Getting There & Away: Staten Island

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving NYC

The New York City metropolitan area has three main airports, providing extensive flight options for travelers.

Airport Locations & Access

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): In Newark, NJ. Often the most convenient for Staten Island via bridges.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): In Queens, NY. A major international hub with numerous global routes.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Also in Queens, NY. Primarily for domestic flights. Generally less convenient for direct Staten Island access.

Airlines & Prices

All three airports host a wide array of airlines, connecting to numerous destinations. Flight availability and prices vary by season.

Travel Considerations

Major U.S. Carriers (American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue) and international airlines operate extensively.
Seasonal Fluctuations: High season (summer, holidays) means higher fares. Shoulder seasons (spring, autumn) often balance weather and prices.
Booking flights several months in advance is generally a good idea for better rates. Flexibility with dates can also lead to savings.

Savings Tip

Utilize Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Car Rental

Find great car rental deals via DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Services

All airports provide dining, retail, car rental, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Airport Transfers to Staten Island

From Newark EWR & JFK

EWR: AirTrain Newark + NJ Transit to NYC Penn Station, then PATH to Lower Manhattan, then subway to Staten Island Ferry.
EWR: Taxi/Ride-share directly to Staten Island ($70-$100+).
JFK: AirTrain JFK + Subway to Lower Manhattan, then Staten Island Ferry.
JFK: Taxi/Ride-share direct to Staten Island ($70-$100+), or flat rate taxi to Manhattan, then ferry/taxi.

From LaGuardia LGA & Tips

LGA: LGA Airport Bus (M60-SBS) to Manhattan, then NYC subway to Lower Manhattan for the ferry.
LGA: Taxi/Ride-share direct to Staten Island ($60-$90+).
Important: Consider arrival time. Traffic during weekday rush hours (morning/late afternoon) greatly lengthens travel times and costs.
Plan your transfer based on your arrival airport, budget, and preference for speed.

Sea & River Arrivals

Staten Island Ferry

A free, public passenger ferry operating 24/7 between St. George Terminal (Staten Island) and Whitehall Terminal (Lower Manhattan). It offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

Cruise Port Access

Staten Island has no major cruise terminals. Nearby cruise ports include Manhattan Cruise Terminal (Hudson River) and Cape Liberty Cruise Port (Bayonne, NJ), with connections to land transport.

Immigration & Connections

Standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures apply for international cruise arrivals. From St. George Terminal, connect to Staten Island Railway (SIR) and MTA buses. From Manhattan, connect to NYC subway lines.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are collected separately upon departure from the United States; these are generally included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Guidelines

Domestic Flights: Arrive at airport at least 2-3 hours before departure.
International Flights: Allow a minimum of 3 hours, more during peak seasons.
Check flight status and airline check-in/bag drop deadlines.

Transportation Connections

If using public transport for your departure, allow ample time for connections, especially during weekday rush hours.

Connecting to Airports

Ferry/Public Transit: Allow ample time for connections. Ferry runs frequently, but subway/bus delays can occur.
Plan your route with a transit app (Citymapper or MyMTA) for real-time schedules.
Rental Car Return: Know return procedures and location at the airport. Allow extra time for traffic delays, specifically during peak hours.

Final Checks

Documentation

Ensure all necessary travel documents (passport, tickets) are easily accessible.

Luggage

Double-check luggage for prohibited items and adhere to weight limits.

Airport Arrival

Confirm which terminal your flight departs from and arrange transport accordingly.

Getting There & Away