LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of the three New York City airports, together with John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Newark International.
It's located in the borough of Queens and is the closest airport to Midtown Manhattan (about 8 miles or 13 km away).
As a New Yorker who has traveled a lot in my lifetime, I've used all three NYC airports and as a local tour guide, I've advised my tour guests about the best transport means for their needs.
I am one of the millions of New Yorkers who don't have a car -- it's not really needed here. If anything it's a hassle. Parking is a nightmare!
So I never drive to and from the airport. Instead, I rely on the options in this post.
Below I'll go over using the subway, bus, train, shared shuttle, taxis and Uber to get to Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport (and vice versa).
These options can get you to the other boroughs of NYC from LaGuardia.
In the video below, Katie, my fellow tour guide here at Tours by Foot NYC, walks you through the options.
LaGuardia is considerably smaller than JFK and Newark, and services mostly domestic flights.
For many years it has been considered by many New Yorkers, including me, to be the airport of last resort as it deteriorated.
But a $8 billion renovation of its main terminals has been outrageously successful and I LOVE LaGuardia now.
When I fly domestically, LaGuardia is my preference for a few reasons. One is that there are so many ways to travel to and from the airport.
It's super convenient to get there from my home in Northern Brooklyn. I opt for either an Uber (when I feel like splurging) or the subway/bus combination which is dirt cheap.
Next, the upgraded terminals are modern and have beautiful New York-themed mosaics everywhere.
There's even a colorful water show that looks like an upside-down water fountain.
The best thing about flying in and out of LaGuardia Airport? The views of New York City are unbelievable!
I am dazzled every time, though I've had this view dozens of times.
Just look at the view during one of my flights from LaGuardia!
TIP: For most routes, the left-hand side of the plane gets the views. If you miss the view from the plane, you can get a great view from inside the airport.
Ok! Onto getting to Manhattan from LaGuardia!
What mode of transport you choose will have a lot to do with where you are staying and your budget.
Fortunately, there is a solution for everyone.
- Subway and Public Bus
- Shared Vans + Shuttle Bus
- Discounted Airport Transfers
- Taxi
- Ride Share (Uber)
- Guide to NYC
LAGUARDIA AIRPORT TO TIMES SQUARE BY BUS AND SUBWAY
You can get to and from LaGuardia from any location in New York City entirely via public transportation.
Using public transportation is by far the cheapest option. It is only $2.90.
I don't know too many other airports where you can pay so little to get into the center of town.
Depending on your destination, it can be fast too.
The public transportation option involves a bus and the subway.
You will take either the Q70 Laguardia Link bus or the M60 bus to the subway where you can hop on the subway line you need.
TIP: I recommend using this Google Map to get exact directions and schedules.
The free Q70 "LaGuardia Link" bus to the Subway
This free bus runs between the airport and the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave subway station (ADA accessible) in Queens.
At the station, you can catch the E, M, F, R, and 7 subway lines into Manhattan.
If you are staying in Midtown or Lower Manhattan, this is a great option for you, though there is another one, I'll go over in a bit.
The bus operates 24 hours a day, every 8-10 minutes. Get real-time bus status here.
While I love that it is free, the subway connection isn't so you will have to pay $2.90, which is still incredibly cheap.
It is available only at Terminals B and C. This hasn't been an issue for me since all airlines except Spirit Airlines fly into these terminals.
If you are flying Spirit, it goes into Terminal A and you can use the M60 bus which I go over below.
A perk is that there is plenty of space for luggage.
But keep in mind that when you get on the subway you may not have that much space if it is crowded.
Paying for the Subway
There are two ways to pay your subway fare: using the subway’s tap-to-pay system called OMNY or using a MetroCard.
Here’s a summary.
OMNY tap-to-go, as far as I am concerned, is the greatest invention since sliced bread!
At the turnstile, simply tap your debit or credit card, or smartphone (linked to a credit or debit card) and $2.90 will be deducted.
