Every day, 360,000 people navigate to Times Square using sixteen different subway lines, dozens of bus routes, and countless taxis.
You’re about to join them.
The good news? Times Square sits at the center of NYC’s transportation network, making it accessible from virtually anywhere in the city. The challenge? Knowing which option gets you there fastest without unnecessary transfers or confusion.
Here’s what actually works.
How Do I Get To Times Square?
Take subway lines 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, or S to Times Square-42nd Street station—the busiest in NYC, serving 243,066 daily riders. Ten subway lines converge here with service from all five boroughs. Alternatively, buses M7, M20, M42, or M104 stop directly at Times Square. Taxis and rideshare services available at designated zones (41st, 46th, and 48th Streets at 7th Avenue). Walking works from Penn Station (8-10 minutes north on 7th Avenue) or Grand Central Terminal (10-12 minutes west on 42nd Street). Cost: $2.90 per subway or bus ride, taxis and rideshare variable by distance and demand.
The Subway Gets You There Fastest
The Times Square-42nd Street station handles 243,066 riders daily, making it the busiest subway station in the entire system.
That volume exists for a reason. The station connects more train lines than any other location in NYC.
What Subway Lines Go To Times Square?
Ten subway lines serve Times Square-42nd Street station: 1, 2, 3 (red West Side IRT lines), 7 (purple Flushing line), N, Q, R, W (yellow Broadway BMT lines), and S (gray 42nd Street Shuttle). This concentration creates unparalleled accessibility from all five boroughs, with most journeys requiring at most one transfer.
Subway Lines Serving Times Square
West Side IRT Lines (Red trains – 1/2/3):
The 1 Train (Local) runs north-south along Broadway and 7th Avenue, connecting South Ferry in Lower Manhattan to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Local stops at all stations.
The 2 Train (Express) follows the same route but skips local stops, connecting Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn to Wakefield in the Bronx.
The 3 Train (Express) runs express along Broadway/7th Avenue, connecting New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn to Harlem-148th Street.
Best for: Arriving from Upper West Side, Harlem, the Bronx, or Lower Manhattan/Financial District.
Platform location: Deepest level of the station complex. Follow signs for “1/2/3 Downtown” or “1/2/3 Uptown.”
Flushing Line (Purple train – 7):
The 7 Train provides direct east-west service connecting Times Square to Flushing-Main Street in Queens, with stops at Grand Central Terminal and numerous Queens neighborhoods.
Best for: Arriving from Queens, connecting from Grand Central, or staying in Long Island City or Jackson Heights.
Platform location: Separate section of station complex, often reached by long underground walkways.
Unique characteristic: Only train providing direct Times Square to Queens connection without transfers.
Broadway/7th Avenue BMT Lines (Yellow trains – N/Q/R/W):
The N Train (Express) runs via Broadway through Manhattan to either Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard in Queens or Coney Island in Brooklyn.
The Q Train (Express) runs via Broadway to 96th Street, then continues on Second Avenue, connecting Coney Island in Brooklyn to 96th Street-Second Avenue.
The R Train (Local) provides local stops along Broadway, connecting Forest Hills-71st Avenue in Queens to Bay Ridge-95th Street in Brooklyn.
The W Train (Local) runs Broadway local stops, connecting Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard in Queens to Whitehall Street-South Ferry in Lower Manhattan.
Best for: Arriving from Astoria in Queens, Union Square, Lower Manhattan, or Southern Brooklyn.
Platform location: Mid-level platforms, well-marked from main station areas.
42nd Street Shuttle (Gray S train):
The S Train operates as a dedicated shuttle running only between Times Square-42nd Street and Grand Central-42nd Street.
Best for: Quick connection between Times Square and Grand Central Terminal (3 minutes travel time).
Frequency: Every 3-8 minutes during peak hours, every 10-15 minutes off-peak.
Platform location: Separate shuttle platform, clearly marked throughout station.
Arriving from Major Airports
From JFK Airport:
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the E train to 42nd Street-Port Authority station. Walk two blocks west to Times Square. Total time: 60-75 minutes. Cost: $10.75 ($8 AirTrain + $2.75 subway).
Alternatively, take the Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica Station to Penn Station, then walk 10 minutes north to Times Square. Total time: 45-55 minutes. Cost: $12-15.
From LaGuardia Airport:
Take the M60 bus to Astoria Boulevard, then transfer to the N or W train to Times Square-42nd Street. Total time: 60-75 minutes. Cost: $2.90.
