Can you get from JFK to LaGuardia Airport with a helicopter?
Yes. BLADE arranges private helicopter charters between New York's major airports, including JFK and LaGuardia. A helicopter transfer is the one way between the two airports that does not depend on traffic on the highways through Queens.
It suits travelers with a tight connection, international arrivals moving to a domestic flight at LGA, and groups who want their own aircraft. You book the charter through BLADE, and BLADE books the aircraft with a licensed operator. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
How to book a JFK to LGA helicopter charter
- Open the BLADE app or go to blade.com and choose Charter.
- Enter JFK and LaGuardia as your origin and destination.
- Select the number of fliers, the date and the time.
- Select your aircraft and request the flight.
Charter prices depend on the aircraft, the date and the time, so check current options when you book. If you have questions, BLADE's Flier Relations team is at +1 844-359-2523.
What is the fastest way to get from JFK to LaGuardia?
By air, a helicopter charter. On the ground, a taxi or ride-hail is usually the quickest, since it goes door to door with no transfers. How long the drive takes depends almost entirely on traffic, so check a live map before you leave.
Public transit takes the longest because it involves three separate legs and two transfers. It is also by far the cheapest.
Taxi and ride-hailing
Taxis and ride-hail apps such as Uber and Lyft both pick up at JFK and drop off at LaGuardia's terminals.
How the taxi fare works:
- The $70 flat fare covers only trips between JFK and Manhattan. A trip from JFK to LaGuardia is charged the standard metered fare.
- Trips to and from LaGuardia add a $5.00 surcharge, plus other applicable surcharges.
- A $2.00 airport access fee applies to taxi pickups at JFK and LaGuardia.
- Tolls and tip are extra.
Ride-hail prices change with demand, so check the fare estimate in the app before you book, especially at rush hour.
Public transportation from JFK to LaGuardia
There is no direct rail link to LaGuardia. The AirTrain LaGuardia project was cancelled in March 2023, so the trip combines the AirTrain, the subway or LIRR, and a bus:
- AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station. Ride the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica Station. Rides between terminals are free; you pay $8.75 when you exit at Jamaica.
- Subway or LIRR toward Queens. At Jamaica, connect to the subway (the E, J and Z stop there) or the LIRR, and travel to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av for the subway route or Woodside for the LIRR route.
- Q70 LaGuardia Link to LGA. The Q70 is free and runs nonstop between Jackson Heights and LaGuardia every 8 to 10 minutes. It takes about 15 minutes in typical traffic and stops at Terminals B and C. The bus has luggage racks, and you can board through any door.
With the subway, the total fare is $11.75: the $8.75 AirTrain fare plus the $3 subway fare. The Q70 adds nothing. Pay with a contactless card, a phone or an OMNY Card.
Shared and private shuttles
Shared shuttle vans and private car services also run between New York's airports. A shared shuttle costs less than a private car but makes several stops for other passengers, so it is the slowest door-to-door option. A private car service picks you up at a set time and helps with luggage. Book either in advance and confirm the pickup point at your JFK terminal.
Comparing Travel Time and Cost for JFK to LaGuardia Transfers
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| BLADE helicopter charter | Varies by aircraft and time | Tight connections, groups, predictable timing |
| Taxi | Metered fare plus $5.00 LGA surcharge and other fees | Door-to-door with luggage |
| Ride-hail | Varies with demand | Door-to-door, booked in the app |
| Shared shuttle | Lower than a private car | Solo travelers with time to spare |
| AirTrain, subway and Q70 | $11.75 | The lowest fare, light luggage |
If your trip also involves getting to Manhattan from JFK, Newark, or LaGuardia, compare those routes before you plan the airport transfer.
Factors to consider when choosing a travel option
- Time until your next flight. With a tight connection, choose the option with the fewest transfers.
- Luggage. Checked bags make the three-leg transit route harder. A taxi, car service or charter is easier with heavy bags.
- Time of day. Weekday rush hours are the slowest times for road travel.
- Budget. Transit is the cheapest. A taxi costs more but goes door to door.
For more on the distance between the two airports, see how far is LaGuardia Airport from JFK Airport.
Tips for a smooth transfer
- Check how much time you have. Count from your expected arrival at the JFK curb to the check-in or bag-drop cutoff for your LGA flight.
- Know your LGA terminal. Airlines at LaGuardia use Terminals B and C. Terminal A, the Marine Air Terminal, serves general aviation.
- Confirm reservations. If you booked a car or shuttle, confirm the pickup time and place.
- Keep documents handy. Have your ID and boarding pass ready for security at LaGuardia.
FAQs about How To Get From JFK To LaGuardia Airport?
What is the quickest way to get from JFK to LaGuardia Airport?
A BLADE helicopter charter avoids the road entirely. On the ground, a taxi or ride-hail is usually the quickest, depending on traffic.
What is the most affordable way to get from JFK to LaGuardia Airport?
Public transit. Take the AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica, the subway to Jackson Heights, then the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to LaGuardia Airport. The total fare is $11.75.
Can I take public transportation from JFK to LaGuardia Airport?
Yes. The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus serves Terminals B and C at LaGuardia Airport and connects to the subway at Jackson Heights and the LIRR at Woodside.
How far apart are JFK and LaGuardia?
About 11 miles in a straight line. The road route is longer.
Is there a train between JFK and LaGuardia?
No. AirTrain JFK connects to Jamaica and Howard Beach, and LaGuardia has no rail link. You need the Q70 bus for the final leg.