If you prefer to pay another way, you will need to buy a MetroCard, the yellow plastic cards that are swiped at subway turnstiles.
They can be bought at vending machines inside the airport and at the subway station.
For an in-depth explanation, see our post on MetroCards and OMNY since you will likely ride the subway during your trip.
While you are at it, get a head start on mastering the subway by checking out our post on using the NYC subway system.
LaGuardia Airport To Midtown Manhattan and Times Square
Given the number of hotels in Midtown and in and around Times Square, you may be staying there.
If this is the case, you can take the Q70 bus to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. subway station then hop on the subway.
At the station you can catch the E, M, F, R, and 7 subway lines into Manhattan.
The 7 train runs along 42nd Street, with key stops at Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, and Times Square, then onto Hudson Yards.
The R and N trains run along Broadway stopping at W. 53rd Street, W. 49th Street, Times Square and 34th Street/Herald Square.
The F train runs along 6th Avenue (the eastern side of Times Square), making stops at these key stations in Midtown Manhattan and near Times Square: W. 57th Street, 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Ctr, and Bryant Park.
The E train runs along 8th Avenue (the western edge of Times Square, and has stops at these key stations: 7th Avenue, W. 50th Street, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station.
Use the Google Map to see which line is best for your exact destination.
TIP: There's an alternative way to get to Penn Station that costs a bit more but is faster. See below.
The M60 Bus and Subway to Harlem and Uptown Manhattan
This is the best public transportation option if you are staying in Harlem or elsewhere in Uptown Manhattan above 59th Street, both east and west.
The M60 bus travels from all terminals at LaGuardia to Harlem along 125th Street, a main thoroughfare in Upper Manhattan.
You can get off the bus and connect for free with the subway at these stations:
- Astoria Blvd. for the N and W lines
- 125 St. - Lexington Av. for the 4, 5 or 6 subway lines (ADA-accessible)
- 125 St. - Malcolm X Blvd for the 2 and 3 lines (ADA-accessible)
- 125 St. - Frederick Douglass Blvd for the A, B, C or D lines (ADA-accessible)
- 116 St. - Broadway for the 1 line
See the timetable and real-time status.
Unlike the free Q70, the bus costs $2.90 but includes a free transfer to the subway within two hours of first paying for the bus ride.
A few decades ago I took this route and I really regretted it. The bus moved at a snail's pace along busy 125th Street.
Things have changed big time though. The M60 is no longer a local bus but an express bus called an SBS (Select Bus Service).
I'd be doing you a disservice to not recommend the M60 bus/subway combo.
But I do want to warn you about payment.
To pay for the bus, you have the same two options I explained above, using a MetroCard or the tap-to-pay OMNY payment system.
If you use the OMNY system, just board the bus and tap the reader.
However, if you want to pay for the bus with a MetroCard there is an extra step.
First, you must buy a MetroCard at a vending machine. Then you must use the MetroCard at a different kiosk to get a paper receipt which is used to board the bus.
There is a lot of helpful signage at the airport by the bus stops, so don't fret.
I am not sure why the system is the way it is. But at least the bus is faster than it used to be!
SUMMARY OF BUS/SUBWAY COMBO
- Total Cost: $2.90. Note: If you are buying a new MetroCard, there is a $1 fee for the card. Hold onto that card! It is refillable.
- Travel Time: varies depending on your destination. Plan on 50-90 minutes to get to Midtown Manhattan.
- Pros: The cheapest option by far!
- Cons: If you have a lot of luggage, be prepared to carry it up and down stairs because not all subway stations have escalators or elevators. Also, buses can be crowded at peak hours and traffic conditions can prolong your trip.
For additional information on bus/subway transportation service from LaGuardia, check the MTA official website here.
Laguardia Airport to Penn Station
This is an alternative to taking the E train to Penn Station listed just above.
It costs a bit more but it's a direct route so it's slightly faster.
