LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has undergone a significant, multi-billion dollar renovation, transforming it from a much-criticized facility into an award-winning travel hub. With these upgrades, navigating LGA is now more streamlined, including finding your way to ground transportation. Whether you’re heading to Manhattan for business or leisure, understanding your transportation options is crucial for a smooth journey.
While LaGuardia boasts improved amenities and easier access to ride-hailing services and taxis, it notably lacks a direct rail link to Manhattan – unlike other major New York City airports. The proposed AirTrain project was unfortunately canceled, leaving travelers to consider alternative routes into the city. Helicopter service directly from LGA is also not yet widely available for by-the-seat bookings, though services like Blade indicate future plans.
So, what are your best bets for Transportation From Laguardia Airport To Manhattan? The optimal choice hinges on your priorities: budget, time, convenience, and your final destination in Manhattan. This guide breaks down each option to help you make the most informed decision.
Bus Options: The Most Affordable Route
For budget-conscious travelers, the bus is by far the most economical way to travel from LGA to Manhattan. However, it’s important to note that buses are generally the slowest option, particularly during peak traffic hours in New York City. From the airport, you can connect to various subway lines in Harlem or Queens to reach your final destination in Manhattan. Two primary bus services cater to travelers heading into the city:
Option 1: LaGuardia Link Q70 (Free Connection)
Departure Points: The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus is accessible at Terminals B and C. It operates frequently, approximately every 8 to 10 minutes, offering a direct, non-stop route to Queens and the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station – a major transit hub.
Connecting Destinations: From the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station in Queens, you can access several subway lines that serve Manhattan: the E, F, M, and R trains. Be aware that this station involves navigating stairs, which might be challenging if you are carrying substantial luggage.
Operating Hours: The LaGuardia Link Q70 bus runs 24 hours a day, providing round-the-clock service.
Travel Time: The bus ride itself typically takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Estimated Cost: The Q70 bus service is free of charge. However, you will need to pay the standard subway fare of $2.90 to enter the subway system and continue your journey into Manhattan.
Option 2: M60-SBS (Select Bus Service)
Departure Points: The M60-SBS bus conveniently stops at every terminal within LaGuardia Airport, making it easily accessible regardless of your arrival terminal. This bus route serves upper Manhattan and Queens, with multiple stops along the way.
Connecting Destinations: The M60-SBS offers connections to a wide array of destinations, including:
- 106th Street and Broadway
- 116th Street and Broadway
- 120th Street and Broadway
- Various stops along 125th Street in Harlem
- Astoria in Queens
These stops provide access to numerous subway lines that can take you further into Manhattan or Brooklyn, such as the A, C, B, D, 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains for midtown and lower Manhattan. From Astoria, you can transfer to the N or W subway lines to reach various points in the city.
Operating Hours: The M60-SBS also operates 24 hours a day, ensuring continuous service.
Travel Time: The bus ride on the M60-SBS to Manhattan is longer, averaging around 50 minutes. If you transfer to the subway at, for instance, 110th Street, it will take approximately 15 minutes to reach Times Square. Considering walking time between the bus and subway, especially with luggage, the total journey can take between 70 to 80 minutes.
Estimated Cost: A ride on the M60-SBS bus costs $2.90, payable by tapping a credit card, debit card, or smart device via OMNY, New York’s contactless payment system. Transfers between the bus and subway are free for up to two hours if you use the same payment method.
Subway: Connecting via Bus or Taxi
While LaGuardia lacks a direct subway line, connecting to the subway system is a popular and efficient way to navigate to Manhattan. You’ll need to initially take a bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service to reach a subway station. Despite the extra step, the subway provides extensive access throughout Manhattan and is often a quicker option than buses, especially once you are on the train.
Departure Points: Connect to the subway at stations such as Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, 61st Street-Woodside, or various stops in upper Manhattan after taking the M60 bus.
Connecting Destinations: From these connecting stations, you can access a vast network of subway lines. The A, C, B, D, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains serve midtown and lower Manhattan, as well as Brooklyn. From Astoria, the N and W lines provide access to the city. The 7 train from the Woodside station is particularly useful for those heading to the west side of Manhattan, stopping at Grand Central Station, Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and 34th Street-Hudson Yards.
Operating Hours: The New York City subway operates 24 hours a day, offering continuous service.
Travel Time: Subway travel times vary depending on your destination within Manhattan. From upper Manhattan to Times Square, a subway ride should take no more than 18 minutes between stations. Reaching lower Manhattan can take around 30 minutes on local trains like the C. Express trains, such as the A train from 125th Street, can get you downtown to Chambers Street in approximately 20 minutes.
