Top ways to travel from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan

The extensive $8 billion renovation at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is yielding impressive results. Once criticized, LaGuardia is now earning accolades for its enhanced facilities and services.

Nearly every aspect of the airport has seen improvements, including the routes to the parking garages. If you're using ride-hailing services, expect a short indoor walk to the Terminal B garage, which is quite enjoyable.

You can also easily catch a yellow cab from any terminal, with clear signage guiding you to the appropriate locations. In addition to public buses, travelers have multiple options for exiting the airport and heading into the city for a weekend of shopping, dining, and theater.

However, one significant drawback remains: LaGuardia has no train service. It is the only major airport in the New York City area without a direct rail connection for travelers. The proposed AirTrain to LaGuardia was officially scrapped in 2023 due to concerns about costs and service feasibility.

LaGuardia does not offer by-the-seat helicopter service. While Blade provides individual helicopter rides from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan for $195, they currently do not offer the same from LGA, but they indicate that it will be available soon.

So, what’s the best way to travel from LGA to Manhattan? The ideal choice varies based on personal preference, budget, and your destination. Here are the options.

Bus

Taking the bus is by far the most budget-friendly way to travel from LGA to Manhattan, though it's also the slowest option. After boarding the bus at the airport, you can ride it to either Harlem or Queens, then transfer to another bus or the subway to reach your final stop. You have two routes available here.

Option 1: The LaGuardia Link Q70, a complimentary bus service

Departure points: You can board the Q70 at terminals B and C. It operates every eight to ten minutes and provides a direct route to Queens and the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station.

Possible destinations: From Queens or the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station, you can catch the E, F, M, or R trains to reach Manhattan. Keep in mind that you'll need to navigate stairs at this subway station, so if you're traveling with a lot of luggage, this may not be the ideal choice.

Operating hours: The Q70 is available 24 hours a day.

Travel time: The journey takes approximately 15 minutes in typical New York City traffic conditions.

Estimated fare: The Q70 is complimentary, but you'll need to pay $2.90 to enter the subway station and board your train.

Option 2: The M60-SBS (Select Bus Service)

Departure points: The bus makes stops at every terminal at the airport. From there, it will take you to upper Manhattan or Queens, stopping at various locations along the way.

Possible destinations: The M60-SBS bus can take you to several places, including:

• 106th Street and Broadway
• 116th Street and Broadway
• 120th Street and Broadway
• Multiple stops along 125th Street
• Astoria in Queens

You can catch the A, C, B, D, 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to midtown, lower Manhattan, or Brooklyn. From Astoria, board the N or W line to reach the city.

Operating hours: The M60-SBS operates 24 hours a day.

Travel duration: Riding the M60-SBS into Manhattan takes approximately 50 minutes. If you board the subway at 110th Street, expect around a 15-minute journey to Times Square. Including the time needed to walk from the bus to the subway and any luggage you might have, the total trip may take 70 to 80 minutes.

Fare estimate: Riding the M60-SBS costs $2.90. You can pay by tapping your credit or debit card, or smart device through OMNY, a contactless fare system. Transfers between the bus and subway are free for two hours if using the same payment method.

Subway

As noted earlier, there is no direct train service from LGA to Manhattan or any other borough. Instead, you’ll need to take a bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service to reach a subway station. While it might feel like a bit of a hassle, once you’re on the subway, you’ll find plenty of options to get to your final destination in the city.

Departure points: You can start your journey from the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station, 61 Street-Woodside station, or various locations in upper Manhattan.

Potential destinations: You can catch the A, C, B, D, 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains to midtown or lower Manhattan, or even to Brooklyn. If you’re coming from Astoria, take the N or W line into the city. From Woodside station, hop on the 7 train, which stops at Grand Central Station, Fifth Avenue on the East Side, Times Square, and 34th Street-Hudson Yards. This is a convenient stop if you’re staying on the west side of Manhattan.

Operating hours: The subway operates 24/7.

