How's the Commute From Staten Island?

Quick answer: Most Manhattan-bound commuters rely on the free Staten Island Ferry (about 25 minutes to Lower Manhattan) combined with a local bus or express bus to the ferry terminal, or an express bus that runs directly into Manhattan. There's no direct subway connection to Staten Island, so commute time depends heavily on which neighborhood you're in.

This is genuinely one of the first questions we hear from prospective buyers — especially anyone relocating from Brooklyn, Manhattan, or out of state.

The Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is free, runs 24/7, and takes about 25 minutes to reach the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. It's the backbone of most North Shore commutes. From there, it's a short subway or walk to much of Lower Manhattan and the Financial District.

Best for: Residents of St. George and other North Shore neighborhoods within easy reach of the ferry terminal.

Express Buses

The MTA runs express bus routes from various Staten Island neighborhoods directly into Manhattan, using the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge or the Goethals/Outerbridge crossings depending on the route. These buses cost more than a standard MetroCard fare but eliminate the need to transfer, and they're a major draw for commuters in the South Shore and mid-Island.

Best for: Residents of Tottenville, Great Kills, and other South Shore or mid-Island neighborhoods farther from the ferry.

Driving and Bridges

Staten Island connects to Brooklyn via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and to New Jersey via the Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, and Bayonne Bridge. For commuters heading to New Jersey or driving into Brooklyn, this makes Staten Island considerably more convenient than it might first appear — though bridge tolls and traffic are real factors to weigh.

How Commute Shapes Neighborhood Choice

• North Shore (St. George, Stapleton, West Brighton): Shortest, most direct ferry access — popular with Manhattan commuters who want to minimize travel time.
• Mid-Island (New Springville, Bulls Head): Good highway access and express bus options, more centrally located for errands and schools.
• South Shore (Tottenville, Great Kills, Annadale): Longer commutes into Manhattan, but often the trade-off for larger lots, waterfront access, and a quieter, more suburban feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the commute from Staten Island to Manhattan? It varies by neighborhood and mode, but a North Shore resident using the ferry can often reach Lower Manhattan in under 45 minutes door-to-door; South Shore commutes via express bus typically run longer.

Is there a subway on Staten Island? No direct subway connects Staten Island to the rest of the city. The Staten Island Railway runs locally within the borough, connecting to the ferry terminal at St. George.

Which Staten Island neighborhoods have the easiest commute? North Shore neighborhoods near the ferry terminal — like St. George and Stapleton — generally offer the shortest, most predictable commute into Manhattan.

Trying to balance commute time with home size, price, and neighborhood feel? DiTommaso Real Estate knows every corner of the borough. Talk to an agent about the right commute-to-home tradeoff for you.