JFK to Times Square: Every Option Compared
The 17-mile trip from JFK Airport to Times Square has six realistic options: from $11.50 (AirTrain + subway) to a current itinerary quote for private car service. Below: real costs, real travel times, and the right pick for each situation.
Distance
~17 miles
Cheapest
$11.50
AirTrain + E train
Fastest reliable
45 min
Car service or LIRR
Private sedan
Live quote
All-in, 24/7
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + E subway | $11.50 | 60–75 min | Solo, light bags, daytime |
| AirTrain + LIRR | $16–18.50 | 45–60 min | Penn Station drop, fast rail |
| NYC Airporter bus | $22–35 | 60–90 min | Direct to Port Authority |
| Yellow taxi (flat fare) | $85–95 | 45–75 min | No booking, walk up |
| Uber / Lyft | $75–130+ | 45–75 min | App familiarity (watch surge) |
| Private car service | Live quote | 45–60 min | Optional meet & greet, reviewed quote, 24/7 |
Fares reflect 2026 MTA pricing: AirTrain JFK $8.50, NYC subway $3.00 OMNY, LIRR Jamaica → Penn $7.50–10.25.
1. AirTrain + E Subway — $11.50
Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station ($8.50, 8–12 minutes). Transfer to the E train heading to World Trade Center. Get off at 50th Street or 42nd Street/Port Authority — one block from Times Square. Tap OMNY ($3.00) at the turnstile. Total: 60–75 minutes.
The E train runs roughly every 4–10 minutes during the day, every 12–20 minutes overnight. Heavy luggage on stairs and rush-hour crowds are the main downsides.
2. AirTrain + LIRR to Penn Station — $16–18.50
AirTrain to Jamaica ($8.50), then board the LIRR to Penn Station ($7.50 off-peak / $10.25 peak). Penn-bound trains run every 15–20 minutes; the ride itself is about 25 minutes. From Penn, take the 1/2/3 to Times Square (1 stop, 2 minutes) or walk 10 minutes north on 7th Avenue.
Buy LIRR tickets in the MTA TrainTime app to skip the line. Off-peak fares apply weekends, weekdays 9:30am–4pm and after 8pm.
3. NYC Airporter Bus — $22–35
Shared shuttle from JFK to Port Authority Bus Terminal (44th & 8th, three blocks from Times Square). Departs every 30 minutes, 11am–7pm. Transit time 60–90 minutes depending on Manhattan traffic.
Reasonable middle-ground if you have a lot of luggage and want a one-seat ride at a moderate price. Less useful late at night when service is limited.
4. Yellow Taxi — $85–95 total
NYC yellow cabs charge a $70 flat fare for any trip between JFK and Manhattan. Add tolls (~$6.55 via Midtown Tunnel), $0.50 state surcharge, $2.50 congestion surcharge, and 15–20% tip. Weekday 4–8pm adds a $5 surcharge.
Use only the official taxi line outside arrivals. Avoid anyone offering rides inside the terminal — they are unlicensed.
5. Uber / Lyft — $75–130+
Rideshare prices fluctuate by demand. Off-peak weekday afternoons run $75–95. Friday evenings, holiday returns, and snow/rain events frequently exceed $130. Use the JFK rideshare pickup zones at each terminal.
UberX is the cheapest tier; Uber Black runs $140–200 and is a step below private car service in vehicle quality and driver standards.
6. Private Car Service — Current Itinerary Quote
Pre-booked Mercedes E-Class with a professional chauffeur. Terminal meet-and-greet is optional where offered; select it and review the displayed charge before payment. Review the included waiting allowance, its start time and additional waiting charges in your accepted reservation. Compare SUV quotes for the same itinerary; Sprinters require a custom quote. Terminal-by-terminal pickup instructions live on our JFK airport car service page.
- • Optional terminal meet-and-greet
- • Flight tracking adjusts pickup automatically
- • Waiting terms confirmed
- • Tolls included, no surge
- • Mercedes E-Class / S-Class / Escalade
- • Child seats available for $25 each
Which Should You Pick?
Solo, backpack, daytime, on a budget
AirTrain + E train. Fastest budget option, runs every few minutes, and drops you a block from Times Square.
Need speed and Penn Station nearby
AirTrain + LIRR. Reliably 45–60 minutes door-to-door regardless of road traffic.
Group of 2–4 with luggage, daytime
Yellow taxi flat $70 splits well. No booking needed; walk up to the taxi line.
Late night, business trip, or VIP arrival
Pre-booked car service. Fixed rate, terminal greeter, 24/7 dispatch, no app surge. Headed beyond Times Square? The same flat rate applies across the JFK to Manhattan route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is JFK Airport from Times Square?▾
Approximately 17 miles via the Van Wyck Expressway and Midtown Tunnel. Road time is 45–75 minutes; AirTrain + subway is roughly 60–75 minutes door-to-door.
What is the cheapest way to get from JFK to Times Square?▾
AirTrain + E subway at $11.50 total ($8.50 + $3.00). The E train ends at 42nd Street/Port Authority, one block from Times Square.
How much is a taxi from JFK to Times Square?▾
$85–95 typically — $70 flat fare plus tolls (~$6.55), surcharges, and 15–20% tip. Add $5 weekdays 4–8pm.
Does the JFK AirTrain go directly to Times Square?▾
No. AirTrain runs only between JFK terminals and Jamaica/Howard Beach stations. From there transfer to LIRR, E, or A train.
What is the best option at night?▾
Pre-booked car service or yellow taxi. The E train does not run Jamaica → Manhattan overnight, forcing a longer A-train route via Howard Beach.
Review your quote. Book your JFK ride.
Mercedes sedan from JFK to Times Square: a reviewed quote. Terminal meet-and-greet is optional where offered; select it and review the displayed charge before payment. Review the included waiting allowance, its start time and additional waiting charges in your accepted reservation. Review vehicle classes and how to get a quote on our black car service rates page.