Alternatively, take the Q70 bus to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, then transfer to the 7 train to Times Square. Total time: 55-70 minutes. Cost: $2.90.
From Newark Airport:
Take the AirTrain to Newark Airport Station, then NJ Transit to Penn Station. Walk 10 minutes north to Times Square. Total time: 60-80 minutes. Cost: $13-15.
Subway Navigation Tips for First-Time Visitors
Purchase a MetroCard at any station or use contactless payment (same $2.90 per ride). The station has multiple entrances—any entrance marked “Times Square-42nd Street” provides access to line connections.
Follow overhead signs for specific train lines. Platforms are clearly marked.
Allow 5-10 extra minutes on your first visit for navigating the station’s complexity. The multi-level layout with connecting passages can be disorienting initially.
Platforms get crowded during rush hours (7:00-9:30 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM weekdays). Consider traveling during off-peak hours for a more comfortable experience.
The station has cellular service and WiFi throughout, allowing you to check directions while inside.
Why Subway Accessibility Matters
The concentration of ten subway lines at Times Square-42nd Street creates unparalleled accessibility. Visitors arriving from anywhere in the five boroughs can reach Times Square with at most one transfer.
This transportation infrastructure explains why 460,000+ daily visitors converge here during peak periods. It’s not just an iconic destination—it’s the easiest place in Manhattan to reach.
That accessibility creates the massive, diverse, international audience that makes Times Square simultaneously a perfect tourist destination and a strategic visibility platform. Arriving at the Times Square station means emerging directly into an environment surrounded by the world’s most concentrated advertising displays, where transportation convenience meets iconic visual experience.
The station spans multiple levels and connects through underground passages. Knowing your exit before you descend saves time.
Most visitors miss this detail.
What Is The Closest Subway Station To Times Square?
Times Square-42nd Street station IS Times Square—you don’t travel to a nearby station, you arrive directly at the intersection. This station is the busiest in the NYC subway system, serving 243,066 daily riders across ten different subway lines (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S). The station has 16 different exits spanning several blocks, putting you directly in the heart of Times Square’s pedestrian plazas and theater district.
Which Subway Exit You Choose Matters
The Times Square complex has 16 different exits spread across several blocks.
Your destination determines which exit serves you best.
For the main Times Square plaza (Broadway and 7th Avenue intersection):
Use exits to 42nd Street and 7th Avenue or 42nd Street and Broadway. These put you directly in the pedestrian plazas where most visitors want to be.
For the Theater District (west of Times Square):
Exit at 8th Avenue and 42nd Street. This avoids the densest crowds and positions you perfectly for theaters along 44th through 50th Streets.
For Bryant Park or the New York Public Library:
Exit at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue (if coming from the 7 train level) or walk east through the underground passage.
The signage inside the station indicates which exit serves which street corner. Pay attention before you ascend the stairs.
During peak hours (4pm to 7pm weekdays), the station gets genuinely crowded. Allow extra time for navigating platforms and stairs.
Buses Work When Subways Don’t
Four main bus routes serve Times Square directly: M7, M20, M42, and M104.
The M42 runs crosstown along 42nd Street, connecting Times Square to Grand Central Terminal and the East Side. Useful if you’re coming from or going to Midtown East without wanting to transfer trains.
The M7 runs north-south along 6th and 7th Avenues, connecting Lower Manhattan to Central Park. Stops right at Times Square.
The M20 travels up 7th Avenue from Lower Manhattan, providing direct surface-level access if you’re coming from downtown neighborhoods.
The M104 runs along Broadway from Lower Manhattan through the Upper West Side, stopping at multiple points near Times Square.
Buses move slower than subways but offer two advantages: you see the city above ground, and they’re less crowded during off-peak hours.
Real-time bus tracking through the MYmta app shows exactly when the next bus arrives. Worth downloading if you’re spending multiple days in the city.
Express Bus Routes
Multiple express buses from outer boroughs stop near Times Square, though specific routes vary by neighborhood. Express buses provide faster service with fewer stops but cost more: $7.00 per ride versus $2.90 for local buses.
Check the MTA website for specific express routes from Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx to Times Square.
Bus Travel Tips
Buses use the same MetroCard or contactless payment as subways ($2.90 per ride). However, buses move significantly slower than subways during peak traffic hours—what takes 15 minutes by subway might take 45 minutes by bus at 5 PM.
Buses offer advantages for visitors wanting to see street-level New York while traveling. The M42 is particularly useful for quick connections between Port Authority Bus Terminal and Times Square without navigating subway stairs.
