Governors Island Opening May 1 With 2 Ferry Stops In Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, NY — New Yorkers will be able to get to Governors Island from two different spots in Brooklyn this season for the first time in the island's history, officials announced this week.

Mayor de Blasio and The Trust for Governors Island officially announced Thursday that Governors Island will reopen May 1 with its pre-pandemic season calendar.

New Yorkers can visit every day through October 31 through Manhattan's ferry service, the regular Pier 6 ferry stop in Brooklyn Heights and a new Red Hook stop that residents had campaigned to keep this year.

"Governors Island is one of New York City's crown jewels. It's the kind of beautiful, open public space that we will rely on to drive our recovery this spring and summer," de Blasio said. "I'm grateful to the Trust for making the Island more accessible than ever this year, and the return of their full season will give more New Yorkers than ever a chance to enjoy everything the island has to offer."

The Trust for Governors Island had moved the Brooklyn ferry stop from Brooklyn Heights' Pier 6 to Red Hook's Pier 12 when the ferry opened for the season in July 2020, both to help manage the newly-limited ticketing system and give Brooklynites with less access to parks access to the island.

The site became popular among residents in the area, who have limited transit options, and local officials urged the Trust to make it permanent.

"The new weekend ferry service at Pier 6 and Red Hook will ensure Brooklynites of all backgrounds can take advantage of our proximity to this natural jewel," Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams said. "I applaud the Trust for Governors Island for their commitment to equitable access, and can't wait to plan my visit!"

Here's more information about how to visit the island:

Open daily between May 1-October 31 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends and holiday Mondays including Memorial Day, July 5, Labor Day, and Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Ferry stops:

• Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan
• Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Atlantic Basin in Red Hook

Visitors must reserve ferry tickets in advance of their trip to Governors Island, and face coverings are required. Tickets will be available soon through an online reservation system at www.govisland.org. Round-trip ferry tickets will cost $3 for adults.

Governors Island ferries are always free for children 12 and under, seniors 65 and up, residents of NYCHA, IDNYC holders, current and former military servicemembers and Governors Island members. Ferries before noon on Saturdays and Sundays are free for all. There is no surcharge for bicycles or strollers at any time.