New York City

Looks like the Air Train to Jamaica Station, LIRR to Penn Station and then the E to Times Square.

No need to take the LIRR. You can get directly on line E when you get off the Airtrain and go all the way to 42nd Street. This is not right at Times Square, but at the Port Authority. Transfer to line S to go one stop to Times Square. Go to the NY subway site for detailed maps.

Airtrain to Jamaica Station. E train to 42nd St. It's one block to Times Square.

The S train doesn't go to the 42nd St/E train station. (On 8th Ave. )

No need to waste money on the LIRR.

If you don't want to walk, Take the E train to Queens Plaza and transfer to either the R or W train.

If you’re in a time crunch you can take a taxi. There is a fixed price from JFK to midtown; I think it’s $59. Check out Google Maps etc. before getting a taxi to see traffic conditions. The taxi can save you 45 min over the train IF (and that’s a big if) the traffic is cooperative.

Frank is right! No S train. Just walk the (long) block to Times Square.

Taxi is $52 plus surcharges and tolls. Figure somewhere between $58 and $65 depending on time of day and route taken. Either way.

. The taxi can save you 45 min over the train IF (and that’s a big if) the traffic is cooperative.

Seriously, when was the last time you were on the Van Wyck. Traffic is never cooperative.

Actually, I was in NYC in September and made it from the cruise terminal by the Intrepid to JFK in a taxi in just over 35 minutes. So it can be done. :) And this was a Monday morning, no less.

But, that is why I said to definitely check Google Maps before using a taxi to see the traffic. If it's heinous, then public transportation is a better choice. But, if like my situation, it said all was clear, then it can work out well.

Advice from a local:

This is very, very easy. Others upthread already know. Take the Airtrain to Jamaica. Read the signs and listen for the announcement to verify you are getting on the Airtrain that terminates in Jamaica. There is a newsstand before the turnstiles at Jamaica. Buy your metrocard to pay for the Airtrain ($5) and your subway fare ($2.75). If there’s a line, you can use any of the ticket machines but they will add a $1 fee for the Metriocard itself.

Follow signs for the E train which include walking across the elevated platform of the LIRR and taking the elevator to the subway level. Take the E train Manhattan bound to 42 St/Times Square. Then walk one block east to Times Square. It’s not that long of a block. 😉

I wanted to thank everybody for their good advice. I had a great time in NYC bringing in the New Year. I love NYC. Go Hawks!