How to get from New York John F. Kennedy Airport to Times Square

New York JFK to Times Square is easier than it looks: the quickest value route is AirTrain + subway (E or A→E/N/Q/R/W/1/2/3), the fastest rail combo is AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station, and taxis/rideshares are door-to-door. Coach shuttles and private cars work well with heavy luggage or groups. Pick your option below and follow the step-by-steps.

At A Glance (New York John F. Kennedy Airport to Times Square)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚇 AirTrain + Subway (E via Jamaica / A via Howard Beach)	~55–75m total	Cheapest, frequent, predictable
🏷️ Cost: ~US$13–15 total (AirTrain + subway)
🚄 AirTrain + LIRR (Jamaica → Penn Station)	~40–60m total	Fastest into Midtown (off-peak LIRR deals)
🏷️ Cost: ~US$18–28 total (time-of-day dependent)
🚕 Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-door)	~45–90m (traffic)	Late arrivals, heavy luggage, no transfers
🏷️ Cost: ~US$70–120 all-in (fare, tolls, tip, surge varies)
🚌 Express Coach Shuttle (JFK → Midtown)	~60–90m	Simple one-seat ride to central stops
🏷️ Cost: ~US$20–45 pp (operator/season)
🚐 Private Transfer / Van (Meet & Greet)	~50–90m	Groups, families, maximal comfort
🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–220 per vehicle » Welcome Pickups | GetTransfer quotes | GYG transfers

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest overall into Midtown: AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station, then a short subway hop or 10–12 minute walk to Times Square.
• Best value for most travelers: AirTrain + Subway (E line via Jamaica or A→E via Howard Beach).
• Simplest with bags or kids: Taxi/Rideshare or a private transfer direct to your hotel.
• One-seat ride without transfers: Express coach to Midtown drop points (then walk/short cab).

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Contactless works on transit: Tap a contactless bank card/phone for the subway turnstile; buy/scan a separate AirTrain ticket at Jamaica/Howard Beach.
• Peak traffic: Weekday rush hours and bad weather can double car times—rail options are more predictable.
• Luggage & early arrivals: If hotel check-in is late, stash bags via Radical Storage NYC and start exploring.
• Rideshare vs. taxi: Compare app quotes vs. the regulated yellow cab flat rate to Manhattan (plus tolls/tip).
• Staying near Times Square: Browse Booking.com NYC hotels for walking-distance options.

🚇 Option #1 — AirTrain + Subway (Cheapest, Frequent)

Budget Every ~4–10 min One transfer

• Overview: From any JFK terminal, ride the AirTrain to Jamaica (E subway) or Howard Beach (A subway). Continue to Midtown and transfer to reach Times Square–42 St.
• How to book (with price): No booking. Buy the AirTrain ticket at the terminal or pay at the exit gate; subway is contactless/MetroCard. Budget ~US$13–15 total.
• Pros: Cheap, frequent, traffic-proof. Cons: Stairs/turnstiles at some stations; busy at rush hours.

Step-by-step: AirTrain + Subway

1. Follow airport signs to the AirTrain JFK from your terminal.
2. For the fastest Midtown route, ride to Jamaica Station and enter the E subway (toward Manhattan).
3. Ride the E to 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal and walk underground to Times Sq–42 St; or transfer to N/Q/R/W/1/2/3 if preferred.
4. Alternative: AirTrain to Howard Beach → A train to 42 St–Port Authority → walk to Times Square.

Getting to the main embarking points (AirTrain Stations)

• At JFK: AirTrain is inside the terminal complexes—just follow the red/green line signs.
• At Jamaica / Howard Beach: Clear wayfinding to subway fare control; elevators available.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚄 Option #2 — AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station (Fastest Rail)

Fast Comfy seats Slightly higher cost

• Overview: AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR one stop to Penn Station (34 St–Penn). From Penn, it’s a 10–12 minute walk or one quick subway stop to Times Square.
• How to book (with price): Buy LIRR tickets at Jamaica or in the app; combine with AirTrain at the exit gates. Expect ~US$18–28 total depending on time of day.
• Pros: Fastest rail; easy with luggage. Cons: Costs a bit more than subway.

