Distance From LaGuardia Airport to New York City
LaGuardia sits on the north shore of Queens, across the East River from Manhattan. In a straight line it is about 6 miles from the East 34th Street Heliport and about 7 miles from the West 30th Street Heliport, which gives a good sense of the distance to Midtown. The drive is longer than the straight line, because roads go around the water and through a bridge or tunnel.
What is the Fastest way to reach Manhattan if time matters
From LaGuardia, a taxi or car service is usually the simplest fast choice. It goes door to door with no transfers, and LGA is the shortest drive of the three major airports.
If your trip runs through JFK or Newark instead, BLADE offers flights between Manhattan and those airports in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. A BLADE vehicle takes you between the helicopter and your terminal. For LaGuardia, BLADE arranges private helicopter charters.
The practical rule: from LGA, take the short drive. From JFK or Newark, where the road trip is longer, consider flying.
Route Options From LaGuardia Airport to New York City
- Taxi. Taxis pick up at the terminals. Trips to and from LaGuardia are charged the standard metered fare, plus a $5.00 surcharge and other applicable surcharges. A $2.00 airport access fee applies to pickups at LaGuardia. Tolls and tip are extra.
- Ride-hail. Uber and Lyft pick up at LaGuardia. Prices change with demand, so check the estimate in the app.
- Shared shuttle. A shared ride costs less than a private car but makes several stops. GO Airlink NYC lists shared rides between LaGuardia and Manhattan at $35 per person.
- Public transit. The Q70 LaGuardia Link and the M60-SBS bus connect LGA to the subway, the LIRR and Manhattan. For a full breakdown, see how to get to LaGuardia Airport.
- Rental car. Useful if you plan to travel beyond the city. Parking in Manhattan is expensive, and since January 5, 2025, passenger cars pay a congestion toll when entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street ($9 at peak with E-ZPass, $2.25 overnight).
How long does it take from LaGuardia to Manhattan by each transportation option?
Travel time from LaGuardia to Manhattan depends on your destination neighborhood, the time of day and how many flights are landing at once. How many flights arrive and depart LaGuardia Airport explains when the airport is busiest.
- Taxi or ride-hail. The most direct option. Outside rush hour the drive to Midtown or the Upper East Side is straightforward. On weekday commuter peaks it can take much longer.
- Q70 to the subway. The Q70 takes about 15 minutes in typical traffic to Jackson Heights, where you transfer to the subway into Manhattan.
- Q70 to the LIRR. One stop past Jackson Heights, the Q70 reaches Woodside. The LIRR runs from Woodside to Penn Station or Grand Central.
- M60-SBS. A single bus from the airport into Manhattan, with subway connections along 125th Street.
Driving Distance From LaGuardia Airport to New York City
The drive from LaGuardia to Manhattan leaves the airport on the Grand Central Parkway. From there, drivers reach Manhattan by one of the East River crossings, such as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge or the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, depending on the destination. Check a live traffic map before you leave, because the best crossing changes with conditions.
LaGuardia is closer to Manhattan by road than JFK or Newark. If Times Square is your destination, how do you get from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square covers taxi, rideshare and transit routes step by step.
LaGuardia vs JFK vs Newark: which airport is closest to New York City?
LaGuardia is generally the closest to Manhattan by road, which is why many travelers choose it for business trips and short stays. JFK and Newark are farther out, and road traffic to both is less predictable. If your trip uses JFK or Newark, BLADE's scheduled flights between Manhattan and those airports take about 5 minutes and skip the drive. For more detail on LGA, see LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan distance.
Travel Time From LaGuardia Airport to New York City
There is no rail link to LaGuardia. The planned AirTrain LaGuardia was cancelled in March 2023, and the state chose to improve bus service instead. That makes the road the only way in, whether by car, taxi or bus, so traffic sets the travel time for every option.
A taxi is the fastest in light traffic. The buses take longer, but they are free (Q70) or $3 (M60-SBS).
Public Transportation Options From LaGuardia Airport to New York City
- Q70 LaGuardia Link to the subway. Catch the free Q70 at Terminal B or C. It runs nonstop every 8 to 10 minutes to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av and 74 St-Broadway, where you transfer to the subway. Buses have luggage racks, and you can board through any door.
- Q70 to the LIRR. Stay on the Q70 one more stop to Woodside and transfer to the LIRR. A ticket from Woodside to Penn Station or Grand Central costs $5.25 off-peak and $7.25 peak.
- M60-SBS to Manhattan. The M60-SBS stops at every terminal and runs into Manhattan, with connections to the subway along 125th Street. The fare is $3.
On the subway and the M60, tap a contactless credit or debit card, a smartphone, a wearable or an OMNY Card.
Parking at LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia has parking at each terminal, plus a prepaid economy option.
On-site parking options at LaGuardia Airport
| Lot | Drive-up daily maximum | Prebooked from |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | $75 | $50 |
| Terminal B | $80 | $55 |
| Terminal C | $89 | $60 |
| Prepaid Economy (reservation only) | Not available drive-up | $40 per day |
The first half hour costs $5 at Terminals A and B and $6 at Terminal C. Book at least 3 hours in advance to get the prebooked rate.
If you are picking someone up, the free Cell Phone Lot is off-airport on 94th Street between 23rd Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard, open 7
a.m. to 11 p.m.Amenities at LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia has three terminals. Terminals B and C were rebuilt and reopened by 2022, and Terminal A, the historic Marine Air Terminal, serves general aviation.
Lounges and relaxation areas at LaGuardia Airport
- Terminal C has the Delta Sky Club, since Delta flies from Terminal C.
- Terminal B has the American Airlines Admirals Club, since American flies from Terminal B.
Wi-Fi and charging stations at LaGuardia Airport.
Terminal B has 4 Level II electric vehicle charging ports, and Terminal C has 11. Another 12 Level III fast-charging ports are on Runway Drive.
FAQs about How Far Is Laguardia Airport From New York City?
How far is LaGuardia Airport from New York City?
LaGuardia is in Queens, about 6 to 7 miles in a straight line from Midtown Manhattan. The drive is somewhat longer.
What is the best way to get from LaGuardia Airport to New York City?
A taxi or ride-hail is the most direct. For a low fare, take the free Q70 bus to the subway or the $3 M60-SBS bus into Manhattan.
Is there a train from LaGuardia Airport to New York City?
No. LaGuardia has no subway or rail link. The Q70 bus connects to the subway at Jackson Heights and the LIRR at Woodside.
Is there a shuttle service from LaGuardia Airport to New York City?
Yes. Shared shuttles run between LaGuardia and Manhattan. GO Airlink NYC lists shared rides at $35 per person.
What are the parking options at LaGuardia Airport?
Parking is available at Terminals A, B and C, with drive-up daily maximums of $75, $80 and $89, and lower prebooked rates. A reservation-only Prepaid Economy lot starts at $40 per day.