JFK to Times Square Ride Prices
Airport arrivals, rush hour, bad weather, and events regularly trigger 2–3x surge pricing on this route.
*On most bookings. See provider terms.
About This Route
Times Square sits at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 47th Streets, making it one of the most congested drop-off zones in the entire city. The neon-lit theater district is the top destination for tourists arriving at JFK, and the roughly 17-mile ride passes through Queens before plunging into the Midtown grid. Hotels, Broadway theaters, and restaurant rows line the surrounding blocks.
Surge Pricing Alert
Times Square demand surges on weekend evenings (especially Fridays and Saturdays before Broadway curtain calls), New Year's Eve week, and during major events at Madison Square Garden two blocks south. Matinee days (Wednesdays and Saturdays) also see elevated afternoon pricing.
Travel Tips
- 1Ask your driver to drop you on a side street (43rd or 44th between 7th and 8th) rather than on Broadway itself — Times Square's pedestrian plazas block vehicle access on Broadway between 42nd and 47th.
- 2The flat yellow-taxi rate of $70 (plus tolls/tip) applies here since Times Square is in Manhattan — compare it against the app fare before booking.
- 3If you're seeing a Broadway show the same evening, add at least a 30-minute buffer for curtain time; traffic around the theater district is worst between 6:30 and 8 PM.
- 4Luggage storage lockers are available at nearby Penn Station if you want to explore Times Square before hotel check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a ride from JFK to Times Square?
UberX runs $55–$85 during normal hours. Yellow taxis charge a flat $70 plus tolls (~$10 for tunnel/bridge) and tip. Shared rides like UberPool or Lyft Shared can drop the price to $35–$50 but add 20+ minutes.
Can I get dropped off right at Times Square from JFK?
Vehicles can't drive through the Times Square pedestrian plazas on Broadway. Your driver will drop you on a nearby cross street or on 7th Avenue. You'll walk a block or two to reach the center of Times Square.
Is the subway faster than Uber from JFK to Times Square?
During rush hour, yes. The AirTrain to Jamaica Station plus the E train to 42nd Street–Port Authority takes about 60–70 minutes total and costs under $12. An Uber during rush hour can take just as long but cost $80+.