In a nutshell
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the main airport for domestic flights in New York and is closer to Manhattan than JFK.
- There are several transfer options available for the journey from LGA to the city – from inexpensive buses to convenient private transfers.
- The fastest and cheapest option is the Q70-SBS bus in combination with the subway or the LIRR train. The bus is free of charge. You pay for the train rides on the spot.
- We will show you all the options in detail so that you can get from the airport to Manhattan stress-free and within your budget.
Transfer from and to LGA Airport at a glance
To begin with, we’ll show you an overview of all transfer options to and from LaGuardia Airport:
| Price | Duration | Where to buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q70-Bus + Train Recommendation | approx. $2,90-$8,25 | 30-45 min. | on site |
| Taxi | approx. $40-$65 | 30-60 min. | on site |
| Private Transfer | approx. $60-$100 | 30-60 min. | Book online |
Q70-SBS + Train from LGA Airport to the City
- Lines: Q70-SBS subway lines E, F, M, R, 7 (from Roosevelt Av/74 St) or 7 LIRR (from Woodside)
- Travel time: approx. 30-45 minutes
- Operating hours: 24/7, around the clock, 365 days a year
- Frequency: Q70 bus every 8-10 minutes, Subway every 4-12 minutes depending on line, LIRR every 15-30 minutes
Where do the bus and train stop? The Q70-SBS (also known as LaGuardia Link) departs directly from all terminals at LaGuardia Airport – well signposted and easy to find. The bus takes you either to the Roosevelt Av/74 St station (for the subway) or to the LIRR Woodside station (for the train to Manhattan). Both stops are located in the borough of Queens.
Where do you get on? You board the Q70 SBS bus directly at your terminal. Depending on the connection, you then change to the subway at Jackson Heights or the LIRR at Woodside and continue towards Manhattan.
When do you use Subway or LIRR? The subway is perfect if you want to go to Queens, East Side Manhattan or near Times Square. LIRR is the best choice for West Side Manhattan.
How much does the Q70 Subway or LIRR cost? The Q70 SBS bus is free. If you then hop on the subway, you will pay 2.90 dollars per ride. If you continue on the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road), you will pay 5.25 to 8.25 dollars, depending on the time of day.
Where do you buy the ticket? You don’t need a ticket for the Q70-SBS. You can pay for the Subway directly with a contactless credit card, smartphone or OMNY top-up card at the turnstile. For the LIRR, you must buy your ticket from a vending machine at the station or use the MTA TrainTime app.
Find out more about the OMNY system and the Subway here!
Advantages:
- Very cheap transfer from LGA
- Q70 is an express bus without many intermediate stops
- Fast connection to important subway lines and the LIRR
- Available around the clock
Disadvantages:
- Transfer necessary (bus to Subway or LIRR)
- A little impractical with large luggage
- LIRR costs extra depending on the time of day
Taxi from LGA Airport to the City
- Travel time: approx. 30-60 minutes
- Operating hours: 24/7, around the clock, 365 days a year
- Frequency: Taxis are usually available at the airport at all times; there may be a short wait at peak times
Where does the cab stop? You will find the official Yellow Cabs at all terminals directly at the exit. There are separate cab waiting areas that are well signposted. Staff will assign you an official cab there. You do not have to take care of this yourself.
Where do you get in? As soon as you leave the terminal, follow the signs to the “Taxi Dispatch Area”. There you will be assigned to an available cab by an airport employee.
How much does a cab from LGA to Manhattan cost? There is no flat rate for rides from LaGuardia Airport as there is at JFK Airport. The fare depends on the time, traffic and destination. You can expect to pay around 40 to 65 dollars including toll and tip.
Where do you pay for the cab? Payment is made directly in the cab – either in cash or by credit card. All Yellow Cabs have card readers. Make sure you get a receipt at the end. Better safe than sorry.