Long-Distance Bus Service
The Port Authority Bus Terminal sits at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, just two blocks west of Times Square. It serves Greyhound, Megabus, Peter Pan, NJ Transit, and other intercity carriers.
The easiest connection from Port Authority to Times Square is a 5-minute walk east on 42nd Street. This beats the subway option, which requires descending into the station and then climbing back up at Times Square.
Taxis and Rideshares Have Designated Zones
Times Square manages high vehicle volume through designated pickup and dropoff zones.
Official taxi and rideshare pickup locations:
- 41st Street and 7th Avenue
- 46th Street and 7th Avenue
- 48th Street and 7th Avenue
These zones exist because stopping directly in Times Square creates traffic gridlock. Your Uber or Lyft will direct you to one of these locations automatically.
Walking from these pickup points to the main Times Square intersection takes 2 to 4 minutes.
From airports:
Taxis from JFK cost a flat $70 plus tolls and tip (about $85-95 total). From LaGuardia, expect $40-60 depending on traffic. From Newark, figure $70-100.
Traffic matters enormously. The same trip takes 35 minutes at 6am or 90 minutes at 5pm.
Rideshare prices fluctuate with demand. Surge pricing during evening rush hour or weekend nights can double the base fare.
Walking Works From Nearby Neighborhoods
Times Square sits in the heart of Midtown, making it walkable from multiple neighborhoods.
From Midtown East (Grand Central area):
Walk west on 42nd Street. Takes 10-12 minutes. You’ll pass Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.
Can I Walk To Times Square From Grand Central?
Yes, walk west on 42nd Street for 10-12 minutes (0.4 miles). The route passes the New York Public Library and Bryant Park. It’s straight and well-lit. Alternatively, take the S shuttle train for a 3-minute ride between Grand Central and Times Square (runs every 3-8 minutes peak hours, every 10-15 minutes off-peak). Walking works best during nice weather and lets you see Midtown. The shuttle is better if you’re carrying luggage or during bad weather.
From Penn Station:
Walk north on 7th Avenue. Takes 8-10 minutes. Straightforward route with clear sightlines.
What’s The Best Way To Get To Times Square From Penn Station?
Walk north on 7th Avenue for 8-10 minutes—straightforward, often fastest option. Distance: 0.6 miles with clear sightlines. Alternatively, take 1/2/3 train one stop north to Times Square-42nd Street (2-3 minutes plus platform wait). Walking is simpler and more direct unless you’re carrying heavy luggage or dealing with bad weather. Cost: Free to walk, $2.90 for subway.
From Central Park South:
Walk south on 7th Avenue. Takes 12-15 minutes depending on your exact starting point.
From the Port Authority Bus Terminal:
Walk east on 42nd Street. Takes 3-5 minutes. You’re essentially already there.
Manhattan’s grid system makes navigation straightforward. Avenues run north-south, streets run east-west. Times Square sits where Broadway (which runs diagonally) intersects 7th Avenue at 42nd Street.
If you can see the bright billboards, you’re close.
Transportation Timing, Costs, and Planning
Understanding when to travel and what it costs determines whether your Times Square visit goes smoothly or becomes frustrating.
Transportation Costs Summary
Subway and local buses: $2.90 per ride with unlimited free transfers within two hours using the same MetroCard.
7-Day Unlimited MetroCard: $34, worthwhile for tourists planning 12 or more rides during the week.
Yellow taxis: $3 initial charge plus $0.70 per one-fifth mile or 60 seconds of waiting time. Add 20% tip as standard gratuity.
Rideshare services: Variable pricing based on demand. Typical short Manhattan trips cost $8-15, but surge pricing during peak hours can double or triple base fares.
Express buses: $7 per ride for faster service with fewer stops.
Airport taxis: JFK flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip (total typically $85-95). LaGuardia and Newark use metered fares ($40-60 from LaGuardia, $70-100 from Newark).
Peak vs. Off-Peak Timing
Morning rush (7:00-9:30 AM): Subway platforms crowded with commuters, surface traffic heavy throughout Midtown. Allow extra time for everything.
Evening rush (4:30-7:00 PM): Heaviest congestion of the day. Subway platforms packed, taxi availability limited, travel times double.
Theater district rush: Shows start 7:00-8:00 PM (crowds heading to theaters), shows end 10:30-11:30 PM (all Broadway theaters release audiences simultaneously). Sidewalks extremely crowded, taxi and rideshare demand peaks.
