Getting From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO by Subway

Getting From Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO by Subway: 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 dumbo subway trip links Midtown Manhattan’s theater blocks to Brooklyn’s cobblestone waterfront in roughly 25 to 40 minutes (an estimate; confirm live service with the MTA). Several lines work, and each drops you at a different edge of the neighborhood.

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Times Square to DUMBO Subway: The Short Answer for New York City Visitors

The best choice depends on your starting station, your luggage and how much walking you want in New York City. This guide compares the A/C, the 2/3, the F and the Brooklyn Bridge walk so you can decide before leaving your hotel room.

Choosing Your Times Square Station: Port Authority, Bryant Park or Times Sq-42 St

Times Square has several underground starting points. Times Sq-42 St serves the 1/2/3, N/Q/R/W/S and 7 near Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street. The 42 St-Port Authority station, near Eighth Avenue, serves the A/C/E. The 42 St-Bryant Park station, near Sixth Avenue, serves the B/D/F/M.

These stations connect through long passages, so your walking distance to the right platform can matter as much as the ride. Confirm line assignments and overnight changes on the MTA site, and allow extra minutes between the 1/2/3 and A/C/E platforms with bags.

Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River waterfront in DUMBO — Photo: NYCHotelss Editorial Archive

A/C Train From 42 St-Port Authority to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge Station

From 42 St-Port Authority, an A or C train runs down the west side of Manhattan and under the East River to High St-Brooklyn Bridge, the station nearest DUMBO. Many visitors choose it because it needs no transfer from the Eighth Avenue platforms.

Exit toward Cadman Plaza West, then walk downhill about 10 to 15 minutes (estimate) toward Washington and Water Streets, home of the famous bridge-framed viewpoint. The A usually runs express and the C local, so confirm weekend and late-night patterns.

2 and 3 Trains From Times Square to Clark Street and Brooklyn Heights

The 2 and 3 trains run from Times Sq-42 St through Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn, with a stop at Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights. It pairs well with a stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade before you drop toward the water.

From Clark Street the walk to DUMBO is roughly 15 to 20 minutes (estimate), mostly downhill along Henry, Montague or Pineapple Streets. Treat this as the relaxed route, not the fastest, and confirm service on the MTA site because the 2 and 3 change on nights and weekends.

F Train From Bryant Park to York Street in DUMBO

Starting near Sixth Avenue, the F train from 42 St-Bryant Park reaches York Street, on the DUMBO side near Jay Street and Bridge Street. It suits visitors who want to approach Brooklyn Bridge Park from the east.

The York Street exit can feel quiet compared with Midtown, so plan your waterfront route before you arrive. Expect roughly 10 minutes of walking (estimate) to Washington Street. Station entrances, elevator status and F patterns change, so confirm them with the MTA first.

An orange Staten Island Ferry boat docked in New York Harbor — Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge From City Hall Station on the 4, 5 and 6

Many travelers combine the ride with the bridge itself. Take a 4, 5 or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, climb to the Manhattan entrance near Centre and Chambers Streets, and walk the pedestrian promenade to Brooklyn. Crossing takes roughly 25 to 40 minutes at sightseeing pace (estimate).

The promenade is shared with cyclists and crowded at midday, so go early or near sunset. From Times Square you can reach City Hall by transferring from the 7 or the N/Q/R/W, but confirm every transfer and service change before you rely on it.

Travel Time, OMNY Fare and Walking Distance Estimates

As a planning estimate, expect 25 to 40 minutes underground plus 10 to 20 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 before you budget. Transfers within the subway are generally included, but verify that for your itinerary.

Add a buffer for weekend track work, which commonly reroutes the A/C, F and 2/3. Check the MTA service-status page the morning you travel and again before returning, and confirm the last convenient trains before planning a late dinner in Brooklyn.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Times Square to DUMBO Subway Route

Short answers help when you are standing on a platform with a map. The details below are planning guidance, so verify live service, fares and station access with the MTA before you go. Weekend and overnight changes are the most common reason a simple trip becomes a detour.

If unsure, start with the A/C from 42 St-Port Authority to High St-Brooklyn Bridge, then walk down to Washington Street. Keep the 2/3 and F as backups, and treat every ride-time estimate here as approximate.

What is the fastest way from Times Square to DUMBO?

The A or C from 42 St-Port Authority to High St-Brooklyn Bridge is usually simplest, often 25 to 40 minutes plus a short walk (estimate). Confirm service with the MTA.

Which station is closest to the waterfront?

High St-Brooklyn Bridge (A/C) and York St (F) are common choices, each leaving roughly 10 to 15 minutes of walking (estimate). Confirm entrances first.

Can I walk back across the Brooklyn Bridge?

Yes. Many visitors walk to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall and take a 4, 5 or 6 train back toward Times Square. Confirm transfers and allow extra time.

Keep reading

Brooklyn & Williamsburg Guide · Best Hotels Near Brooklyn Bridge Park & DUMBO Cobblestone Waterfront · 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge · Brooklyn Bridge Walk · DUMBO Hotels in Brooklyn · 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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