Times Square to NYU (Washington Square) by subway
Quick answer: Take a downtown R or W train from Times Sq-42 St to 8 St-NYU. The trip takes about 22 minutes door to door on a weekday. The R or W train comes about every 4 minutes during the day. The R or W train doesn't run from Times Sq-42 St to 8 St-NYU between about 1 and 5 am; then the trip uses another line.
Times Square to NYU (Washington Square)
- R / W
- Walk 5 minto Times Sq-42 St
- R / W R or W trainFrom Times Sq-42 St, downtown5 stops, about 8 min
- Get off at 8 St-NYU
- NYU (Washington Square)Walk about 8 min
Weekdays, fall 2026 MTA schedule · First and last trips
Step by step
- Walk about 5 minutes from Times Square to Times Sq-42 St.
- Take a downtown R or W train from Times Sq-42 St to 8 St-NYU. It's 5 stops, about 8 minutes.
- From 8 St-NYU, walk about 8 minutes to NYU (Washington Square).
Other ways to go
- Take a downtown B or D train from 42 St-Bryant Pk to W 4 St-Wash Sq: about 22 minutes.
- Take a downtown A, C or E train from 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal to W 4 St-Wash Sq: about 22 minutes.
Which one is faster depends on when you leave. Cobblehop compares them with live times.
Times and frequency
From the MTA's fall 2026 schedule. Typical trip is the door to door time in the middle of the day.
| Day | First trip | Last trip | Typical trip | R or W train in the daytime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | Around the clock (another line late at night) | 22 min | About every 4 minutes | |
| Saturday | Around the clock (another line late at night) | 21 min | About every 12 minutes | |
| Sunday | Around the clock (another line late at night) | 21 min | About every 12 minutes | |
Late at night
This trip works around the clock. Between about 1 and 5 am the trip takes about 22 minutes. No W service late nights (about 1 to 5 am): GTFS has no W trips then on weeknights. Cobblehop routes you on another line then.
Tips for this trip
- Take the first train that comes. The R and W trains all stop at both Times Sq-42 St and 8 St-NYU.
- Know your stop. Get ready after 14 St-Union Sq. The next stop is 8 St-NYU. Start a live trip in Cobblehop and it alerts you before your stop.
- NYU buildings are on the streets around Washington Square Park, in Greenwich Village. (source, checked 2026-11-04)
Step-free access
For the subway part of this trip: Times Sq-42 St/Port Authority Bus Terminal (R platform) is on the MTA's list of accessible stations; 8 St-NYU (R platform) is not on the MTA's list of accessible stations. Elevators can be out of service, so check elevator status on mta.info before you go.
What it costs
- Subway and local bus: $3 per ride with OMNY (tap a contactless card or phone) or a MetroCard. One transfer within 2 hours to the subway or a local bus is included.
Fares as of November 2026. Check the official fares page before you ride.
Times Square to NYU (Washington Square): common questions
How do I get from Times Square to NYU (Washington Square) by public transit?
Take a downtown R or W train from Times Sq-42 St to 8 St-NYU.
How long does it take?
About 22 minutes door to door on a weekday. On weekends it's about 21 minutes.
Do I have to change?
No. The R or W train goes all the way.
Does it run all night?
This trip works around the clock. Between about 1 and 5 am the trip takes about 22 minutes. No W service late nights (about 1 to 5 am): GTFS has no W trips then on weeknights. Cobblehop routes you on another line then.
How much does it cost?
Subway and local bus: $3 per ride with OMNY (tap a contactless card or phone) or a MetroCard. One transfer within 2 hours to the subway or a local bus is included.
Related routes
- Times Square to JFK Airport
- Times Square to LaGuardia Airport
- Times Square to 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum to NYU (Washington Square)
- Central Park to NYU (Washington Square)
- Brooklyn Bridge (Manhattan side) to NYU (Washington Square)
- All New York routes
Sources
Cobblehop is independent. It is not affiliated with the MTA or any transit agency. Schedules on this page come from the MTA's public GTFS data; check these pages for the latest service:
- MTA: developer data (the GTFS schedules used on this page)
- MTA: subway and bus fares
- MTA subway stations, with accessibility (data.ny.gov)
- NYU (Washington Square): visitor information
- Times Square: visitor information
Transit data: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Cobblehop is not affiliated with or endorsed by the MTA.
Published November 7, 2026. Times were computed from the MTA fall 2026 schedules for 2026-11-18 (weekday), 2026-11-21 and 2026-11-22. Planned work and holidays change service, so check Cobblehop for live times before you go.
Leaving now? Cobblehop gives you one clear plan with live times and alerts you before your stop.