Route Q8 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
Q8 bus schedule refers to the MTA Bus Company local route between Gateway Mall / East New York and Jamaica via 101 Avenue. The route is useful for trips between Gateway Center, Spring Creek, East New York, Ozone Park/Richmond Hill, Sutphin-Archer, and Jamaica Bus Terminal.
This upgraded guide explains official Q8 times, first and last bus guidance, service span, major stops, OMNY fare, exact-change rules, live bus arrivals, service alerts, route redesign stop changes, accessibility checks, and practical rider tips.
What Is the Q8 Bus?
The Q8 is an MTA local bus route running between Gateway Center Terminal / Gateway Dr and 168 St / Jamaica Bus Terminal. It uses the 101 Avenue corridor and connects riders to Jamaica, Sutphin-Archer, Euclid Avenue, East New York, Spring Creek, and Gateway Center.
Choose Jamaica-bound, Spring Creek/Gateway-bound, or a short-turn if shown.
Use MTA Bus Time or the MTA app for your exact stop.
The PDF lists key stops, not every local Q8 stop.
Use OMNY, accepted fare media, or exact change.
Traffic, weather, and alerts can change arrival times.
Q8 Bus Schedule Guide
How to Check the Official Q8 Schedule
Use the Q8 PDF for planned timepoints, then use live tools for your exact stop. This avoids the biggest mistake: reading a timepoint as if it were your stop’s exact arrival time.
Open the official MTA Q8 schedule.
Use the newest schedule, not an old screenshot or saved PDF.
Use “to Jamaica” or “to Spring Creek / Gateway Center.”
Choose the closest listed timepoint before your stop.
Use MTA Bus Time before leaving.
Q8 Bus Schedule Snapshot
The official Q8 timetable is marked Effective June 28, 2026. The route has weekday, Saturday, and Sunday tables, and holiday service can run on Sunday, Saturday, reduced weekday, or normal weekday schedules depending on the holiday.
| Schedule item | Official Q8 detail | Why it matters | Best rider action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official route name | Q8 Gateway Mall / East NY – Jamaica via 101 Av. | This confirms the correct route and prevents mixing it with nearby Queens/Brooklyn buses. | Search for Q8 and verify “101 Av” in the official source. |
| Operator | MTA Bus Company. | Fare, alerts, live arrivals, accessibility, and complaints should be checked through MTA tools. | Use MTA Bus Time, OMNY, and MTA alerts. |
| Weekday service span | Published span clue: about 4:30 AM to 12:25 AM. | Your exact first or last bus depends on direction and stop. | Check your actual stop in Bus Time for the first/last trip. |
| Saturday service span | Published span clue: about 5:15 AM to 12:25 AM. | Weekend starts and spacing can differ from weekdays. | Use the Saturday table, not weekday times. |
| Sunday service span | Published span clue: about 5:25 AM to 12:25 AM. | Sunday morning service is not the same as weekday morning service. | Use the Sunday table and check alerts. |
| Jamaica-bound direction | Gateway Center Terminal / Gateway Dr toward 168 St / Jamaica Bus Terminal. | This direction serves 101 Av, Sutphin / Archer, and Jamaica terminal stops. | Board only if the headsign says Jamaica Bus Terminal via 101 Av. |
| Spring Creek-bound direction | 168 St / Jamaica Bus Terminal toward Gateway Center Terminal / Gateway Dr. | The return stop may be across the road or at a different terminal stand. | Check for Spring Creek Gateway Mall via 101 Av. |
| Approximate ride time | Many end-to-end examples fall roughly in the 35-70 minute range depending on traffic, direction, and time of day. | Jamaica, 101 Avenue, East New York, and Gateway Center traffic can change the ride. | Use the trip planner for your exact origin and destination. |
Q8 Bus Fare: OMNY, Exact Change, Transfers and Fare Cap
The Q8 is an MTA local bus, so the standard New York City local bus fare applies. Fare rules can change, so verify on the official OMNY/MTA fare page before riding.
Use OMNY, a contactless card, phone wallet, wearable, OMNY Card, or other accepted MTA fare media.
Reduced fares are available for eligible seniors and people with qualifying disabilities.
Children under 44 inches tall ride free when accompanied by an adult.
Use the same card, phone, wearable, or OMNY Card for both legs to keep eligible free-transfer benefits.
