LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is in Queens, a short distance from Manhattan, but it has no train. Every trip into the city starts on the road. You can ride a free bus to the subway, take a city bus into Harlem, connect to the Long Island Rail Road, or go door to door by taxi, ride-share or shared van.
Transportation Options from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan
| Option | Fare | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Q70 LaGuardia Link + subway | $3 (the Q70 is free) | Bus to Jackson Heights, then the 7, E or F train |
| Q70 + LIRR from Woodside | $5.25 off-peak, $7.25 peak | Bus one stop past Jackson Heights, then train to Penn Station or Grand Central |
| M60-SBS | $3 | Bus into Manhattan along 125th Street |
| Shared van | $35 per person (promos from $21) | Door to door with other passengers |
| Taxi | Metered + $5.00 LGA surcharge + fees | Door to door from the taxi stand |
| Ride-share | Set by the app | Door to door from marked pick-up areas |
Public Transportation
LaGuardia has no direct subway or commuter rail link. MTA buses connect the airport to the subway, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North.
Taking the Bus
Q70 LaGuardia Link. This is the MTA's recommended option. Catch it in front of Terminal B or Terminal C by following the signs for public transit. The bus is free, has luggage racks and boards through any door. It runs nonstop every 8 to 10 minutes and takes about 15 minutes in typical traffic to reach the subway in Jackson Heights.
M60-SBS. This bus costs $3 and runs from the airport into Manhattan along 125th Street. Many of its stops are near subway stations, including Broadway at 106th, 116th and 120th Streets. It is a good fit if you are headed to Harlem or the Upper West Side.
Pay the M60-SBS fare by tapping a contactless credit or debit card, phone, wearable or OMNY card. The MetroCard can no longer be bought or refilled. Transfers between the bus and the subway are free for two hours on the same card or device.
Riding the Subway
The Q70 drops you at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av and 74 St-Broadway station complex. From there:
- The 7 train runs across Queens into Midtown, including Times Square-42 St.
- The E and F trains run into Manhattan via 53rd Street.
The subway fare is $3 for most riders. You pay when you enter the station, not on the Q70.
LIRR option. Stay on the Q70 one more stop to Woodside and follow the signs for the Long Island Rail Road. A ticket from Woodside to Penn Station or Grand Central costs $5.25 off-peak and $7.25 at peak times. The TrainTime app is the easiest way to buy one.
Private Transportation
Private options cost more but take you, your companions and your bags straight to the door.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
- Taxis wait outside each terminal. Trips to and from LaGuardia are charged the standard metered fare, plus a $5.00 surcharge and the other applicable surcharges. Taxis picking up at LaGuardia add a $2.00 Airport Access Fee, and you pay tolls. There is no extra charge for passengers, luggage or paying by card.
- Ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft serve LGA. Pick-up areas are clearly marked outside each terminal.
- Shared vans such as GO Airlink NYC list shared rides to Manhattan at $35 per person, with promotional fares from $21. Expect stops for other riders.
Because LGA taxi fares are metered, traffic changes the price. Use a ride-share app if you want a quote before you ride.
Car Rentals
Most rental car companies at LaGuardia are located off-airport. Shuttles outside each terminal take you to the rental car center.
A car is rarely the easy choice for a Manhattan stay. Passenger vehicles with E-ZPass pay $9 during the peak period to enter Manhattan at or below 60th Street, and parking is expensive. A rental makes more sense if your trip continues beyond the city.
Can you fly from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
BLADE does not offer scheduled flights at LaGuardia. BLADE's scheduled airport service connects Manhattan with JFK and Newark in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. Private helicopter charters, arranged by BLADE and flown by licensed operators, are available 24/7/365 between New York area airports and heliports, including LaGuardia.
Important Tips for Travelers
Planning Ahead
- Check your terminal. Delta uses Terminal C. American, JetBlue, United, Southwest and Air Canada use Terminal B. Terminal A, the Marine Air Terminal, is closed to the public.
- Match the route to your destination. The 7, E and F trains suit Midtown. The M60-SBS suits Harlem and the Upper West Side. The LIRR suits Penn Station and Grand Central.
- Allow time at rush hour. Road traffic adds the most time. The subway part of the trip does not sit in traffic.
Safety and Security
Use only the official taxi stand, the marked ride-share areas or a shuttle you booked. If you see something unsafe on public transit, find a police officer or MTA employee, use a station help intercom, or call 911 in an emergency.
Cost Considerations
Public transit is the clear budget choice: free on the Q70 and $3 on the subway or M60-SBS. Taxi fares depend on the meter, the $5.00 surcharge, other fees, tolls and your tip. Shared vans sit in between.
FAQs about How To Go From Laguardia Airport To Manhattan?
What are the options for getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
The Q70 bus to the subway, the Q70 to the LIRR at Woodside, the M60-SBS bus, a shared van, a taxi or a ride-share.
How much does it cost to take a taxi from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
There is no flat fare. You pay the standard metered fare plus a $5.00 LaGuardia surcharge, other applicable surcharges, a $2.00 Airport Access Fee for pickups, tolls and tip. The total depends on traffic and your destination.
What is the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
Take the free Q70 to Jackson Heights and the subway into Manhattan, or take the M60-SBS. Either way the fare is $3.
What is the fastest way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
A taxi or ride-share is the most direct, door to door. At rush hour, the Q70 and the subway can be more predictable because the train does not sit in traffic.
How long does it take to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan by public transportation?
The Q70 takes about 15 minutes to Jackson Heights in typical traffic. Add your wait and the subway ride to your stop.
Do I need to tip my taxi or ride-share driver?
Tips are not included in the fare. You can tip a taxi driver in cash, and ride-share apps let you tip in the app.