New York City is boosting service on its ferry system this summer ahead of an expected influx of visitors to five boroughs for the FIFA World Cup final, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration announced on Tuesday.
The city and its Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the quasi-governmental organization that runs the NYC Ferry system, is adding ships and trips across some of its most popular routes as more New Yorkers travel on the water amid the scorching summer heat. The increased service began this week ahead of Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the summer season, and will run until just after Labor Day — ending on Sept. 13.
Mamdani, in a statement, said the increased ferry service this summer marks the most run by the young system in its history.
“The world is coming to New York City — and New York City is ready,” Mamdani said. “Whether you’re headed to a World Cup match, a neighborhood block party, or one of our world-class public beaches, NYC Ferry will get you there quickly, safely, and in style all summer long.”
While many revelers are anticipated to come to the city for the World Cup, though not as many as originally projected, the competition’s eight local matches will be played across the Hudson River at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
The summer ferry changes include more weekend trips, larger ships running during peak travel times, and the return of additional service to the city’s beaches on the Rockaway Peninsula. The moves are aimed at reducing wait times and giving New Yorkers more travel options during the summer months.
The enhanced beach service includes the return of the “Rockaway Reserve” and “Rockaway Rocket” routes — both of which allow riders to reserve seats on specific ferries to the beach. The former leaves from Wall Street/Pier 11 in the morning and Rockaway in the evening, while the latter departs specifically from Long Island City and Greenpoint.
The Rockaway Reserve — which operates on weekends and select holidays — will begin running Saturday, May 23, and be available until Sept. 13; the Rockaway Rocket will launch in early July and sail through Labor Day.
Tickets on both routes cost $12.
Additionally, NYC Ferry will run weekend shuttle service to Governors Island, while providing free transfers from other routes. It will also extend the South Brooklyn route on weekends from Red Hook to the Brooklyn Army Terminal and Bay Ridge.
On the East River route, the ferry system is warning riders to check schedules for altered weekday afternoon departure times.
It will operate on two separate routes on the weekends, with both stopping at Wall St/Pier 11 and DUMBO/Fulton Ferry and terminating at East 34th Street. In between those stops, one will go to North Williamsburg and Hunters Point South, while the other will stop at South Williamsburg and Greenpoint.
The ferry system’s World Cup celebration also includes wrapping five of its vessels in designs reflecting the sporting event and each of the five boroughs.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the world’s game right here in New York City and to showcase our fleet with five custom-wrapped NYC Ferry vessels honoring each borough,” said NYC Ferry Executive Director James Wong, in a statement.
“With the FIFA World Cup, Sail4th 250, and another busy beach season all converging in summer 2026, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to explore New York Harbor alongside New Yorkers on board NYC Ferry with more service than ever before,” he added.