Off-peak advantage: 10 AM-4 PM on weekdays offers the most comfortable travel experience with manageable subway crowds and reasonable surface traffic.
Late night: Post-midnight subway service continues but trains run less frequently—every 15-20 minutes versus every 5-10 minutes during daytime.
24/7 Subway Service
NYC’s subway operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week—unique among major US transit systems. Late-night service runs less frequently, and some express trains switch to local routes, but you can always get to Times Square by subway regardless of the hour.
Safety tip: Crowded subway cars are generally safer late at night. Stand near the conductor car (middle of the train) if you have concerns.
Transportation Planning for Broadway Shows
Arrive 30-45 minutes before show time to account for crowds, ticket pickup, and finding your theater. Times Square’s concentrated theater district means you’re competing with thousands of other theatergoers for the same transportation.
Post-show transportation (10:30-11:30 PM) is busiest time of the evening. All Broadway shows release audiences within a 30-minute window. Consider walking to Penn Station or Grand Central if you’re staying nearby—often faster than waiting 20-30 minutes for a taxi.
Rideshare surge pricing peaks after shows end. Expect prices 1.5-2x normal rates during the 10:30-11:30 PM window.
How Much Does It Cost To Get To Times Square?
Subway or bus: $2.90 per ride from anywhere in the five boroughs. Taxis and rideshare costs vary by distance—from Penn Station expect $8-12, from Upper East Side $12-18, from JFK $70 flat rate plus tolls, from LaGuardia $40-60, from Newark $70-100. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $34, worthwhile for tourists taking 12+ rides during a week-long visit.
Arriving at Times Square: What to Expect
When you arrive at Times Square via any transportation method, you’ll immediately understand why this location is unique.
Exiting the subway, stepping off a bus, or emerging from your taxi, you’re surrounded by massive LED billboard displays spanning entire building facades, crowds of tourists from dozens of countries, street performers, and constant motion.
The transportation infrastructure bringing 460,000+ daily visitors creates the concentrated audience that makes Times Square simultaneously an iconic tourist destination and a strategic visibility platform. Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing, attending a Broadway show, or planning a special occasion, arriving at Times Square means immersion in one of the world’s most recognizable intersections.
Accessibility Options Throughout Times Square
All subway platforms serving Times Square have elevator access, though elevators aren’t always located at the most convenient entrances for your destination.
Wheelchair Accessible Subway Entrances
The Times Square-42nd Street station complex has multiple elevator-accessible entrances:
Primary accessible entrance: Northwest corner of 42nd Street and 7th Avenue provides elevator access to most platforms.
Additional elevator locations:
- 42nd Street and 8th Avenue (Port Authority entrance)
- 41st Street and 7th Avenue
- 43rd Street and 8th Avenue
Elevators connect street level to all train lines (1/2/3, N/Q/R/W/S, and 7 trains). However, the station’s complexity means elevator routes sometimes require descending multiple levels then ascending back up to reach your desired platform.
Allow extra time if you’re using mobility devices or traveling with strollers. Elevator waits can reach 5-10 minutes during peak hours due to heavy usage.
Accessible Bus Service
All NYC buses serving Times Square are wheelchair accessible with hydraulic lifts or ramps. Bus operators assist with boarding—signal your need for assistance when the bus approaches.
Priority seating areas are designated near the front of buses. Buses also “kneel” (lower) for easier boarding if requested.
Paratransit Service (Access-A-Ride)
Access-A-Ride provides door-to-door service for people unable to use fixed-route buses or subways. The service requires pre-registration with the MTA (application process takes 2-3 weeks).
Reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Cost: $2.90 per trip (same as regular fare).
This option works well for visitors with disabilities planning extended NYC stays.
Accessible Taxi and Rideshare
Wheelchair accessible taxis (WAVs) exist but are much less common than standard taxis. Call NYC’s 311 service to request accessible taxi dispatch.
Both Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair accessible vehicle options through their apps. However, accessible vehicles have significantly higher wait times—plan 15-30 minutes for pickup.
Times Square Area Accessibility
Pedestrian plazas have curb cuts and level access throughout. However, heavy crowds can be challenging for wheelchair users. Early morning (before 10 AM) or evening (after 9 PM) see less congestion.
Many crosswalks have audio signals for visually impaired visitors. The TKTS booth has accessible ticket purchasing windows.
Is Times Square Accessible For Wheelchairs?
