Did you know there's a free ferry service between Manhattan and Red Hook?

Getting around New York City isn't necessarily cheap or easy. A quick cross-town Uber ride can cost over $30. A cross-town bus ride is a fraction of the price but will take you a lot longer. And getting from borough to borough can prove to be even more of a feat. 

When we chose this year's coolest neighborhood in NYC, we knew that getting there could be a challenge. In some ways, that semi-remoteness is what makes Red Hook so alluring, after all. The bus is an option, bike share works and the NYC Ferry will get you there (no subway service, unfortunately!).

Believe it or not, though, there's an even more direct, totally free option that comes way of the kind merchants of Sweden: the IKEA Ferry. Never heard of it? Allow us to explain. 

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What is the IKEA Ferry?

The IKEA Ferry, operated by NY Waterway, offers boat transportation from two points in Manhattan to IKEA along the waterfront on the southwestern edge of Brooklyn. 

Where does it pick up and drop off?

The IKEA Ferry has two Manhattan stops. The first is in Midtown West at 39th Street's Pier 79 (that's 459 12th Avenue). The second is in Lower Manhattan at Pier 11/Wall Street (that's Pier 11 at South Street). In Brooklyn, it stops at IKEA (1 Beard Street). 

When does it run?

The IKEA Ferry runs on the weekends from morning until early evening approximately every hour-and-a-half. You can find the full schedule here.

Is it actually free? 

Yes! You don't need a ticket: just line up, get on and set sail. When you arrive at IKEA, it's pretty hard to avoid going into the store given where you're dropped off. The ferry is sponsored by a retail store, after all. You might as well drop in for a cinnamon bun or to do a little shopping before continuing with your Red Hook day. 

What can I see along the way? 

In addition to getting you from point A to point B, the IKEA Ferry offers an excellent journey along the way with an inside cabin as well as open-air decks. Expect to see panoramic views of the city and even pass by the Statue of Liberty.

What should I do in Red Hook?

You'll end up at the 6.5-acre waterfront, Brooklyn Erie Basin Park, located next to IKEA where you can find walking and bike paths, outdoor seating and lots of green space.

This formerly industrial neighborhood is also filled with art galleries and distilleries in massive, pier-sized old warehouses; culinarily diverse eateries (GOOG Thai Cookshop, homestyle spot Pitt’s and old-school sandwich shop Defonte’s, to name a few); and shopping destinations like home goods store Open Invite and the vibey Record Shop. 

Serving as an anchor for what’s new and cool in Red Hook is Pioneer Works, a nonprofit cultural arts center that recently reopened after a renovation. The artist- and scientist-led organization hosts a suite of visual and performing arts experiences, including a beloved free Second Sundays event every month. 

Here's our full guide to the neighborhood.