Exact change is accepted. Bills, half-dollars, and pennies are not accepted, and change is not provided.
Tap the same OMNY payment method every time to qualify for weekly fare-capping benefits.
Contactless card, phone wallet, OMNY Card, or exact change.
Tap at the OMNY reader near the front door.
Use the same method for bus/subway transfer benefits.
If paying cash and transferring, ask the driver for a paper transfer.
Prepare fare before the Q8 reaches your stop.
Q8 Stops: Gateway Center, 101 Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Sutphin / Archer and Jamaica
The Q8 has many local stops. The official timetable highlights key timepoints, while the Queens Bus Network changes include kept, removed, and new stop locations. Always check the current stop ID in MTA Bus Time before travel.
Q8 Headsigns You May See
The route can show different destination text depending on direction and trip pattern. Read the headsign before boarding, especially around Jamaica, Euclid Avenue, and Gateway Center.
| Headsign / direction | What it means | Boarding advice |
|---|---|---|
| Q8 to Jamaica Bus Terminal via 101 Av | The bus is heading east/northeast toward Jamaica and 168 St terminal area. | Use this for Sutphin / Archer, Jamaica connections, E/J/Z, LIRR, and AirTrain-area transfers. |
| Q8 to Spring Creek Gateway Mall via 101 Av | The bus is heading toward East New York / Spring Creek / Gateway Center. | Use this for Gateway Center, Erskine, Seaview, Fountain, and nearby Brooklyn transfer points. |
| Q8 to East New York Euclid Av Sta via 101 Av | This may be a shorter trip that does not continue to Gateway Center. | Do not board for Gateway Center unless the live tool confirms your bus goes that far. |
Example Terminal Map: 168 St / Jamaica Bus Terminal
This map is included as a practical terminal reference for the Jamaica side of the Q8. Use it for walking orientation only. The final boarding stop, stop ID, bus bay, and live arrival should always come from MTA Bus Time or the MTA app.
- Search Q8, not only “bus near me.”
- Confirm Jamaica-bound, Spring Creek-bound, or short-turn destination.
- Check the exact stop ID before walking.
- Use MTA Bus Time for live arrivals, not only Google Maps.
Q8 Scheduled Time vs Live Arrival
Scheduled time is the planned timetable. Live arrival is a same-day estimate based on real-time vehicle information where available. Traffic, weather, construction, detours, road conditions, missed trips, and terminal delays can change the Q8 live arrival.
Go to MTA Bus Time or open the MTA app.
Use route Q8 and confirm the correct direction.
Use stop name, stop ID, map pin, or nearby intersection.
Check whether the arrival is live, scheduled, delayed, or not currently running.
Refresh before leaving because predictions can change quickly.
Check Q8 Alerts Before You Leave
Q8 service alerts can affect stops, routing, terminal boarding, transfer points, and running time. This is especially important after Queens Bus Network changes and around Jamaica, 101 Avenue, Pitkin Avenue, Fountain Avenue, and Gateway Center.
| Q8 issue | What can happen | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Jamaica terminal movement | Your boarding location may be different from an older map or saved stop. | MTA Bus Time stop ID, direction arrow, and active terminal stop. |
| 101 Av stop changes | Older stops may be removed or spaced differently for speed and reliability. | Current stop list, route signs, and Bus Time active stop results. |
| Gateway Center delays | Mall traffic and terminal movement can change departure reliability. | Live arrivals at Gateway Center Terminal / Gateway Dr. |
| Subway transfer timing | Missing one Q8 can affect A/C, E/J/Z, LIRR, or AirTrain connections. | Trip planner with transfer buffer and live subway status. |
Q8 Accessibility Details to Check
Q8 accessibility depends on both the vehicle and the stop. MTA buses are designed for accessible boarding, but a specific sidewalk, curb, bus stop, or temporary detour area may still create a practical barrier.
Q8 Tips That Save Time
Q8 Boarding Checklist
- Confirm you need the Q8, not Q7, Q9, Q10, Q112, B13, B14, B15, B20, B83, or B84.
- Choose the correct direction: Jamaica-bound or Spring Creek / Gateway Center-bound.
- Check for any short-turn destination, especially East New York / Euclid Av.
- Open the official MTA Q8 schedule page or PDF.
- Check the schedule effective date before using saved times.
