Route Q3 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
Looking for the Q3 bus schedule? The MTA Q3 is a New York City local bus serving Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, and John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens.
The route travels primarily via Hillside Avenue and Farmers Boulevard, connecting the temporary 168th Street Jamaica Bus Terminal with JFK Airport Terminal 8 and Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station.
Find actual Q3 departure times, major stops, 24-hour service information, the $3.00 local bus fare, airport terminal connections, real-time bus arrivals, and practical tips for travelers and airport workers.
Q3 Bus Schedule: Quick Answer
The Q3 operates between Jamaica and JFK Airport via Farmers Boulevard and Hillside Avenue. It runs 24 hours a day, with different frequencies during daytime, evening, and overnight periods.
MTA New York City Transit
24 hours, 7 days a week
$3.00 per adult local bus ride
168th Street Interim Bus Terminal
JFK Terminal 8 and Lefferts AirTrain
Information reviewed: October 9, 2026. The MTA Q3 timetable available during this review is labeled effective September 6, 2026.
Q3 Bus Rider Guide
Q3 to JFK Airport vs Q3 to Jamaica
Starts at the 168th Street Jamaica Bus Terminal and travels along Hillside Avenue, Hollis, Farmers Boulevard, North Boundary Road, the JFK cargo area, Terminal 8, and Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station.
See JFK-bound departuresStarts at Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station and travels through the JFK airport service roads, Farmers Boulevard, Hollis and Hillside Avenue before reaching Jamaica.
See Jamaica-bound departuresQ3 Bus Schedule from Jamaica to JFK Airport
The following are selected weekday morning timetable examples from MTA’s current Q3 PDF. They illustrate scheduled departures from the 168th Street Jamaica Bus Terminal to JFK Terminal 8 and Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station.
| Jamaica Terminal | Farmers Blvd / 113 Av | Farmers Blvd / Rockaway Blvd | JFK Terminal 8 | Lefferts AirTrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:10 AM | 4:27 AM | 4:35 AM | 4:53 AM | 5:04 AM |
| 4:34 AM | 4:51 AM | 4:59 AM | 5:17 AM | 5:29 AM |
| 4:58 AM | 5:16 AM | 5:25 AM | 5:44 AM | 5:56 AM |
| 5:10 AM | 5:28 AM | 5:37 AM | 5:56 AM | 6:08 AM |
| 5:34 AM | 5:52 AM | 6:01 AM | 6:20 AM | 6:32 AM |
| 5:58 AM | 6:16 AM | 6:25 AM | 6:44 AM | 6:56 AM |
| 6:10 AM | 6:28 AM | 6:37 AM | 6:56 AM | 7:08 AM |
| 6:22 AM | 6:40 AM | 6:49 AM | 7:08 AM | 7:22 AM |
These examples are not the complete timetable. The official MTA schedule contains additional trips, including overnight departures, daytime service, school-day trips, and separate weekend schedules.
Q3 Bus Schedule: Lefferts AirTrain to Jamaica
The Jamaica-bound Q3 starts at Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station and passes through the airport service area before traveling along Farmers Boulevard and Hillside Avenue.
The following are selected weekday morning departures from the official MTA timetable.
| Lefferts AirTrain | Farmers / Rockaway | Farmers / Merrick | Woodhull / Jamaica | Jamaica Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:20 AM | 9:42 AM | 9:52 AM | 10:10 AM | 10:24 AM |
| 9:30 AM | 9:52 AM | 10:02 AM | 10:20 AM | 10:34 AM |
| 9:40 AM | 10:02 AM | 10:12 AM | 10:30 AM | 10:44 AM |
| 9:50 AM | 10:12 AM | 10:22 AM | 10:40 AM | 10:54 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 10:22 AM | 10:32 AM | 10:50 AM | 11:04 AM |
| 10:10 AM | 10:32 AM | 10:42 AM | 11:00 AM | 11:14 AM |
Does the Q3 Bus Run 24 Hours?
Yes. The Q3 provides 24-hour bus service between Jamaica and JFK Airport on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The route does not run at the same frequency at every hour. Overnight buses are less frequent than daytime buses, so airport workers and passengers traveling late at night should check their exact departure carefully.
Selected daytime timetable periods show frequent service. Actual intervals vary by direction and time.
Separate Saturday departure table, including overnight service.
Separate Sunday timetable with different daytime and overnight intervals.
Some scheduled gaps can be around 30 minutes or longer. Verify your exact stop and date.
