Queens to Manhattan: Every Way to Cross
Six subway lines, three commuter rails, eight bridges and tunnels — Queens has more ways into Manhattan than any other borough. The right pick depends on which neighborhood you start from and where in Manhattan you are headed. This guide breaks it down.
Subway fare
$3.00
OMNY / MetroCard
LIRR off-peak
$5–10
Queens → Penn
Taxi range
$15–75
Depends on neighborhood
Car service from
$95
Flat rate, all-in
Subway Lines from Queens to Manhattan
| Line | From (Queens) | To (Manhattan) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 / 7 Express | Flushing, Long Island City | Times Sq, Hudson Yards | 22–35 min |
| N / W | Astoria | Times Sq, Union Sq | 20–35 min |
| E / F | Jamaica, Forest Hills | Midtown, World Trade | 30–45 min |
| R | Forest Hills, Astoria | Lower Manhattan, Midtown | 35–50 min |
| M | Forest Hills | Bryant Park, 5th Ave | 35–50 min |
| J / Z | Jamaica | Lower Manhattan | 45–60 min |
By Neighborhood
Travel time and best option depend heavily on where in Queens you are starting:
Long Island City
7 train to Times Square in 15 minutes. Walk across the Queensboro Bridge in 25 minutes. Taxi $15–25.
Car service from $95
Astoria
N or W train to Times Square in 20–25 minutes via 60th Street tunnel. Taxi $20–35 via Triboro.
Car service from $95
Flushing
7 train from Main St in 30–35 minutes. LIRR Port Washington Line to Penn in 25 minutes peak. Taxi $35–55.
Car service from $115
Forest Hills / Kew Gardens
E or F train to Midtown in 25–35 minutes. LIRR to Penn in 18 minutes peak. Taxi $35–55.
Car service from $115
Jamaica
E/F to Midtown in 35–45 minutes. LIRR to Penn in 19–25 minutes (fastest). Taxi $50–75.
Car service from $130
Far Rockaway / Howard Beach
A train to Manhattan in 60–80 minutes. LIRR Far Rockaway Line to Penn in 50–60 minutes. Taxi $65–95.
Car service from $145
LIRR vs. Subway: When the Train Wins
The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) runs from Jamaica, Forest Hills, Flushing-Main Street, Woodside, and several other Queens stations directly to Penn Station and (since 2023) Grand Central Madison. For trips to Penn or Grand Central, LIRR is consistently 10–15 minutes faster than the subway with fewer transfers and a guaranteed seat.
- • Off-peak fare: $5.00–10.00 (Zone 1)
- • Peak fare: $7.50–12.50
- • Frequency: every 15–30 minutes peak; every 30–60 minutes off-peak
- • Buy tickets: MTA TrainTime app or kiosks at stations
If you are heading to Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, or Hunterspoint Avenue, LIRR almost always beats the subway on time and comfort.
When Car Service Makes Sense
Public transit is excellent in Queens. A pre-booked car service is worth the higher cost when:
- • Carrying multiple bags or oversized items
- • Traveling at night (after 11pm) when subway service thins out
- • Group of 3+ — the per-person cost rivals public transit
- • Business meetings, weddings, or events with strict timing
- • Mobility limitations or traveling with young children
Black Car NYC publishes flat rates for every Queens neighborhood — no metering, no surge, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take from Queens to Manhattan?▾
Long Island City: 15–25 min. Astoria: 20–35 min. Flushing: 30–45 min. Jamaica: 35–60 min. Far Rockaway: 60–90 min.
Cheapest way?▾
NYC subway at $3.00 via OMNY. Multiple lines connect Queens directly to Manhattan.
Is LIRR worth the extra cost?▾
For trips to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, yes — usually 10–15 minutes faster with a guaranteed seat.
Best subway line from Queens to Times Square?▾
7 train (from Flushing or Long Island City) or N/W (from Astoria). Both reach Times Square in 20–35 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Queens to Manhattan?▾
Metered. Typical: LIC $15–25, Astoria $20–35, Flushing $35–55, Jamaica $50–75 — plus tolls and 15–20% tip.
Need a flat-rate ride from Queens to Manhattan?
Mercedes sedan with chauffeur, from $95 all-in. Available 24/7 from any Queens neighborhood. Pre-book online or call.