can you drive a car to staten island

Can You Drive a Car to Staten Island?

By Laura KingJanuary 17, 2026

Ever wondered if you can drive a car directly to Staten Island? The short answer is yes, but it's not as straightforward as driving to other parts of New York City. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your way to this unique borough.

Staten Island, unlike its counterparts, is not connected to the mainland by bridges or tunnels. However, it's not an island in the traditional sense, as it's only separated from New Jersey by the Kill Van Kull strait. This unique geography makes driving to Staten Island an adventure in itself.

Accessing Staten Island by Car

To drive to Staten Island, you'll need to cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Staten Island. Here's how you can reach it:

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1. **From Manhattan**: Take the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) southbound, then merge onto the Gowanus Expressway. Continue onto the Belt Parkway East, and finally, take the exit onto the Verrazzano Bridge towards Staten Island.

Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Toll

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a tolled bridge. As of 2021, the toll for cars is $19.00, payable by E-ZPass or cash. Make sure to have the exact amount in cash if you're not using E-ZPass, as change is not provided.

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TIP: To save time and avoid long lines, consider getting an E-ZPass. It's also more convenient, as you won't have to stop at toll booths.

Alternate Routes to Consider

While the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is the most common route, there are other ways to reach Staten Island by car:

**From New Jersey**: You can take the Goethals Bridge or the Bayonne Bridge to reach Staten Island. These bridges connect New Jersey to the borough.
**Ferry Service**: The New York Waterway offers a ferry service from Manhattan to Staten Island. While you can't drive your car on this ferry, it's a scenic alternative to driving.

Exploring Staten Island by Car

Once you've crossed the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, you'll find yourself on the historic Victory Boulevard. From here, you can explore the borough's many attractions:

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1. **Historic Richmond Town**: This living history village offers a glimpse into New York's past. It's a great place to visit, especially if you're interested in history.

Staten Island's Natural Wonders

Staten Island is home to several beautiful parks and nature reserves. Here are a couple you might want to visit:

**Greenbelt**: This 2,800-acre park system offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
**Conference House Park**: This park is rich in history and offers beautiful views of the Raritan Bay.

Driving to Staten Island offers a unique perspective on this often-overlooked borough. From historic sites to natural wonders, there's plenty to explore. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!