Travel time: A subway ride from upper Manhattan to Times Square should take no more than 18 minutes. If you’re heading to lower Manhattan, expect about 30 minutes on a local train like the C, which stops at every station. If you board the A express train at the 125th Street station, you can reach Chambers Street downtown in approximately 20 minutes.

Estimated fare: Riding the subway costs $2.90, and you can pay using Apple Pay right at the turnstile. Additionally, you might consider getting an MTA card if you plan to explore the city like a local.

Long Island Rail Road

The LaGuardia Link Q70 also provides access to the Long Island Rail Road, which is the busiest commuter railroad in North America. LIRR trains offer a more comfortable travel experience compared to the subway and come at a slightly higher price. They also terminate at Penn Station on 34th Street, making the LIRR a convenient choice.

Departure point: Board the Q70 to reach the 61 Street-Woodside station, where you can then transfer to the LIRR.

Potential destinations: Catch the train from Woodside to Penn Station located on 34th Street, nestled between Seventh and Eighth avenues. This is an ideal spot if you're staying near Herald Square or the western part of Manhattan.

Operational hours: The LIRR operates around the clock, 24 hours a day.

Travel duration: The journey from Woodside to Penn Station typically takes about 11 minutes.

Fare estimate: LIRR ticket prices vary based on your travel time. A CityTicket for a one-way trip to Penn Station costs $5 during off-peak hours and $7 during peak times, which are from 6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.

Taxi

Taxis are a vital part of transportation in and around New York City. For many travelers, getting into a cab is the most convenient and least stressful method to travel from LaGuardia to Manhattan.

Departure points: Metered taxi services can be found at every terminal building at LGA.

Potential drop-off locations: Your taxi driver can take you to any destination you desire, dropping you off right at your building's entrance.

Availability: Taxis are on standby at the airport 24/7.

Travel duration: The travel time can fluctuate based on various factors, especially traffic. It's under 12 miles from LGA to Times Square, and during peak morning hours, this trip can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. Heading downtown, like to SoHo, may also require about 45 minutes.

If you arrive at LGA on an early weekday flight, it might be wise to grab breakfast at one of the airport lounges and skip the morning rush hour.

Estimated fare: Taxi rides from LGA to Manhattan typically range from $35 to $40, not including tolls, tips, or additional surcharges (the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey charges a $1.75 Access Fee for pickups). Including these extras, a cab to Times Square will likely cost you around $50. For more information, check LaGuardia Airport's website.

Ride-hailing options: Uber or Lyft

Using Uber, Lyft, or any other ride-hailing service offers similar convenience to a taxi but is often pricier.

During peak hours, using Uber typically costs around $60, not including tips. We've frequently saved between $5 and $7 by opting for Lyft, though prices can vary based on the time of day. Choosing a shared ride will save you some cash, but expect a longer wait.

Pickup location: The ride-hailing app you select will direct you to the designated area for your driver. The ongoing renovations at LGA have improved the organization of ride pickups. Here are the designated passenger pickup spots by terminal:

• Terminal A: The pickup zone is right outside and across the street from the terminal.
• Terminal B: The ride-hailing pickup area is on Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage, which is next to Terminal B. Look for the "Car Services" signs to guide you.
• Terminal C: Ride-hailing pickup zones are located at the arrivals level of Terminal C. You'll wait for your driver in the inner lane of arrivals.

Possible destinations: For convenience, it's hard to surpass an Uber or Lyft ride from the airport. Like taxis, these services can take you anywhere you need to go.

Hours of operation: You can request a ride at any hour. With the high passenger volume at LaGuardia, drivers are always close by.

Travel time: Similar to a taxi, your duration of travel will vary based on the time of day, traffic conditions, and your destination. If your budget allows, this is by far the most hassle-free option.

Estimated fare: The price of an Uber or Lyft ride varies with traffic and congestion pricing. As per Uber, you can anticipate a fare from LGA to Times Square to be around $50 to $60 before including the tip.