How to get from Times Square to Port Authority Bus Terminal

Times Square and Port Authority Bus Terminal are basically neighbors in Midtown—most travelers can walk there in minutes via well-lit streets and indoor passageways, with subway/bus/taxi options as backups.

At A Glance (Times Square to Port Authority Bus Terminal)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Walk—Port Authority is only about a block west of Times Square.
• Best in rain/heat or huge crowds: Subway / underground connection—minimizes street exposure and can feel calmer than 42nd Street sidewalks.
• Best with heavy luggage or accessibility needs: Taxi/Rideshare or MTA bus if you want fewer stairs.
• Most economical: Walk free; if you’re coming from further within Times Square, subway is a reliable backup.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Buffer time: Even though it’s close, plan 15–25 minutes if you have luggage—crowds, crossings, and finding your gate can slow you down.
• Know your terminal area: Port Authority is large; check your ticket for the carrier and gate area before wandering. The Port Authority also offers terminal information on its Port Authority Bus Terminal page.
• Tap-to-pay transit: If you’re using subway/bus, you can pay with contactless card/phone via OMNY tap and ride—handy if you don’t want to buy a MetroCard.
• Traveling with bags? Store luggage if you’re early and want to explore: luggage storage in New York.
• Need a guaranteed pickup: Pre-book a car with Welcome Pickups in New York or compare drivers on GetTransfer; for on-demand rides, common NYC apps are Uber and Lyft.
• Kill time nearby: If you have a longer wait, browse a short Times Square activity and head to the terminal with a solid buffer.
• Overnight or early bus? Compare nearby stays on hotels in Midtown West.

🚶 Option #1 — Walk (Most Popular, Fastest & Free)

Free Usually fastest Crowds on 42nd St

• Overview: Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) sits on 8th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets—roughly one block west of Times Square. Most routes are a straight walk west to 8th Avenue and then into the terminal entrance.
• Typical duration: ~5–12 minutes depending on your starting point (Times Square is a big area) and pedestrian congestion.
• Best for: Nearly everyone—especially daytime and early evening transfers.
• Pros: No fare, no waiting, no stairs required if you pick curb cuts/elevators. Cons: Sidewalks can be very crowded; allow extra time if you’re rolling luggage.

Step-by-step: Walking route (simple street version)

1. Choose your starting corner: If you’re at the red steps (TKTS) or 7th Ave plaza area, orient yourself toward 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.
2. Walk west toward 8th Avenue: Use 42nd Street most direct or 41st Street often slightly less chaotic.
3. Enter Port Authority: Look for signage for the Port Authority Bus Terminal entrances on/near 8th Avenue and adjacent streets.
4. Find your gate: Inside, locate your carrier and gate area; if you’re unsure, check the terminal’s official info on the Port Authority Bus Terminal page.

Getting to the main embarking points (Times Square sidewalks → PABT entrances)

• Use 41st Street if 42nd is packed: You can still hit 8th Avenue and walk a half-block to the nearest entrance.
• With luggage: Avoid weaving through dense crowds—take the widest sidewalks, and give yourself extra minutes for crossings.
• If you’re very early: Store bags at luggage storage in NYC and return for boarding.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚇 Option #2 — Subway / Underground Connection (Best in Bad Weather)

Weather-proof Avoids street crowds Stairs & corridors

• Overview: Times Square–42 St is one of NYC’s biggest subway complexes, and Port Authority has direct underground connections to the 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal subway station (A/C/E). Depending on where you start, you may be able to stay mostly underground and pop up inside/near the terminal.
• Typical duration: ~6–15 minutes total walking corridors + possibly a 1-stop ride.
• How to pay (with price): Most subway rides cost $3—see the official MTA fare page. Pay by tapping contactless card/phone via OMNY tap and ride.
• Pros: Great when sidewalks are gridlocked or it’s pouring. Cons: Station corridors can be long; stairs may be unavoidable depending on entrances.

Step-by-step: Times Square subway area to PABT

1. Enter the Times Square–42 St subway complex: Use a clearly marked entrance near your location in Times Square.
2. Navigate to the A/C/E area: Follow signs toward 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal (A/C/E).
3. Exit toward Port Authority: Use exits signed for the bus terminal/8th Avenue side; you may emerge directly at the terminal area.
4. Confirm your gate inside: PABT is large—head straight to your carrier/gate once you’re inside.

