7 Best Options to Get from Queens to Manhattan

Travel between Queens and Manhattan is part of everyday life in New York City. The two boroughs sit next to each other, but the right way to travel depends on where you start, when you travel, and what you value most: speed, cost, comfort, or reliability.

This guide breaks down seven real options for getting from Queens to Manhattan. Each section covers travel time, cost, passenger capacity, pros and cons, and who the option works best for. By the end, you’ll know exactly which option fits your trip, whether you’re commuting, visiting, or heading to the airport.

1. Subway (Most Common)

The subway is the most widely used way to travel from Queens to Manhattan, operated by the MTA. It connects large parts of western and central Queens directly to Manhattan using lines such as E, F, M, R, N, W, and 7. Trains run 24 hours a day, making this the most dependable option for daily travel.

Average travel time: 25–50 minutes, depending on distance and transfers.
Cost: Standard subway fare per ride $2.90.
Passenger count: High capacity; hundreds of riders per train during peak hours.

Pros:
The subway is affordable, frequent, and largely unaffected by road traffic. Coverage is excellent in areas like Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, and Forest Hills. It is also the most predictable option during rush hour.

Cons:
Crowding is common during peak commute times. Stairs, long platforms, and walking can be challenging with luggage or mobility issues. Comfort is limited compared to seated options.

Best for:
Daily commuters, students, tourists, and budget-conscious travelers who want a fast and reliable way to reach Manhattan without worrying about traffic or surge pricing.

2. Express Bus

Express buses offer a direct, seated ride from outer Queens neighborhoods into Manhattan, mainly designed for weekday commuters. These buses make fewer stops than local buses and typically travel via highways or express routes.

Average travel time: 45–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Higher than subway fare, $7.00 per ride.
Passenger count: Around 40–55 seated passengers.

Pros:
Every passenger gets a seat, which makes the ride more comfortable than the subway. Express buses are quieter, less crowded, and convenient for people who live far from subway stations.

Cons:
Schedules are limited, especially outside peak hours. Traffic congestion can significantly increase travel time, making the ride unpredictable. The higher fare may not appeal to budget travelers.

Best for:
Rush-hour commuters from eastern or northern Queens who prefer a one-seat ride and more personal space, and who travel during regular weekday business hours.

3. LIRR Train (Long Island Rail Road)

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the fastest public transportation option from Queens to Manhattan. Trains depart from stations such as Jamaica, Woodside, and Forest Hills, heading directly to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison.

Average travel time: 15–30 minutes.
Cost: $5.00–$12.00, varies by station and time.
Passenger count: Several hundred passengers per train.

Pros:
LIRR trains are fast, comfortable, and reliable. Many trips include assigned seating, climate control, and smooth rides. This option is ideal when time matters most.

Cons:
Higher fares make it less attractive for daily budget travel. Station access is limited compared to the subway, and schedules are fixed rather than continuous.

Best for:
Time-sensitive travelers, business commuters, and riders coming from farther parts of Queens who want the quickest route into Manhattan.

4. Local Bus + Subway

For parts of Queens that are not within walking distance of a subway station, combining a local bus with a subway transfer is a common and practical way to reach Manhattan. Local buses operate throughout residential areas of Queens and connect riders to major subway hubs such as Jackson Heights, Flushing, Jamaica, and Long Island City.

Average travel time: 50–90 minutes, depending on traffic and transfer points.
Cost: $2.90 total (free bus-to-subway transfer)
Passenger count: 30–60 passengers per bus, plus subway capacity.

Pros:
This option offers the widest geographic coverage, making it possible to travel from almost any Queens neighborhood without paying more than a single subway fare. Transfers are included, which keeps costs low and predictable. Buses are frequent and integrate smoothly with subway lines.

Cons:
Travel times are longer due to traffic delays and transfers. Buses can be crowded during peak hours, and reliability depends heavily on road conditions. The added transfer can be inconvenient with luggage.

Best for:
Residents of outer Queens neighborhoods who need an affordable, all-access option to reach Manhattan without living near a subway station.

5. NYC Ferry

The NYC Ferry provides water-based transportation from waterfront Queens neighborhoods such as Long Island City and Astoria to Manhattan via the East River. While it does not serve inland areas, it offers a comfortable and scenic alternative to road and rail travel.

Average travel time: 20–40 minutes.
Cost: $4.00 per ride.
Passenger count: Up to 150 passengers per ferry.

Pros:
Ferries offer comfortable seating, open-air decks, and unobstructed views of the skyline. They completely avoid traffic congestion and provide a calmer, less crowded experience compared to buses or subways. Boarding is straightforward, and the ride itself is smooth.

Cons:
Service is limited to waterfront neighborhoods, and schedules are less frequent than subway service. Weather conditions can affect reliability, and ferries may not operate as late at night.

Best for:
Travelers living or staying near the Queens waterfront who want a relaxed, scenic trip to Manhattan and are comfortable planning around fixed schedules.

6. Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Taxis and rideshare services offer direct, door-to-door travel from any point in Queens to Manhattan. This option removes the need for transfers and allows travelers to start and end their trip exactly where they want.

Average travel time: 30–90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: $35–$80+, higher during surge pricing.
Passenger count: Up to 4 passengers in standard vehicles.

Pros:
This option is highly convenient, especially for late-night trips, travelers with luggage, or those unfamiliar with public transit. Pickups are available almost anywhere in Queens, and no walking or transfers are required.

Cons:
Travel times are unpredictable due to traffic congestion. Surge pricing during peak hours, bad weather, or late nights can make rides significantly more expensive. Costs can vary widely from trip to trip.

Best for:
Short-notice travel, late-night rides, or passengers who value convenience and door-to-door service over cost predictability.

7. Private Car Service

Private car services provide pre-booked transportation using luxury sedans or SUVs, driven by professional chauffeurs. Pricing is agreed upon in advance, offering a controlled and predictable travel experience between Queens and Manhattan.

Average travel time: 30–75 minutes.
Cost: $90–$160+ (flat rate)
Passenger count: 3–6 passengers, depending on vehicle.

Pros:
Private car services offer fixed pricing with no surge charges, clean and high-end vehicles, and punctual pickups. Drivers are trained professionals, and the ride is quiet, comfortable, and reliable. This option eliminates uncertainty around cancellations and delays.

Cons:
The upfront cost is higher than taxis or public transportation, making it less suitable for budget-focused trips.

Best for:
Airport transfers, business travel, families, and travelers who prioritize comfort, reliability, and peace of mind over price.

What is the best transportation option from Queens to Manhattan?

For most travelers, the subway is the best overall transportation option from Queens to Manhattan. It offers the lowest cost, runs 24/7, avoids traffic delays, and provides the widest coverage across both boroughs. 

To help you decide quickly, the table below compares all major options side by side, based on time, cost, usability at night, and real-world travel conditions.

Which way is most popular for Queens to Manhattan?

The subway is the most popular and most used option. Millions of riders use it daily because it is affordable, frequent, and unaffected by traffic. It serves the widest range of neighborhoods and runs at all hours, making it reliable for both commuters and visitors. Popularity reflects trust and practicality, and the subway remains the backbone of Queens–Manhattan travel.

What is the fastest way to get Queens to Manhattan?

The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) is the fastest public transportation option. From major Queens stations like Jamaica or Woodside, LIRR trains reach Manhattan in as little as 15–30 minutes. Trains bypass traffic entirely and run on fixed schedules, which reduces uncertainty during peak hours. 

While fares are higher than the subway, the time saved can be significant, especially for longer distances within Queens. For travelers who prioritize speed over cost, LIRR is the most efficient choice.

What is the cheapest way to get from Queens to Manhattan?

The subway is the cheapest and most cost-effective way to travel. A single flat fare covers the entire trip regardless of distance, making it ideal for daily commuters and budget-focused travelers. 

The subway runs 24/7 and connects most western and central Queens neighborhoods directly to Manhattan. Even when a transfer is required, the cost does not increase. No other option matches the subway’s combination of affordability, coverage, and frequency.

What is the luxurious and comfortable way to get from Queens to Manhattan?

A private car service is the most luxurious and comfortable way to travel from Queens to Manhattan. It offers a quiet, private cabin, professional chauffeur, and a smooth, door-to-door ride with no transfers or crowds. 

Unlike taxis or rideshares, pricing is fixed in advance and vehicles are consistently clean and high-end. This matters for business travelers, families, and anyone traveling with luggage or on a schedule. Comfort, predictability, and personal space make private car service the clear choice when experience matters more than price.

Why is Ride Soho the better option for luxury?

Ride Soho stands out for consistency, professionalism, and fixed pricing. Ride Soho focuses on luxury vehicles, trained chauffeurs, and dependable scheduling rather than app-based variability. 

For Queens-to-Manhattan travel, this means predictable pickups, clean luxury cars, and a calm experience from start to finish. It’s designed for travelers who value comfort, punctuality, and peace of mind over chasing the lowest fare.

How far is Manhattan from Queens?

Manhattan is very close to Queens, but the exact distance depends on the neighborhood. Western Queens areas like Long Island City or Astoria are only a few miles from Midtown Manhattan, while eastern Queens neighborhoods can be 10–15 miles away. 

Because the boroughs share borders, travel time depends more on transportation choice than physical distance. Subway access, traffic conditions, and route availability all influence how “far” the trip feels in real terms.

How long does it take from Queens to Manhattan, NY?

Most trips take between 25 and 60 minutes. Short subway rides from western Queens can be under 30 minutes, while trips from eastern Queens using buses or traffic-dependent options can exceed an hour. LIRR trains are the fastest, often under 30 minutes, while taxis and buses vary widely based on traffic. Time of day plays a major role, especially during rush hours.