New routes and stops: New York City is preparing a major upgrade to its ferry network.

If you're one of the more than 11,500 passengers who use NYC Ferry daily, be aware—your route is about to change. The publication explains what changes are coming and what travelers can expect. SecretNYC.

Traveling by water instead of the subway sounds like an obvious advantage—unless you enjoy the subway's stuffiness and the unknown drips that fall from the ceiling. But for those New Yorkers who've been missing a convenient ferry route, it's time to get ready for a change—fresh air and breathtaking views await.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) unveiled an updated NYC Ferry route map featuring numerous changes. These include connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, extending the southern Brooklyn route to Manhattan, and expanding the network to East Harlem.

Major changes:

• The Soundview and Rockaway routes are being combined, creating direct, non-stop service from Rockaway to Throggs Neck;
• The St. George route, which connects the western part of Manhattan with Staten Island, is being extended to Brooklyn, and will now terminate on Wall Street;
• The South Brooklyn route will have an additional stop on East 34th Street;
• The East River will be split into two separate routes during rush hour.

These changes were proposed back in the summer and were subject to public consultation. More than 15,000 residents submitted their feedback, and 71% supported the updates, noting that they would improve access to needed destinations.

On the subject: There's a free ferry between Manhattan and Red Hook: How to get on it

Since its launch in 2017, NYC Ferry has made several route adjustments, but the current changes are the largest ever. The 2025 ferry network optimization plan continues the NYC Ferry Forward initiative and pursues the following goals:

• improve route connectivity by providing convenient connections to Midtown and Lower Manhattan;
• reduce travel time by reducing the number of stops;
• increase the number of seats on the most popular flights during peak hours and on weekends;
• improve operational efficiency by consolidating routes and eliminating half-empty vessels.

Additionally, NYCEDC will open two new piers—one in East Harlem (125th Street) and one in Sunset Park (Brooklyn, near Pier 6)—and expand the existing pier on East 34th Street in Midtown.

The updated ferry routes will begin operating on Monday, December 8.