Staten Island is the most car-dependent borough in New York City — which means parking in Staten Island is generally more available and more affordable than anywhere else in the five boroughs. But getting to Staten Island involves either crossing a bridge with a toll or taking the free Staten Island Ferry, and that shapes everything about how parking works here.
This guide covers parking near the Staten Island Ferry terminal, parking throughout the borough, commuter options into Manhattan, and how to navigate Staten Island by car without overpaying.
The Honest Truth About Staten Island Parking
Parking in most of Staten Island is free or cheap — residential streets, shopping centers, and most attractions have free lots. The exception is the St. George Ferry Terminal area, where parking fills fast on weekday mornings. If you are commuting to Manhattan via ferry, arrive early or use the park-and-ride.
Parking Near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal (St. George)
The Staten Island Ferry is free and runs 24/7 — it is the primary transit link between Staten Island and lower Manhattan. Parking near the St. George terminal is the main crunch point for parking on the island.
| Option | Location | Cost | Notes |
| Richmond County Bank Ballpark Lot | Adjacent to terminal | Free off-season / event pricing game days | Large lot — fills by 8am on weekdays |
| MTA Park-and-Ride — St. George | Near terminal | Free with MetroCard | Best commuter option — validated by MTA |
| Street parking — Richmond Terrace | Along the waterfront | Free / metered | Limited — gone by 7:30am weekdays |
| Private lots near terminal | Within 2 blocks | $8–$15/day | Available when MTA lot is full |
MTA Park-and-Ride Lots on Staten Island
The MTA operates several park-and-ride facilities on Staten Island for commuters heading into Manhattan. These are the most practical option for anyone making the trip regularly.
| Park-and-Ride Location | Serves | Cost |
| St. George Terminal | Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan | Free with MetroCard |
| Richmond Avenue | Express bus to Manhattan | Free with MetroCard |
| Eltingville Transit Center | Express bus routes to Manhattan | Free with MetroCard |
Parking at Staten Island Attractions
Most major destinations on Staten Island have free on-site parking — a significant difference from the other four boroughs.
| Destination | Parking Situation |
| Staten Island Zoo | Free lot on-site |
| Snug Harbor Cultural Center | Free lot on-site |
| Historic Richmond Town | Free lot on-site |
| Staten Island Greenbelt | Free trailhead lots |
| Empire Outlets (St. George) | Paid garage — rates vary by visit length |
| Staten Island Mall | Free lot — large capacity |
| Conference House Park | Free lot at park entrance |
Getting to Staten Island by Car: The Bridges and Tolls
Staten Island is connected to the rest of the metro area by five bridges. Tolls are collected on the Staten Island side on three of them — you pay to enter Staten Island, not to leave.
| Bridge | Connects To | Toll (E-ZPass) | Toll (Cash/Plate) |
| Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge | Brooklyn | $6.94 | $19.00 |
| Goethals Bridge | New Jersey (Elizabeth) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Outerbridge Crossing | New Jersey (Perth Amboy) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Bayonne Bridge | New Jersey (Bayonne) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Staten Island Ferry | Lower Manhattan | Free | Free |
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn is the most commonly used entry point for visitors. The ferry from Manhattan is free and the most scenic option — but you cannot bring a car on the ferry.
Commuting From Staten Island to Manhattan
Staten Island commuters to Manhattan have several options, each with different parking implications:
Staten Island Ferry + Subway
Drive to St. George, park at the MTA lot, take the free ferry to Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan, then connect to the subway. Total commute time: 45–75 minutes depending on destination. Parking: free with MetroCard validation.
Express Bus to Midtown
The SIM express bus routes run directly from Staten Island neighborhoods to Midtown Manhattan. Park at an MTA park-and-ride lot and ride the bus in. Faster than the ferry for Midtown-bound commuters.
Drive Across the Verrazzano + Subway from Brooklyn
Some Staten Island commuters drive to Bay Ridge or other Brooklyn subway stops and take the R or N train in. Bridge toll applies. Useful if you are already heading toward Brooklyn for other reasons.
Quick Reference: Staten Island Parking
| Situation | Best Option |
| Commuting to Manhattan by ferry | MTA Park-and-Ride at St. George — free |
| Visiting an attraction | On-site free lot at most destinations |
| Day trip from Manhattan | Take the free ferry — no car needed |
| Arriving from Brooklyn | Verrazzano Bridge — $6.94 E-ZPass |
| Arriving from New Jersey | Goethals or Outerbridge — $16 E-ZPass |
| Shopping at Staten Island Mall | Free lot on-site |
| Arriving without E-ZPass | Expect cash/plate rates — significantly higher |
Staten Island is genuinely the easiest borough to park in — most of it is free, most lots are large, and the streets outside St. George are not Midtown. The complication is always the bridge tolls and the ferry logistics. Plan those correctly and parking on Staten Island is the least stressful part of your trip.
Toll rates and MTA park-and-ride availability are subject to change. Always verify current rates at the MTA and Port Authority websites before your trip.