Examples of weekend departures toward JFK Airport
| Service day | Jamaica departure | JFK Terminal 8 | Lefferts AirTrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 12:10 AM | 12:56 AM | 1:07 AM |
| Saturday | 12:40 AM | 1:20 AM | 1:30 AM |
| Sunday | 12:10 AM | 12:55 AM | 1:06 AM |
| Sunday | 12:40 AM | 1:23 AM | 1:33 AM |
The examples show that overnight travel is possible, but you should not assume that a bus arrives every ten minutes after midnight.
Q3 holiday schedules
MTA’s published Q3 timetable identifies different service-day patterns for holidays, including Sunday schedules for several major holidays, Saturday schedules for some others, and reduced weekday service around selected holidays.
How to Use the Q3 Bus to Reach JFK Airport
The Q3 is especially useful for riders along the Farmers Boulevard corridor, airport employees, and passengers who want a local bus connection to JFK.
Which JFK terminals does the Q3 serve?
The MTA’s current stop list includes JFK Airport/Terminal 8 and Lefferts Boulevard/AirTrain Station.
The Q3 should not be confused with a bus that calls at the front of every JFK passenger terminal.
JFK Terminal 8 is listed as a stop in the airport-bound Q3 stop sequence. Check the current boarding/drop-off location and airport construction notices before travel.
Use Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station to connect with the on-airport AirTrain network for Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8, subject to active construction and AirTrain advisories.
The Q3 also serves North Boundary Road, the cargo area, and several JFK building locations. Select the correct workplace stop rather than traveling unnecessarily to a passenger terminal.
Step-by-step: Jamaica Bus Terminal to JFK Airport
Go to the interim Q3 boarding location on 168th Street, near 90th Avenue.
Look for the destination sign showing JFK Airport via Farmers Boulevard.
Tap an eligible contactless card, smartphone, or OMNY Card at the reader.
Travel through Hillside Avenue, Hollis, Farmers Boulevard, and the airport approach.
For Terminal 8, check the Terminal 8 stop. For other terminals, use Lefferts AirTrain.
Follow airport signage and check the current AirTrain/shuttle service for your terminal.
Q3 bus vs AirTrain from Jamaica
| Option | Best for | Fare information | Key detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 bus | Farmers Boulevard, airport employees, local Jamaica trips. | $3.00 regular MTA local bus fare. | Travels through local streets and the airport service-road corridor. |
| AirTrain from Jamaica Station | Rail/subway/LIRR passengers transferring to the airport. | JFK Airport lists an $8.75 one-way AirTrain fare for the Jamaica/Howard Beach fare-gate segment. | Separate AirTrain fare applies at the paid entry/exit; additional subway or LIRR fares may apply. |
| Q3 + AirTrain at Lefferts | Q3 riders going to other passenger terminals. | Q3 fare, followed by free on-airport AirTrain travel. | Check current AirTrain operations and airport construction advisories. |
Q3 Bus Fare: Ticket Price and Payment Options
The Q3 is a regular New York City local bus. Its standard fare is the MTA local bus fare, not an express bus fare.
The MTA’s standard subway and local bus base fare effective January 4, 2026.
For qualifying seniors and people with disabilities through the MTA’s reduced-fare program.
Eligible subway and local bus riders using the same OMNY payment method are capped at $35 within seven days.
Up to three children under 44 inches may ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
*Child fare policy is subject to the MTA’s published conditions.
How to pay on the Q3 bus
Tap an eligible contactless credit or debit card on the OMNY reader at the front door.
Tap a supported digital wallet or wearable device. Use the same payment method for transfers and fare capping.
Buy and load an OMNY Card at a participating vending machine or retailer, then tap it when boarding.
Are transfers free?
MTA provides one eligible free transfer within two hours between subway and local bus, bus and subway, or bus and bus. Use the same card or device for both parts of the journey.
Can you pay cash?
MTA’s current fare page says exact-change coins are still accepted on local buses during the MetroCard-to-OMNY transition. It also warns that coin and MetroCard acceptance will end together during 2026 on a date to be announced.
For the most reliable payment experience, use contactless payment or an OMNY Card and check the current MTA fare notice before traveling.
Q3 Bus Stops: Jamaica to JFK Airport
The Q3 operates along Hillside Avenue, Hollis Avenue, Farmers Boulevard, North Boundary Road, and internal JFK Airport roads.
The following diagrams show selected major stops and areas, not every stop in the official stop list.
