How to Get from JFK Airport to Times Square

This is the most recommended route for budget-conscious travelers who want a reasonable balance of speed and cost. It uses the JFK AirTrain to connect to the extensive NYC Subway network.

Best For: Solo travelers, couples, budget travelers, those comfortable with public transit.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the AirTrain: Follow signs in any terminal to the free AirTrain. It runs 24/7.
2. Choose Your Station:
   • To Jamaica Station: Connects to the E, J, Z subway lines. Best for most Times Square routes.
   • To Howard Beach Station: Connects to the A subway line. Slightly longer but often less crowded.
3. Pay & Exit AirTrain: At Jamaica or Howard Beach, exit the AirTrain gates. The fare of $8.25 is charged here. Use a MetroCard (buy at station) or contactless payment (OMNY).
4. Transfer to Subway:
   • From Jamaica (E, J, Z): Take the E train (toward World Trade Center) to 42nd St-Port Authority Bus Terminal (closest to Times Square's west side) or 7th Avenue. Travel time: ~20 mins.
   • From Howard Beach (A): Take the A train (toward Inwood) to 42nd St-Port Authority Bus Terminal. Travel time: ~35 mins.
5. Arrive at Times Square: Exit the subway and walk to your final destination.

Metric	Via Jamaica (E Train)	Via Howard Beach (A Train)
Total Est. Time	75-95 minutes	85-105 minutes
Total Est. Cost	$11.15 (AirTrain $8.25 + Subway $2.90)	$11.15 (AirTrain $8.25 + Subway $2.90)
Transfers	2 (AirTrain -> Subway)	2 (AirTrain -> Subway)
Pros	Frequent E trains, direct to midtown.	Often more seats available, 24/7 service.
Cons	Can be crowded, stairs/long walks in stations.	Longer subway ride, fewer trains late night.

Pro Tip: Download the official MTA app or use Google Maps for real-time subway schedules and service alerts. Stairs are common; traveling light is a major advantage.

For pure speed from JFK to central Manhattan, the LIRR is unbeatable. It's a commuter rail, not a subway—faster, with guaranteed seats, but more expensive.

Best For: Business travelers, those valuing time over money, travelers with light luggage during off-peak hours.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Take AirTrain to Jamaica: All AirTrain lines go to Jamaica Station. Follow signs for "LIRR Trains."
2. Buy LIRR Ticket: Do NOT use your MetroCard. Purchase a one-way ticket to "New York Penn Station" from a ticket machine or via the MTA eTix app. Off-peak fare is ~$7.75, peak fare is ~$10.75 (as of 2024).
3. Board LIRR Train: Take any westbound train with a final stop of "Penn Station" (NYC). The ride takes 15-20 minutes.
4. Arrive at Penn Station: You'll arrive underground at Penn Station (8th Ave & 33rd St).
5. Final Leg to Times Square: From Penn, you can:
   • Walk: 15-20 minute walk north to Times Square.
   • Subway: Take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E train one stop north. (~5 mins).
   • Taxi: Plentiful outside Penn Station. (~5-10 mins in traffic).

Important Note: The LIRR does not run 24/7. The last trains from Jamaica depart around 1:30 AM, and service resumes around 5:00 AM. Check the LIRR schedule for late-night arrivals.

Cost Analysis: AirTrain ($8.25) + LIRR Ticket ($7.75-$10.75) + Possible Subway/Taxi ($0-$10) = $16 - $29 total.

If your budget is extremely tight and time is not a concern, New York's local bus network offers the absolute lowest fare.

Best For: Extreme budget travelers, those without heavy luggage, travelers exploring neighborhoods along the way.

Step-by-Step (via Q60 Bus):

1. Find the Bus Stop: At JFK Terminal 5 (T5) or the Lefferts Blvd AirTrain station (accessible via free AirTrain), find the Q60 bus stop (bound for East Midtown).
2. Board & Pay: Board the Q60. Pay $2.90 with OMNY, MetroCard, or exact change. Request a free transfer slip if paying cash.
3. Long Bus Ride: The Q60 travels through Queens into Manhattan. Get off at 60th St & 2nd Ave (approx. 60-80 minute ride).
4. Transfer to Subway: Walk to the 59th St Lexington Ave subway station. Take the N, Q, R, or W train downtown to Times Square-42nd St. (~5 mins).

Total: $2.90, 90-150 minutes. Not recommended with luggage or during rush hour.

Alternative (Q10 Bus + E Subway): Take the Q10 from JFK terminals to the Kew Gardens-Union Tpke subway station, then take the E train to Manhattan. Similar cost and time.

