Yes, even the Rockaway Ferry is going to be more expensive this summer

The sun is out, the lifeguards are back and NYC Ferry is once again riding the wave of summer demand. This week, the city announced the return of its souped-up seasonal ferry services—the Rockaway Reserve and Rockaway Rocket—just in time for Memorial Day weekend and the city’s annual beach pilgrimage.

With Rockaway Beach welcoming more than 167,000 ferry riders last summer and total ferry ridership already trending 5-percent higher than last year, the NYC Economic Development Corporation is bracing for another packed season on the water. To meet the moment, the ferry system’s summer schedule is back in full swing, and it’s bringing reinforcements.

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Starting this weekend through September 7, Rockaway Reserve lets riders book specific ferry trips to and from the Rockaways on weekends and holidays, complete with priority boarding and a guaranteed seat for $12, up from ten bucks last summer. And if you're more about speed than spontaneity, the Rockaway Rocket launches on July 4, offering express service from Long Island City and Greenpoint straight to the beach, with two morning departures and two return trips each weekend.

Don’t worry, the $4.50 standard fare (or $2.90 with a 10-pack, or $1.45 reduced) still gets you a ride, just without the bells, whistles or seat guarantee. And yes, you can bring your bike, but you’ll need to book a free bike ticket in the app if you’re reserving a spot on the Reserve or Rocket.

“As Rockaway's historic renaissance continues, ensuring New Yorkers and tourists alike have easy access to the peninsula's acclaimed beaches, cuisine and culture is a critical investment in its economic health more than anything else,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “So I couldn't be more excited to welcome back the Rockaway Rocket and the Rockaway Reserve for what's shaping up to be another successful beach season.”

This news comes alongside NYCEDC’s first-ever deep dive into the city’s beach economy. Spoiler: it’s booming. Rockaway and Coney Island alone supported 1,200 seasonal jobs and nearly $80 million in visitor spending in 2024. So whether you’re headed to Rockaway for tacos, tan lines or a break from the 7 train, the ferry’s new-and-improved service is making the beach trip smoother, faster and a lot more scenic.