On Tuesday, May 19th, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the New York City Ferry (NYC Ferry) jointly announced that they will be launching a ferry service specially designed for the FIFA World Cup, representing the five boroughs of the city. Starting this week, they will be increasing the frequency of ferry routes within the city and offering reserved seating for trips to the beach.
At Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, James Wong, the Executive Director of NYC Ferry, unveiled a ferry designed for the World Cup. The ferry featured a prominent logo that combined a soccer ball with a green leaf-shaped apple, symbolizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the city famously known as “the Big Apple.”
“These five ferries showcase the vibrancy, diversity, and pride of the five boroughs of New York City in welcoming the FIFA World Cup to this world-renowned metropolis,” said James Wong. “Throughout this summer, leading up to the World Cup, they will navigate the waters of New York, serving as a spectacular backdrop and a constant reminder that New York is the global focal point.”
James Wong added that this summer will be the “busiest summer in New York’s history,” with the East River route setting a record high last weekend with 40,000 passengers. Therefore, NYC Ferry will be providing the highest level of service this summer.
“In the summer of 2026, the FIFA World Cup, Sail4th 250 Boat Festival, and another busy beach tourism season will converge,” James Wong said. “Visitors will have more opportunities to explore the New York Harbor and enjoy even richer services aboard the New York ferry alongside local New Yorkers.”
The new schedule will include the following features:
1. Increasing ferry services to meet demand – more weekend trips to reduce travel and waiting times; larger vessels operating on high-demand routes and peak tourism periods to accommodate more passengers – additional high-frequency beach services on the existing Rockaway-Soundview route.
2. Improving efficiency and expanding summer routes to popular tourist destinations – high-capacity shuttle bus service directly from Pier 11 to Governor’s Island, free transfers for all NYC Ferry passengers from other routes; weekend extension of local service on the South Brooklyn route from Bay Ridge and Brooklyn Army Terminal to Red Hook and other northern locations.
3. Summer weekend beach seat reservations – Rockaway Reserve returns, guaranteeing seats on specific trips departing from Pier 11 and Rockaway; Rockaway Rocket fast ferry service resumes, providing a direct route from Long Island City and Greenpoint to the beach. The route will open in early July and operate until Labor Day.
For detailed ferry schedules, please visit: [link to the schedule] or scan the QR code.