# SEPTA vs NYC Ferry

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NYC Ferry at 59% against SEPTA's 13%. NYC Ferry also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). SEPTA's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

NYC Ferry holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29K and 54K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of SEPTA's written reviews are positive against 59% of NYC Ferry's.

SEPTA ships an update every 3 weeks, NYC Ferry every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SEPTA | NYC Ferry |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (29K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/septa/id724915219/reviews) | **[4.9 (54K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nyc-ferry/id1225258864/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 29K | **54K** |
| Positive reviews | 13.1% of reviews | **58.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 91 MB | 121 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority](https://appshunter.io/developer/724915222) | [Hornblower Cruises & Events](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441573914) |

## What reviewers say

### SEPTA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/septa/id724915219)

Plan your entire journey with this transit app. Find nearby stops, get real-time updates, and manage your transit card. It offers a streamlined experience with trip planning and station details.

**Highlights:** End-to-end trip planning, Real-time transit information, SEPTA Key Card management, Nearby stop and station finder, Station-specific alerts and schedules, Metro line integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate real-time tracking
- 👍 Convenient keycard management
- 🚀 Improved user interface design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate schedule information
- 🐛 Unreliable real-time updates
- 👎 Difficult to navigate and find information
- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and bugs
- 👎 Removed useful features from previous version

**Reported bugs**

- Login and password reset issues
- Inconsistent real-time data and schedule information
- Inability to add payment methods or reload transit cards
- Geolocation and mapping features not working properly

**Requested features**

- Ability to view full schedule instead of just point-to-point
- Notifications for service changes and delays
- Integration with mobile wallet for digital tickets
- More customization options for saved routes and favorites


### NYC Ferry

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nyc-ferry/id1225258864)

This app offers a comfortable and enjoyable way to commute and explore New York City. It provides paperless ticketing, live scheduling with real-time updates, and a trip planner to discover new routes. Receive personalized notifications and consider an unlimited pass for frequent travel.

**Highlights:** Paperless ticketing, Live scheduling, Real-time updates, End-to-end trip planner, Push notifications, 30-day Unlimited Pass

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient and convenient
- 🚢 Great ferry experience
- 👍 User-friendly app
- 💰 Affordable transportation
- 🌉 Beautiful views and scenery

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and glitches
- ⏱️ Unreliable and late schedules
- 💳 Payment issues and overcharging
- 🗺️ Confusing navigation and trip planning
- 🚫 Lack of customer support

**Reported bugs**

- App freezing and crashing
- Inaccurate schedules and route information
- Payment processing errors
- Compatibility issues with newer devices
- Login and account management problems

**Requested features**

- Improved trip planning and route optimization
- Real-time service updates and delay notifications
- Ability to change account information
- More ferry routes and increased frequency
- Better integration with other transportation apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SEPTA free?

SEPTA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is NYC Ferry free?

NYC Ferry is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SEPTA or NYC Ferry?

NYC Ferry is rated higher. SEPTA averages 4.4 out of 5 from 29K ratings, while NYC Ferry averages 4.9 from 54K ratings.

### Do SEPTA or NYC Ferry have ads?

Neither SEPTA nor NYC Ferry shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SEPTA or NYC Ferry?

SEPTA ships an update every 3 weeks, and NYC Ferry every 6 weeks. Most recently, SEPTA was updated on September 24, 2026 and NYC Ferry on September 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*