 minutes from Battery Park).
What happens if I arrive and the ferry is full?
The ferry will stop boarding temporarily and resume when capacity opens up. This typically happens only on summer weekend afternoons. Arriving before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. almost always avoids waits. You can also check the Governors Island website for real-time ferry status.
Can I drive around the island once I'm there?
No. Governors Island is car-free. You can walk, bike, or take a shuttle bus operated by the park. All transportation on the island is on foot or by bicycle.
Is the ferry service year-round?
No. Full ferry service runs May through October. From November through April, service is limited to weekends only. Check the official schedule before planning a winter visit.