JFK to Times Square: Every Option Compared
The 17-mile trip from JFK Airport to Times Square has six realistic options ranging from $11.50 (AirTrain + subway) to $170 (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
Flat-rate sedan
$170
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 | $170 flat | 45–60 min | Meet & greet, fixed rate, 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 — $170 flat sedan
Pre-booked Mercedes E-Class with a professional chauffeur. The price is locked at booking and includes meet & greet inside the terminal at the chauffeur board, flight tracking, 60 minutes of free wait time, all tolls, and luggage assistance. SUV $200, Sprinter $385.
- • Meet inside terminal at chauffeur sign
- • Flight tracking adjusts pickup automatically
- • 60 min free wait, then $1/min
- • Tolls included, no surge
- • Mercedes E-Class / S-Class / Escalade
- • Free child seats on request
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.
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.
Skip the surge. Book a flat-rate JFK ride.
Mercedes sedan from JFK to Times Square: $170 all-in. Meet & greet inside the terminal, flight tracking, 60 minutes free wait, tolls included.