'''Staten Island''' is the most suburban of the five boroughs of New York City. Although still predominantly residential in nature, the borough has changed significantly since the opening of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964.

Get In

By ferry

Staten Island can be reached by ferry from Manhattan. The ferry is the best option for arriving on the island, as it passes by Liberty Island and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor. The ferry is free and operates 24 hours a day out of Battery Park in Manhattan and St. George Terminal in Staten Island. The ride to either terminal takes 30 minutes and runs about twice hourly (four times during rush hours and less frequently on weekend).

By car

Staten Island can be reached by bridge from Brooklyn and New Jersey.
  • '''Verrazano-Narrows Bridge''' connects Staten Island with Brooklyn, but you will incur a high toll of US$10.00 (westbound only, no toll eastbound).
  • '''Bayonne Bridge''' connects northern Staten Island with Bayonne, New Jersey.
  • '''Goethals Bridge''' connects Elizabeth, New Jersey to mid-western Staten Island.
  • '''Outerbridge Crossing''' connects Perth Amboy, New Jersey and Tottenville, Staten Island.
  • These last 3 bridges have a $8.00 toll payable only when entering Staten Island, not leaving it. The carpool toll is $2.00 with 3 or more people in a car, payable only with E-Z Pass.

    By bus

    <b>Express bus</b>

    A moderately priced option is to take an express bus from Manhattan to Staten Island. The $5.00 fare is payable with MetroCard, Express Bus Plus MetroCards or coin change. Dollar bills are not accepted.

  • The '''X1''' and '''X10''' routes run along Broadway in Manhattan (starting at around Central Park South/Seventh Avenue and East 57th Street/Third Avenue, respectively), with the X1 running along Hylan Boulevard and Richmond Avenue to Eltingville and the X10 running along the service roads of the Staten Island Expressway (North and South Gannon Avenues) to Port Richmond. Both routes run daily, the X1 leaving Manhattan from 7:30am to 1:35am weekdays, 7:00am to 12:30am Saturdays, and 7:30am to 11:00pm Sundays, and the X10 leaving Manhattan from 7:20am to 1:15am weekdays, 8:30am to 11:45pm Saturdays, and 8:35am to 10:30pm Sundays. The X1 leaves Eltingville Transit Center from 3:30am to 10:00pm weekdays, 5:10am to 10:30pm Saturdays, and from 5:30am to 8:30pm Sundays.
  • '''X17''' service also runs from parts of the South Shore weekdays from 4:05am to 2:55pm, and Saturdays from 5:30am to 7:00pm. It leaves Manhattan from 10:25am to 11:30pm weekdays, and from 7:15am to 8:30pm Saturdays.
  • Other express routes service to other parts of the island also run during the rush hours in the peak flow direction (to Manhattan in the morning, to Staten Island in the afternoon).
  • The wait times for an express bus are about 4-10 minutes during rush hours, 15-25 minutes other times. The [http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/bussi.pdf Staten Island bus map]; ([http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/bussi2.pdf service descriptions]) covers the routes on the island.

    <b>Local bus</b>

  • There is also the option of taking the S53/S93/S79 buses from 4th Avenue & 86th Street in Brooklyn. These bus routes cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge into Staten Island. Since these are considered local bus routes, you can pay for the ride by depositing $2.00 in coins in the farebox or swiping your MetroCard.
  • From Bayonne, you can take the S89 Limited bus during rush hours from the 34th Street Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station.
  • Get Around

    By rail

    The '''Staten Island Railway''' [http://www.mta.info/nyct/sir/] is a hybrid of a railroad and a subway line. Fares are the same as a subway ride (US$2.00), and it runs 24 hours, at intervals from 15 minutes during weekdays to hourly overnight, synchronized to the ferry schedule. Fares are collected only at St. George Ferry Terminal, leading many to exit at the penultimate stop, Tompkinsville, and walk up Bay Street a short distance to the ferry.

    By bus

    Bus routes [http://www.mta.info/nyct/bus/] cover the island pretty thoroughly. There are two types of buses:

  • The '''local buses''' run routes all over Staten Island and are distinguished by the S before the route number (ex. S55, S78). They have uncomfortable plastic seats and cost $2.00.
  • The '''express buses''' are distinguished by the X in the coded display on the front of the bus (ex. X1, X17). These buses run from Staten Island to Manhattan, have more comfortable cloth seats, and cost $5.00.
  • Most routes on the island meet up at the '''St. George Ferry Terminal'''. Other major transfer points include '''Port Richmond''', with some buses terminating at Richmond Terrace at Port Richmond Avenue; the ''Staten Island Mall''; and the '''Eltingville Transit Center''' on the South Shore, the last with MetroCard vending machines and express service to Manhattan.

    Fares can be paid in quarters or dollar coins (if you can find them). You can also use a MetroCard (good for all public transportation in NYC) purchasable at some delis or at the machines located at the ferry terminal. Buses run close to schedule, but service on Staten Island is sparse outside of rush hours, and even during peak hours, the most frequent headway is 10 minutes. If possible, pick up a schedule for routes that you'll plan to take or check the Guide-A-Ride box for exact times whenever possible.

