Governors Island Opens May 1 This Year, And Will Be Serviced By New City Ferry

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, NY — New Yorkers will have one extra month to enjoy Governors Island this year. The small island will open to the public on May 1 and remain open until Oct. 1, the city announced Tuesday.

That's 34 more days of public access than usual, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

It will also be easier than ever this year to get to Governors Island from the shores DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Red Hook: Two of the city’s new ferry lines will be making stops at Pier 102 on the 172-acre island, city officials said.

Beginning May 6, the East River ferry will make its first departure from the docks of DUMBO to the island at 9:56 a.m., and from the Pier 11/Wall Street ferry stop at 10:15 a.m. The last ferry will depart Governors Island for Pier 11/Wall Street at 6:21 p.m., and for DUMBO at 6:39 p.m.

(Incidentally, May 6 is also the date set for NYC Holi Hai — the Spring Color Festival celebrated on Governors Island with live music and lots of paint.)

Then, beginning June 3, the South Brooklyn ferry will depart for Governors Island from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 at 10:27 a.m., and from Red Hook at 10:35 a.m. The last ferry will then depart Governors Island for Red Hook at 6:48 p.m., and for Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 at 6:56 p.m.

A ferry ticket will cost the same amount as a ride on the subway — $2.75 — and passengers can bring their bikes along for an extra dollar, officials said.

The island will be open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends throughout the summer.

Details about Governors Island events to come — including the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party and the Brooklyn Music Festival — can be found on the island's website. Detailed ferry timetables can be viewed on the NYCEDC website.

Image via Nestor Rivera Jr./Flickr