Cruise the BK coastline in the East River for free

Is the prospect of being trapped between sweaty bros in an overcrowded, overheated subway tunnel threatening to harsh your summer date night? Take heed then of this chance to cruise the waters of the East River for free and enjoy the sites of Brooklyn’s coastline. The city is launching a year-round East River ferry service June 13 that will link Greenpoint, Williamsburg and DUMBO (and more), with seasonal stops at Atlantic Avenue and Governors Island. And here’s where our ears perk up: you get to ride it free through June 24. See the full route map below.

After the free trial ends, tickets go up to $4 for one-way, $12 for unlimited day pass or $140 for an unlimited monthly pass. The ferries will run every 30 minutes (20 minutes during rush hour) from 7am-9pm on weekdays and 9am-8:30pm on weekends. According to the ferry site, the service is also planning to soon launch a free smartphone app that will let you view schedules and purchase tickets. And even when you do have to pay, it’s not a bad way to get up to the Brooklyn Flea, Smogasburg or Governors Island that doesn’t involve a humid tube of underground aroma (the aroma of the East River is up for debate).

Brooklyn Borough prez Marty the Markowitz, ever the wordsmith, says in a press release that Brooklyn is “‘ferry excited” for the economic boom the service will bring to the waterfront. We’re at least ferry intrigued to cruise along the coast of Brooklyn for free.

4 Comments

leo braunschweiger Jun 2, 2011

this sounds great , great chance for New Yorkers to discover New York from a special view point.

Jun 2, 2011 at 1:47 pm

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Rachel Jun 2, 2011

So exciting! Will bikes be allowed on the ferry? Will dogs be allowed?

Jun 2, 2011 at 11:56 pm

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thelma kaufman Jun 17, 2011

Can you get on and off the ferry at at point of it’s itinerary during the free time?

Jun 17, 2011 at 5:24 pm

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