Estimated Cost: A single subway ride costs $2.90. Payment can be made directly at the turnstile using contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, or by purchasing a MetroCard, which may be beneficial for frequent subway users.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): To Penn Station
The LaGuardia Link Q70 bus also provides a connection to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at the 61st Street-Woodside station. The LIRR is a commuter rail service that offers a more comfortable ride compared to the subway and is a direct route into Penn Station in Manhattan. While slightly more expensive than the subway, the LIRR can be a convenient option, particularly for those heading to the west side or midtown near Penn Station.
Departure Point: Take the Q70 bus to the 61st Street-Woodside station to transfer to the LIRR.
Destination: The LIRR from Woodside will take you directly to Penn Station, located on 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. This is an ideal drop-off point if your final destination is near Herald Square or the west side of Manhattan.
Operating Hours: The LIRR runs 24 hours a day, offering services throughout the day and night.
Travel Time: The train journey from Woodside to Penn Station is relatively quick, typically taking around 11 minutes.
Estimated Cost: LIRR fares depend on peak and off-peak travel times. A one-way CityTicket to Penn Station costs $5 during off-peak hours and $7 during peak hours (peak times are 6-10 AM and 4-8 PM).
Taxi: Classic and Direct
Taxis remain a quintessential New York City transportation option. For many visitors, taking a taxi from LaGuardia to Manhattan is the most straightforward and stress-free method, offering door-to-door service directly to your destination.
Departure Points: Officially metered taxi services are readily available at designated taxi stands at all LaGuardia terminal buildings. Signage within the terminals will direct you to the taxi queues.
Destinations: Taxis offer unparalleled flexibility, capable of taking you anywhere in Manhattan and dropping you off precisely where you need to be.
Operating Hours: Taxis are available 24/7 at LaGuardia Airport, ensuring you can always find a ride regardless of your arrival time.
Travel Time: Travel time by taxi is highly variable, primarily influenced by traffic conditions. The distance from LGA to Times Square is less than 12 miles, but during morning or evening rush hours, the trip can easily take 45 to 60 minutes, or even longer if heading downtown to areas like SoHo. Consider potential delays due to traffic, especially during peak travel times.
Estimated Cost: A taxi fare from LaGuardia to Manhattan typically ranges from $35 to $40, excluding tolls, tips, and mandatory surcharges. LaGuardia Airport adds a $1.75 per trip Access Fee for airport pickups. Factoring in these additional costs, a taxi ride to Times Square can realistically cost around $50 or more. For detailed fare information, you can consult the LaGuardia Airport website.
Ride-Sharing Services: Uber or Lyft
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenience level similar to taxis, providing app-based, door-to-door transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan. While generally convenient, ride-sharing can sometimes be more expensive than taxis, particularly during peak demand times or surge pricing.
Departure Points: Upon requesting a ride through your chosen app, the app will direct you to the designated pickup location for your terminal. LaGuardia Airport has streamlined ride-sharing pickups with clearly marked zones:
- Terminal A: Pickup area is directly outside the terminal, across the street.
- Terminal B: Pickup is on Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage, adjacent to the terminal. Follow “Car Services” signs.
- Terminal C: Pickup is at the arrivals (ground) level, inner lane.
Destinations: Like taxis, Uber and Lyft can take you to any location in Manhattan, offering direct and personalized service.
Operating Hours: Ride-sharing services operate around the clock. Given the high volume of passengers at LaGuardia, drivers are generally readily available at any time.
Travel Time: Travel time mirrors that of taxis, dependent on traffic and your destination. While ride-sharing apps provide estimated travel times, actual durations can vary. If time is a major constraint and budget is less of a concern, ride-sharing offers a highly convenient option.
Estimated Cost: The cost of Uber or Lyft rides fluctuates based on demand and traffic. Uber estimates a ride from LGA to Times Square to cost between $50 and $60 before tip. Lyft prices are often slightly competitive and can sometimes offer savings of $5 to $7 compared to Uber, but this can vary by time and day. Shared ride options can reduce costs but significantly increase travel time due to multiple stops.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Transportation from LGA to Manhattan
Navigating from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan offers a range of options, each with its own set of advantages and considerations.
- For the budget traveler: Buses, especially the free Q70 to subway connections, are the most economical, though time-consuming.
- For a balance of cost and time: The subway, accessed via a short bus or taxi ride, offers a cost-effective and relatively fast way to reach most parts of Manhattan.
- For comfort and direct access to Penn Station: The LIRR, connected via the Q70 bus, is a comfortable and efficient choice for those heading to the west side or midtown near Penn Station.
- For ultimate convenience and directness: Taxis and ride-sharing services provide door-to-door service and are ideal for those prioritizing ease and convenience, albeit at a higher cost.
Ultimately, the best transportation from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan depends on your personal needs, budget, and time constraints. Consider these factors to choose the option that best suits your travel plans and ensures a smooth transition into the heart of New York City.
