Summer is officially on the water. New York City launched what Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the NYC Economic Development Corporation are calling the most ferry service in the system’s history — timed to coincide with an historic summer that includes the 2026 FIFA World Cup, July Fourth, Sail4th 250, and the busiest beach season in recent memory. Here’s everything you need to know to ride smarter this week.
NYC Ferry Summer 2026: What Changed on May 18
The 2026 summer schedule went into effect Monday, May 18, and runs through September 13. If you haven’t ridden in a few weeks, the system looks and feels different. Five vessels now carry custom borough-wrap designs celebrating the diversity of each of the five boroughs — a World Cup-inspired collaboration with NYCEDC. You’ll know them when you see them.
Here’s what expanded in the new summer schedule, per the Mayor’s Office announcement and the official NYC Ferry summer schedule:
- More weekend trips across high-demand routes to reduce wait times
- Larger vessels on peak-period runs to carry more passengers
- South Brooklyn route extended on weekends — the route now runs local service from Bay Ridge and Brooklyn Army Terminal up through Red Hook and beyond
- Governors Island Shuttle from Pier 11, with free transfers from other routes
- Rockaway Reserve tickets back on sale (available since May 23) for reserved seats on select beach-bound departures
- Rockaway Rocket returns in early July — express, fully reservable beach service from Long Island City and Greenpoint
Rockaway Reserve and Rockaway Rocket tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased through the NYC Ferry app or website. Standard one-way fares remain $4.00 for adults.
South Brooklyn Route: Bay Ridge Is Now on the Map
The biggest operational change for Brooklyn riders: the South Brooklyn route now extends to Bay Ridge and Sunset Park on weekends as a pilot program for summer 2026. If you’ve been eyeing the ferry from the south end of the borough, this is your window. The pilot runs through the end of summer and will be evaluated in the fall. Check current schedules at ferry.nyc before heading to the landing — weekend timetables vary by direction and time of day.
East River Route: Still Running Two Services
As noted in our May 29 update, the East River route operates as two services — East River A and East River B — during weekday peak periods (approximately 6:30–10:00 a.m. and 3:30–7:00 p.m.). At all other times it runs as a single local route making all stops. This split has been a significant time-saver on the A branch during the rush. Know which service you’re boarding before you tap.
All NYC Ferry Routes: Current Status
As of this morning, ferry.nyc shows all six routes running normally: East River, Astoria, South Brooklyn, St. George, Rockaway-Soundview, and Governors Island. No active service alerts are posted.
MTA Buses: Shuttle Service Running Through Tuesday Morning
If you’re a bus commuter picking up slack from weekend subway work, note that several free MTA shuttle buses are still operating through 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, as part of the Memorial Day weekend track replacement program. The main ones affecting Monday morning commutes:
- A train area (Bronx): Free shuttles on Broadway (Van Cortlandt Park–242 St to 215 St connecting with the 1 at Inwood-207 St) and on St. Nicholas Ave (191 St to 168 St-Washington Hts). These end at 5 a.m. Tuesday.
- R train (Bay Ridge): Free shuttle buses between 36 St and Bay Ridge-95 St are still running Monday. R trains resume normal service early Tuesday.
- G train (Brooklyn): Free B93 shuttle buses between Bedford-Nostrand Avs and Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts through 5 a.m. Monday. After that, G service to Church Av resumes.
Check mta.info/alerts for the most current bus and shuttle status — changes can shift once crews clear the work zones.
The East River route hit its two highest ridership days ever this past weekend, per NYCEDC. Expect weekend ferries — especially to Governors Island and Rockaway — to be packed by mid-morning. For Rockaway specifically, book Rockaway Reserve tickets in advance through the NYC Ferry app if you want a guaranteed seat on summer weekends. Non-reserved spots are still available on every vessel, but lines at popular landings like Pier 11 can form quickly on hot days.
Plan Ahead: Rockaway Rocket Launches in Early July
Mark your calendar: the Rockaway Rocket — the express, fully reservable beach service from Long Island City and Greenpoint — returns to service in early July and runs through Labor Day. At $12 per trip, it’s a premium but hassle-free option for beach days. Tickets go on sale through the NYC Ferry app. Given that Rockaway Rocket ticket sales jumped 19% in 2024 to 2025, expect strong demand this summer with the World Cup crowd in town.
For full route maps, schedules, and live service status, visit ferry.nyc or download the NYC Ferry app.
