How to get from John F. Kennedy International to Times Square
AirTrain to Jamaica + E train to Times Square — $11.15 total. Yellow cab is a $70 flat fare + tolls + tip.
Best options
Compare your options — JFK → Times Square
Distance ~24 km, typical journey 45–75 min.
| Option | Typical fare | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then E train to 42 St-Port Authority (Times Square exit). $11.15 total. | Cheapest safe option |
| Official taxi | $70 flat + $5–$8 tolls + tip (~$90 total) | Late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| Ride-hailing | Uber, Lyft, Via — pickup at terminal-specific rideshare zones, follow signs. | available |
After landing — step by step
- 1Follow AirTrain signs from your terminal — yellow line for Jamaica
- 2Tap OMNY at the AirTrain exit ($8.25)
- 3Board the E train (Manhattan-bound) at Jamaica — about 35 min to Times Square
- 4Exit at 42 St-Port Authority — Times Square is one block east
- 5For taxi: official yellow-cab rank only, confirm $70 flat to Manhattan
Scam warnings
Avoid this
- • Black 'limo' drivers approaching you inside arrivals
- • Cabs that won't honor the posted $70 Manhattan flat rate
- • Anyone claiming the AirTrain is closed
Frequently asked
Q.How much is a taxi from John F. Kennedy International to Times Square?
$70 flat + $5–$8 tolls + tip (~$90 total). Always confirm the fare or that the meter is on before pulling away. Watch for: Touts in arrivals offering $80 'flat' rides in unmarked cars.
Q.What is the cheapest safe way from JFK to Times Square?
AirTrain + subway combined — $11.15 with OMNY tap, runs 24/7.
Q.Does Uber or ride-hailing work at John F. Kennedy International?
Uber, Lyft, Via — pickup at terminal-specific rideshare zones, follow signs.
Q.What's the best way from JFK to Times Square at night?
Yellow taxi from the official rank — $70 flat to Manhattan + tolls + tip ≈ $90 total.
Q.What scams should I watch for going from JFK to Times Square?
Top reported: Touts in arrivals offering $80 'flat' rides in unmarked cars; Yellow-cab drivers refusing the $70 Manhattan flat fare; Drivers padding tolls by taking the longer Midtown Tunnel route. Use the official taxi rank, never accept a fare from someone approaching you in arrivals.