How Far Is Times Square from Empire State Building? Exact Distance Guide

The distance from Times Square to the Empire State Building is about 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers). Walking between the two locations usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Both landmarks are located in Midtown Manhattan, making the route easy, direct, and popular among tourists exploring New York City.

Introduction

Did you know that two of New York City’s most iconic landmarks are so close you can walk between them in under 20 minutes?

How far is Times Square from Empire State Building? The straight-line distance is just about 0.8 miles (1.3 km). By foot, you’re looking at roughly 15 to 20 minutes. By car, it can take longer — thanks to Manhattan’s infamous traffic.

Whether you’re planning your first NYC trip or optimizing a tight itinerary, this guide gives you exact distances, travel times, and tips for every way to get between these two landmarks.

Travel The World Today guides you at every stage of your journey.

Quick Answer: Exact Distance from Times Square to Empire State Building

Here’s what you need to know at a glance:

Travel Method	Distance	Estimated Time
Walking	~1 mile (1.6 km) via streets	15–20 minutes
By Car/Taxi/Uber	~1 mile (traffic-dependent)	8–20 minutes
Subway (N/Q/R/W or B/D/F/M)	~1.3 miles via transit	10–15 minutes
Bus (M4, M5, M7)	~1 mile along route	15–25 minutes
Straight-line (as the crow flies)	~0.8 miles (1.3 km)	—

Key takeaway: Walking is almost always the fastest and most scenic option between these two landmarks.

How Far Is the Empire State Building from Times Square Walking?

Walking is the best way to travel between these two icons. The route is simple, flat, and filled with things to see.

The Walking Route

Start at Times Square (42nd Street and Broadway). Walk south on 7th Avenue or Broadway. Turn left (east) on 34th Street. You’ll arrive at the Empire State Building at 350 5th Avenue in about 15–20 minutes.

The total walking distance is roughly 1 mile (1.6 km). The streets are wide, well-lit, and easy to navigate — even if it’s your first time in Manhattan.

Tips for Walking This Route

• Walk south on 7th Ave for a more direct path.
• 34th Street is easy to find — it’s one of Midtown’s busiest crossroads.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Manhattan sidewalks can be crowded, especially around Times Square.
• Google Maps shows the walk taking 17–19 minutes on average.

“Walking between Times Square and the Empire State Building is one of the best ways to experience Midtown Manhattan. You pass through the heart of the city.” — NYC Travel Insiders

Can You Walk from Empire State Building to Times Square?

Yes, absolutely. The reverse route is just as easy. Walk north on 5th Avenue or Broadway from 34th Street and head up to 42nd Street. The walk takes the same 15–20 minutes.

This direction gives you a great view of Bryant Park and the midtown skyline as you head toward Times Square. It’s a popular tourist route for good reason.

How Far Is Times Square from Empire State Building by Car?

Driving between Times Square and the Empire State Building is short — but traffic can be unpredictable.

Driving Details

• Distance by car: approximately 1 mile
• Estimated drive time: 8 to 20 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Peak hour delays: 15–30 minutes is common during rush hour (8–10 AM and 4–7 PM)

Rideshare & Taxi Tips

• An Uber or Lyft ride between these two points typically costs $10–$18 before surge pricing.
• Yellow cabs are easy to hail anywhere in Midtown.
• Drop-off at the Empire State Building is on 34th Street near 5th Avenue.
• For Times Square drop-offs, aim for 45th Street and Broadway to avoid the most congested blocks.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling outside rush hours, the drive can be as short as 8 minutes. But during peak times, walking is genuinely faster.

How Far Is Times Square from Empire State Building by Bus?

Taking the bus is a budget-friendly option and gives you a street-level view of Midtown.

Bus Options

• M4 and M5 buses run along 5th Avenue/Broadway, connecting the two landmarks.
• M7 bus runs along 7th Avenue, also connecting the area.
• A single bus ride costs $2.90 with a MetroCard or OMNY tap.

Bus Travel Time

• Expect 15–25 minutes by bus.
• Buses run frequently — usually every 5–10 minutes on weekdays.
• Bus stops near Times Square: 42nd St & 7th Ave or 42nd St & 5th Ave
• Bus stops near the Empire State Building: 34th St & 5th Ave

Note: Bus times fluctuate based on traffic. Midday and evenings tend to be faster than morning rush hour.

Subway: A Fast Alternative

If you prefer the subway, you have multiple options.

