Getting Around: Staten Island

Public Transportation Overview

The Staten Island Railway (SIR) serves as the borough's sole rapid transit line. It runs approximately parallel to the eastern shore, stretching from the St. George Terminal in the north down to Tottenville in the south.

Staten Island also has an extensive network of MTA local and express bus routes that cover most of the borough, helping you travel between neighborhoods.

Transit Hubs

St. George Terminal: The main transportation hub. Connecting point for the Staten Island Ferry, SIR's northern terminus, and numerous bus routes.
SIR Stations: 16 stations along its route, providing access to various neighborhoods on the eastern side.
Bus Hubs: Major transfer points around Staten Island Mall and along thoroughfares like Richmond Avenue and Hylan Boulevard.
Detailed Route maps for SIR and buses are available online from the MTA.

Ticketing & Fares

MTA utilizes MetroCard or OMNY tap-and-go system. Single ride costs $2.90. 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard for $34.

Hours & Frequency

SIR operates 24/7. Buses mostly 24/7, with frequency varying by route and time of day. Express buses mainly during weekday rush hours.

Accessibility

Newer MTA buses are wheelchair accessible. St. George Ferry Terminal is fully accessible. Some SIR stations have ramps or elevators.

OMNY System Advantage

Flexible Payment

Use a contactless credit/debit card or digital wallet by tapping the reader.
Single fare remains $2.90 per ride.
OMNY features fare capping; once you reach the 7-day unlimited MetroCard cost, subsequent rides for that period are free.

Modern Convenience

Get an OMNY-compatible card or set up a digital wallet on your phone.
This is the most convenient and modern way to pay for transit.
It offers the flexibility of pay-per-ride with the benefit of an unlimited pass without requiring a physical card.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Green Boro Taxis

Can pick up street hails outside Manhattan's central core, including Staten Island.

Car Service/Livery

Pre-arranged private vehicles, often booked by phone.

Uber & Lyft

Widely available and popular for convenient door-to-door travel. Fares are dynamic.

Safety Reminder

Confirm driver and vehicle match app info before entering. Share trip details if alone.

Rental Options for Exploration

For travelers who prefer the flexibility of independent exploration, especially for reaching parts of Staten Island less served by public transit, various rental options are available.

Car Rental Information

Requirements: Generally 21+ (under 25 may have "young renter" surcharge). Valid driver's license from home country. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended.
Major credit card in renter's name for rental and deposit.
Major Companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz have branches on Staten Island, often near the Staten Island Mall.
Considerations: A car provides flexibility for exploring the Greenbelt, South Shore beaches, or Historic Richmond Town. Parking can be challenging/expensive in some areas.

Bicycle Rentals

Citibike: New York City's bike-share program, with stations mainly around the North Shore (St. George Ferry Terminal, Snug Harbor). Rent via the Citi Bike app or kiosk.
Private Rentals: Some local bike shops on Staten Island may offer daily or weekly bicycle rentals.
A helmet is often provided with rentals, but you may prefer to bring your own.
Bike lanes exist on some major roads and within parks, providing safer routes.

Driving Laws & Conditions

Standard U.S. Driving laws apply: drive on the right, obey speed limits.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Do not use a handheld mobile phone while driving.
Roads are generally well-maintained. Major arteries can experience heavy traffic.

Free street parking is available in many residential areas.
Commercial centers, ferry terminal, or attractions have metered street parking or paid lots.
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits to avoid fines.

Walking & Cycling Areas

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

The area around St. George Ferry Terminal is walkable. Historic Richmond Town is entirely pedestrian-friendly.

Walking Routes

Staten Island Greenbelt offers an extensive network of walking and hiking trails for various fitness levels.

Waterfront Walks

Enjoy leisurely walks along the North Shore waterfront or the South Beach and Midland Beach boardwalks.

Specialized Transportation

Beyond the standard options, Staten Island occasionally features specialized transportation for tourism or specific needs.

Tour & Water Transport

Tour Buses: No dedicated hop-on-hop-off service solely on Staten Island. Some NYC tour companies may include the island.
Boat Taxis: Apart from the Staten Island Ferry, no regular boat taxi services within local waterways.
Private boat charters might be available for specific events or harbor tours.
Check with major NYC tour operators for options that might include a stop on Staten Island.

Accessibility Services

MTA continually works to improve accessibility across its transit network.
Newer public buses are wheelchair accessible.
The St. George Ferry Terminal is fully equipped for travelers with mobility needs.
Major attractions like Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Historic Richmond Town provide accessible pathways and facilities. Always check their websites.

Local Transport Tips

Plan Ahead

Check transit schedules and maps, specifically for off-peak hours or specific routes.

Use MTA apps

Flexibility

Consider a mix of public transit, ride-shares, or rentals based on your daily plans and destinations.

Mix transport modes

Local Insights

Engage with locals for tips on efficient travel routes or hidden gems.

Ask around

On-Demand & Car Services

Ride-Sharing Efficiency

Use apps like Uber or Lyft for point-to-point travel, specifically to areas not near public transit.
Get estimated arrival times and transparent pricing before booking your ride.
Convenient for destinations between neighborhoods or from the ferry terminal.

Taxi Services

Green Boro Taxis operate on Staten Island and can be hailed on the street.
Fares are metered. All licensed taxis accept credit cards in addition to cash.
Pre-arranged car services (livery) are also common and can be booked by phone.

Safety on the Road

Always ensure you ride in a licensed taxi. Yellow and green taxis have visible medallions.
Do not use a handheld mobile phone while driving a rental car.
When using ride-sharing, verify the driver and vehicle match the app information before entering.
Be mindful of traffic, notably on bridge approaches and major roads during rush hours.

Always adhere to posted speed limits and traffic signals.
If walking or cycling, be aware of your surroundings and traffic.
Choose well-lit and populated routes when walking at night.
Secure your rental vehicle when parked, leaving no valuables in sight.

Tailored Travel

By considering these local transportation options, you tailor your movements around Staten Island to your preferences.

This helps ensure a comfortable and efficient exploration of the borough.

Getting Around Staten Island