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Getting from JFK Airport to Times Square: All Transport Options

Q: How to get to Times Square from JFK?

There are four main options for transportation from JFK to Times Square; subway, train, taxi, or private transfer. The fastest options are to book a taxi or private transfer or to get on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). You can also take the subway, which is the cheapest option, or hire a car for more independence. Note that the shuttle from JFK to Times Square is no longer in operation.

Q: How much is a taxi from JFK to Times Square?

A taxi from JFK to Times Square costs around $70 (€68). Taxi fares are calculated based on a set fare system, so check that the on-screen rate message reads “Rate 2- JFK Airport.” You’ll also need to pay extra for tolls and surcharges. Private transfers (which ensure zero wait time) cost more but don’t come with these surprise surcharges or require a tip.

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

April 1, 2025

With over 50 million visitors flying into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City every year, things can get a little busy, so we’ve broken down all the available transport options from JFK to Times Square to make things simple for you.

There are currently four main transport options from JFK Airport to Times Square: subway, train, taxi, or private transfer. The cheapest option is the subway, which takes around 1 hour and requires one transfer.

Alternatively, you can take a JFK Airport taxi if you want a faster, more comfortable journey. The journey takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic levels and you’ll be dropped right at the door of your hotel or accommodation. The train takes around the same time as a taxi, except during rush hours when it is often quicker, and costs slightly more than the subway.

If you’d prefer a set-rate fee with no hidden costs and a fully personalized transfer service, pre-booking a JFK Airport transfer with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups is a fantastic choice for those who want a hassle-free arrival.

*The direct bus that used to run from JFK to Manhattan is currently suspended. However, there are plans to replace it at some point in the future.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to New York at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€68	45min	24/7
AirTrain + Subway	€22	60min	24/7
AirTrain + LIRR	€33.5	30min	24/7
Welcome Airport Transfer	€99	45min	24/7

How to get from JFK to Times Square by taxi

Traveling by taxi from JFK to Times Square is without a doubt the fastest and most comfortable choice. The journey takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and JFK Airport taxis charge a flat fee to any destination in Manhattan. However, extra charges such as tolls and peak hour surcharges may apply.

New York taxis are easy to spot with their iconic yellow color and “TAXI” roof sign and can seat up to four passengers in a standard sedan, or five in a minivan. You can also pre-book a private transfer with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups or call one from the airport.

How much is a taxi from JFK to Times Square?

When traveling from JFK to Times Square by taxi, the cost will be determined by a set-fare system, with a fee of $70 (€68) to any destination within Manhattan. New York taxis take cash or credit card so there’s no need to worry about withdrawing money at the airport.

Extra charges:

Airport surcharge – $1.75 (€1.70)

Tolls – up to $15 (€14.55)

State surcharge – $2.50 (€2.40)

Peak hour surcharge – $5 (4.90) between 16:00 and 20:00

For a more personalized option with no hidden fees, no tip required, and no line to wait in, pre-book a convenient private transfer with Welcome Pickups and enjoy the luxury of a door-to-door service.

Cost

$70 (€68)

Trip Duration

45 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis and private shuttles are available 24/7 from JFK Airport

Where can I get a taxi from?

Your JFK to Times Square taxi will depart from the taxi rank located just outside the terminal building on the Arrivals level. They are easily located by following the signs in the airport and attendants should be available to assist you as needed.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from JFK to Times Square is by far less hassle than public transportation options. In a taxi, you can avoid long waiting times, changeovers, and busy public transport. The ride is door-to-door and allows you to sit back and enjoy your journey through one of the most famous cities in the world.

However, if you opt for finding a local taxi at the ranks, you may end up waiting a while due to queues. This can be avoided by pre-booking a private airport transfer. Furthermore, traffic can be an issue in NYC, so try to travel outside of peak hours.

Best times to travel:

Weekdays – between 10:00-15:00 and after 20:00.

Weekends and Holidays – before noon and after 20:00.

Editor’s Note

Taxis are the ideal transport option for anyone who wants a comfortable and efficient ride but hasn't booked a private transfer in advance.

Useful Tips

A 20% tip is expected for taxis in NYC, so you should tip about $14 (€13.60) for your journey from JFK to Times Square.

NYC taxi drivers take cash or credit card payments.

Never accept a taxi ride from someone who approaches you in the terminal or Arrivals Hall, they are usually unlicensed drivers.

Once inside the taxi, check that the on-screen message reads “Rate 2- JFK Airport.”

You will be expected to pay tolls for your journey by taxi from JFK to Times Square, however, if you book a private transfer, all charges will be included in the quoted price.

How to get from JFK to Times Square by subway

Taking the subway from JFK Airport to Times Square is the cheapest option, especially during rush hour. The journey takes about 60 minutes, however, the trip includes a changeover so be prepared for a slightly longer journey time.