Getting to the main embarking points (Subway exits → PABT gates)

• Accessibility: If you need elevators, plan for them—elevators exist but can require specific entrances/exits.
• Fare tip: If you’re using OMNY for multiple rides, you may benefit from fare caps—see OMNY fares for current cap details.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #3 — Taxi / Rideshare (Best with Big Bags or Late Night)

Minimal walking Comfortable with luggage Traffic/surge possible

• Overview: A taxi or rideshare can be helpful if you have multiple suitcases, you’re traveling late, or you want curbside drop-off near the terminal entrance.
• Typical duration: ~5–15 minutes plus pickup wait; Midtown traffic can spike at showtimes and weekend evenings.
• How to book (with price): Use on-demand apps like Uber or Lyft, or pre-book with Welcome Pickups. You can also compare drivers/vehicles on GetTransfer. Fares vary with traffic and demand.
• Pros: Least physical effort. Cons: Can be slower than walking when streets are jammed; pickup points around Times Square can be awkward.

Step-by-step: Taxi/Rideshare strategy (avoiding Times Square gridlock)

1. Walk 2–4 minutes to a calmer pickup point: If Times Square is congested, step to a side street like 41st or 43rd for easier pickup.
2. Set destination precisely: Use “Port Authority Bus Terminal” and confirm the address shown matches the terminal on 8th Avenue.
3. Message the driver: Share the exact corner/entrance you’re waiting at to reduce loops around the blocks.
4. Go straight to your gate: Once you’re inside, find your carrier and gate before buying snacks or exploring.

Getting to the main embarking points (Drop-off zones → Terminal gates)

• Ask for the nearest entrance: If you have mobility needs, request a drop-off closest to an accessible entrance/elevator where possible.
• Have a backup plan: If traffic is stopped, get out safely and walk the last block, which is often faster.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #4 — MTA Bus (No Subway Stairs, Good Backup)

No subway stairs Easy if already at a stop Traffic-dependent

• Overview: If you’re already near a bus stop or prefer to avoid subway stairs, an MTA bus can take you a short distance west toward 8th Avenue/Port Authority area. This is usually slower than walking, but it can help if you’re moving with limited mobility and want fewer stairways.
• Typical duration: ~10–25 minutes depending on stops and Midtown traffic.
• How to pay (with price): Most local buses cost $3—see subway and bus fares. You can tap a card/phone using OMNY.
• Pros: Convenient if a bus is coming soon; fewer stairs than subway. Cons: Traffic can be slow; you may still walk a short block to the entrance.

Step-by-step: MTA bus backup plan

1. Find a nearby stop: Look along 7th Ave/42nd St corridors for a stop that moves you toward 8th Avenue or close to the terminal.
2. Tap to board: Use contactless payment via OMNY; confirm you were charged the standard fare.
3. Exit near Port Authority: Get off when you’re closest to 8th Avenue and walk into the terminal entrances.
4. Head to your gate: Inside the terminal, follow signage to your carrier and boarding area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bus stops → PABT entrances)

• Time buffer: If your departure is soon, walking is often faster than waiting for a bus.
• Accessibility: Buses can be a good alternative to long station corridors, but allow extra time for boarding and traffic.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Times Square to Port Authority Bus Terminal)

What’s the easiest way to get from Times Square to Port Authority?
For most travelers, walking is easiest—it’s a short, direct hop west to 8th Avenue. If the weather is bad or sidewalks are packed, use the subway/underground connection.

How long does it take?
Walking is often 5–12 minutes. The subway/underground route is typically 6–15 minutes depending on corridors and stairs. Taxi/rideshare varies with traffic.

How much is the subway or bus fare?
Most subway and local bus rides are $3—see the official MTA fare page. You can tap with OMNY.

Can I stay underground most of the way?
Often yes. Times Square–42 St connects underground toward the A/C/E station at 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal. Follow station signs carefully and allow extra time if you’re unfamiliar.

What if I have luggage and want to explore first?
Use luggage storage in New York, then enjoy a short Times Square experience and return for boarding.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on May 22, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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