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29.1 km • ~32 mins

How to Get from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Times Square

JFK Airport lies in Queens, about 29 km southeast of Times Square. Depending on traffic and mode, the journey takes roughly 45 minutes by taxi to 75 minutes by AirTrain and subway.

✓ Verified Nov 2, 2026 • 29.1 km road distance

Pre-booked Private Transfer

Recommended
50 mins •Pre-booked (Meet & Greet)
€90 - €120 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After collecting luggage, follow signs to Arrivals Hall and look for driver holding a name sign.
  2. Confirm your booking name and destination before leaving the terminal.
  3. Driver loads luggage and takes the most direct route to Manhattan, expect 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
  4. Ask to be dropped at your hotel or nearest point to Times Square.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Yellow Taxi (Flat Fare)

Flat Fare
45 mins •Available 24/7 at Official Ranks
€81 - €99 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official taxi rank outside your arrivals terminal.
  2. Join the queue at the dispatcher wearing a yellow jacket; do not accept rides from touts inside.
  3. Tell the driver you want Times Square; the flat fare to Manhattan is $70 plus surcharges, tolls and tip.
  4. Pay by card or cash at the end; keep the receipt.

AirTrain + E Subway (Cheapest)

Cheapest
60 mins •Every Few Minutes (24/7)
€10.50 / Person
Luggage: No Limit (But Space Limited)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow overhead signs for AirTrain from arrivals and take any AirTrain from your terminal's station.
  2. Exit at Jamaica Station; tap OMNY to pay the $8.75 AirTrain fare at the exit gates.
  3. Follow signs to the subway E train toward Manhattan, tap OMNY again for the $3 subway fare.
  4. Ride the E train about 35-45 minutes and get off at 42 St–Port Authority.
  5. Walk 2 minutes east on 42nd Street to reach Times Square.

AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station

Fastest by Train
50 mins •See TrainTime App
€12.50 - €14.50 / Person
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs for AirTrain from arrivals and ride to Jamaica Station.
  2. Tap out to pay the AirTrain fare $8.75 at the exit gates.
  3. Follow signs to LIRR and buy a CityTicket in TrainTime app or machine before boarding.
  4. Take a Penn Station train, about 20 minutes.
  5. From Penn Station walk 15 minutes north to Times Square, or take the E train one stop to 42 St–Port Authority.
🏨 Where to stay

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Things to do near Times Square

Times Square Times Square neighborhood and square in Manhattan, New York City, United States See tours V-J Day in Times Square V-J Day in Times Square 1945 photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt See tours One Astor Plaza One Astor Plaza office skyscraper in Manhattan, New York, United States See tours 30 Rockefeller Plaza 30 Rockefeller Plaza Art Deco skyscraper at the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, New York City See tours Museum of Modern Art Museum of Modern Art art museum in Manhattan in New York City, New York, United States See tours Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall concert hall and music venue in New York City, United States See tours One Vanderbilt One Vanderbilt office skyscraper in Manhattan, New York See tours New York Times Building New York Times Building office skyscraper in Manhattan, New York See tours
Things to Do in New York City
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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Only use the official taxi rank outside arrivals with a yellow-jacket dispatcher; ignore people offering rides inside the terminal.
  • Taxi to Manhattan is a flat fare of $70 plus surcharges and tolls/tip; confirm the total before leaving.
  • AirTrain and subway/LIRR fares are separate; the OMNY weekly cap does not cover the AirTrain $8.75 exit fee.
  • Uber/Lyft pickup areas are signposted; if a driver asks you to meet on an upper level or outside the zone, it is likely not your app driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from JFK to Times Square?

AirTrain to Jamaica plus the E subway costs $11.75 total, about €10.50 per person, and takes 60-75 minutes door-to-door.

How much is a taxi from JFK to Times Square?

A yellow cab has a flat fare of $70 to Manhattan plus surcharges, tolls and tip; expect about $90-110, or €81-€99, and 45-75 minutes.

Is there a direct bus or train from JFK to Times Square?

No direct bus serves JFK to Manhattan. The most direct public option is AirTrain to Jamaica and the E subway to 42 St–Port Authority, a short walk from Times Square.

Can I pay with a contactless card on the AirTrain and subway?

Yes, tap OMNY with a contactless bank card, phone or OMNY card for both; the AirTrain fare is an extra $8.75 when exiting at Jamaica or Howard Beach.

Which option is best for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer meets you in arrivals with a name sign and takes you door-to-door; taxis are also flat-rate to Manhattan and have room for luggage.

How late do trains run from JFK to Times Square?

AirTrain runs 24 hours, and the subway also runs 24 hours but less frequently late at night; allow extra time for any overnight service changes.

Nearby places

More transfers from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Midtown Manhattan · 28.3 km Grand Central Terminal · 27.7 km Penn Station · 28.9 km Central Park · 28.9 km Hudson Yards · 29.9 km Chelsea · 29.8 km Upper East Side · 28.7 km Upper West Side · 31.9 km Long Island City · 24.5 km SoHo · 30.1 km