Are you looking for a cool place to go on vacation, Governors Island is a place for you. You do not need to go far to enjoy a serene environment. It is quite comfortable and it has been in existence for a very long time.
The place was once a military base but it has now been turned into some sort of relaxation spot and tourist center for people. So, can you drive to Governors Island?
You cannot drive to Governors Island because cars are not allowed on the Island and there is no public parking at the Governors Island. Therefore, to go to Governors Island, you need to park in one of the pay lots along South, Broad, or Whitehall Streets and take a passenger-only ferry to the Island.
Where is Governors Island Located?
Governors Island is located in the center of New York Harbor, about one and a half-mile from the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan. The Brooklyn harbor is a one-quarter mile away from it as well. It is a large expanse of land measuring about 172 acres.
It is a place where tourists want to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. It is rich in culture and history, there are a lot of historical buildings on the Island.
Educational and cultural programs are held on the Island at different times of the year. There is a national monument open for tourists on the Island as well. It is managed by the National Park Service.
Of the 172 acres on Governors Island, 22 acres it is managed by the Governors Island National Monument. The remaining 150 acres are managed by the City of New York through the Trust for Governors Forum.
Can You Drive to Governors Island?
Sorry to disappoint you but you cannot drive to Governors Island. In fact, it is highly prohibited for cars to be found on Governors Island.
So, when you take a ferry from Manhattan or Brooklyn, you will easily get to Governors Island. If you drive there, you will have to park your car at the ferry terminal.
It is allowed you to drive to the ferry harbor in both Manhattan and Brooklyn and then you join the ferry that takes you to the Island. It is a 10-minute trip though.
You should know that Brooklyn harbor has fewer ferries compared to Manhattan harbor. Those ferries run week-long. The ferries move from the Battery Maritime Building in the Financial District.
As stated earlier, the ferries are available throughout the week. During the weekends, the ferries have a departure schedule every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
During the week, the ferries depart from Manhattan to Governors Island from 10 a.m. to 4.15 p.m. once an hour.
When you arrive at the Manhattan harbor, it is advised that you park your vehicle at South, Broad, and Whitehall streets. It is just at the end (southern) of Manhattan Island. Parking costs begin at $12.99 per day.
At the Brooklyn harbor, the ferry moves from the Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook. People that are used to boarding the Brooklyn ferries to Governors Island from Pier 6 should know that the boarding location is no longer available since 2020.
Weekends are the only time the Brooklyn ferries operate so if you have any need to visit Governors Island on weekdays, you should make use of the Manhattan harbor.
The schedule of the Brooklyn ferries? We got you covered. From the Red Hook ferry terminal, the Brooklyn ferries operate during the hours of 11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every 45 minutes.
If you’re looking for where to park, it is advised that you park at St. Thomas. The parking lot there is available for use from 5.30 a.m. till midnight. The cost of parking there is ten dollars ($10) per day.
How Do I Get to Governors Island?
Just like the Martha’s Vineyard, Governors Island is a very attractive location that can be accessed from many directions because it is at the center of the New York Harbor.
If you are on Brooklyn Bridge, you only need to walk to the museum of Manhattan Battery Maritime. There you will be able to board a ferry that will take you to Governors Island.
If you go in your car, you can park at the parking lots around the Manhattan and Brooklyn harbors.
Just so you know, at the Battery Maritime Museum, there is no public parking. You will have to find a street to park your car.
It might be very difficult though; you know how it is in New York on most days. When you find a space to park, you might need to pay an expensive ticket for it and it is often charged per hour.
In order for you to park comfortably where you will not be in a haste to return from Governors Island, you should look for parking lots around the streets of Whitehall, Broad, or South. There you will have space to park and less to worry about.
Also at the Fredericks Marine Terminal, there is also no parking lot available to the public there. You will have to look for a spot at St. Thomas to park your car and then go to the terminal on foot.
So basically, you can get to Governors Island by ferry from Manhattan and by NYC ferry on weekends. The Trust for Governors Island runs a ferry service that is available 7 days a week.
It moves from the Battery Maritime Building. The address is 10 South Street in Manhattan.
How Much Does It Cost to Get to Governors Island?
Using the ferry service, a round trip to Governors Island will cost three dollars ($3) for adults, and it is usually free for seniors and children under 12.
How to Take the Ferry to Governors Island
You can take the ferry to Governors Island from Manhattan or Brooklyn. Get to the harbor from the Battery Maritime Museum. You can board a ferry going to Governors Island from there.
If you are at Brooklyn harbor, you can board a ferry from the Fredericks Marine Terminal to get to Governors Island.
Both harbors are 10 minutes away from Governors Island.
How Long is the Ferry to Governors Island?
The ferry from Manhattan to Governors Island takes 10 minutes minimum. The ferry from Brooklyn to Governors Island also takes 10 minutes.
Are There Cars on Governors Island?
No, there are no cars on Governors Island. No form of motorized vehicle is allowed. Bicycles are allowed though but vehicles of any kind are prohibited on the Island.
Can You Stay Overnight on Governors Island?
Yes, there are some houses or lodges where you can stay if you want to spend the night at Governors Island.
Final Thoughts
Going to Governors Island should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is a place where you will be free from excess noise and disturbance. Getting to Governors Island is by ferry transportation. You cannot drive there. You can board a ferry from Brooklyn or Manhattan.
