[11] The Jersey City Ferry began service in July 1764[12] between Paulus Hook to Mesier's dock, which was located at the foot of Courtland Street.

A ferry slip opened at Battery Park City on October 16, 1989 with the intentions of reducing rush-hour crowds on the PATH trains serving the World Trade Center station.

[4][13] Port Authority of New York and New Jersey first commissioned the construction of the current terminal in 2000, but plans were put on hold following the September 11 attacks.

[5][7] Since June 2013, ferries using the terminal, in accordance with the previously disregarded Rule 34(a)(i) (which prescribes maneuvering and warning signals[15]), sound their horns to indicate their actions, creating what many local residents perceive as noise pollution.

York and Jersey are operated by NY Waterway, flying the flag of the ferry service but not bearing its name or logo.

[30] New York City Transit bus routes M9 and M20 stop on the nearby corner of Vesey Street and North End Avenue.