Q3 airport-bound corridor
Selected official airport-bound stops
| Stop or area | Why it matters | Boarding guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 168 St / Jamaica Bus Terminal | Main Jamaica origin and transfer point. | Use the temporary 168th Street terminal. |
| Hillside Av / 179 St | Subway-area connection in Jamaica. | Check the correct direction and street-side stop. |
| Hillside Av / 187 St | Queens neighborhood boarding point. | Use MTA Bus Time for the exact stop. |
| Farmers Blvd / Liberty Av | Local St. Albans/Farmers Boulevard connection. | Confirm the current stop designation. |
| Farmers Blvd / Linden Blvd | Major local intersection and route timepoint area. | Allow time to reach the correct corner. |
| Farmers Blvd / Rockaway Blvd | Airport approach and bus connection area. | Check the stop direction before crossing. |
| North Boundary Rd / Federal Express | JFK airport cargo and employment area. | Confirm the precise building and stop. |
| JFK Airport / Terminal 8 | Terminal 8 airport-bound stop. | Confirm airport construction and pickup arrangements. |
| Lefferts Blvd / AirTrain Station | AirTrain transfer and Jamaica-bound Q3 terminal. | Use on-airport AirTrain for other terminals. |
Airport transfer diagram
Conceptual Q3-to-AirTrain connection. It is not geographically scaled and does not show all airport roads or AirTrain stops.
Where Does the Q3 Bus Start in Jamaica?
The Q3’s Jamaica terminal is the 168th Street Interim Bus Terminal, near 90th Avenue, Queens.
The MTA moved the Q3 and several other Jamaica-area routes from the former 165th Street terminal to the new temporary terminal beginning June 1, 2025.
168th Street near 90th Avenue; approximately 90-01 168th Street, Jamaica, Queens.
169th Street station on the F line is within walking distance. Follow current station and terminal signs.
The interim terminal serves several MTA and NICE bus routes. Confirm your Q3 boarding position inside the temporary facility.
Q3 Scheduled Time vs Live Bus Arrival
Scheduled time is the published departure in the MTA Q3 timetable. Live arrival is a changing prediction based on vehicle location and real-time information when available.
The Q3 uses public roads, busy intersections, and internal JFK Airport roads. Traffic, construction, detours, weather, and airport roadway changes can affect the actual arrival.
Use the official MTA Bus Time website or MTA app.
Enter Q3 in the route search and open the correct bus.
Choose Jamaica Bus Terminal or JFK Airport via Farmers Boulevard.
Find your intersection, stop name, or stop code in the official list.
Review the predicted arrival and any current route notices.
Q3 Bus Service Alerts and JFK Airport Construction
JFK Airport is undergoing major redevelopment. Construction and temporary roadway patterns can affect vehicles traveling near the passenger terminals and cargo area.
MTA Bus Time has carried notices about temporary Q3 detours around Pan Am Road and 130th Place. Some notices indicate that stop service is preserved even when the bus takes extra turns.
JFK Airport publishes planned AirTrain outages and replacement shuttle arrangements. These can matter if you intend to transfer from the Q3 at Lefferts Boulevard.
Airport roadway and terminal-frontage arrangements may change. Check JFK alerts when traveling with luggage or making a flight connection.
Q3 Accessibility, Wheelchair Boarding and Reduced Fares
New York City Transit operates accessible bus service, but you should also check the accessibility of the exact boarding stop and any connecting airport station.
Check ramps, wheelchair spaces, priority seating, and boarding assistance on the operating vehicle.
Check AirTrain station elevators, ramps, and temporary shuttle arrangements if connecting between terminals.
Qualifying seniors and riders with disabilities can use MTA’s reduced-fare program, subject to eligibility rules.
Temporary construction or sidewalk changes can affect boarding access. Confirm current stop conditions before travel.
How Long Does the Q3 Bus Take?
The scheduled ride time depends on the direction and time of day. The complete journey between Jamaica and Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station can take around one hour in selected timetable examples.
Example: 5:10 AM departure from Jamaica reaches Terminal 8 at 5:56 AM on the selected weekday timetable.
Example: 5:10 AM Jamaica departure reaches Lefferts Boulevard at 6:08 AM.
Example: 9:20 AM Lefferts departure reaches Jamaica at 10:24 AM.
Q3 Bus Boarding Checklist
- Check whether you need JFK-bound or Jamaica-bound Q3.
- Use the 168th Street interim Jamaica terminal, not the old 165th Street facility.
- Choose the correct weekday, Saturday, Sunday, or holiday schedule.
- Find your exact stop and street-side boarding location.
- Confirm the $3.00 regular local bus fare or applicable reduced fare.
- Prepare your OMNY card or contactless payment device.
- Check MTA Bus Time shortly before leaving.
- Verify whether your journey requires an AirTrain connection.
- Review airport construction and AirTrain advisories.