Advantages:
- Directly to your front door or accommodation without changing trains
- Ideal if you have a lot of luggage or after a long, tiring flight
- Payment by credit card possible
- No transfer stress
Disadvantages:
- Significantly more expensive than public transportation
- No fixed price (final price depends on traffic)
- Often slow and expensive during rush hour due to traffic jams
Private Transfer from LGA Airport to the City
- Travel time: approx. 30-60 minutes
- Operating hours: 24/7, around the clock, 365 days a year (depending on provider – advance booking recommended)
- Frequency: after advance booking or pick-up at the booked time; waiting time possible if flight is delayed
Where does the private transfer stop? The vehicles will pick you up directly in front of your arrival terminal. You will be informed of the exact pick-up point before arrival.
Where do you get in? You get in directly at the terminal exit – you will either be met by your driver with a name sign or you will receive a text message or email with the meeting point and vehicle details shortly before arrival.
How much does the private transfer cost? Prices depend on the provider, vehicle type and destination address. For a one-way trip to Manhattan, you can expect to pay around 60 to 100 dollars per vehicle. Larger vehicles are more expensive. Payment is usually made online in advance. A tip (approx. 15-20%) is usually added.
Where do you book a private transfer? Popular and reliable providers for private transfers from LaGuardia Airport are Go Airlink NYC or GetYourGuide. You can conveniently book these services online in advance – including flight number and pick-up time.
Book a LGA Airport private transfer with GetYourGuide
Book LGA Airport private transfer with Go AirLink
Advantages:
- Very comfortable and stress-free, especially with luggage or children
- Driver waits for you (even in case of flight delays)
- Fixed prices without surprises (unlike a cab)
- No transfers, no searching
- Door-to-door service
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than Subway bus
- Must be booked in advance
- Rebooking may be necessary if flight time changes
Hotels at LaGuardia Airport New York: Our Tips
Your flight leaves super early in the morning or you land late at night? Then it might be worth spending a night at the airport. There is a good selection of hotels around LaGuardia Airport. These are our recommendations:
Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport: Modern and stylish hotel with free airport shuttle – perfect for a short, comfortable stay near the airport.
New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott: Classic, comfortable airport hotel with particularly good soundproofing – ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful night’s sleep.
You can find more New York hotels here:
Frequently asked questions about LaGuardia Airport
How much does an Uber cost from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
An Uber from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan usually costs between 40 and 70 dollars – depending on the destination, time, traffic and demand.
During rush hour or bad weather, the price can also be higher.
The exact fare is displayed in the app before you book.
Also note that, unlike cabs, Uber drivers are not directly on site. This can therefore result in a longer journey time.
Is there a free shuttle from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
No, there is no free direct shuttle from LaGuardia to Manhattan. However, the Q70-SBS bus from the airport to the nearest subway station is free and is part of the public transportation system.
This is a cheap and relatively quick way to get into the city. But you will have to change buses.
Is it better to fly to JFK or LaGuardia for Manhattan?
That depends a little on your destination in Manhattan. Generally speaking, LaGuardia is closer to the city center and is particularly suitable for destinations in Upper Manhattan or Midtown.
JFK is further out, but offers more international connections and a good connection via AirTrain and subway.
For shorter distances, LaGuardia is often the better choice – especially for domestic flights.
Can you buy an OMNY card at LaGuardia Airport?
Yes, at LaGuardia Airport you can buy an OMNY top-up card from the machine in the terminal area. You will need these cards to use the bus and subway in New York.
Alternatively, you can also do without the top-up card and pay contactless directly at the turnstiles using a credit card, smartphone or smartwatch.
How early do i need to get to LaGuardia airport?
For domestic flights you should be at LaGuardia Airport at least 2 hours before departure, for international flights at least 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
The cheapest way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan is to take the Q70 bus and the train (Subway or LIRR). The total cost is between 3 and 8 dollars.
These were our tips for airport transfers from LaGuardia Airport
What are your experiences with the LGA airport transportation? Or do you still have questions? Then please write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!