How to Get to Times Square from Queens [2025-2026 Guide]
Getting from Queens to Times Square is quick and easy by subway, bus, car, or taxi. This 2025-2026 guide explains travel times, costs, and the best routes into Midtown Manhattan.
If you’re in Queens, New York, and planning a visit to Times Square, you’re in luck—it’s one of the easiest trips within the city. Thanks to the MTA subway, buses, and rideshares, you can reach the “Crossroads of the World” in less than an hour. This 2025–2026 guide will walk you through every possible way to get from Queens to Times Square.
🚇 Option 1: Subway (Fastest & Most Reliable)
The subway is the fastest and most affordable way from Queens to Times Square.
- Take the 7 train from Flushing, Jackson Heights, or other Queens stations. It stops directly at Times Sq–42 St station.
- You can also use the E train from Jamaica Center, F train, M train, or R train, transferring if needed.
- The N, W, and Q trains from Astoria also go straight into Times Square–42nd Street.
⏱ Travel time: 20–40 minutes depending on where you start in Queens
💵 Cost: $2.90 per ride with OMNY or MetroCard
👉 Check updates at the MTA Subway website.
🚌 Option 2: MTA Buses
While slower than the subway, buses connect many neighborhoods in Queens to Midtown Manhattan.
- Express buses like QM2, QM5, QM20, QM32, QM35, and QM42 head toward Midtown Manhattan.
- These drop you near 42nd Street, close to Times Square.
⏱ Travel time: 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes
💵 Cost: $6.75 (express bus fare)
👉 Check routes at the MTA Bus page.
🚗 Option 3: Driving from Queens to Times Square
Driving can be convenient if you want flexibility, but traffic in Midtown Manhattan is heavy, and parking is costly.
- Take the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge), Midtown Tunnel, or RFK Bridge into Manhattan.
- Head toward Midtown West for Times Square.
- Parking garages near Times Square cost around $40–$70 for a few hours.
⏱ Travel time: 30–60 minutes (traffic-dependent)
💵 Cost: $15–$20 in tolls + $40–$70 parking
🚖 Option 4: Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
If you prefer comfort, a taxi, Uber, or Lyft will take you directly from your location in Queens to Times Square.
- Ideal if you have luggage or are traveling in a group.
- Surge pricing applies during rush hours.
⏱ Travel time: 30–60 minutes
💵 Cost: $40–$70+ depending on distance and traffic
🚴 Option 5: Biking to Times Square
For the adventurous, biking from Queens to Times Square is possible.
- Use bike lanes over the Queensboro Bridge into Midtown Manhattan.
- Citi Bike stations are available throughout Queens and Manhattan.
⏱ Travel time: 35–55 minutes (depending on starting point)
💵 Cost: $4.79 per ride (Citi Bike) or free with your own bike
📊 Travel Options Summary
| Option | Time (approx.) | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway 🚇 | 20–40 mins | $2.90 | Fast & cheap |
| Bus 🚌 | 45–75 mins | $6.75 | Direct but slower |
| Driving 🚗 | 30–60 mins | $55–$90 total | Flexible but costly |
| Taxi/Uber 🚖 | 30–60 mins | $40–$70+ | Comfortable, door-to-door |
| Biking 🚴 | 35–55 mins | $4.79 (Citi Bike) | Eco-friendly |
🙋 FAQs about Getting to Times Square from Queens
Q1: What’s the fastest way to get to Times Square from Queens?
The subway (7, E, N, W, Q trains) is the fastest and most reliable option, taking just 20–40 minutes.
Q2: Is there a direct train from Queens to Times Square?
Yes! The 7, N, W, and Q trains run directly into Times Sq–42 St station.
Q3: How much does the subway cost from Queens to Times Square?
A one-way ride costs $2.90 with OMNY or MetroCard.
Q4: Are there express buses from Queens to Times Square?
Yes, several MTA express buses like QM2, QM20, and QM42 run to Midtown Manhattan, near Times Square.
Q5: Can I drive from Queens to Times Square?
Yes, but expect traffic and expensive parking. Driving takes about 30–60 minutes, with tolls and parking adding extra costs.
✅ In summary: The subway is the best way to reach Times Square from Queens—fast, affordable, and reliable. Buses work if you prefer street-level views, while taxis, cars, and bikes offer flexibility depending on your needs.