Old Modern Handicrafts Staten Island Ferry Collectible The ferry is the only non-vehicular mode of transportation between Staten island and Manhattan The Staten island ferry is run by the city of new York for one pragmatic reason: to transport Staten islanders to and from Manhattan Yet, the 5 mile, 25 minute ride also provides a majestic view of new York harbor and a no-hassle, even romantic, boat ride, for free One guide book calls it "one of the world's greatest (and shortest) water voyages