The fastest way from Greenpoint to Manhattan is usually the NYC Ferry from 10 India Street, which runs straight down the East River to East 34th Street, DUMBO and Wall Street/Pier 11. The G train from Greenpoint Avenue is the better choice in bad weather, late at night or when you are headed somewhere the ferry does not stop. Both are about two minutes on foot from Franklin Guesthouse at 214 Franklin Street.
Key facts:
- NYC Ferry, East River route: Greenpoint landing at 10 India Street
- Ferry stops include East 34th Street, DUMBO and Wall Street/Pier 11
- G train: Greenpoint Avenue station, with transfers to the L, the 7 and the E and M
- Citi Bike docks throughout Greenpoint; the Pulaski Bridge leads to Long Island City
- Our 24-hour front desk at 718.383.3900 can plan the route for your day
Which is faster, the ferry or the G train?
For Midtown East and Lower Manhattan, the ferry usually wins, because it goes direct with no transfer. For most other destinations, the G train is more flexible, because it connects to lines that cover the rest of the city. Check the live schedules before you leave, since ferry frequency drops in the evening and in winter.
| Option | From the hotel | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC Ferry | 10 India Street, about 2 minutes | East 34th St, DUMBO, Wall St, the views | Fewer departures late and off-season |
| G train | Greenpoint Avenue, about 2 minutes | Late nights, bad weather, most of Queens and Brooklyn | Usually needs a transfer for Manhattan |
| Citi Bike | Docks across the neighborhood | Williamsburg, Long Island City, nice days | Bridges and traffic for longer rides |
| Taxi or rideshare | At the door | Airports, luggage, late nights | Bridge and tunnel traffic at rush hour |
How does the NYC Ferry work from Greenpoint?
Walk west to the water at India Street, buy a ticket on the NYC Ferry app or at the landing machine, and board the East River route. The ride runs past the Williamsburg and Manhattan bridges with the skyline on one side the whole way, so it doubles as a sightseeing trip for the price of a ferry ticket. Check ferry.nyc for the current schedule and fares.
How do you take the G train to Manhattan?
From Greenpoint Avenue, ride the G south two stops to Metropolitan Avenue and transfer to the L at Lorimer Street, which runs across 14th Street in Manhattan. Ride the G north two stops to Court Square for the 7, E and M into Midtown. Our front desk can tell you which transfer works best for where you are going.
Can you bike from Greenpoint?
Yes, and on a good day it is the most enjoyable way to explore. Citi Bike docks are spread across Greenpoint, the Pulaski Bridge takes you into Long Island City, and protected lanes run south through Williamsburg. For Manhattan, the Williamsburg Bridge has a bike path into the Lower East Side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Greenpoint to Manhattan? It depends on where you are going and how you travel. The ferry runs direct to East 34th Street and Wall Street, and the G train connects to Manhattan lines within a few stops. Allow extra time at rush hour and late at night.
Is there a ferry from Greenpoint? Yes. The NYC Ferry East River route stops at the Greenpoint landing at 10 India Street, about two minutes from Franklin Guesthouse.
What subway is closest to Franklin Guesthouse? The Greenpoint Avenue station on the G train, about two minutes on foot.
Can the hotel arrange airport transportation? The hotel does not run a shuttle, but the front desk can help arrange a private airport transfer to JFK, LaGuardia or Newark.
Stay two minutes from the ferry
Franklin Guesthouse puts the ferry and the G train two minutes from your door, with a loft suite and a kitchen waiting at the end of the day. See where to stay in Greenpoint or check availability to book direct.
Back to the Journal
