NJ/NYC folks - Staten Island question

[snowbunny]

Getting off the auto train in Lorton, VA to drive home (Maine) and was planning to stop in Jersey City (I have a reservation at the We$tin) to stay overnight and visit Ellis island and the Statue of Liberty.

That tour would have to be the next morning as we'll arrive too late for the last ferry. My kids are teenagers so getting them out of the room by 10 am is the best I can hope for. It'll be a 6+ hour drive home afterward.

We will be finishing up an extended trip with a lot of previous stops at historic sites in PA and DC on the way down. Probably will be ready to get home.

So I'm weighing this plan against staying in a Staten Island hotel for the night and just taking the free ferry for a ride across the harbor and back in the late afternoon, then driving home first thing (10 am ) the next morning. I've been to Manhattan several times but know nothing about the Staten Island area whatsoever.

Recommendations on either of these plans?

 

[Lewisc]

The free Staten Island Ferry gets you to downtown Manhattan. You'd then have to take the ferry to the Liberty/Ellis island.

Easier to just stay in Jersey city. You can probably find a cheaper hotel then the Westin.

 

[snowbunny]

Right, I didn't think the Staten Island ferry would let me off at Ellis Island...I meant using it to see the monuments (literally just see them) as it goes right by them.

Anyone have thoughts as to whether it's possible to do the actual Ellis Island and Liberty Island embarkation and see the museums in only a few hours?

 

[Lewisc]

A few hours, maybe half a day, will work. Two hours is enough might not be enough time for both islands.

http://www.statuecruises.com/

Reserve your ticket in advance, only a limited number of crown tickets are sold.

 

[LaurenT]

When I lived downstate, the ferry was no longer free. Also, not all ferries take cars...don't know if you were planning on taking your car on the ferry (mind you, it's been ages since I lived there!).
I think you should stick with your Jersey City plan...Staten Island is crowded and difficult to navigate.

 

[artesian]

The ferry is still free from staten island but it will get you into manhattan. Second issue is I'm not aware of an abundance of hotels in SI. If you stay in JC you will have a short drive to Liberty State Park and to me given the choices think this will be way easier imho.

 

[kimmylaj]

i live in staten island, and there is a hilton garden inn and a hampton inn but neither are convenient to the ferry.i would probably stick with jersey city

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

The last time we visited the Statue of Liberty we drove to Jersey City and took the boat from there. It turned out to be a good idea. When we were leaving there was no line for our boat back to Jersey City while there were really long lines of people taking the boat to Battery Park.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Another Staten Islander checking in. IMHO the cost of getting into Staten Island (every entry is a tool bridge) is not worth it for just an overnight stay and ferry ride. There are a few nice hotels, but they are along the west shore, and no where near the ferry.

You are better off staying in Jersey City, there are some very nice hotels there, and you will be closer to the Statue of Liberty than if you actually stay anywhere in NY. You will feel like you can reach out and touch her back

 

[snowbunny]

Ok thanks everybody
Jersey City here we come.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I did not realize you could even see the Statue of Liberty from the SI Ferry. It seems closer to NJ than SI to me.