The Midtown Manhattan skyline glows at dusk, with Times Square visible as a bright central point, viewed from across the river.
BLADE Blog6 min read
NYC Airports

How Do You Get From LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) sits in Queens, and Times Square is in Midtown Manhattan. There is no train from the terminals, so every trip starts on the road: a free bus to the subway, a city bus into Manhattan, a taxi, a ride-share or a pre-booked shuttle. The right choice depends on your budget, your luggage and the time of day.

Taking the Subway

LaGuardia has no subway station and no rail link. The subway route starts with a bus.

A modern subway train pulls into a dimly lit station at dusk, with a few people waiting on the platform.
  1. Catch the Q70 LaGuardia Link at Terminal B or C. Follow the signs for public transit. The bus is free, has luggage racks, and you can board through any door.
  2. Ride to Jackson Heights. The Q70 runs nonstop every 8 to 10 minutes. The MTA puts the trip at about 15 minutes in typical traffic. It stops at 74 St-Broadway and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av, which form one station complex.
  3. Take the subway to Times Square. The 7 train at 74 St-Broadway runs to Times Square-42 St. The E train at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av runs to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal, which connects to the Times Square complex.

You pay only when you enter the subway. The fare is $3 for most riders. Tap a contactless credit or debit card, a phone, a wearable or an OMNY card. The MetroCard can no longer be bought or refilled.

Subway cars get crowded at rush hour. If you have large bags, the 7 train and the Q70 both work, but allow extra time.

Riding the Bus

The M60-SBS is the other MTA option. It costs $3 and runs from the airport into Manhattan along 125th Street, with stops near subway stations on Broadway at 106th, 116th and 120th Streets. From there you transfer to the subway to reach Times Square. Bus-to-subway transfers are free for two hours when you tap the same card or device.

No MTA bus runs from LaGuardia straight to Times Square. For most travelers headed to Midtown, the Q70 and the 7 or E train is the simpler trip.

Taxi and Rideshare Services

Ordering a Taxi

Licensed yellow taxis wait outside each terminal. Follow the signs to the taxi stand and join the line.

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 also add a $2.00 Airport Access Fee, and you pay any tolls. Because the fare is metered, traffic changes the price. There is no charge for extra passengers, luggage or paying by credit card.

Requesting a Rideshare Service

Uber and Lyft both serve LaGuardia. Pick-up areas are clearly marked outside each terminal. Confirm the pick-up zone for your terminal in the app before you walk out, and check the fare estimate before you request the ride.

Shuttle Services

Shared-ride vans are a middle option between the bus and a private car. GO Airlink NYC lists shared rides between LaGuardia and Manhattan at $35 per person, with promotional fares from $21. Shared vans stop for other passengers, so the trip can take longer than a taxi. Book ahead and give your flight details so the driver can track your arrival.

Some Midtown hotels also run or arrange airport transfers for guests. Ask your hotel before you land.

Driving to Times Square

If you rent a car or have someone pick you up, plan for two costs that surprise visitors.

  • Congestion pricing. Passenger vehicles with E-ZPass pay $9 during the peak period to enter Manhattan at or below 60th Street. Times Square is inside that zone.
  • Parking. Street parking near Times Square is scarce. Reserve a garage space if you can.

Use a navigation app for live traffic, and avoid the weekday rush if your schedule allows.

Choosing the Best Option

OptionFareBest for
Q70 + subway (7 or E)$3 (Q70 is free)Light luggage, lowest cost
M60-SBS + subway$3Destinations on the Upper West Side or Harlem
Shared vanFrom $35 per person (promos from $21)Door to door on a budget
TaxiMetered + $5.00 LGA surcharge + feesGroups, heavy bags, late nights
Ride-shareSet by the appDoor to door, upfront quote

Cost. Public transit wins by a wide margin.

Luggage and comfort. A taxi or ride-share saves you from carrying bags through stations.

Traffic. Road travel time swings with traffic. The bus to the subway is the most predictable choice at rush hour, because the subway does not sit in traffic.

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.

Learn More

FAQs about How Do You Get From Laguardia Airport To Times Square?

How do you get from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?

Take the free Q70 bus to Jackson Heights, then the 7 or E train to Times Square. You can also take a taxi, a ride-share or a shared van directly.

What is the fastest way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?

A taxi or ride-share is usually the most direct, door to door. In heavy traffic, the Q70 and the subway can be more predictable, because most of the trip runs underground.

What is the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?

The Q70 is free, so the whole trip costs one subway fare of $3.

Can you take a shuttle from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?

Yes. Shared-ride vans such as GO Airlink NYC serve Manhattan from LaGuardia. Book ahead and expect stops for other passengers.

Is there a train that goes from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?

No. Take the Q70 bus to the subway first. The AirTrain LaGuardia project was cancelled.

How long does it take to get from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square?

It depends on traffic and your connections. The Q70 leg takes about 15 minutes in typical traffic. Add your wait and the subway ride. By car, allow extra time at rush hour.

Skip the traffic. Fly BLADE.

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