Basic Information

Governors Island is a 172-acre island, a 10-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City. Governors Island National Monument manages 22 acres, containing Fort Jay, Castle Williams, and Dock 102. The City of New York through the Trust for Governors Island manages the rest of the 150 acres. A number of amenities are managed by the Trust. A map of specific locations of amenities is available via the bottom of this page.

 

The welcome view most visitors have to Governors Island is the dock at Soissons Landing

NPS Photo / Sierra Willoughby

Operating Hours & Seasons

Fort Jay and Castle Williams will be opening on Friday May 24, 2024. We will be open all weekend, as well as Memorial Day Monday May 27th. Going forward from May 29th, we will be open Wednesday through Sunday, as well as Federal Holidays. Hours of Fort Operations are 10 AM-5 PM.
The passport stamp, for this park, is located at Castle Williams, ask staff if the "America's National Park" shop is not open. Staff can be found in Castle Williams or Fort Jay on days that the forts are open

Please consult the ferry schedules for access to and from Governors Island.

The island is busiest in July and August, coinciding with summer vacation. The island is busiest on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Fees

There is no charge to visit the national monument.
There is a charge for ferry transportation. Exceptions Free rides for children under a certain age, IDNYC holders, military personnel, and select days/times for 2 of the ferry routes. Reduced fares are also available. Please consult the ferry fares.

The ferry routes arrive at different locations on the island. Please consult a visitor map

There is no charge for programs conducted by the National Park Service.

• Check Things To Do for information about Castle Williams, Fort Jay, and the National Historic Landmark District.

• Check the Calendar for special events.

The Trust for Governors Island, our island partner, also offers other programming. Some events hosted by the Trust and other organizations may be ticketed and require an entrance fee.

Food court at Liggett Terrace, view of Manhattan from the Parade Ground, and grilling stations

Eating

Liggett Terrace Food Court, King Avenue Food Court a other locations on Governors Island feature a variety of food truck and tent vendors that serve a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. Check here to see a listing of food service vendors and their hours of operations on the island.

Feel free to bring a picnic lunch or your favorite take-out to the island. There are many eating establishments in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Visitors are welcome to lay a blanket on the grass and picnic on the lawn. Get a view of Manhattan from the Parade Ground. A number of benches and picnic tables are also located around the island. There are also rocking chairs in Fort Jay.

Grilling is now permitted on the island by permit. Grilling stations can be reserved through the Trust for a fee along with picnic tables. Reservations must be made 2 weeks or more in advance.

Free public water fountains and bottle filling stations are available at a few locations. We strongly recommend you bring water on your day trip outing.

Beverage Rules

Visitors are welcome to bring their own beverages to the island, with the exception of alcohol. Alcohol is however available for purchase on the island — to be consumed only in specific areas of the island.

 

Restrooms at Building 110

Restrooms

Restrooms with flush toilets are located inside Building 110 at Soissons Landing — the building to the right exiting the Manhattan Ferry on the island.

Manhattan Ferry Route:
Restrooms with flush toilets are also located inside the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan in the waiting line room.

On the rest of the island, there are a number of porta potty locations, as well as restroom trailers near the food courts at Liggett Terrace.

 

Bike rentals at Colonels Row, Soissons Landing, and Yankee Pier

Bicycling

Governors Island is a walking and cycling island. Cars, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles are not permitted. Exception: Motorized wheelchairs, etc. If you have any questions, please contact 212-440-2200 for more information.

Cycling is a great way to see the island. You can also get a view of the city along the Promenade. If you own a bicycle, you are encouraged to bring your bike with you over on the ferries.

You can also rent a bike while on the island: Blazing Saddles offers regular, kids, 2-seat, 4-seat, and 6-seat bikes. Check select days/times for free bike rentals. There are also Citi Bike bicycle sharing stations.

Bicycling Rules

Cycling is permitted all over the island except in designated areas. Please dismount and walk your bicycle in the following locations:

• Soissons Landing
• Nolan Park
• inside Fort Jay
• inside Castle Williams

All bicyclists shall cycle at their own risk and comply with all bicycle rules. Speed limits are enforced.

Pets

We are sorry, pets are not permitted on Governors Island. Exception: Service animals with a State or New York City recognized service animal license are welcome. Please call 212-440-2200 for more information.

Island Rules

• The following are not permitted on Governors Island: alcohol, pets, controlled substances, weapons, or explosives. All visitors and packages are subject to search. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The Trust and its agents reserve the right to deny access to the Island at their discretion.

• Visitors are also not permitted to swim in New York Harbor except by permit.

• Fishing is permitted on Governors Island in the designated area along the western promenade. Fishing is catch and release ONLY.

• Drones and other unmanned aircraft are not allowed on any part Governors Island including National Park Service and Governors Island Trust property.

• No private docking or mooring.

View a map of amenities on Governors Island