Bayonne has officially entered a new chapter in its long-term waterfront redevelopment, as construction begins on a modern ferry terminal that promises to dramatically reshape commuting patterns and economic activity throughout the Peninsula City. The project, now underway at the southern end of the former Military Ocean Terminal, represents one of the most significant transportation investments in Bayonne in decades and positions the city alongside other Hudson County communities offering direct ferry access to Manhattan.
Work commenced in late December at a 2.3-acre parcel along Port Terminal Boulevard, a strategic stretch of waterfront that will soon host a purpose-built terminal and a dedicated parking facility. The site was acquired from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for $4.4 million, securing a key footprint for the city’s long-anticipated return to passenger ferry service. Adjacent private property has also been incorporated into the broader plan, allowing the project to extend its reach while accommodating complementary commercial development.
Once completed, the terminal will provide a direct ferry route into Manhattan with an estimated travel time of just nine minutes, offering a substantially faster alternative to existing rail and bridge-based commutes. Officials anticipate that service will begin in late 2026, marking a milestone moment for residents who have long advocated for more efficient connections to New York City.
The terminal will include approximately 130 on-site parking spaces designed to support daily ridership, along with new public waterfront improvements. An additional stretch of land is being dedicated to expanding Bayonne’s waterfront walkway, creating a continuous pedestrian corridor that enhances recreational access while complementing the transportation infrastructure. The project is expected to become a prominent feature within the city’s expanding construction and redevelopment landscape, further reinforcing Bayonne’s emergence as a modern, transit-oriented community within the broader Construction sector.
New York Waterway has been selected as the ferry operator, bringing extensive regional experience to the partnership. The company currently manages multiple Hudson River ferry routes in neighboring cities and will oversee daily operations once the Bayonne terminal opens. City officials view the collaboration as a critical component in ensuring dependable, high-frequency service for both commuters and weekend travelers.
Mayor Jimmy Davis has described the project as transformative, emphasizing its potential to stimulate new residential development, attract businesses, and significantly reduce travel times for existing residents. By providing a fast, predictable route to Manhattan, the ferry is expected to reshape commuting behavior, lessen dependence on crowded rail lines, and enhance Bayonne’s overall appeal to professionals seeking proximity to New York City without sacrificing neighborhood character.
As construction progresses, the Bayonne Ferry Terminal is already being recognized as a cornerstone of the city’s long-term economic strategy. Beyond transportation, the project signals a broader vision for revitalizing the waterfront into a mixed-use corridor that blends transit access, public space, and commercial growth. When the first ferries depart in 2026, they will not only carry passengers across the Hudson, but also symbolize Bayonne’s continued evolution into one of New Jersey’s most forward-looking waterfront communities.