After you’ve collected your luggage, you’ll need to take the AirTrain, a train system that runs between all JFK terminals as well as providing a direct connection to Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations, the nearest subway stations.

The best way to get from JFK to Times Square is to ride the AirTrain for 8 minutes to Jamaica Station and then transfer to the MTA E subway line. Make sure you board the E Line (Blue Line) in the direction of the World Trade Center and then stay on board for around 35 minutes until you reach 7th Avenue. From there, Times Square is a 5-10 minute walk.

How much is the JFK to Times Square subway?

You’ll need to buy two tickets to get from JFK to Times Square by subway, nevertheless, it’s still the cheapest option. The AirTrain costs $8.50 (€8.30) and a one-way subway ticket in New York is $2.90 (€2.80), bringing the total cost of the journey from JFK to Times Square to $11.40 (€11).

Tickets can be paid for by tapping on and off with a credit or debit card at the card reader near the gates, or you can purchase a MetroCard from one of the self-service machines or ticket booths and add money to it.

Cost

$11.40 (€11)

Trip Duration

60 Min.

The subway runs every 3-5 or 6-8 minutes during peak hours but wait times increase to 20 minutes depending on the time of day.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain and MTA Subway run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I get the subway from?

First, you’ll need to follow the signs from any of the terminals towards the AirTrain station and ride the train to Jamaica Station. From there, you can hop on the E subway line and journey straight into Midtown Manhattan, getting off at the 7th Avenue Terminal.

Convenience

Whilst taking the subway is a great budget-friendly option, you’ll have to deal with changeovers and waiting times. On top of that, not all NYC subway stations have escalators or elevators, so you may have to carry your luggage up flights of stairs.

Timetables

JFK AirTrain

MTA E Line Subway Timetable

Editor’s Note

The subway is ideal for those traveling lightly and who are comfortable navigating different public transport systems in a busy city. Otherwise, you may find a taxi or private transfer more relaxing and stress-free.

Useful Tips

The easiest way to purchase subway tickets in New York is with a rechargeable MetroCard. You can purchase them from self-service machines at the stations for $1 (€1).

Travel between each terminal is free but you’ll need to pay for the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station.

Children under the age of 5 can ride the AirTrain for free.

Storage space on board the AirTrain and subway is limited, especially during peak periods.

How to get from JFK to Times Square by train

A quicker yet slightly more expensive alternative to taking the subway is to travel from JFK Airport to Times Square by train. Whilst ticket prices go up during peak hours, this is still a convenient option, especially if you’re traveling at a time when the roads are congested.

Just like the subway, you’ll need to take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station, which will take between 8 and 13 minutes. From there, you’ll change onto the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and ride the train for 20 minutes until you reach Penn Station or Grand Central Station, both within walking distance of Times Square.

How much is the train from JFK Airport to Times Square?

As with the subway option, you’ll need to buy two tickets to get from JFK to Times Square by train. The first ticket you’ll need is an AirTrain ticket which costs $8.50 (€8.30) per person.

Tickets for the LIRR are different from the subway system and vary depending on the time you’re traveling. A one-way ticket during rush hour (06:00-10:00) costs $11.25 (€10.90), whereas during off-peak hours, weekends, and holidays, a ticket will cost $8.25 (€8). The total cost of the journey should be about $19.75 (€19.20) during rush hour and $16.75 (€16.30) any other time.

Cost

$16.75 (€16.30)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

There's a wait time of 15 minutes for the AirTrain and of 3 to 15 minutes for the LIRR.

Covenience

Safety

Value for Money

The AirTrain JFK and LIRR train run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where do I get the train from?

To take the AirTrain from JFK Airport to Jamaica Station, you’ll simply need to follow the signs in any of the terminals towards the AirTrain station. After that, you can hop on the LIRR and ride 20 minutes to Penn Station or Grand Central Station.

Convenience

Whilst taking the train is a great value-for-money option, having to change modes of transport and dealing with wait times can make it a bit of a drag. Plus, some train stations don’t have elevators or escalators, so if you have a lot of luggage, it’s not very convenient.

However, if speed is your priority, this is the fastest public transportation from JFK to Times Square available. Just keep an eye on when you’re traveling as the LIRR can get pretty busy during weekday rush hours (06:00-10:00).

Timetables

JFK AirTrain

JFK Airport – Jamaica Station

Long Island Rail Road Timetable

Jamaica Station – Penn/Grand Central Station

Editor’s Note

If you don't mind spending a bit more, the AirTrain and LIRR can be a much quicker option than the subway, making it ideal for business travelers looking to get in and out of the city as quickly as possible.

Useful Tips

You cannot use the MetroCard for the LIRR train. The ticket machines for LIRR differ from the ones for the subway, so make sure to use the right one. You can also purchase your LIRR ticket onboard at a higher rate.