Subway Routes

1 – 1/2/3 Subway Line:

• Take the 1, 2, or 3 train from 42nd St-Times Square station.
• Travel south to 34th St-Penn Station (two stops).
• Walk east on 34th Street to 5th Avenue — about 8 minutes on foot.
• Total time: 10–15 minutes

2 – B/D/F/M Subway Line:

• Take the B, D, F, or M train from 47-50th Sts Rockefeller Center or 42nd St-Bryant Park.
• Travel to the 34th St-Herald Square station.
• Walk two blocks east to the Empire State Building.
• Total time: 12–18 minutes

3 – N/Q/R/W Subway Line:

• Board at Times Square-42nd Street.
• Exit at 34th St-Herald Square.
• Walk east to 5th Avenue.
• Total time: 10–12 minutes

Subway fare is $2.90 per ride. This is the fastest option if there’s heavy street traffic.

Nearby Landmarks: Putting the Distances in Context

Once you’re in Midtown, you’ll notice that many famous NYC attractions are close together. Here’s a quick reference:

Landmark Pair	Distance	Walk Time
Times Square to Empire State Building	~1 mile	15–20 min
Times Square to Central Park (south entrance)	~0.6 miles	10–12 min
Times Square to Rockefeller Center	~0.5 miles	8–10 min
Empire State Building to Central Park	~1.5 miles	25–30 min
Times Square to Statue of Liberty	~5.5 miles	Not walkable
Empire State Building to Bryant Park	~0.4 miles	7–10 min

How Far Is Times Square from Central Park?

Times Square is about 0.6 miles from the southern entrance of Central Park at 59th Street and 5th Avenue. Walk north on Broadway or 7th Avenue for about 10–12 minutes.

How Far Is Times Square from Rockefeller Center?

Rockefeller Center is just 0.5 miles from Times Square, making it one of the closest major attractions. Walk east along 49th or 50th Street for about 8–10 minutes.

How Far Is Times Square from the Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty is about 5.5 miles from Times Square. You’ll need to take the subway to Whitehall or Bowling Green station, then board the Staten Island Ferry or Liberty Ferry from Battery Park. Plan for 45–60 minutes of travel time total.

How Far Is Empire State Building from Central Park?

Central Park’s southern entrance is approximately 1.5 miles north of the Empire State Building. Walk north on 5th Avenue for about 25–30 minutes, or take the N/Q/R/W uptown from 34th Street.

Best Time to Travel Between These Two Landmarks

Timing your visit matters in NYC. Here’s what to expect:

By Time of Day

• Morning (7–9 AM): Relatively quiet on foot. Heavy subway/car traffic.
• Midday (11 AM–2 PM): Crowded sidewalks but pleasant walking conditions.
• Afternoon (3–6 PM): Peak tourist hours. Walking is still manageable, but it’s busy.
• Evening (after 7 PM): Times Square lights up and is most photogenic. Quieter foot traffic on 34th Street.

By Season

• Spring and Fall are the best seasons for walking in Midtown.
• Summer is hot and humid — bring water and give yourself extra time.
• Winter can be cold and slippery. Allow extra time and dress in layers.

Step-by-Step: How to Walk from Times Square to Empire State Building

Here’s your simple, step-by-step walking guide:

1. Start at Times Square — position yourself at the corner of 42nd Street and 7th Avenue.
2. Walk south on 7th Avenue — keep going straight for about 8 blocks (7th Ave turns into Broadway around 35th Street).
3. Turn left on 34th Street — head east (toward 5th Avenue).
4. Walk east on 34th Street — pass 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), continue two more blocks.
5. Arrive at 350 5th Avenue — the Empire State Building entrance is on 34th Street, between 5th and Madison Avenues.

Total distance: ~1 mile Total time: 15–20 minutes Difficulty: Easy — flat, straight, and well-signposted

Accessibility: Can You Make This Trip Without Walking Much?

If you have mobility concerns or are traveling with young children, here are your best options:

• Subway (34th St-Herald Square or 34th St-Penn Station): Both have elevator access. Check the MTA website for the current accessibility status before your trip.
• Taxi or rideshare: Drop-off directly in front of either landmark. Accessible vehicles are available through Uber Assist and Lyft WAV.
• Bus (M4/M5): Buses have kneeling features and ramp access for wheelchairs.

Both the Empire State Building and Times Square are fully wheelchair accessible at street level.