Step-by-step: AirTrain + LIRR

1. From your JFK terminal, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station.
2. Purchase an LIRR ticket (to New York–Penn Station) from machines or app; proceed to the next departing train.
3. Arrive at Penn Station; walk up to street level and either walk 7th Ave north to Times Square or ride one stop on the 1/2/3 or N/Q/R/W.

Getting to the main embarking points (Jamaica & Penn)

• Jamaica Station: LIRR concourse is clearly signed from the AirTrain hall.
• Penn Station: Multiple exits; for Times Square, head toward 7th Ave/34 St or transfer inside to the subway.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #3 — Taxi / Rideshare (Door-to-Door)

Zero transfers 24/7 Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Yellow cabs queue outside every terminal; rideshares (Uber/Lyft) pick up at designated app zones. Travel time swings with traffic and weather.
• How to book (with price): No booking for taxis; use the official cab line. Rideshares via app. Typical all-in to Times Square is ~US$70–120 depending on tolls, surge, and tip.
• Pros: Door-to-door, best with heavy luggage/late nights. Cons: Pricey vs. rail; can be slower at peak times.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Rideshare

1. Exit to the signed Taxi or Ride App pickup at your terminal.
2. For rideshare, confirm the correct zone and license plate in-app before boarding.
3. Give the destination as Times Square or your hotel address; expect 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting to the main embarking points (Terminal Forecourts)

• Taxi stands: Marshals manage the queue; ignore solicitors inside the terminal.
• Rideshare zones: Follow the app and terminal signage to your exact pickup lane.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — Express Coach Shuttle (One-Seat Ride)

Simple Space for bags Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Scheduled coaches run JFK→Midtown with drop points near Times Square/Penn. Good balance of comfort and price when timings fit.
• How to book (with price): Prebook seats online; expect ~US$20–45 per person depending on operator and time. Compare curated options on GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Pros: One seat to Midtown; cheaper than a taxi. Cons: Less frequent late night; still subject to traffic.

Step-by-step: Express Coach

1. Choose a departure matching your landing; book via GYG or Klook.
2. After customs, follow signs to the designated coach stop for your terminal; show your e-voucher.
3. Ride to the Midtown stop closest to Times Square; walk or take a short cab to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Terminal Coach Stops)

• JFK terminals: Coach bays are signed outside arrivals—check your voucher for stop letter/door.
• Midtown stops: Usually around Penn Station/Bryant Park/Times Sq area—confirm the exact stop when booking.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Van (Meet & Greet, Best for Groups)

Door-to-door Child seats on request Highest cost

• Overview: Driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage, and takes you directly to Times Square or your hotel.
• How to book (with price): From ~US$120–220 per vehicle depending on time, size, and traffic. Compare Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or vetted providers on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Stress-free after long flights; great with kids/elderly or lots of baggage. Cons: Pricey vs. public transit; still traffic-dependent.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Enter flight details and hotel address when requesting quotes (meet-and-greet, waiting time, tolls).
2. On landing, message your driver after customs; meet at the agreed point in your terminal’s arrivals hall.
3. Ride directly to Times Square or your hotel; tip at your discretion.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals Halls)

• Meet points: Providers specify the exact door/column—watch for your name board.
• Drop-off: Curbside at your hotel or a convenient corner near Times Square if streets are congested.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (New York John F. Kennedy Airport to Times Square)

What’s the absolute fastest way?
AirTrain to Jamaica + LIRR to Penn Station is typically the fastest rail combo, then a short walk or one subway stop to Times Square.

Cheapest route?
AirTrain + subway (E via Jamaica or A via Howard Beach) keeps costs low and runs frequently.

Is the subway safe with luggage?
Yes during the day/evening; keep belongings close and avoid empty cars late at night. Elevators are available at key transfer stations.

How long does a taxi take?
Anywhere from ~45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, weather, and time of day.

Arriving early—what about my bags?
Use hotel bell storage or citywide services like Radical Storage NYC and start exploring.

Staying near Times Square—any tips?
Book walkable hotels to cut transfers. Compare options on Booking.com.