Terminal basics
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (BCT), 210 Clinton Wharf, Brooklyn, NY 11231. It opened in April 2006 on the Upper Bay in Red Hook. NYCEDC oversees it and Ports America manages it.
- It has separate embarkation and debarkation areas, plus on-site parking.
- BCT was the first East Coast port with shore power (2016), so docked ships can plug in instead of running their engines.
- Cruise lines and ships change by season. Check your cruise documents for your terminal and check-in time, and see the official schedule on cruise.nyc.
NYC has three cruise terminals: Brooklyn, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on the Hudson, and Cape Liberty in Bayonne, NJ.
Getting there
- Ferry: NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route stops at the Red Hook landing. NYCEDC also notes quick ferry service to Wall Street/Pier 11.
- Subway + bus: Take the F to Smith-9th Sts, then the B77 bus to Conover and Dikeman Sts, about 6 long blocks from the entrance. Or take the 2, 3, 4, 5, N or R to Borough Hall, walk about 4 blocks to the B61 on Atlantic Ave at Court St, and get off at Pioneer and Van Brunt Sts, about 4 long blocks away.
- Train: Penn Station and Grand Central are the closest major stations. Taxis are available at both.
- Airports: NYCEDC lists JFK, LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR) as the closest airports, with taxis at each.
- By car: All vehicles enter at Bowne St and Imlay St. From the BQE (I-278), use Exit 26 (Hamilton Ave), then Van Brunt St to Bowne St.
Parking
There's an outdoor, secured lot on the south side of the terminal entrance. NYCEDC says reservations aren't required, but you can make one, and fees are paid on arrival. Keep your parking ticket with you during the cruise. RVs and larger vehicles have spaces on the main level near the security gate.
Current rates, payment options and reservations: Brooklyn Cruise Terminal directions and parking (NYCEDC).
Where to stay the night before
Red Hook has a few restaurants and shops near the terminal but few hotels. Most cruisers stay in Lower Manhattan (the ferry from Wall Street/Pier 11 is the simple ride over) or in Downtown Brooklyn near Borough Hall, where the B61 runs. See our NYC pre-cruise hotel guide.
Return-day tip
NYCEDC says ships usually arrive between 7 and 8 am, and passengers who parked are often through customs and off the property by 10 to 10:30 am. Porters are available from about 9 am. If your flight is late in the day, plan a morning in Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn rather than heading straight to the airport.
FAQs
Where is the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal?
210 Clinton Wharf, Brooklyn, NY 11231, in Red Hook on the Upper Bay. All cars enter at Bowne St and Imlay St.
Is the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal the same as the Manhattan Cruise Terminal?
No. NYC has three cruise terminals: Brooklyn (Red Hook), Manhattan (Hudson River, Midtown West) and Cape Liberty (Bayonne, NJ). Check your cruise documents for yours.
How do I get to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal by public transit?
NYCEDC recommends NYC Ferry to the Red Hook landing, or the subway plus a bus: F to Smith-9th Sts then the B77, or 2/3/4/5/N/R to Borough Hall then the B61.
Is there a ferry to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal?
Yes. NYC Ferry's South Brooklyn route stops at the Red Hook landing near the terminal.
Which airports are closest to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal?
NYCEDC lists JFK, LaGuardia and Newark as the closest airports. Taxis are available at each.
Can I park at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal?
Yes. There's a secured outdoor lot at the terminal. Reservations aren't required but are available. See the NYCEDC parking page for current rates and payment options.
What time do ships arrive back in Brooklyn?
NYCEDC says ships usually arrive between 7 and 8 am, and many passengers who parked are off the property by 10 to 10:30 am.
Does the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal have shore power?
Yes. It was the first East Coast port with shore power, starting in 2016.
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