New York City transit is a beast. Honestly, if you’ve lived here long enough, you know that dragging a flat-packed Malm dresser onto the R train at 4th Avenue-9th Street is a special kind of hell. It’s cramped. People stare. You’re sweating. That’s why the ferry to IKEA in Brooklyn has become a legendary life hack for New Yorkers who want to shop without the soul-crushing logistics of a U-Haul or the price tag of a long-distance Uber.
It's basically a mini-vacation that ends in meatballs.
The Red Hook Route Reality
There’s a lot of old info floating around online about "free" boats. Let's get the facts straight for 2026. The days of the dedicated, completely free IKEA shuttle boat from Pier 11 are mostly a memory, replaced by the robust NYC Ferry system. You’re looking at the South Brooklyn route. It’s reliable. It’s clean. It has a bar.
When you board at Wall Street/Pier 11 or Corlears Hook, you’re not just commuting; you’re sightseeing. You’ll pass the Statue of Liberty in the distance, glide under the bridges, and see the Brooklyn skyline from an angle that makes the rent almost seem worth it. But here is the thing: the ferry drops you at the Red Hook terminal (Atlantic Basin). From there, it’s a short walk—maybe ten minutes—to the big blue-and-yellow box. Some people think the boat docks inside the IKEA parking lot. It doesn't. You'll walk past some gritty, industrial Red Hook charm first.
Does it still cost money?
Yes. You’re paying the standard NYC Ferry fare, which currently sits at $4.50 for a single ride unless you’ve got a ten-trip pass or a discount. Gone are the days of showing an IKEA Family card for a free ride. It’s a public transit leg now.
Is it worth four-fifty? Absolutely. Think about the alternative. The B57 or B61 buses are fine, but they crawl through traffic. The ferry moves. No traffic lights on the East River. Plus, the wind in your hair beats the smell of a hot subway platform every single time.
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The Logistics of Luggage (And Billy Bookcases)
Here is where people get tripped up. Can you bring a couch on the ferry to IKEA in Brooklyn?
No. Stop it.
The deckhands are chill, but they aren't movers. If you can carry it in your hands or on a small folding cart, you’re usually golden. I’ve seen people bring lamps, those big blue Frakta bags stuffed with pillows, and even small side tables. But if you’re trying to move a sectional sofa or a kitchen island, the ferry is not your friend.
- Small stuff: Hand-carry is fine.
- The "Blue Bag" Rule: If it fits in the bag, it fits on the boat.
- Big stuff: Use IKEA’s delivery service.
I once saw a guy try to bring a queen-sized mattress on the 5:30 PM boat. The captain wasn't having it. The safety of the passengers comes first, and a mattress is basically a sail if the wind picks up. Don’t be that guy. If you buy the big stuff, go to the kiosks near the exit and schedule a home delivery. It’s surprisingly affordable for local Brooklyn zones, and it saves you the hernia.
Why Red Hook is the Wild West of Brooklyn
The IKEA itself is massive. It’s one of the few in the country with a massive waterfront esplanade. Seriously, if you need a break from choosing between "Off-White" and "Eggshell," go out to the back of the cafeteria. There are benches. There’s the water. It’s quiet-ish.
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Red Hook is isolated. No subway lines touch it. This is why the ferry to IKEA in Brooklyn is so vital. Without it, you’re at the mercy of the Smith-9th Streets station—the highest subway station in the world—which is a trek and a half. Red Hook has this weird, village-like vibe because of this isolation. You’ve got Sunny’s Bar nearby, which is a legendary dive, and Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie right around the corner from the ferry dock.
Pro Tip: The "Half-and-Half" Trip
A lot of smart shoppers take the ferry to IKEA to enjoy the view and the breeze. They eat their meatballs, buy their candles and napkins, and then? They call a car to go home. Why? Because carrying 40 pounds of Swedish glass onto a boat is less fun than carrying nothing.
Timing Your Trip Like a Local
Weekends are a zoo. If you go on a Saturday at 2:00 PM, the ferry will be packed with strollers and tourists. The store will be a labyrinth of screaming children and couples arguing over curtain rods.
If you can swing it, go on a Tuesday evening. The boat is empty. The sunset over the harbor is spectacular. You can walk through the showroom without being elbowed. The "last boat" usually leaves Red Hook around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM depending on the season, but always, always check the NYC Ferry app. Don't rely on the printed signs. The app has real-time tracking.
What Most People Get Wrong
One big misconception is that the "IKEA Ferry" is a private service. It’s not. It’s the South Brooklyn (SB) line of the NYC Ferry. If you stand at Pier 11 looking for a boat with "IKEA" written on the side in giant letters, you might miss your ride. Look for the standard white and blue NYC Ferry vessels.
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Another thing? The walk from the dock. If you have mobility issues, be aware that the walk from the Atlantic Basin ferry landing to the store entrance involves some uneven pavement and can feel long in the humidity of July or the wind of January.
The Meatball Factor
You can't talk about the ferry to IKEA in Brooklyn without talking about the food. The cafeteria here is one of the best-situated ones in the world. Large windows look out over the Erie Basin. You can see the Statue of Liberty while eating plant balls.
- The Salmon: Actually decent.
- The Soft Serve: A reward for surviving the marketplace.
- The Bistro: Grab a cinnamon bun for the boat ride back.
It's a cheap date. Honestly. Take the boat, share some fries, look at the water. It’s a very "New York" experience that costs less than $20 for two people if you play your cards right.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. Red Hook is unforgiving if you miss the last boat.
- Download the NYC Ferry App: Buy your tickets digitally. It’s faster, and you won't have to fumble with the kiosk while the boat is pulling away.
- Check the "South Brooklyn" Schedule: Ensure you're looking at the right line. The ferry stops at DUMBO, Atlantic Ave, and then Red Hook.
- Bring a Cart: If you plan on buying more than two bags of stuff, those little folding "granny carts" are legal on the boat and a lifesaver on the walk to the dock.
- Time the Sunset: If you're heading back to Manhattan, try to catch the boat about 20 minutes before sunset. The view of the Financial District is world-class.
- Eat Before You Shop: Shopping on an empty stomach leads to buying a $400 rug you don't need. Hit the cafeteria first.
- Plan the "Exit Strategy": If you end up buying a "Kallax" unit, go to the delivery desk immediately. Do not try to carry it to the ferry. The walk is 0.5 miles, and those boxes are deceptively heavy.
The ferry makes the trip an event. It turns a chore into a harbor cruise. Just remember: pay your fare, watch the schedule, and keep your oversized furniture for the delivery truck.