Navigating New York City’s airports can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to reach Manhattan. While JFK and Newark (EWR) are well-known gateways, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) offers surprisingly easy and budget-friendly access to the city center via public transportation. Forget expensive taxis and surge-priced rideshares! Discover how the free LaGuardia airport bus, the Q70 LaGuardia Link, can whisk you from baggage claim to the subway in minutes, saving you a significant amount of money and hassle.
Pre-pandemic, a taxi from LGA to Times Square might have cost around $30-$40. However, recent travelers have faced fares soaring to $65-$80! Frustrated by these prices, I decided to explore public transit for my trip from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan. To my amazement, it was incredibly simple and cost me a mere $3 – the price of a single subway ride.
If you’re unfamiliar with navigating public transportation in a major city, the idea of buses and subways might seem overwhelming. But trust me, getting from Laguardia By Public Transportation is easier than you think. This guide will break down each step, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey into the heart of New York City.
Understanding the Q70 LaGuardia Link (LaGuardia Airport Bus)
Yes, the Q70, LaGuardia Link, and LaGuardia airport bus are all names for the same fantastic free service! This dedicated bus route picks up passengers at Terminals B and C of LGA and provides a direct connection to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station. This station is a major transit hub, offering access to numerous subway lines:
- 7 Train (at all times)
- E Train (at all times)
- F Train (at all times)
- R Train (all times, except late nights)
- M Train (weekdays, except late nights)
For many popular destinations in Manhattan, particularly Times Square, the E train is an excellent choice. However, the best route depends on your final destination. Before you even leave for your trip, it’s wise to consult the official NYC subway maps to plan your journey from the Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights station to your accommodation.
Pro Tip: Utilize Google Maps or the MTA Trip Planner app before your arrival at LGA. Plot your route from “Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights Subway Station” to your hotel or final destination in NYC. Familiarizing yourself with the subway line you need and the direction you should travel will boost your confidence and save you time at the station.
Will taking the LaGuardia airport bus and subway take longer than a taxi or Uber? Yes, expect approximately 15-20 minutes of additional travel time. However, the significant cost savings make it well worth the slightly longer journey. New York City is known for its high prices, and utilizing public transportation from LaGuardia is a smart way to save money where you can and allocate your budget to experiencing the city’s attractions, dining, and entertainment.
Step-by-Step Guide: Conquering LaGuardia by Public Transportation
Getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan via public transportation is now remarkably straightforward. Recent renovations at LGA and the availability of the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus have transformed it into a convenient and economical option for reaching anywhere in NYC.
Historically, LaGuardia Airport was often considered the least desirable NYC airport for travelers wanting to use public transportation. JFK and Newark were perceived as more direct and efficient, especially for those aiming to avoid expensive taxi fares.
However, the introduction of the free LaGuardia airport bus (Q70) has changed the game. While JFK and Newark require taking the AirTrain, which costs $8.25 per person before transferring to the subway for another $3, LaGuardia offers a completely free bus connection. Although $11.25 for the AirTrain and subway isn’t exorbitant compared to airport transportation costs in other major cities, paying only $3 is undeniably a much better deal. Furthermore, LaGuardia’s extensive renovations completed in 2022 have resulted in a modern, passenger-friendly airport with improved wayfinding and a bright, airy atmosphere.
Your 10-Step Guide to Navigating the LaGuardia Airport Bus Downtown
This guide and the accompanying photos are based on experiences at Terminal B, where Air Canada is located and my most frequent point of arrival. The process should be very similar at Terminal C, but always check airport signage for the most up-to-date directions.
Step 1: Head Towards Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation.
Regardless of whether you checked luggage, your first step is to follow the signs for Baggage Claim. As you exit your arrival gate, look for overhead signs directing you to both “Baggage Claim” and “Ground Transportation.” Ground Transportation is your starting point for finding the Q70 LaGuardia Link, your gateway to public transportation from LaGuardia Airport.
Step 2: Follow Signs for Buses and Shuttles.
After collecting your bags and/or following signs for Ground Transportation, you’ll descend an escalator or two to reach street level. You’re going down one more level, but first, locate the “Buses and Shuttles” sign and follow its direction.
Step 3: Descend Another Level Following “Shuttles and Buses” Signage.
Note the slight change in wording to “Shuttles and Buses.” Despite the minor inconsistency, this sign signals your next move: take one last escalator down – one floor below street level. In the image, the arrow might seem to point left, but as you turn the corner, you’ll see it directs you to the escalator. This detail can be slightly confusing for first-time users of the LaGuardia airport bus.
Step 4: Take the Final Escalator Down.
This is the last escalator! At the bottom, exit the airport through the first set of doors on your right.
Step 5: Look for Q70 Bus Arrows Under “MTA Buses to Subway”.
Avoid going straight, assuming you’ve reached the airport buses. While the LaGuardia airport bus is an airport bus, you need to specifically look for signs pointing to “MTA Buses” and, more specifically, the “Q70” bus.
Step 6: Find the Pillar Dedicated to the Q70 Bus.
At Terminal B, the Q70 bus arrives at pillar number 2. Signage should be similar at Terminal C. While other MTA buses stop here, waiting near the Q70 signage ensures you won’t miss the LaGuardia airport bus. It’s a distinctive blue bus clearly marked “LaGuardia Link.”
Step 7: Board the Correct Bus – The LaGuardia Link!
If the bus doesn’t display “LaGuardia Link” on its side, it’s not the right one. If you’re unsure, ask the driver to confirm it’s the Q70 LaGuardia Link. Remember, this bus is free, so there’s no need to board at the front or swipe a payment card. Just hop on and enjoy the complimentary ride!
Step 8: Pay Attention to Your Stop: Roosevelt Av/74 St.
If you boarded the Q70 at Terminal B, the immediate next stop will be Terminal C. Remain on the bus. The subsequent stop (about 15-20 minutes after Terminal B) is “Roosevelt Av/74 St.” This is your stop! Ensure you disembark here; otherwise, the Q70 will loop back to LGA, and you’ll find yourself back at Step 7!
Step 9: Enter the Subway Station – Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights.
The Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights subway station is a very short walk (less than a minute) from the bus stop. As a major hub, it can be bustling and potentially feel overwhelming at first. Don’t worry – you’re almost there! Hopefully, you’ve pre-planned your subway route. If not, station staff are usually available to assist you.
Step 10: Purchase a MetroCard or Use OMNY for Subway Access.
For shorter trips to NYC with limited subway use, purchasing individual tickets as needed might be sufficient. You can avoid ticket machine lines by using OMNY – the NYC subway system allows contactless payments. Simply tap your credit or debit card at the turnstile to pay the $3 fare per ride, which includes free transfers in the same direction for up to two hours.
However, if you plan to use the subway extensively or are staying for a week, consider purchasing a 7-day unlimited MetroCard for $34 (plus $1 for the reusable card). Even for trips of just three or four days, an unlimited pass can be worthwhile if you intend to use the subway frequently.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated LaGuardia by public transportation. For just $3, you can now access virtually anywhere in New York City – from the iconic Times Square in Manhattan to the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, SoHo, Nolita, and beyond.
Now that you’ve mastered getting to Manhattan from LaGuardia airport by public transportation, explore more helpful content for your NYC adventure:
DISCLAIMER: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not sponsored. Prices were accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change by the city.
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