Traveling from Brooklyn to Times Square in 2025 is incredibly convenient, whether you’re a tourist staying in Williamsburg, a local commuting from Park Slope, or heading in from Bushwick for a Broadway show. This complete guide explains how to get to Times Square from Brooklyn, including subway routes, taxi and rideshare options, biking, walking, and accessibility tips—written by a seasoned New York traveler who’s navigated the city from borough to borough firsthand.
🚇 By Subway – Fastest and Most Affordable Way
The New York City subway remains the fastest and most affordable way to get from Brooklyn to Times Square (42nd Street–Times Square station). Depending on where in Brooklyn you’re starting, you’ll likely connect to one of the following subway lines:
Most Common Subway Routes to Times Square:
- D, N, Q, or R trains from Atlantic Ave–Barclays Center or DeKalb Avenue
- 2, 3 trains from Borough Hall, Atlantic Ave, or Franklin Ave
- A, C, or E trains via Jay St–MetroTech
- L train to 14th Street + transfer to 1/2/3 or N/Q/R
🕒 Travel Time: 25–45 minutes depending on station and transfers
💰 Cost: $2.90 (2025 MetroCard fare) or tap-to-pay with OMNY using your phone or credit card
🚆 Pro Tip: Download the MTA official map or use the MTA TrainTime app to get real-time train arrivals and trip planning.
🚖 By Taxi or Uber – Comfortable but Pricey During Rush Hour
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are widely available throughout Brooklyn, offering door-to-door service directly to Times Square (Manhattan, W 42nd Street & 7th Ave).
Estimated 2025 Fares (One-Way):
- From Downtown Brooklyn: $25–$35
- From Williamsburg: $30–$40
- From Coney Island or Sheepshead Bay: $50–$70
- From Bushwick or Bed-Stuy: $30–$45
🕒 Travel Time: 30–60 minutes depending on traffic
🚦 Avoid: Morning (7:30–9:30 AM) and evening (4:30–7 PM) rush hours for faster travel
📱 Pro Tip: Use shared rides or Uber Green (eco-friendly) for a more sustainable and budget-friendly option.
🚲 By Citi Bike – Active and Scenic
New York’s Citi Bike program is an excellent option for travelers who want to ride into Manhattan and avoid crowds. With thousands of docking stations across Brooklyn and Manhattan, you can pick up a bike and ride directly to Times Square.
Suggested Bike Routes:
- Williamsburg to Times Square via Williamsburg Bridge → 1st Ave → 42nd Street
- Brooklyn Heights or DUMBO to Times Square via Manhattan Bridge → Bowery → 7th Avenue
🕒 Ride Time: 30–50 minutes
💰 Cost: $4.79 for 30-minute single ride (2025 rate) or day pass available
🚲 Bike Parking: Times Square has multiple Citi Bike docks on 42nd Street and 8th Avenue
🌳 Pro Tip: Use bike lanes for safety. Download the Citi Bike app for docking availability in real time.
🚶 By Foot – Ambitious, But Memorable
Walking from Brooklyn to Times Square is long, but doable if you’re up for it—and you’ll see incredible city views along the way. Popular walking routes use either the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge.
Sample Walking Route (From DUMBO to Times Square):
- Cross the Brooklyn Bridge
- Walk through Chinatown or Soho
- Head north through Union Square, Flatiron, or Midtown
- Reach Times Square at 42nd Street
🕒 Walking Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on route
🥿 Pro Tip: Wear walking shoes, stay hydrated, and bring a power bank for your phone.
🚌 By Bus – Scenic but Slower Option
MTA also operates several bus routes from Brooklyn into Manhattan. Buses are ideal if you want to sightsee on the way to Times Square, but they tend to be slower than subways during peak hours.
Example Route:
- BXM18 express bus or
- Take a local Brooklyn bus (e.g., B41 or B38) to a subway station or Lower Manhattan stop, then walk or transfer uptown
🕒 Travel Time: 60–90 minutes depending on traffic
💰 Cost: Same as subway ($2.90 with free transfer)
🚌 Pro Tip: Buses accept OMNY tap-and-pay or MetroCard. Download the MTA BusTime app for live arrival times.
🧑🦽 Accessibility Options – ADA-Friendly Travel
New York City has increased subway accessibility with elevators, ramps, and ADA-accessible stations, particularly at transfer points like Barclays Center, Jay Street–MetroTech, and Times Square–42nd Street.
For those using wheelchairs or traveling with seniors:
- Use MTA’s Accessible Station Finder on MTA.gov
- Consider Access-A-Ride, NYC’s official paratransit service
- Wheelchair-accessible Ubers and taxis can be booked via the Curb app
🗓️ Best Time to Travel from Brooklyn to Times Square
- Morning (8–10 AM): Peak subway crowding
- Midday (11 AM–2 PM): Smoothest travel time
- Evening (after 6 PM): Ideal for shows or nighttime lights
- Late night: Subway runs 24/7, but be alert and avoid isolated stations
🎄 Times Square Holidays & Events (2025)
If you’re planning to visit for Christmas (25th December) or New Year’s Eve gala (31st December), be sure to arrive very early as streets are blocked off, and subway exits near Times Square are limited. Book accommodations months in advance for the best views.
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting from Brooklyn to Times Square in 2025 is seamless thanks to New York City’s multi-modal transportation network. Whether you hop on a subway, hail a yellow cab, ride across bridges on a Citi Bike, or walk in from Dumbo, you’ll find the journey as iconic as the destination. Times Square is New York’s beating heart—make your arrival part of the adventure.
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