SIM33C Bus Schedule: Staten Island To Manhattan Express Route Guide (2026)

The SIM33C express bus route—operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit—remains one of the most vital transit corridors for North Shore Staten Island residents commuting into Midtown Manhattan. Servicing Mariners Harbor, Arlington, Elm Park, and South Avenue, this express line provides a direct link to the heart of Manhattan's commercial districts via New Jersey.

Navigating the SIM33C schedule requires an understanding of its peak-only operational structure, regional routing shifts, and current 2026 fare systems. Whether you are a daily corporate commuter or an occasional traveler, this comprehensive guide outlines the complete time schedules, routing tables, fare details, and expert tactical tips for a seamless commute.

Detailed SIM33C Route Map and Stop-by-Stop Breakdown

Unlike express buses that traverse the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the SIM33C utilizes a western exit route from Staten Island. It crosses the Goethals Bridge, travels north along the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), and enters Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel. This unique routing bypasses Brooklyn entirely, offering a direct, high-speed connection for North Shore commuters, though it remains sensitive to interstate highway traffic conditions.

Staten Island Boarding Points (Manhattan-Bound)

The Staten Island portion of the route acts as a collector, gathering passengers along Richmond Terrace, South Avenue, and Forest Avenue before exiting the state.

• Mariners Harbor Terminal: Richmond Terrace and Holland Avenue
• Arlington Corridor: Richmond Terrace and South Avenue
• South Avenue Corridor: South Avenue and Chelsea Road, South Avenue and Forest Avenue
• Forest Avenue Corridor: Forest Avenue and Goethals Road North, Forest Avenue and Richmond Avenue

Manhattan Drop-Off and Pickup Loop

Once exiting the Lincoln Tunnel, the bus operates a loop through Midtown Manhattan, running up Sixth Avenue, cutting across Central Park South, and heading down Madison Avenue.

• Sixth Avenue Stops: 6th Avenue at West 31st Street, 38th Street, 44th Street, and 56th Street
• Central Park South Stop: Central Park South and 7th Avenue
• Madison Avenue Stops: Madison Avenue at East 54th Street, East 44th Street, and East 34th Street

Official SIM33C Bus Schedule and Frequency (2026)

The SIM33C is a weekday, peak-direction express service. This means buses run strictly toward Manhattan during the morning commute and strictly toward Staten Island during the evening commute. There is no off-peak midday service, weekend service, or major holiday operations on this specific line.

Major Scheduled Run Times (Sample Morning Commute)

The following table provides representative scheduled departure times from the Mariners Harbor terminal (Richmond Terrace & Holland Avenue) and their corresponding estimated arrivals at Midtown Manhattan (6th Avenue & 42nd Street).

Note: Travel times are highly variable between 7:00 AM and 8:15 AM due to bottlenecking at the Lincoln Tunnel approach and NJ Turnpike toll plazas.

Fare Structure, OMNY Integration, and Commuter Costs in 2026

The MTA has fully standardized contactless payments across the entire transit network. While physical MetroCards are supported only in their legacy capacity, the primary payment method for the SIM33C is OMNY (One Metro New York).

Cost Breakdown

• Single-Ride Express Fare: $7.00
• Reduced Fare (Eligible Seniors/Disabled): $3.50
• OMNY Weekly Fare Cap: Express bus rides contribute toward the weekly fare-capping system. After spending $34.00 on any transit rides within a 7-day period (Monday–Sunday), all subsequent local bus and subway rides are free, and express bus fares are discounted to $4.10 for the remainder of that cycle.

Transfer Policies

Paying with OMNY or a MetroCard permits one free transfer within a two-hour window:

• From a local bus or subway to the SIM33C (you pay only the step-up difference of $4.10).
• From the SIM33C to a Manhattan local bus or subway (free transfer).
• From one SIM express bus to another SIM express bus (free transfer).

Pros and Cons of the SIM33C Express Route

Understanding the operational trade-offs of the SIM33C helps commuters choose between this direct route and alternative transit methods.

Pros

• Direct Midtown Access: Eliminates the need to transfer at the Staten Island Ferry or navigate the crowded subway lines from Lower Manhattan up to Midtown.
• Guaranteed Seating: MTA express buses utilize over-the-road coach buses with comfortable, high-backed individual seating and reading lights.
• Climate Control and Cleanliness: Express coaches are generally cleaner, quieter, and better maintained than standard city transit options.
• West Side Advantage: Excellent for commuters working near Hudson Yards, the Garment District, Bryant Park, or Rockefeller Center.

