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Getting From Times Square to the Battery Park Statue Ferry on the 1 or R/W Train

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NYC Hotel & Travel Guide · 2026 Edition

Getting From Times Square to the Battery Park Statue Ferry on the 1 or R/W Train

Times square to battery park subway: 2026 NYC guide with addresses, subway lines, walking distance and rates.

By Matthew S Crawford · Updated October 2026 · Verified NYC Rates & Tax Math

Quick answer

The times square to battery park subway ride is the standard way to reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries from Midtown Manhattan. Battery Park sits at the southern tip of Manhattan, and Castle Clinton is the usual starting point for the ferry.

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Times Square to Battery Park Subway: Your Route Downtown From Midtown Manhattan

The times square to battery park subway ride is the standard way to reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferries from Midtown Manhattan. Battery Park sits at the southern tip of Manhattan, and Castle Clinton is the usual starting point for the ferry.

Expect roughly 25 to 35 minutes on the train, plus time to walk through the park and clear security. That is a straightforward trip for New York City visitors, but a little planning makes it smoother. This guide covers the 1 and R/W trains, ferry timing and nearby hotels.

The 1 Train: Times Square-42nd Street to South Ferry

The 1 train runs from Times Square-42nd Street to South Ferry-Whitehall Street, the end of the line, right beside Battery Park. It is a local train that makes many stops, so the trip can take around 25 to 30 minutes. Confirm current service patterns, since weekend changes are common.

Boarding at Times Square means following signs to the 1/2/3 platforms, which are on the Seventh Avenue line. Because the 1 ends at South Ferry, you cannot miss your stop. OMNY tap payment has been cited at about $3 per ride; confirm the fare before you go.

Aerial of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York Harbor
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

The R or W Train: Times Square to Whitehall Street-South Ferry

The R and W trains also run from Times Square-42nd Street downtown to Whitehall Street-South Ferry on Broadway. Service patterns differ by time of day, and the W does not always run, so confirm which line is operating. Both stop near Battery Park.

This route can feel less crowded than the 1 at some hours and uses the Broadway line. Whichever train you pick, check the MTA app for delays before you leave. If one line is disrupted, switching to the other is an easy fix since both end in the same area.

Times Square to Battery Park Subway With Express Options

Faster trips may combine an express train on the Seventh Avenue line, such as the 2 or 3, to Park Place or Wall Street, followed by a walk or a transfer. This option can save a few minutes but adds complexity. Confirm which trains stop where, as express patterns change.

For first-time visitors the single-seat 1 train or R/W ride is simplest. Express routes suit people comfortable with transfers and the possibility of last-minute reroutes. Keep your ticket or OMNY card ready, and watch for service announcements about skipped stops.

Battery Park, Castle Clinton and the Statue of Liberty Ferry

Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park is the traditional starting point for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry tickets. Operators, schedules and ticket rules change, and security screening happens before boarding. Confirm all details on the official sites, and do not rely on third-party sellers without checking.

Crown and pedestal access follow special rules and are limited, so confirm what your ticket includes. Arrive early to allow for screening lines. Weather and tides can alter boat schedules. We do not quote ticket prices because they change; confirm current fees directly.

Grand Central Terminal main concourse with its arched windows and painted ceiling
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

The Staten Island Ferry: A Free Alternative From the Same Area

The Staten Island Ferry leaves from the Whitehall Terminal, next to the South Ferry subway stations, and is described by the city as free to ride. It passes the Statue of Liberty at a distance, which can be a good alternative for budget travelers. Confirm schedules and rules.

The crossing takes about 25 minutes each way, and you can return on the next boat. It does not stop at Liberty Island, so it will not replace a landing ticket. Many visitors pair the ferry with a walk through Battery Park and a view of the Lower Manhattan skyline.

Hotels in Midtown Manhattan vs Lower Manhattan for Battery Park Trips

A hotel in Midtown puts Broadway and Times Square at your door, while staying in the Financial District puts you within walking distance of Battery Park. The Beekman at 5 Beekman Street and Four Seasons Downtown at 27 Barclay Street are sometimes mentioned; confirm status. Consider your priorities.

If you stay in Midtown, a boutique hotel near.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Times Square to Battery Park Subway Trip

Visitors often ask which train to take, how long the trip lasts and where to buy ferry tickets. The answers depend on service changes and the season. The questions below cover the most common concerns.

Confirm subway service on the MTA app and ferry details on the official operator site before you go. Your hotel concierge can also help with directions and timing.

Which subway goes from Times Square to Battery Park?

The 1 train runs to South Ferry, and the R or W run to Whitehall Street. Confirm which line is operating before you leave.

How long does it take?

About 25 to 35 minutes on the train, plus walking and security time. Times are estimates and vary by service.

Is the Staten Island Ferry free?

The city describes it as free to ride. It does not land at Liberty Island, so confirm what you need before relying on it.

Do I need tickets in advance for the Statue of Liberty ferry?

Often yes, especially in peak season, but rules change. Confirm directly with the official operator and avoid unofficial sellers.

Keep reading

Lower Manhattan & Financial District · Hotels Near Statue of Liberty Ferry · Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island · Getting From Times Square to the 9/11 Memorial & Oculus on the E, 1 or R/W · Staten Island Ferry · Where to stay in NYC · NYCHotelss 20 Best Picks · Cheap hotels in NYC · All NYC guides

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.
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