So, you’re in Manhattan and you need to get to Times Square. It sounds simple. It’s the "Center of the Universe," right? You’d think every road, train, and sidewalk would just naturally pull you toward those neon screens like a moth to a flame. But honestly, if you just wing it, you’re probably going to end up frustrated, overcharged, or stuck behind a group of twenty people taking a selfie in the middle of a bike lane. Manhattan to Times Square isn’t just a route; it’s a tactical maneuver.
New York is a grid, but it’s a grid with a personality. Times Square sits at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, stretching roughly from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. Whether you’re coming from the Upper West Side, the Financial District, or just three blocks over, the "best" way changes depending on the time of day and how much you value your sanity.
The Subway Is Your Best Friend (Usually)
Look, unless you have money to burn or a physical reason you can't take stairs, the subway is the answer. It’s the lifeblood of the city. For a trip from almost anywhere in Manhattan to Times Square, you’re looking at the N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, or 7 trains. They all converge at the Times Square–42nd Street station.
It’s massive.
Seriously, the 42nd St station complex is linked to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Bryant Park station via underground tunnels. You can walk forever underground. If you’re coming from the East Side, the 42nd Street Shuttle (the S train) is a quirky little two-minute hop that saves you a long walk across town. It’s basically a horizontal elevator.
One thing people mess up? They get off at 42nd Street - Port Authority (A, C, E trains) thinking they’re "at" Times Square. Technically, you are, but you still have a solid five-to-ten-minute trek through a crowded, subterranean maze to see the actual lights. If you want the "wow" moment the second you hit street level, aim for the 1, 2, or 3 lines. They drop you right in the thick of it.
Walking: The Grid and the Angle
Broadway is the rebel of Manhattan. While most of the island follows a strict grid, Broadway cuts across it at a sharp angle. This creates "bowties" where it intersects with the avenues. Times Square is the most famous of these.
If you’re walking from Midtown East, just head west. It’s about a 15-minute stroll from Grand Central. But here’s the pro tip: avoid 42nd Street if you can. It’s crowded, the sidewalks are narrow for the volume of people, and the scaffolding is eternal. Try walking along 45th or 46th Street instead. It’s quieter, you’ll see some cool Broadway stage doors, and you can duck into the square right where the action starts.
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New Yorkers walk fast. If you stop suddenly to check Google Maps, you will get bumped. It's not personal; it's physics. Pull over to a building wall or a trash can if you need to orient yourself.
Taxis, Ubers, and the Gridlock Trap
Don't do it.
Okay, maybe do it if it's 3:00 AM or it’s pouring rain. But if you’re trying to go from Lower Manhattan to Times Square at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, a yellow cab is just a very expensive, slow-moving room with a TV you can't turn off. Manhattan traffic is legendary for a reason. The "Midtown Thru Streets" program tries to keep things moving, but between delivery trucks and construction, 7th Avenue often looks like a parking lot.
If you must use a car, use a Yellow Cab if you see one with its top light on. It’s usually cheaper than an Uber or Lyft during surge pricing. Plus, cabbies know the "cheats"—the little side streets and turns that an algorithm might miss. But honestly? From the Flatiron or Chelsea, the 1 train will beat a car nine times out of ten.
The Myth of the "Easy" Bus
The bus system in Manhattan is actually pretty great for north-south travel, like the M7 or M20. They have dedicated lanes. But as you get closer to the 40s, everything slows down. The M42 cross-town bus is notorious. It’s often faster to walk than to take the bus across 42nd Street.
If you’re coming from way uptown, like Harlem, the M104 is a scenic way to get down to Times Square, but give yourself an hour. It’s a local's move for when you want to see the city through a window without the underground grime, but it is not a "quick" transit option.
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What Nobody Tells You About the "Center"
People think Times Square is just one spot. It’s actually a long, bow-tie-shaped zone. The "Red Steps" are at 47th Street. That’s where you get the big panoramic views. Most of the massive digital billboards are between 42nd and 47th.
If you’re meeting someone, never say "Meet me in Times Square." You will never find each other. Pick a specific landmark, like the Father Duffy statue or the TKTS booth.
Safety and the "Tourist Tax"
Times Square is generally very safe because there are eyes on the street 24/7. However, the "cost" of the area is high. If someone hands you a "free" CD, don't take it. If a costumed character wants a photo, they expect a tip—usually five bucks or more.
Also, watch out for the bike morsels (pedicabs). They are fun, but they are incredibly expensive. Always check the price per minute or per person before you sit down. Some of those guys charge more than a limo service for a ten-block ride.
Practical Steps for Your Next Trip
- Download the MYmta app: It’s the official transit app. Google Maps is okay, but the MTA app has real-time data on track changes and delays which happen all the time.
- Get a OMNY card or use Contactless: You don't need a MetroCard anymore. Just tap your phone or credit card at the turnstile. It’s $2.90. Simple.
- Approach from the North: If you want the best photos without a million people in your shot, walk down from 50th Street. The crowd density is slightly lower at the top of the "tie."
- Check the Broadway Schedule: If it’s 7:45 PM or 10:15 PM, the sidewalks will be impassable because shows are either starting or letting out. Plan your transit to arrive at least 30 minutes before or after these windows.
- Use the "West Side" trick: If the 1/2/3 trains are messed up (which happens), the A/C/E at 8th Avenue is only one block west. It’s a much faster alternative than waiting for a delayed train.
Manhattan to Times Square is a rite of passage. It’s loud, it’s bright, and it’s overwhelming. But if you play your cards right—take the subway, avoid the car traps, and walk the side streets—you’ll get there without losing your mind. Just keep moving, keep your eyes up, and remember to tap out of the "tourist" mindset and into the "commuter" one. The city moves fast; you should too.