Suggested Midtown NYC Itinerary Using This Route

Make the most of the distance between these two landmarks:

Morning:

• Start at the Empire State Building — arrive early (before 10 AM) to beat lines.
• Head up to the 86th-floor observation deck for views of Midtown.

Midday:

• Walk north on 5th Avenue toward Bryant Park (5 minutes away).
• Have lunch at one of the park cafés or nearby restaurants on 42nd Street.

Afternoon:

• Walk west toward Times Square (10 minutes from Bryant Park).
• Explore the pedestrian plazas, see the TKTS booth for same-day Broadway deals.
• Check out Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, or simply soak in the energy.

Evening:

• Return to the Empire State Building for the night observation deck.
• The view of Times Square’s lights from the 86th floor at night is unforgettable.

Practical Travel Tips for Getting Around Midtown NYC

• Download the MTA app or Google Maps before your trip. Real-time subway delays are common.
• OMNY contactless payment works on all buses and subways — no MetroCard needed if you have a tap-to-pay card or phone.
• Midtown Manhattan is a grid. Streets run east-west; avenues run north-south. It’s hard to get truly lost.
• Always cross at the crosswalk. NYC pedestrian signals are strictly enforced in tourist areas.
• Avoid the Times Square pedestrian plaza on Saturday evenings if you’re in a rush — it gets extremely crowded.
• 5th Avenue between 34th and 59th Street is one of the world’s most famous shopping streets and a great walking corridor between landmarks.

Key Takeaways

• Times Square to the Empire State Building is approximately 0.8–1 mile, depending on the exact route.
• Walking takes 15–20 minutes and is the most popular way to travel between them.
• Driving takes 8–20 minutes — traffic makes it unpredictable.
• Subway is fastest (10–15 min) when street traffic is heavy.
• Bus is cheapest and scenic but slightly slower (15–25 min).
• Both landmarks are in Midtown Manhattan, making them easy to combine in one day.
• Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park are all within walking distance of this route.

Conclusion

How far is Times Square from Empire State Building? The answer is simple: about 0.8 to 1 mile, and easily covered in under 20 minutes on foot.

Whether you choose to walk, take the subway, hop in a cab, or jump on a bus — getting between these two New York City giants is quick, convenient, and part of the fun of exploring Midtown Manhattan.

This route sits at the center of one of the world’s most exciting cities. Along the way, you’ll pass Bryant Park, Herald Square, Penn Station, and dozens of world-class restaurants and shops.

Travel The World Today is here to guide you through every stage of your adventure — from the moment you land to the moment you check off that last landmark.

Ready to plan your NYC trip? Browse our complete NYC travel guides and start building your perfect itinerary today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How far is Times Square from the Empire State Building in blocks?

Times Square (42nd Street) and the Empire State Building (34th Street) are 8 blocks apart on 7th Avenue/Broadway, plus a short walk east on 34th Street to 5th Avenue. In total, it’s roughly 12–14 city blocks when counting east-west blocks.

Q: Is it safe to walk from Times Square to Empire State Building?

Yes. The route runs through one of the busiest, most heavily patrolled areas in New York City. It is safe during the day and evening. Standard big-city precautions apply — keep your phone in your pocket and be aware of your surroundings.

Q: What is the best subway stop for the Empire State Building?

The closest subway stop is 34th Street-Herald Square (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W lines). From there, walk two blocks east on 34th Street to 5th Avenue.

Q: How long does it take to visit both attractions in one day?

Plan for at least half a day to enjoy both. The Empire State Building observation deck typically takes 1.5–2 hours, including wait time. Times Square is open 24/7 and can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on your interests.

Q: Can I walk from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty?

No — the Statue of Liberty is on an island in New York Harbor, about 5.5 miles from Times Square. You’ll need to take the subway to Lower Manhattan and then board a ferry from Battery Park.

Q: How far is the Empire State Building from Central Park?

The Empire State Building is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the southern edge of Central Park. Walking north on 5th Avenue takes about 25–30 minutes.

Authoritative External Resources

• MTA Subway & Bus Information (anchor text: “Official MTA Trip Planner”) — https://new.mta.info — For real-time subway and bus routes between 42nd Street and 34th Street.
• Empire State Building Official Site (anchor text: “Empire State Building Visitor Guide”) — https://www.esbnyc.com — For tickets, hours, and accessibility information.