Whitehall Street–South Ferry: Gateway to Lower Manhattan and Staten Island

The Whitehall Street–South Ferry station is a subway complex located at the southern tip of Manhattan, New York. It serves as an important transfer point between several subway lines and is the main connection to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, making it a vital station for commuters and tourists. Its strategic location in the Financial District and next to Battery Park makes it a key access point to historical, financial, and recreational sites in Lower Manhattan.

Connections and Services

The Whitehall Street–South Ferry station is a complex of two distinct but interconnected stations:

Whitehall Street (BMT Broadway Line)

• This part of the complex is a local station on the BMT Broadway Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • R (yellow)
  • W (yellow) (weekdays only)
• Main entrance address: Whitehall Street and Stone Street, New York, NY 10004

South Ferry (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is the southern terminal of the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the service:
  • 1 (red)
• Entrances to this section of the station are located in Peter Minuit Plaza, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

The interconnection between these two stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the BMT Broadway Line and the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line, as well as easily access the Staten Island Ferry.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the southern tip of Manhattan, near the intersection of Whitehall Street and State Street, adjacent to Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Financial District

    • The financial heart of the city, home to Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
    • Federal Hall, site of the first U.S. presidential inauguration.
    • Numerous historic buildings and corporate headquarters.

  • Battery Park

    • A large public park with views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
    • Castle Clinton National Monument.
    • Departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
    • The Battery Urban Farm.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Staten Island Ferry Terminal: Free ferry service to Staten Island with excellent views.
    • National Museum of the American Indian.
    • Access to Governors Island ferries (seasonal).
    • Stone Street: A historic cobblestone street with numerous bars and restaurants.

History and Evolution

• The Whitehall Street station (BMT Broadway Line) was inaugurated on September 20, 1918.
• The original South Ferry station (IRT) dates from the early 20th century but was replaced by a new, modern terminal inaugurated on March 16, 2009, which allowed full-length trains and offered a better connection.
• The complex suffered significant damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, especially the new South Ferry station, which required extensive repairs and reopened in June 2017. The connection between Whitehall Street and South Ferry was improved with the opening of the new station.

Interesting Facts

• The station is essential for the thousands of daily commuters who use the Staten Island Ferry.
• Its location offers direct access to some of New York’s most iconic tourist spots and views.
• The South Ferry section (Line 1) is one of the newest and most modern subway terminals in the system, featuring notable public art such as “See It Split, See It Change” by Doug and Mike Starn.