Queens is 109 square miles — nearly five times the size of Manhattan — and its neighborhoods are distributed across that space in ways that make transit choices consequential. Getting to Astoria requires different knowledge than getting to Flushing, which requires different knowledge than getting to the Rockaways. This guide covers the key transportation decisions by neighborhood.
The 7 Train: The Essential Queens Line
The 7 train runs from Times Square (42nd Street/Port Authority) east through Queens, stopping at Queensboro Plaza (Long Island City/Astoria border), 33rd Street/Rawson, 40th/Lowery, 46th/Bliss (Sunnyside), 52nd, 61st (Woodside), 69th, 74th (Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave — connects to E/F/M/R), 82nd, 90th, 103rd, 111th (Corona, Flushing Meadows park area), Mets-Willets Point (Citi Field, US Open), and Main Street/Flushing (end of line). Total time from Times Square to Flushing: about 35 minutes.
The N and W Trains: Astoria
The N and W trains cross the Queensboro Bridge from Midtown Manhattan and serve Astoria from south to north: Queensboro Plaza, 36th Avenue, 39th Avenue, Broadway, 30th Avenue (heart of Astoria commercial area), Astoria Boulevard, and Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard (end of line). From Times Square: about 20-25 minutes to 30th Avenue.
The E, F, M, and R Trains: Jackson Heights to Forest Hills
These four lines converge at the Roosevelt Avenue/Jackson Heights station (74th Street) and serve the central Queens corridor from Long Island City west to Forest Hills and Jamaica east. The E is express and fastest for the Forest Hills/Jamaica direction. The F serves Forest Hills/71st Avenue. The R serves Forest Hills as well. From Times Square: about 20-25 minutes to Jackson Heights, 30-35 minutes to Forest Hills.
The A Train: Jamaica and the Rockaways
The A train from Manhattan reaches Jamaica in about 35-40 minutes. From Jamaica, the A branches: the Far Rockaway branch and the Rockaway Park branch both reach the Rockaway Peninsula. The Aqueduct Racetrack station serves South Ozone Park. Howard Beach serves the neighborhood near JFK Airport. Total time from Midtown to Rockaway Beach: about 65-70 minutes.
The NYC Ferry
The NYC Ferry serves Long Island City (Hunters Point South), Astoria, and Rockaway Beach (seasonally). The Astoria Ferry from the East 90th Street pier in Manhattan to Astoria Landing takes about 20-25 minutes. The Long Island City routes connect to Pier 11 (Wall Street) and Midtown. Fare is subway-equivalent; OMNY contactless payment accepted. Check the NYC Ferry app for current schedules — service is less frequent than the subway.
Citi Bike in Queens
Citi Bike coverage in Queens is concentrated in Long Island City and Astoria, with improving coverage in Jackson Heights and Woodside. A day pass ($19) allows unlimited 30-minute rides. The bike paths along the East River waterfront in Long Island City are excellent for cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What subway line goes to Queens?
Multiple lines serve Queens: the 7 train runs from Times Square through Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Corona, and Flushing. The E, F, M, and R trains serve Forest Hills, Jackson Heights, and Long Island City. The A train serves Jamaica, Howard Beach, and the Rockaways. The N and W trains serve Astoria.
How long does it take to get from Manhattan to Queens?
Varies significantly by destination. Long Island City is 8-10 minutes by 7 train from Times Square. Astoria is 20-25 minutes by N/W train. Jackson Heights is 20-25 minutes by E/F/M/R or 7. Flushing is 35 minutes by 7. Jamaica is 35-40 minutes by E train. Rockaway Beach is 60-70 minutes by A train.
Is the 7 train reliable for getting around Queens?
Yes — the 7 train is one of the most frequently serviced lines in the subway system and one of the most reliable for outer-borough travel. It runs from Times Square through the heart of Queens to Flushing Main Street, covering Jackson Heights, Woodside, Sunnyside, Corona, and Flushing.
Does the NYC Ferry serve Queens?
Yes — the NYC Ferry serves Long Island City (Hunters Point South), Astoria, and Rockaway Beach (seasonally). The Astoria Ferry runs from Midtown Manhattan to Astoria Landing in about 20-25 minutes. The Long Island City Ferry runs from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan. Check the NYC Ferry app for current routes and schedules.
Also see: our Manhattan transportation guide
