If you’re craving a beach day this summer but don’t have a car—or can’t bear the traffic—consider hopping on a train or a ferry! Several ferries will take you to beaches just near NYC, with departures from Greenpoint, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, and Pier 11 in lower Manhattan. You can also catch the NYC Ferry from Greenpoint, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, or Red Hook to connect to these beach-bound routes. Or, simply hop on the subway to head to Coney Island Beach!
D, F, N, or Q Train to Coney Island Beach
Take the subway:
- There are two subway stops within walking distance of the beach: Coney Island-Stillwell Av, and West 8 St-NY Aquarium. Note: Coney Island-Stillwell Av is an accessible station, but West 8 St-NY Aquarium is not!
- Take the D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave. Follow the signs to the exit at Stillwell Avenue and Surf Avenue.
- Or, take the F or Q train to West 8 St-NY Aquarium. Follow the signs to the exit at Surf Avenue and West 8th Street.
Cost: The cost of a subway ride, $2.90 each way!
New York Transit Museum Nostalgia Ride on 7/19/25:
On Saturday, July 19 only, ride a vintage train to Coney Island! This special summer Nostalgia Ride is presented by the New York Transit Museum, and riders can take a 1930s vintage train car from 96th Street-Second Avenue Station on two-hour jaunt to Coney Island. The rates are $60/adult and $40/child, or for members, $50/adult and $30/child. More information and tickets here.
About the beach: Coney Island Beach allows swimming from Memorial Day weekend through September 7, daily from 10am to 6pm, with lifeguards on duty. Here’s what else you need to know:
- There is a playground located on the beach, just across the boardwalk from the Wonder Wheel. Bring your sand toys, it’s like one big sandbox!
- There is a beach volleyball court located at W 10th Street.
- Talk a stroll down the Steeplechase Pier, at the intersection of the boardwalk and W 17th Street.
Rockaway Reserve Ferry to Rockaway Beach | From Sunset Park, Pier 11/Wall Street | In service NOW
Departs from:
- Pier 11/Wall Street
- Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal
About the ferry: NYC Ferry vessels have indoor seating, outdoor seating on the roof deck, plus a snack bar with drinks and food. There are bathrooms on board.
About the beach: Rockaway Beach is a great beach and popular in the summer. It also has several playground and water sprinklers for kids. There is also biking, fishing, and surfing! (The Rockaway are the only place in NYC where you can surf). Finally, Rockaway Beach is a destination for great food: tacos, burritos, burgers, ceviche, bagels, and more.
Cost:
- If you reserve your tickets ahead of time, they cost $12. You can reserve up to 2 weeks prior to your trip, but reserved tickets are not required! Most spots on ferries will be un-reserved riders ($4.50 regular fare).
- Like all NYC Ferries, children (under 44 inches) are free.
- Tickets can only be purchased through the NYC Ferry app.
Times:
- See full schedule of Summer 2025 times here.
Duration:
- 57 minutes from Pier 11/Wall Street
- 37 minutes from Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal
Rockaway Rocket Direct Ferry to Rockaway Beach | From Greenpoint & Long Island City | Coming soon! In service starting July 4
These direct-to-Rockaway weekend ferries are returning to Greenpoint and Long Island City this summer, starting July 4th and running through Labor Day! Your ticket guarantees a spot on board, with an expedited line, and brings you directly to the beach.
Departs from:
- Greenpoint
- Long Island City, Queens
Cost:
- Rockaway Rocket tickets cost $12 per passenger. Children under 44” ride for free, but a $0 ticket must be reserved for each child in advance.
- Tickets can only be purchased through the NYC Ferry app.
Times:
- There will be two morning trips to Rockaway and two afternoon return trips.
- Full schedule coming soon!
Duration:
- 1 hr 15 minutes from LIC to Rockaway
Jacob Riis Park | By NYC Ferry Shuttle Bus
If you’re willing to extend your trip a bit beyond your ferry ride, NYC Ferry offers a free shuttle bus from the Rockaway landing to Jacob Riis Park. Just west of Rockaway Beach, Jacob Riis has a great beach, a playground, a small boardwalk, and much more. Learn about all their food vendors and bars here. Jacob Riis is also famous for its Art Deco bathhouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Seastreak Ferry to Sandy Hook Beach, NJ | From Pier 11/Wall Street or East 35th St.
Departs from:
- Pier 11/Wall Street
- East 35th Street
About the ferry: There are daily Seastreak ferries between NYC and Sandy Hook beach. You can ride inside in the air conditioning or visit the open-air top deck. There are restrooms on board, as well as a full-service bar with cocktails, beer, wine, sodas, tea, coffee, and snacks.
About the beach: Located in Gateway National Park, Sandy Hook beach has lifeguards and snack bars through Labor Days. There are also restrooms on the beach. Sandy Hook beach also has parks, bike paths, fishing, and a historic lighthouse.
Cost: Round trip is $49/adult. Children 12 and under are $22. Special discount: $39/adult for the first departure of the day from NYC to Sandy Hook beach, offered 7 days a week! Buy tickets here.
Times:
- Mondays–Fridays: Ferries depart Pier 11/Wall Street at 7:40am & 11am and from East 35th St. at 8:00am & 10:45am
- Saturdays & Sundays: Ferries depart Pier 11/Wall Street at 8:35am, 11am & 1:10pm and from East 35th St. at 8:20am, 10:30am & 12:55pm.
- See all ferry times here.
Duration: Trips vary from 35 to 60 minutes, depending on the day and time.
What else to know:
- Ferries to Sandy Hook Beach must be reserved in advance, and are only available as part of a round-trip originating in Manhattan.
- Complimentary shuttle service provided between the Sandy Hook Ferry Landing and several beaches within Sandy Hook: Gunnison Beach and Beach D. Shuttle buses wait for ferry riders upon arrival at Sandy Hook Beach and will bring you to the beach of your choice. They will also pick you up in the afternoon for your return to the ferry.
- Seastreak also has service to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantuck in Massachusetts! Learn more here.
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Updated: June 2025.
