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Getting From Times Square to Central Park South, Columbus Circle & the Zoo

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NYC Hotel & Travel Guide · 2026 Edition

Getting From Times Square to Central Park South, Columbus Circle & the Zoo

Getting From Times Square to Central Park South, Columbus Circle & the Zoo: addresses, subway lines, walking distance and 2026 NYC nightly rates with tax math.

By Matthew S Crawford · Updated October 2026 · Verified NYC Rates & Tax Math

Quick answer

The times square to central park subway ride is short: roughly 5 to 10 minutes underground to reach the park’s southern edge (an estimate; confirm live service with the MTA). The real choice is which corner of the park you want, because Columbus Circle and Grand Army Plaza sit on opposite sides.

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Times Square to Central Park Subway Options: The Short Answer

The times square to central park subway ride is short: roughly 5 to 10 minutes underground to reach the park’s southern edge (an estimate; confirm live service with the MTA). The real choice is which corner of the park you want, because Columbus Circle and Grand Army Plaza sit on opposite sides.

This guide covers the 1, the A/C/B/D, the N/R/W and the walk, plus the Central Park Zoo. It is written for New York City visitors staying in Midtown Manhattan who want clear directions before leaving the hotel room.

1 Train From Times Sq-42 St to 59th Street-Columbus Circle

The 1 train from Times Sq-42 St runs uptown to 59 St-Columbus Circle, where Central Park’s southwest corner meets Eighth Avenue and Broadway. It is the simplest ride when you want to enter near Merchant’s Gate and the statue of Columbus.

Allow roughly 6 to 10 minutes for the ride (estimate) and a few more for the exit. The same station is served by the A/C/B/D, so you can switch trains if one is delayed. Confirm weekend changes and elevator status with the MTA before traveling.

American Museum of Natural History entrance on Central Park West
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

A, C, B and D Trains From Port Authority and Bryant Park

From 42 St-Port Authority, the A and C head uptown to Columbus Circle with an express or local pattern depending on the train. The B and D from 42 St-Bryant Park also serve the station, though the B does not run every day, so check the schedule.

Because these platforms sit away from Times Sq-42 St, add time for the walking distance underground or on the street. A short block-level walk on Eighth Avenue can be easier than a long passage with luggage, so judge by your bags, your schedule and the weather that day.

N, R and W Trains to 5th Avenue-59th Street and Central Park South

For the park’s southeast corner, take an N, R or W from Times Sq-42 St to 5 Av/59 St. The exit lands near Grand Army Plaza, the Plaza Hotel (768 Fifth Avenue) and the horse-carriage line along Central Park South.

The ride is usually about 5 to 8 minutes (estimate). This route also suits visitors heading to Fifth Avenue shopping after the park. The N, R and W can reroute on weekends, so confirm which of the three is running before you commit to this entrance.

Getting From the Subway to the Central Park Zoo

The zoo sits on the park’s east side near Fifth Avenue and 64th Street (about 830 Fifth Avenue; confirm the entrance). From the 5 Av/59 St exit, expect a walk of roughly 10 minutes (estimate) north through the park, following signs for the Arsenal and zoo.

Check the zoo’s hours, tickets and any timed-entry rules on its official site, because they change by season. If you arrive from Columbus Circle instead, the crosspark walk is longer, so many visitors prefer the N/R/W route for this specific stop.

A yellow taxi passing through Times Square in daylight
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

Walking From Times Square to Central Park South

You can also walk. From Times Square to Central Park South is roughly 17 blocks north and a few avenues east, about 30 to 40 minutes at a steady pace (estimate). The route up Seventh Avenue is direct and passes Carnegie Hall near 57th Street.

Walking works best in clear weather with light bags, and it lets you see Midtown at street level. If the day is hot, wet or crowded, switch to the subway for the middle stretch and walk only the last few blocks near the park.

Travel Time, OMNY Fare and Walking Distance Estimates

As a planning estimate, expect 5 to 10 minutes on the train and 5 to 15 minutes of walking. The subway fare has been reported at $3 per ride with OMNY tap payment, so confirm the current fare with the MTA. Transfers within the system are generally included.

Subway stations near Times Square are busy at rush hour and before shows, so leave extra time. Check.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Times Square to Central Park Subway Ride

Quick answers help when you are standing on a platform. The details below are planning guidance, so verify live service, fares and station access with the MTA before you travel. Weekend and overnight changes are the most common reason a short ride turns into a detour that costs extra minutes.

When in doubt, take the 1 from Times Sq-42 St to Columbus Circle, or an N, R or W to 5 Av/59 St. Treat every ride-time estimate here as approximate, and keep a second route saved in case of delays.

What is the easiest subway ride from Times Square to Central Park?

The 1 from Times Sq-42 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle is usually simplest, often about 6 to 10 minutes (estimate). Confirm service with the MTA.

Which station is best for the Central Park Zoo?

Many visitors use N/R/W to 5 Av/59 St, then walk about 10 minutes (estimate) into the park. Check the zoo’s current hours and entrance.

Can I walk from Times Square to Central Park?

Yes, it is roughly 30 to 40 minutes at a steady pace (estimate). Switch to the subway for part of the way in bad weather.

Keep reading

Central Park Guide · Central Park Zoo Visitor Guide · The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park · Hotels With Central Park Views in NYC · Best Hotels Near Central Park in NYC · Where to stay in NYC · NYCHotelss 20 Best Picks · Cheap hotels in NYC · All NYC guides

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.
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