- Use MTA Bus Time or the MTA app for your exact stop ID.
- Check whether your stop was moved, removed, or temporarily closed.
- Prepare OMNY, accepted fare media, or exact change before boarding.
- Use the same OMNY card/device for eligible transfers and fare caps.
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early; use 10-15 minutes at terminals or transfer points.
- Check MTA service alerts shortly before walking to the stop.
- For return trips, verify the last bus from your actual stop, not only the opposite terminal.
- Build extra time for A/C, E/J/Z, LIRR, AirTrain JFK, or bus transfers.
Official Q8 Bus Sources
Use these official or directly relevant MTA/OMNY sources to confirm the latest Q8 schedule, map, stop IDs, live arrivals, service alerts, and fare/payment rules.
Official Q8 schedule PDF for Gateway Mall / East NY – Jamaica via 101 Avenue, including timepoints, service notes, holiday rules, fare notes, and stop information.
Open MTA Q8 scheduleLive or scheduled Q8 arrivals by route, direction, and stop ID.
Open Q8 Bus TimeExplains how the MTA app shows nearby stops, live arrivals, route lines, trip pages, and bus information.
Open MTA app bus helpExplains Queens route updates, removed stops, relocated stops, new connections, and route redesign changes.
Open Queens redesign helpOfficial fare-capping and payment-method information for subway and local bus riders.
Open OMNY faresExplains accepted payment methods, same-payment transfer rules, multiple riders, card/device behavior, and OMNY account help.
Open OMNY FAQCheck current and planned alerts before relying on any Q8 departure time.
Open MTA alertsUse this when you need exact door-to-door travel time with subway, bus, LIRR, AirTrain, or walking transfers.
Open MTA trip plannerQ8 Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the Q8 bus schedule?
The Q8 bus schedule is the MTA Bus Company timetable for local bus service between Gateway Mall / East New York and Jamaica via 101 Avenue.
Where does the Q8 bus go?
The Q8 runs between Gateway Center Terminal and 168 St / Jamaica Bus Terminal, serving areas such as Spring Creek, East New York, Pitkin Avenue, 101 Avenue, Sutphin Boulevard, and Jamaica Avenue.
What is the current Q8 schedule effective date?
The official Q8 timetable reviewed for this guide shows an effective date of June 28, 2026. Always check the MTA page for the newest version before travel.
What time does the Q8 bus start?
The Q8 service-span table shows daily service starting early in the morning, but the first bus depends on the day, direction, and stop. Use the official MTA Q8 PDF or MTA Bus Time for your exact stop.
What time is the last Q8 bus?
The Q8 service-span table shows service into late night, but the last bus depends on the travel day, direction, and stop. Confirm the final Jamaica-bound or Gateway Center-bound trip from your exact stop in MTA Bus Time.
How much is the Q8 bus fare?
The Q8 is a New York City local bus route. The local bus fare is $3.00 for full-fare riders, with reduced fare at half the regular price for eligible customers. Always verify the current fare on MTA or OMNY before riding.
Can I pay cash on the Q8 bus?
Exact change is accepted at the bus farebox. Bills, half-dollars, and pennies are not accepted, and change is not provided. If you need a transfer after paying cash, ask the driver for a paper transfer.
Where can I see live Q8 bus arrivals?
Use MTA Bus Time or the MTA app. Search for Q8, choose the correct direction, select your stop, and check whether the result is real-time or scheduled.
Which subway connections are near the Q8?
Useful Q8 transfer areas include Pitkin Avenue / Euclid Avenue for A/C service and Sutphin Boulevard / Archer Avenue for E/J/Z, LIRR, and AirTrain JFK connections.
How early should I arrive for the Q8 bus?
Arrive 5-10 minutes early for most Q8 stops. Use 10-15 minutes at Jamaica Bus Terminal, Gateway Center Terminal, unfamiliar stops, transfer points, bad weather, or if you still need to prepare fare.
Does every Q8 bus go to Gateway Center?
No. Some live-arrival listings may show a short-turn destination such as East New York / Euclid Av. If you need Gateway Center, confirm the headsign and live trip destination before boarding.
Why did some Q8 stops change?
Queens Bus Network changes included stop removals or relocations to improve speed and reliability. Use the current MTA stop list or Bus Time result instead of old screenshots.