South Ferry: Gateway to Southern Manhattan and Staten Island

The South Ferry station is a subway complex located at the southern tip of Manhattan, New York. It serves as an important connection point and terminal station for several subway lines, in addition to being the main underground connection to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Its strategic location in the Financial District makes it a key access point to important tourist attractions, parks, and transportation hubs.

Connections and Services

The South Ferry complex consists of two interconnected stations, operated as a single unit for transfer purposes:

South Ferry (Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is the terminal station of the New York City Subway’s Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line.
• It is served by trains of the service:
  • 1 (red)
• Main entrance address: State Street & Whitehall Street, New York, NY 10004 (inside Peter Minuit Plaza)

Whitehall Street (Broadway Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the Broadway Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the services:
  • R (yellow)
  • W (yellow, weekdays only)
• Entrances to this section of the station are located on Whitehall Street and Stone Street.

The interconnection between these two stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line and the Broadway Line.

Importance and Location

• The station is located in Peter Minuit Plaza, at the intersection of State Street and Whitehall Street, at the southern tip of Manhattan’s Financial District.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Staten Island Ferry Terminal

    • Offers a free 24-hour ferry service to Staten Island.
    • Provides spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
    • An important transportation hub for residents and tourists.

  • Battery Park

    • An extensive waterfront park with gardens, monuments, and harbor views.
    • Departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (Castle Clinton).
    • Houses the SeaGlass Carousel and several memorials.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • National Museum of the American Indian: Located in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House building.
    • Charging Bull (Wall Street Bull) and Fearless Girl: Icons of the Financial District.
    • Fraunces Tavern: Historic museum and restaurant.
    • Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

History and Evolution

• The original South Ferry station (loop type) for the IRT line opened in 1905. The Whitehall Street station (BMT) opened in 1918.
• A new modern terminal for the 1 train opened in 2009, replacing the old loop station, but was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
• The new terminal was rebuilt and reopened to the public in June 2017, with significant flood resilience improvements. The old loop station was temporarily reopened between 2013 and 2017.
• The connection between the two stations (South Ferry and Whitehall Street) has been improved to facilitate transfers.

Interesting Facts

• The station is crucial for travelers heading to Staten Island via the free ferry.
• The modern 1 train terminal is known for its contemporary design and improved facilities.
• The post-Sandy reconstruction of the 1 terminal is a notable example of resilient infrastructure in the city.
• Offers direct access to some of the most iconic views of New York Harbor.