Yes, Times Square is wheelchair accessible with elevator entrances at the Times Square-42nd Street station (42nd/7th Avenue, 42nd/8th Avenue, 41st/7th Avenue, 43rd/8th Avenue), all buses with ramps/lifts, and wheelchair accessible taxis available through 311 dispatch. Pedestrian plazas have curb cuts and level access. However, allow extra time for elevator waits (5-10 minutes during peak hours) and heavy crowds. Download the MTA app for real-time elevator status, and consider traveling during off-peak hours for easier navigation.
Accessibility Planning Tips
Download the MTA app showing real-time elevator status. Elevator outages happen, and knowing before you start your trip prevents complications.
Allow extra travel time for elevator waits and accessibility routing. What takes an able-bodied person 10 minutes might take 20 minutes with accessibility accommodations.
Consider off-peak travel hours (10 AM-4 PM weekdays) to avoid the heaviest crowds that make wheelchair navigation challenging.
The walk from Port Authority to Times Square (3-5 minutes on level sidewalks) is sometimes easier than navigating subway elevators, depending on your starting point.
Times Square as Transportation Hub: Understanding the Context
Times Square’s development as Manhattan’s busiest transportation intersection wasn’t accidental—it reflects early 20th century urban planning recognizing this location’s strategic centrality.
Why Times Square Became NYC’s Premier Transportation Hub
The original Times Square-42nd Street station opened in 1904 as one of NYC’s first subway stations. Subsequent expansions throughout the century added lines until reaching today’s configuration serving ten different subway lines—more than any other Manhattan location.
The station’s position at the intersection of Manhattan’s east-west and north-south transit corridors made it the natural convergence point. Broadway running diagonally intersects with 7th Avenue’s north-south grid and 42nd Street’s east-west corridor, creating the geographic center of Manhattan’s transit network.
The Accessibility-Visibility Connection
The transportation infrastructure created a self-reinforcing cycle that explains Times Square’s unique character.
Accessibility attracted visitors. Visitor concentration attracted businesses and advertising. Advertising revenue justified larger displays. Iconic displays attracted more visitors.
Today, Times Square’s transportation hub status and visual environment are inseparable. The same infrastructure bringing 460,000+ daily visitors creates the audience that makes Times Square the world’s most valuable advertising location.
What Transportation Concentration Means for Visitors
For tourists and visitors, Times Square’s transportation accessibility means unparalleled convenience. Whether you’re staying in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, or anywhere in Manhattan, reaching Times Square typically requires one train or less than 30 minutes travel time.
This explains why Times Square functions as NYC’s unofficial center—not geographically central, but functionally central due to transit convergence.
Beyond Practical Transportation: The Arrival Experience
Arriving at Times Square via any transportation method creates instant immersion in an iconic New York experience.
Emerging from the Times Square-42nd Street subway station, you’re immediately surrounded by massive LED billboards spanning entire building facades. It’s impossible not to notice the visual environment that makes this intersection instantly recognizable worldwide.
The transportation hub status creates the audience concentration, and that concentration creates the visibility opportunity making Times Square valuable not just as a tourist destination but as a platform for personal celebrations and business marketing.
Times Square Billboard recognizes this dual nature—comprehensive transportation accessibility creates the concentrated visitor environment making this location perfect for both seeing New York’s most iconic intersection and being seen in it. Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing or considering Times Square for a special occasion or business announcement, understanding the transportation infrastructure helps explain why this specific intersection attracts more attention than anywhere else in the city.
Ready to experience Times Square firsthand? Use these transportation options to reach the world’s most recognizable intersection. And if you’re planning a special moment—birthday, anniversary, proposal, business launch—Times Square Billboard offers personal and business advertising starting at $150 for 24-hour rotation on real Times Square screens. Make your moment visible to 460,000+ daily visitors at the intersection where the world watches. Visit timessquarebillboard.com to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Times Square Transportation
How Do I Get To Times Square From JFK?
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station ($8), then transfer to the E train to 42nd Street-Port Authority station ($2.75). Walk two blocks west to Times Square. Total time: 60-75 minutes. Total cost: $10.75. Alternatively, take the Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica Station to Penn Station ($12-15), then walk 10 minutes north to Times Square (45-55 minutes total). Taxis cost a flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip (typically $85-95 total) with travel time 35-90 minutes depending on traffic.
What Subway Lines Go To Times Square?