Warning: Traffic can severely impact bus travel times. This route is for the adventurous and patient traveler only.

Pre-booked shared shuttle vans and express airport buses offer a balance between private cars and public transit.

Shared Shuttle Vans (e.g., Go Airlink NYC, SuperShuttle)

You book a seat in a van that may make several stops to drop off other passengers. Prices are per person.

• Cost: $25-$45 per person one-way.
• Time: 60-120 minutes (highly variable due to multiple stops).
• Pros: Door-to-door service, someone handles your bags, fixed price.
• Cons: Can be slow if you're the last drop-off, must pre-book.

Express Airport Buses (e.g., NYC Airporter)

Larger coaches that run between JFK and major transit hubs (Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority Bus Terminal near Times Square).

• Cost: ~$22 one-way.
• Time: ~60-90 minutes to Port Authority.
• Pros: Dedicated luggage compartments, slightly more spacious than a van.
• Cons: Not door-to-door; you must get from the drop-off hub to your final hotel.

Verdict: Shared shuttles are good for groups or those wanting a pre-arranged, stress-free ride. Express buses are a reliable middle-ground option.

The classic yellow cab or a rideshare app provides direct, door-to-door service without navigating transfers.

Yellow Taxi (NYC TLC)

Follow signs to the authorized taxi dispatch line outside each terminal.

• Fare: Flat $70 to any destination in Manhattan (excluding tolls, tip, and surcharges).
• Tolls: Expect an additional $6-$10 for bridge/tunnel tolls.
• Tip: 15-20% is customary.
• Total Cost: $85-$100+.
• Travel Time: 45-90 minutes, entirely dependent on traffic.
• Pros: Available immediately 24/7, regulated price, no surge pricing.
• Cons: Expensive, traffic-dependent, may not accept foreign credit cards.

Uber, Lyft, Rideshare

Use the app to request a ride. Pick-up locations are designated at each terminal (follow signs).

• Fare: Variable. Can range from $65 to $130+ depending on demand (surge pricing), vehicle type, and traffic.
• Pros: Upfront pricing, cashless payment, different vehicle options.
• Cons: Surge pricing during peak times can make it more expensive than a taxi.

Decision Tip: Before booking a rideshare, check the taxi flat rate. During low traffic, rideshare may be cheaper. During high surge, a yellow cab is the better deal.

For a premium, stress-free arrival. A driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign.

Best For: Business travel, families/groups, special occasions, travelers with significant mobility needs or lots of luggage.

• Cost: $120 - $250+ one-way, depending on vehicle class (sedan, SUV, limo) and company.
• Booking: Must be pre-booked online or by phone. Reputable companies include Carmel, Dial 7, and Carey.
• Pros: Maximum comfort and convenience, professional service, fixed price, meet-and-greet.
• Cons: Very expensive, still subject to traffic delays.

This is a luxury option and is rarely the most practical choice for the average tourist.

Luggage Strategies

• Travel Light: The #1 tip for using NYC transit. Large suitcases on subways/buses are challenging.
• Luggage Delivery Service: Services like LuggageForward or LugLess can ship your bags from the airport directly to your hotel, freeing you to take the subway easily.
• Elevator Locations: Use the MTA Accessibility Map to plan your subway route with elevators if you have heavy bags or a stroller.

Navigating the System

• Payment: Get an OMNY card or use contactless payment (Apple/Google Pay, tap credit card) for seamless taps on AirTrain and Subway. MetroCards are being phased out.
• Apps are Key: Have Google Maps or Citymapper open for live transit directions. Check the MTA website for weekend service changes which are frequent.
• Penn & Jamaica Stations: These are large, multi-level hubs. Give yourself an extra 5-10 minutes to find your platform, especially during your first visit.

Timing & Crowds

• Avoid Rush Hour: Weekdays 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Subways and LIRR are packed, and taxis are stuck in gridlock.
• Late-Night Arrivals: If landing after midnight, your reliable options are Taxi/Rideshare or the A Subway line (via Howard Beach). Plan accordingly.
• Buy Tickets in Advance: If taking the LIRR, buy your eTix on the app before you get on the train to avoid lines and ensure you have the correct fare.

Safety & Awareness

• Keep valuables secure and bags in front of you in crowded stations and trains.
• Official MTA personnel and NYPD are present in major stations. If you need help, ask them.
• Be wary of unauthorized "limo" drivers soliciting rides inside the terminals. Always use official taxi lines or your booked car service.