- Allow additional time for flights and airport transfers.
- Confirm your return Q3 stop at Lefferts Boulevard.
- Check overnight departure gaps if traveling late.
What If the Q3 Bus Is Late, Missing, or Going the Wrong Way?
Check the published Q3 timetable and any active service alerts. Missing live location data does not automatically mean the trip has been canceled.
Make sure you are at the 168th Street Interim Bus Terminal. The former 165th Street terminal was closed for redevelopment.
Q3 does not serve every airline terminal curb directly. Use the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain connection when required.
Airport-road construction may alter the path. Check the MTA detour message, especially if you need a cargo-area or workplace stop.
Overnight service is less frequent. Verify the next departure before leaving a safe indoor location.
Look for the airport’s official replacement-shuttle instructions and allow extra travel time.
Q3 Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the Q3 bus schedule?
The MTA Q3 operates between the 168th Street Jamaica Bus Terminal and JFK Airport via Hillside Avenue and Farmers Boulevard. It runs 24 hours a day, with separate weekday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday timetables.
Does the Q3 bus run 24 hours?
Yes. Q3 service operates around the clock. Overnight trips are less frequent than many daytime trips, so check your exact departure.
How much is the Q3 bus fare in 2026?
The regular MTA local bus fare is $3.00. Qualifying reduced-fare passengers pay $1.50, and eligible OMNY riders have a $35 rolling seven-day cap for subway and local bus fares.
Does the Q3 bus go to JFK Terminal 8?
Yes. JFK Airport/Terminal 8 appears in the airport-bound Q3 stop list before Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station.
Does the Q3 go directly to JFK Terminal 4 or Terminal 5?
The Q3 does not provide a direct stop at every JFK passenger terminal. For terminals not served directly, use the free on-airport AirTrain connection at Lefferts Boulevard, subject to service advisories.
Where do I catch the Q3 bus in Jamaica?
Use the 168th Street Interim Bus Terminal near 90th Avenue. The old 165th Street Jamaica Bus Terminal was closed in June 2025 for redevelopment.
How long does the Q3 take from Jamaica to JFK?
Travel time varies by destination and traffic. One scheduled weekday example shows 46 minutes from Jamaica to JFK Terminal 8 and 58 minutes from Jamaica to Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station.
Does the Q3 bus run on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes. The Q3 operates on both Saturday and Sunday, including overnight service. Weekend departure times and intervals differ from weekdays.
How do I track the Q3 bus?
Open MTA Bus Time, search Q3, choose the Jamaica-bound or JFK-bound direction, and select your exact bus stop. Real-time predictions are available where vehicle-location data is working.
Is the AirTrain free when transferring from the Q3?
AirTrain travel within the JFK Airport system, including from Lefferts Boulevard to the passenger terminals, is free. Travel entering or leaving through the fare gates at Jamaica or Howard Beach carries a separate AirTrain fare.
Can I transfer from the subway to the Q3 for free?
MTA offers one eligible free subway-to-bus, bus-to-subway, or bus-to-bus transfer within two hours when you use the same qualifying payment method.
What is the difference between Q3 and Q10/Q80?
Q3 serves Jamaica, Hillside Avenue, Farmers Boulevard, and JFK Airport. Q10 and Q80 use the Lefferts Boulevard corridor and provide different connections. Check their current maps before choosing an airport route.
Q3 Bus Schedule, Fare, Map and Airport Sources
The following official resources are provided so riders can verify current schedules, live arrivals, fares, service changes, and JFK Airport transfer conditions.
Current Q3 weekday, Saturday, Sunday, overnight timepoints, route map, fare instructions, and holiday schedule notes.
Open Q3 TimetableCurrent airport-bound and Jamaica-bound stop lists, vehicle predictions, and route-specific service alerts.
Open Live Q3 Bus Time2026 local bus fare, OMNY contactless payment, free transfers, weekly fare cap, and reduced-fare policies.
Open MTA Fare InformationOfficial explanation of the move from the old 165th Street terminal to the temporary 168th Street facility.
Open Terminal Relocation GuideQ3 stop changes, route adjustments, and planned operating-frequency information from the Queens Bus Network Redesign.
Open Queens Bus RedesignLefferts Boulevard connections, free on-airport AirTrain rides, airport terminal transportation, and separate paid Jamaica/Howard Beach travel.
Open JFK AirTrain GuideConstruction, airport roadway changes, AirTrain closures, and replacement shuttle information.
Open JFK Airport AlertsOfficial disruptions, stop changes, detours, and scheduled service adjustments.
Open MTA Service Changes