Cons

• Traffic Vulnerability: Because the route travels through New Jersey, it is subject to delays on the Goethals Bridge, the interstate highways, and the Lincoln Tunnel.
• Premium Pricing: At $7.00 per ride, it is significantly more expensive than taking a local bus to the free Staten Island Ferry and transferring to a $2.90 subway.
• No Off-Peak or Weekend Service: Commuters stuck late in the office past 7:15 PM must find alternative routing home.

Commuter Alert for 2026 Transit Routing

During peak holiday seasons or severe weather events along the Goethals Bridge, MTA dispatchers frequently reroute the SIM33C via the Outerbridge Crossing or the Staten Island Expressway to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Check the official MTA Bus Time portal before leaving your home to ensure your bus is not running on an ad-hoc detour.

Step-by-Step Guide to Riding the SIM33C

For those unfamiliar with Staten Island's express bus system, boarding the SIM33C is straightforward if you follow these steps.

1. Track the Bus in Real-Time: Do not rely solely on the printed schedule. Open the MTA Bus Time app or website and input "SIM33" to check the location of oncoming buses. Look for the specific fleet number and estimated arrival times for your boarding stop.
2. Locate the Correct Stop: Express bus stops are designated by tall, rectangular blue signs featuring an image of a bus and the route letters (SIM33). Ensure you are standing on the correct side of the street for your direction of travel.
3. Prepare Your Payment: Have your mobile device, contactless credit card, or OMNY card ready as the bus approaches. If using a legacy MetroCard, ensure it is loaded with sufficient funds ($7.00 minimum).
4. Boarding the Bus: Board through the front door. Tap your payment card or device on the OMNY reader located at the turnstile. Wait for the green screen and audible beep before moving to your seat.
5. Exiting in Manhattan: Sit back and enjoy the ride through New Jersey. As the bus exits the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhattan, prepare your belongings. The driver stops at all designated Midtown drop-offs; you do not need to press the stop-request tape unless the bus is remarkably empty.

Alternative Transit Routes for North Shore Commuters

If the SIM33C is delayed, suspended, or operating outside your required time window, several alternative transit options can get you to your destination.

• SIM30 Express Bus: Also serving the North Shore, the SIM30 offers direct express service to Midtown Manhattan but runs via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and FDR Drive. It is an excellent backup if the New Jersey Turnpike experiences severe delays.
• Local Bus to the Staten Island Ferry: Board the S40 or S46 local bus along Richmond Terrace to the St. George Ferry Terminal. Take the free Staten Island Ferry to Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, then transfer to the Uptown R, W, 1, or 4/5 subway lines to reach Midtown.
• SIM34 Express Bus: Serves nearby neighborhoods and routes into Lower Manhattan (Downtown). If your Midtown destination is flexible, the SIM34 can get you past the water, where you can easily transfer to an Uptown subway train.

Frequently Asked Questions About the SIM33C Express Bus

Does the SIM33C run on weekends or federal holidays?

No, the SIM33C does not operate on Saturdays, Sundays, or major federal holidays. On transit holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, commuters must utilize the local S40/S46 buses to the Staten Island Ferry or alternative express routes that offer holiday schedules.

How do I know if my SIM33C bus is delayed or rerouted?

The most reliable way to check for active delays, service diversions, or emergency reroutes is through the MTA Service Alerts portal or by checking the live map on the MTA Bus Time app. The system provides real-time GPS tracking for every coach on the road.

Can I use my standard local transit MetroCard on the SIM33C?

Yes, but you must have a Pay-Per-Value MetroCard loaded with at least $7.00. Unlimited Weekly or Monthly Local Ride MetroCards do not cover express bus fares unless you have purchased the premium Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard.

Is there a difference between the SIM33 and the SIM33C?

The "C" designation typically denotes a specific variation of the schedule or a combination run during transitional peak hours. In public timetables, digital signs, and local parlance, they refer to the same essential transit corridor linking Mariners Harbor to Midtown Manhattan.

What should I do if I leave a personal item on a SIM33C bus?

Because these buses return to the Castleton Depot on Staten Island at the end of their runs, lost items are usually turned in there. You must file a claim online through the official MTA Lost and Found portal or visit the Castleton Depot directly to inquire.