New York Subway information?

Hi. Right now I am at 116 st & Broadway (Columbia University). I need to get to 8th Avenue & 42nd Street. By looking in the MTA I arrive at 42 st (Times Squares) and walk. But when I looked at google maps for directions, they told me to arrive at 59 st, then walk to Columbus Circle and then take the subway to A to 42 st. Which one is better? Thanks!