New York City’s Theatre District, centered around the vibrant Times Square in Midtown Manhattan, is home to nearly all of the city’s 41 Broadway theatres. For anyone aiming to catch a Broadway show, starting in Times Square is the most convenient approach, placing you within walking distance of nearly every venue. Whether arriving by train, bus, or plane, there are multiple ways to reach the district from major transit hubs across the city. This guide provides detailed directions, tips, and transportation options to help you reach Times Square and enjoy a seamless Broadway experience.
Getting to the Theatre District from Major Airports
From LaGuardia Airport
Public Transit: Traveling from LaGuardia to Times Square involves combining a bus and subway. One efficient route is taking the Q70 bus to Roosevelt Avenue & 74th Street, then transferring to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station. From there, hop on the F or M train to 42nd Street-Bryant Park, then walk a block west along Seventh Avenue to reach Times Square. Another option is taking the M60 bus to Hoyt Avenue & 31st Street, transferring to the Astoria Boulevard subway station, then catching the N or W train to 42nd Street-Times Square.
By Car: Rideshare apps such as Uber, Lyft, or Curb (for yellow taxis) provide a convenient alternative, delivering you directly to your theatre. Make sure to check the specific theatre address in advance.
From JFK Airport
Subway: The AirTrain system at JFK connects to the subway network. You can take the Jamaica AirTrain, transfer to the northbound E line at Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue, and ride to the 42nd Street-Port Authority stop on Eighth Avenue. Alternatively, the Howard Beach AirTrain connects to the A line northbound at Howard Beach, also terminating at the same 42nd Street stop. From there, walk one block east to Seventh Avenue to enter the Theatre District.
Bus: Subway travel is recommended over buses since no direct bus routes run from JFK to Times Square. Bus trips involve multiple transfers and typically take about 90 minutes, whereas subway travel averages one hour.
By Car: Rideshare services or taxis are a direct option, although travel time can vary with traffic.
From Newark Airport
Train: The AirTrain connects Newark Airport to NJ Transit trains heading north to New York Penn Station. From Penn Station, follow local directions to Times Square.
Bus: The Newark Airport Express Bus provides direct service to Port Authority Bus Terminal, adjacent to Times Square, with a trip duration of roughly one hour.
By Car: Head north on the New Jersey Turnpike, exit at the Lincoln Tunnel near Times Square, and locate a nearby parking garage. Interstate rideshare services can be expensive, so public transit is usually recommended before switching to a rideshare for the final leg.
Reaching Times Square from Key NYC Terminals
Grand Central Terminal
Subway: Take the S shuttle, which operates exclusively between Grand Central and Times Square, or board the 7 train heading toward 34th Street, disembarking at 42nd Street-Times Square.
Bus: The M42 bus travels along 42nd Street from Madison Avenue to Seventh Avenue.
By Car: Utilize rideshare apps like Uber, Lyft, or taxis for direct transport.
Walking: Times Square is approximately a four-block walk west along 42nd Street, taking roughly 15 minutes on foot.
Penn Station
Subway: Take the 1, 2, or 3 train one stop uptown to 42nd Street-Times Square.
Bus: Board the M20 bus along Eighth Avenue from 34th Street, traveling north to 43rd Street. Walk one block east to Seventh Avenue.
By Car: Rideshare or taxi services offer convenient direct transport to your theatre.
Walking: Times Square is about a 10-block walk north along Seventh Avenue from 33rd Street, slightly longer if exiting on Eighth or Ninth Avenue.
Port Authority Bus Terminal
Situated between 40th and 42nd Streets on Eighth Avenue, the terminal is just a block from Seventh Avenue, placing you in the heart of the Theatre District. From here, visitors can walk north to explore additional venues.
George Washington Bridge Bus Station
Subway: Take the downtown A train to 42nd Street-Port Authority, then walk one block east to Seventh Avenue, approximately a 30-minute journey.
Bus: The M5 bus travels downtown to Columbus Circle, where passengers transfer to the M7 or M104 buses to reach 7th Avenue & W 44th Street. The full journey takes around 75 minutes.
By Car: Uber, Lyft, or taxis provide direct service to Times Square, though travel time varies with traffic.
Additional Tips for Visitors
Plan Ahead: Regardless of your entry point into the city, allow ample travel time. Manhattan traffic and subway schedules can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours and weekends.
Know Your Theatre Address: Each Broadway theatre has its own location; confirming the exact address beforehand simplifies navigation and ensures timely arrival.
Consider Multiple Transit Options: Depending on your comfort and schedule, public transit, rideshare, and walking may all be viable for getting to Times Square efficiently.
Prepare for Walking: Times Square and the Theatre District involve significant walking. Wear comfortable shoes and carry essentials like water, especially during warm weather.
Conclusion
Navigating New York City’s Theatre District doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you arrive from LaGuardia, JFK, Newark, Grand Central, Penn Station, or nearby bus stations, there are multiple options for reaching the heart of Times Square. Combining public transit, rideshare, and walking allows visitors to efficiently reach Broadway theatres while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Midtown Manhattan. Proper planning and knowledge of your transit choices will help ensure a smooth, stress-free experience, letting you focus on enjoying the magic of a Broadway show.