You'll still take the free Q70 Bus but instead of getting off at the subway station, you'll get off at Woodside Station to catch a Long Island Rail Road train (LIRR).
The LIRR is a commuter train service between Long Island and New York City.
The ride from the airport to Penn Station takes about 45 minutes.
The fare depends on the time of day you are traveling. Click here to see what the fare will be.
Here's why I like this option more than the bus/subway combo besides being faster.
It's a more pleasant ride than the subway. There is more room in the train cars which is great if you have a lot of luggage.
Also, it's predictable! The LIRR runs on a schedule unlike the subway which, while supposedly running on a schedule, sometimes does whatever it wants.
There is one downside though, other than paying a little bit more. The LIRR train from Woodside is much less frequent than the subway.
Plus, the subway operates 24 hours.
I say if your arrival time corresponds well with the LIRR schedule and you don't mind paying the extra cost, take the train rather than the subway.
TIP: If your ride is during off-peak hours, you can buy a special "CityTicket" from Woodside to Penn Station for only $5! Read more here.
SHUTTLE BUS AND SHARED VANS
Uber Shuttle
Brand new for 2025! I am so excited about this!
The Uber Shuttle is an affordable and smooth way to travel to Manhattan without walking up or down stairs!
There are two routes each going to set stops in Midtown Manhattan.
The service operates between 5 am to 11 pm and shuttles run every 30 minutes.
With two routes, there’s a shuttle departing every 15 minutes into Manhattan.
Route 1 goes to Grand Central Terminal (42nd Street and Lexington Avenue) and Port Authority Terminal (42nd Street and 8th Avenue).
Route 2 goes to Penn Station (33rd Street and 7th Avenue).
Tickets cost $18 per person paid through your Uber app. All riders 2 years or older require a ticket.
Each rider can bring one personal item that must fit on their lap or under their seat and one piece of luggage weighing no more than 50 pounds.
You must make a reservation. You can reserve for you and as many as three others up to 7 days before your travel date.
I used the Uber shuttle recently when I flew JetBlue to Florida. The ride from Manhattan to LaGuardia took just 33 minutes!
Sounds too good to be true? There are a few less-than-ideal issues.
Road traffic is an unpredictable factor. While my trip to the airport was fast, my trip back was over an hour.
If you wait until the last minute to reserve a seat, you may find there aren’t any seats.
Since vans hold 14 people, you will eventually get on one.
If you get stuck waiting, LaGuardia is a pretty nice place to have to wait…as far as airports go!
GoAirlink
GoAirLink is a ride-sharing service that offers the door-to-door benefits of a taxi but could be significantly cheaper, depending on the number in your group.
You will be assigned to a van with other passengers heading to the same general area as you.
You can request GoAirLink from the ground transportation desk in the baggage claim area. You can also book online in advance.
- Cost: Depends on your destination from the airport. As a point of reference, the cost from LaGuardia Airport to Grand Central Station Terminal in Midtown Manhattan will cost you between $20-$25 per person.
- Travel Time: Can vary. If you are sharing a full van (11 passengers), you might be the first dropped off or you might be the last.
- Pros: Has the convenience of a taxi but is much cheaper.
- Cons: Can take a very long time. Passengers often have to wait at the airport until there are enough people for a mostly full van, so plan to sit and wait for a bit.
DISCOUNTED AIRPORT TRANSFERS
There are a lot of different ways to save money on airport transfers, but one of the easiest options is to use a New York tourist pass.
Some of these services include either a free transfer to the airport of your choice (LGA or EWR) or a discount on airport transfers.
Currently, the New York Turbopass is the only one offering a free airport transfer.
They also include admission to popular attractions such as the following:
- Radio City Music Hall Tour
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- One World Observatory
- Liberty Helicopter Tour
- Madame Tussauds
- Speed Boat Tour
- And more!
If you're already planning on enjoying any of these activities and you also want a free airport transfer, this discount pass would be a great way to save money on everything.
For more details, check our post covering New York tourist passes.
