How to Get from JFK to Times Square?

The most budget-friendly way to reach Times Square from JFK Airport is by combining the AirTrain JFK with the New York City Subway. After arriving at your terminal, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, following the clearly marked signs.

From Jamaica, transfer to the E subway line toward Manhattan. Get off at 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is just a short walk to Times Square. This route typically takes around 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the time of day and train frequency.

The AirTrain fare is $8.25, and the subway fare is $2.90, making the total cost $11.15 per person.

The Express Bus service is another option for travelling from JFK to Times Square. After arriving at JFK, head to the ground transportation area and look for signs indicating the bus stops. Locate the designated area for the Express Buses. Look for the Q3 or Q6 bus, which will take you to the Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike subway station.

These buses operate regularly and provide a direct route to the subway. Sit back and ride to the Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike subway station. For reaching Times Square from JFK Airport is the NYC Express Bus, officially known as the NYC Airporter (now operated by Golden Touch Transportation). The bus departs directly from each JFK terminal and makes stops at Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, and Port Authority Bus Terminal—all within walking distance of Times Square.

Buses operate daily from around 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, typically departing every 30 minutes. The ride takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The standard fare is $19 for a one-way ticket and $35 for a round trip.

One of the fastest public transit options from JFK Airport to Times Square combines the AirTrain JFK with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the New York City Subway. Start by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then transfer to an LIRR train headed to Penn Station in Manhattan. From Penn Station, it’s a quick one-stop ride on the 1, 2, or 3 subway line to Times Square–42nd Street.

This route typically takes 40 to 50 minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to reach Midtown.

AirTrain fare is $8.25, the LIRR peak fare is around $10.75 (off-peak $7.75), and the subway fare is $2.90. The total cost ranges between $18.90 and $21.90 per person, depending on the time of day.

To reach Times Square via Grand Central Terminal, begin by taking the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station. From there, board the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Grand Central Madison, the new LIRR terminal directly beneath Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Once at Grand Central, transfer to the S Shuttle or 7 subway line, both of which travel west and stop at Times Square–42nd Street within just one or two stops.

This route offers a quick and comfortable ride, typically taking 45 to 60 minutes in total.

The AirTrain costs $8.25, the LIRR fare ranges from $7.75 (off-peak) to $10.75 (peak), and the subway fare is $2.90, bringing the total cost to between $18.90 and $21.90 per person.

Taking a taxi or a yellow cab from JFK Airport to Times Square is the other direct transportation options. Official taxis are available 24/7 outside each terminal at the designated taxi stands.

The trip covers approximately 16 miles (26 km) and typically takes between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours—morning (7:00–10:00 AM) and evening (4:00–7:00 PM)—travel times may be longer.

The fare is a flat rate of $90 to anywhere in Manhattan, which includes tolls and standard surcharges (such as airport fee and night or weekend fees). Tips are usually added separately, around 15-20% of the fare.

AirportTransfer.com offers customized bus and coach transfer services from JFK Airport, ideal for large groups such as corporate teams, event delegations, or tour groups. New York Private Bus Rental includes professional drivers, flexible pick-up and drop-off locations across New York City, and the option to tailor your travel route according to your itinerary.

Vehicles are available in multiple sizes to suit your group’s needs — from minibuses for 8–16 passengers, mid-size coaches for 17–30, to full-size buses for up to 56 travelers. Each vehicle provides spacious, comfortable seating, climate control, and generous luggage capacity. All buses are modern, well-maintained, and cleaned before each trip to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

With fixed, transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and easy coordination via our support team, your group can enjoy a stress-free and efficient travel experience.

Contact us your group reservation for JFK Airport Bus Transfer.

If you're arriving at JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Airport and heading to your hotel near Times Square, it’s highly recommended to pre-book your Times Square hotel transfer for a smooth, stress-free arrival. Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, AirportTransfer.com offers a wide range of vehicles including luxury sedans, electric cars, SUVs, and spacious minivans to accommodate every need and preference. For those seeking more exclusivity, JFK Airport limo service, and first class airport transfers provide a luxurious and private travel experience.

Top 15 Luxury and Popular Hotels near Times Square:

The Chatwal, Marriott Marquis Times Square, The Knickerbocker, InterContinental New York Times Square, Times Square Edition, Hyatt Centric Times Square, W New York – Times Square, The Westin New York at Times Square, LUMA Hotel Times Square, Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel, M Social Hotel Times Square, Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, Hilton Garden Inn Times Square Central, citizenM New York Times Square, Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan

• Please note that AirportTransfer.com is not affiliated with the hotels listed above; their names are provided solely for informational purposes. However, if your journey leads you to one of these prestigious addresses near Times Square, we're here to ensure you arrive comfortably, safely, and on time with a transfer service tailored just for you.