Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry Service Returns For The Season

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The approach of summer means there's another crossing option on the Hudson.

Weekend service on the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry will return Saturday, May 23, giving riders hourly trips across the Hudson River through Saturday, Oct. 31, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The seasonal Metro-North Railroad program, now in its third year, is timed to connect in Ossining with trains traveling to and from New York City.

The ferry will operate on weekends between 11:23 a.m. and 9:10 p.m. Ferries will not operate on Memorial Day or Labor Day, but the service will run on Independence Day.

“The ferry provides a convenient connection between Rockland and Westchester and the weekend service gives customers a chance to enjoy the Hudson Valley,” said Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek. “From summer days on the river to peak fall foliage, extending service through Halloween gives customers more time to take advantage of everything the route has to offer.”

The weekend ferry was first launched in May 2024 to expand Metro-North's reach into Rockland County and offer an alternative to driving to New York City, according to the MTA.

During its opening weekend, the ferry averaged 240 riders a day. That number rose to an average of 284 riders daily in June and 455 riders a day on weekends in July. The ferry's highest single-day ridership was 822 riders on Sunday, July 21, according to the MTA.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said the service works with the county's Transport of Rockland Weekend Ferry Connection bus. “Combined with our own Transport of Rockland (TOR) Weekend Ferry Connection bus, travelers can cross the beautiful Hudson to the Landing at Haverstraw Bay and from there, discover all that Rockland has to offer, including our charming river towns and shops, fairs and festivals, scenic trails, local eateries, and more—all just 30 miles from NYC.”

“Rockland is thrilled to host weekend visitors once again thanks to the return of Metro-North’s Haverstraw-Ossining Weekend Ferry Service,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. “Combined with our own Transport of Rockland (TOR) Weekend Ferry Connection bus, travelers can cross the beautiful Hudson to the Landing at Haverstraw Bay and from there, discover all that Rockland has to offer, including our charming river towns and shops, fairs and festivals, scenic trails, local eateries, and more—all just 30 miles from NYC.”

An adult one-way ticket costs $4.75. Seniors 62 or older, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients pay $2.50 with appropriate ID. Children 5 and under ride free, children ages 6 to 11 pay $2.50, and a 10-trip ticket costs $40.

“This is exactly the kind of service that makes a difference for people,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “The return of weekend ferry service gives residents a simple, reliable way to move between Westchester and Rockland while also making it easier to enjoy the Hudson River and everything around it. It strengthens connections across the region and gives people another option beyond getting in a car. We’re glad to see this program continue and appreciate the MTA’s investment in making it work.”