TAXIS AND PRIVATE VEHICLES
Yellow taxis give you door-to-door service. You can get a taxi at the Taxi Stand outside of Baggage Claim.
While I love Uber, nothing beats walking out of the airport and straight into a cab!
Taxis from LaGuardia are metered rather than charged at a flat rate. As with all taxi rides, the longer the more your ride will cost.
But LaGuardia Airport is just 12 miles from Times Square/Midtown Manhattan so if your destination is near there, your taxi will average $30-$35.
This does NOT include a tip, bridge or tunnel tolls, and surcharges. So really the ride is more like $50.
Naturally, the farther away your Manhattan destination is from the airport, the more you will pay.
As for the amount of time, the ride between LaGuardia and Times Square should take about 30 minutes. and more like 45 to 60 minutes at rush hour.
Here is a summary, but again, costs and time will vary.
- Total Cost: Will vary depending on destination, but usually $30-$40 plus a $5 surcharge. Bridge tolls and tips are not included.
- Travel Time: Again, this will vary depending on location, but probably about 20-30 minutes.
- Pros: Very easy door-to-door travel. This is the most hassle-free option for this airport.
- Cons: Can start to get pricey depending on your destination.
Private Car Service
Hoping to avoid the hassle of taking public transportation? Consider using a private car service.
If considering a private car service, check out Groupon, where you should find several offers for private transfers.
One company, GroundLink, is a black car service that specializes in airport transfers. They'll take you to the airport from anywhere in the city.
Guests are also able to see the cost of the service before requesting it, so there are no surprises when the bill rolls around. They're also incredibly dedicated to timeliness.
If a driver is more than 5 minutes late in picking you up from your destination, then a $75 credit is added to your account.
- Total Cost: This will vary depending on the destination.
- Travel Time: Again, this will vary depending on the destination.
- Pros: Very reliable and easy. If you're already looking into taking a taxi out to the airport, it may be smarter to use a private car service instead, since the costs are competitive.
- Cons: More costly than many of the other options. Also, as with all driving options, there's a chance that you'll run into traffic on your way into Manhattan.
UBER AND OTHER RIDESHARE APPS
You can take Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share apps to and from LaGuardia Airport.
Drivers may pick you up outside of the baggage claim from each terminal.
- Terminal A - outside from Arrivals or Baggage Claim.
- Terminal B - exit from the upper level. Follow the green “Car Services” signs to the blue-covered walkway. On Level 2, please wait for your driver in the designated lane.
- Terminals C and D - head outside on the Departures level.
Read our post on using Uber cars in NYC.
EXPRESS SHUTTLE BUS
CURRENTLY OUT OF SERVICE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
NYC Express Bus is the official bus operator for the NYC Department of Transportation.
You can find the bus at Terminals B, C, and D. Look for the red signs. The bus goes into Manhattan and drops passengers at three locations:
- Grand Central Terminal (corner of 41st Street & Lexington Avenue)
- Times Square / Bryant Park (42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenue)
- Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues)
To all destinations from LaGuardia:
Cost: $16.00 per person (Children 5 and under are free)
Each ticket includes two suitcases and one carry-on bag. More than that and you must pay an additional fee.
Travel Time: Approximately 60 minutes - 2 hours.
Hours of Operation: 7 days a week, 11 am - 7 pm, every hour on the hour.
Pros:
- Reasonable price for a comfortable ride. Children under 5 are free!
- You can book online which saves you time instead of purchasing your ticket at the airport when you arrive.
- With online reservations, you can take any bus on the day of travel and the reservation is good for 90 days from the date of purchase.
- All three stops are in Midtown Manhattan and near many subways and lots of taxis that you can use to get to your hotel.
Cons:
Not located at all terminals and you will have to walk to Terminals B, C, and D. It is not a long walk, however.
Traffic is unpredictable. Your trip could be as short as 60 minutes, but if the traffic is very bad, you may be on the bus for up to 2 hours.
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