Ten subway lines serve Times Square-42nd Street station: 1, 2, 3 (red West Side IRT lines running along Broadway/7th Avenue), 7 (purple Flushing line connecting to Queens), N, Q, R, W (yellow Broadway BMT lines from Brooklyn and Queens), and S (gray 42nd Street Shuttle to Grand Central). This makes Times Square the most accessible location in Manhattan, with direct service from all five boroughs and connections requiring at most one transfer from anywhere in the city.
What Is The Closest Subway Station To Times Square?
Times Square-42nd Street station IS Times Square—you arrive directly at the intersection, not at a nearby station. This is the busiest station in the NYC subway system, serving 243,066 daily riders across ten different lines. The station complex has 16 different exits spanning 42nd to 45th Streets between 7th and 8th Avenues, putting you directly in Times Square’s pedestrian plazas, theater district, and commercial area. Multiple entrances mean you can enter at any point marked “Times Square-42nd Street.”
How Much Does It Cost To Get To Times Square?
Subway or bus: $2.90 per ride from anywhere in NYC’s five boroughs. Purchase a MetroCard at any station or use contactless payment. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard costs $34 (worthwhile for 12+ rides). Taxis vary by distance: from Penn Station $8-12, from Upper East Side $12-18. Airport trips: JFK flat rate $70 plus tolls (total $85-95), LaGuardia $40-60, Newark $70-100. Rideshare services cost similar to taxis but use surge pricing during peak demand, potentially doubling or tripling base fares.
Is Times Square Accessible For Wheelchairs?
Yes, Times Square is fully wheelchair accessible. The Times Square-42nd Street station has elevator entrances at multiple locations: 42nd Street and 7th Avenue (primary), 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, 41st Street and 7th Avenue, and 43rd Street and 8th Avenue. Elevators connect to all subway line platforms. All buses serving Times Square have wheelchair ramps or lifts. Wheelchair accessible taxis (WAVs) available through 311 dispatch. Uber and Lyft offer accessible vehicle options in their apps. Note: Allow extra time for elevator waits (5-10 minutes during peak hours) and download MTA app for real-time elevator status.
Can I Walk To Times Square From Grand Central?
Yes, walk west on 42nd Street for 10-12 minutes—the simplest and often fastest option. The route is straight north with clear sightlines, covering 0.4 miles. Alternatively, take the S shuttle train one stop to Times Square-42nd Street (3-minute ride, runs every 3-8 minutes peak hours, every 10-15 minutes off-peak). The subway makes sense if you’re carrying heavy luggage or during bad weather, but walking is more direct and lets you see the city at street level. Cost: Free to walk, $2.90 for shuttle.
How Long Does It Take To Get To Times Square From The Airport?
From JFK: 60-75 minutes by subway/AirTrain ($10.75), 45-55 minutes by LIRR to Penn Station then walk ($12-15), or 35-90 minutes by taxi depending on traffic ($85-95). From LaGuardia: 60-75 minutes by bus and subway ($2.90) or 30-60 minutes by taxi ($40-60). From Newark: 60-80 minutes by AirTrain and NJ Transit to Penn Station then walk ($13-15) or 45-90 minutes by taxi ($70-100). Traffic dramatically affects taxi/rideshare times—the same trip takes 35 minutes at 6 AM or 90 minutes at 5 PM rush hour.
What’s The Best Way To Get To Times Square From Penn Station?
Walk north on 7th Avenue for 8-10 minutes—straightforward, often fastest option. Distance: 0.6 miles with clear sightlines. Alternatively, take 1/2/3 train one stop north to Times Square-42nd Street (2-3 minutes train time plus platform waiting). Walking lets you experience Midtown at street level, while the shuttle works better if you’re carrying luggage or during rain. Cost: Free to walk, $2.90 for subway.
Your Best Route Depends On Where You Start
No single transportation option works for everyone.
If you’re coming from anywhere in Manhattan:
Subway first, walking second, bus third. The subway network makes most Manhattan-to-Times-Square trips faster than surface options.
If you’re coming from outer boroughs:
Check which train lines serve your neighborhood and whether they connect directly to Times Square. Direct service beats any option requiring transfers.
If you’re coming from airports:
Subway costs less but takes longer. Rideshare costs more but offers door-to-door service. Your choice depends on whether you’re optimizing for money or time.
If you’re staying in Midtown:
Walking works for anything within 15 blocks. You’ll see more of the city and avoid underground navigation.
The right answer changes based on your specific starting point, time constraints, and comfort level with NYC transit.
But now you know what actually works.
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