    See

  • '''Historic Richmond Town''', [http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/].
  • '''Snug Harbor Cultural Center''', [http://www.snug-harbor.org/].
  • Portions of Gateway National Recreation Area are on Staten Island.
  • Do

  • Go to a game of the single-A '''Staten Island Yankees''' [http://www.siyanks.com/], 75 Richmond Terrace, Tel. 718-720-9265, Fax 718-273-5763, email: siyanks@siyanks.com.
  • '''Staten Island Zoo''', 614 Broadway, [http://www.statenislandzoo.org/]. Located in West New Brighton, it's a fun destination for younger children as well as animal enthusiasts.
  • The '''Staten Island Greenbelt''' [http://www.sigreenbelt.org/] is one of the largest parks in the city, with miles of hiking trails and excellent views from the highest hills on the island.
  • Buy

  • '''Staten Island Mall''', located in the center of the island. It has three anchor stores: Macy's, JCPenney, and Sears. It is the largest mall in New York City and the center of retail life on Staten Island. There is a large food court with fast food restaurants such as KFC, Taco Bell Express, and Nathans. There are also various shopping centers spread through the vicinity.
  • Eat

    While the vast majority of Staten Island eateries are Italian, there are some gems of ethnic cuisine in the St. George and Tompkinsville neighborhoods, the area around the ferry terminal and the Staten Island Yankees stadium. Home to a large Sri Lankan community, St. George boasts many grocery stores and restaurants. Mostly within a mile of each other on Victory Blvd. (and in walking distance from the ferry terminal), the authentic and inexpensive restaurants serve up flavorful South Asian cuisine well worth the trip.

  • Paolucci's. 12 Forest Avenue. As good Italian as you'll find on the North Shore.
  • Beso. 1 Schuyler Street. eave the ferry terminal, cross the street, make a right, left on Schuyler. New Spanish restaurant with live music occasionally. Tapas and sangria bring some much needed class to the neighborhood. A short walk from the ferry and a great place to eat.
  • Bay House Bistro . 74 Bay Street. One of the best Asian take outs going. Focus on the appetizers, heavily influenced by Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Malaysian. Try the roti canai or the curry veggie pies.

  • Taqueria Gallo Azteca. 5 Victory Boulevard. 18 273 6404. The cemitas are to die for, a sandwich with your choice of meat, with avocado, chipotle peppers, quesillo, and beans. One of the best sandwiches you'll ever have.
  • Goodfella's. 817 Victory Boulevard. Famous for their vodka pizza, the recipient of several awards.
  • Joe And Pat's. 758 Victory Boulevard. 18 981 0887. Specializes in an extraordinarily thin pizza that is one of the best slices in the city. Uniquely thin without too much cheese, Joe and Pat's slices are some of the lightest in the city. Try the eggplant fries.

  • '''Lakruwana''', 226 Bay Street. One of the more elegant eateries. Its fine decor and delicious meals belie the outrageously inexpensive prices. Sundays offer a lunch and dinner buffet.
  • '''Lakshmis's Restaurant''', 324 Victory Boulevard (Victory Blvd & Cebra). Mainly a take-out establishment but has a few chairs and tables. The menu is comprehensive, offering Homemade Roast (Ros) Paan, Achchu Paan, Kimbula Paan, Malu Paan, Malu Roti, Elawalu Roti, Kalu Thothol, and other Sri Lanka delicacies.
  • '''New Asha Restaurant''', next door to Lakruwana at 322 Victory Blvd. Offers many of the same items at competitive prices. There are several Sri Lankan groceries that dot the street on the 15-20 minute walk from the ferry.
  • '''Denino's Pizza Tavern''', 524 Port Richmond Ave. Arguably the best pizza on Staten Island. It is reasonably priced and has good dishes besides pizza. After a meal here it is tradition during the spring/summer months to walk across the street to Ralph's Ices and get one. Not doing so will not only offend the locals but will also leave just a small part of your stomach unsatisfied.
  • '''Sushi Excellent''', 366 New Dorp Ln. Trendy Japanese Restaurant with great service and food. Is somewhat expensive relative to other sushi places on the island but is well worth it. There is semi-private seating available on the second floor with a reservation with both traditional Japanese and regular tables.
  • Cargo Cafe. 20 Bay Street. 718) 876-0539. ttp://cargocafe.com/. Laid back eatery. Cool decor. Excellent appetizers and burgers. Great beers on tap. Entertainment weekly!

    Drink

  • '''Nurnberger Bierhaus''', 817 Castleton. Offers a wide variety of imported German beers and well-prepared, authentic German food. There is an outside beer garden that offers a limited menu, open in seasonable weather. Beers are served in liter steins and the food is as good as any you will find in Germany.
  • Sleep

  • '''Hilton Garden Inn Hotel''', 1100 South Avenue, [http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=EWRSIGI]. Easily accessed by the West Shore Expressway. It is newly constructed and is much like any other Hilton in the USA.
  • '''Staten Island Hotel''', 1415 Richmond Ave., [http://www.statenislandhotel.com/]. Centrally located right off Exit 5 of the Staten Island Expressway (I-278).
  • Stay Safe

    Staten Island can be divided into two parts: North Shore and South Shore. The South Shore is primarily suburban residential neighborhoods with small commercial establishments usually within five minutes driving distance. The North Shore has more apartment buildings and public housing, called "Projects". There is very little crime in the South Shore. Some parts of the North Shore, however, have a much higher crime rate, including some gang activity, and you should avoid mistakenly walking into or around seedy neighborhoods by yourself.

    Contact