During off-peak hours and weekends, you can also purchase a City Ticket which costs $5 (€4.90) during peak hours, and $7 (€6.80) during off-peak hours.

Please keep in mind that Jamaica Station is a very busy hub. Thus, the waiting lines at the ticket machines can be long.

How to get from JFK to Times Square by private transfer

Private transfer services are the most reliable and convenient way to travel from JFK Airport to Times Square, providing a door-to-door service in 45 minutes or less. They are fully customizable and offer complete flexibility so you never have to worry about finding a suitable transfer on arrival. Our air-conditioned vehicles are modern and comfortable and have plenty of space for luggage.

For a competitive fixed fare price, you’ll receive 24/7 customer support and be met on arrival by a trained English-speaking driver. Furthermore, your driver will receive live updates on your flight status so that if your plane is delayed for any reason, they can adjust the pickup time at no extra cost.

Last but not least, to help get your bearings in Manhattan, your driver will point out landmarks and attractions on the way to your accommodation and share their best advice for enjoying New York like a local – like where to find the best pizza slice!

How much is a private transfer from JFK to Times Square?

One of the advantages of pre-booking a JFK Airport transfer is knowing the cost of your journey upfront so that you can budget for your trip accordingly. Unlike a taxi, your fare will include all tolls and surcharges so there are no hidden extras on the day.

If you’re traveling in a small group of up to three people, you’ll pay $99 (€96.20) for a ride in a stylish sedan with room for a standard suitcase each. Otherwise, you can arrange a ride in one of our spacious minivans, which can seat up to 12 people for $340 (€330.20).

We’ve kept our booking process simple so in as little as a minute you can receive a confirmation in your inbox. Either head to our website or download the Welcome Pickups app, enter a few personal details, your flight information, and select a pick-up time.

Cost

€99

Trip Duration

45 Min.

*When booked in advance a private vehicle will be waiting on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from JFK Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

On the day of your JFK Airport transfer, you will find your driver waiting for you just outside the Arrivals Hall exit doors. They’ll be holding a sign with your name on it to help you spot them amongst the crowd. After you’ve been introduced, you’ll be taken to your private vehicle so that you can settle in and be on your way. For total peace of mind, you can also download our app where you can track your driver’s location in real-time.

Convenience

Similar to an airport taxi, private transfers offer direct and door-to-door service, allowing you to reach your downtown accommodation as quickly and seamlessly as possible. However, private transfers offer lots of additional perks such as access to a top-rated 24/7 customer service team, an airport meet-and-greet upon pick-up, competitive fixed rate fares, and complete privacy in the comfort of a modern air-conditioned vehicle.

Editor’s Note

Private transfers are the ideal option for all travelers who want an efficient ride with ultimate comfort and zero wait time.

Useful Tips

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.

A few days before your flight you'll receive an email with your driver's contact details and a recent photo.

JFK Airport is spread across several terminals and one of the busiest in the US. With this in mind, we suggest selecting a pickup time at least 45 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

A private transfer is the same price or less as a regular taxi once you add tip, tolls, and surcharges to a taxi ride, but with lots of extra benefits.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in New york. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€130.0

NIGHTTIME

€133.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to get from JFK to Times Square?

If you’re traveling on a budget, the cheapest way to reach Times Square from JFK Airport is the combined AirTrain and Subway trip. This option takes around 1 hour and costs $11.40 (€11) per person.

What is the easiest way to get from JFK to Times Square?

If you’re after a door-to-door service where you won’t need to worry about timetables, tickets, or transferring through busy train stations, then the best way to get from JFK to Times Square is by taxi or private transfer. While not always the quickest option, you’ll still be dropped at the curb of your hotel in 30 to 45 minutes.

How much is the AirTrain from JFK to Times Square?

The AirTrain doesn’t run directly to Times Square, you’ll first need to ride to Jamaica Station where you can either transfer to the subway on the E Line or the LIRR train network. The AirTrain and subway option takes around 1 hour and costs $11.40 (€11), whereas the AirTrain and LIRR option takes around 30 minutes, without wait and transfer times, and prices starting from $16.75 (€16.30).

How to get to Times Square from JFK?

There are four main options for transportation from JFK to Times Square; subway, train, taxi, or private transfer. The fastest options are to book a taxi or private transfer or to get on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). You can also take the subway, which is the cheapest option, or hire a car for more independence. Note that the shuttle from JFK to Times Square is no longer in operation.

How much is a taxi from JFK to Times Square?

A taxi from JFK to Times Square costs around $70 (€68). Taxi fares are calculated based on a set fare system, so check that the on-screen rate message reads “Rate 2- JFK Airport.” You’ll also need to pay extra for tolls and surcharges. Private transfers (which ensure zero wait time) cost more but don’t come with these surprise surcharges or require a tip.

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