Wondering how to get to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) from New York City? This 2026 guide covers buses, subways, taxis, and rideshares with travel times, fares, and best routes.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of New York City’s busiest airports, located in Queens. Whether you’re flying domestic or connecting to another city, knowing how to get there efficiently is important. Luckily, there are multiple ways to travel from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or beyond—including public transit, shuttle buses, taxis, and rideshares. This guide explains each option with travel times, fares, and insider tips.
🚍 Option 1: MTA Bus + Subway (Most Affordable)
The most affordable way to travel to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) from Manhattan or Brooklyn is by combining the New York City subway with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus network.
Riders can take the E, F, M, R, or 7 subway trains directly to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue / 74th Street station in Queens. From there, passengers transfer to the Q70 Select Bus Service (SBS) LaGuardia Link, a dedicated, fare-free airport shuttle connecting directly to Terminals B and C.
The entire journey from Midtown Manhattan typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, depending on departure time and subway frequency. Total travel cost is just $2.90, payable via OMNY contactless tap-to-pay or a standard MetroCard, with the bus-to-subway connection offering a free transfer.
Travelers should check real-time transit status, service alerts, and bus arrival times on the official MTA website or the MTA app before departing.
🚐 Option 2: Shuttle Buses (Convenient)
Airport shuttles are a stress-free option if you’re carrying luggage.
- NYC Airporter and private shuttle services run between Midtown Manhattan (Grand Central, Penn Station, Port Authority) and LGA.
- They drop off at all terminals.
⏱ Travel time: 45–60 minutes
💵 Cost: $17–$20 one way
🚕 Option 3: Taxi (Direct and Reliable)
Taking an official New York City yellow cab to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) provides a direct, curb-to-terminal travel option without the need for transfers. Passengers can easily street-hail a taxi throughout Manhattan and outer boroughs or pick one up at designated taxi stands near major transit hubs and hotels.
A taxi ride directly drops off travelers at their specific LGA terminal, typically taking 25 to 40 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, depending on traffic conditions across the Grand Central Parkway and East River crossings.
Unlike flat-rate fares to JFK, taxi rides to LaGuardia Airport operate on standard metered rates regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Estimated fares from Midtown Manhattan generally range between $30 and $45, plus applicable bridge and tunnel tolls, peak-hour surcharges, state fees, and driver tips.
Standard metered rates ensure fair pricing without ride-share surge spikes, and all licensed yellow cabs accept credit cards, debit cards, and contactless digital wallet payments.
🚗 Option 4: Rideshares (Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available across NYC.
- Prices vary depending on time of day and surge pricing.
- Convenient door-to-door drop-off at all terminals.
⏱ Travel time: 25–40 minutes
💵 Cost: $25–$50 (dynamic pricing)
🚊 Option 5: LIRR + Q70 Bus (Fast from Midtown)
Combining the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) with the MTA Q70 Select Bus Service (SBS) offers one of the fastest and most comfortable public transit routes to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) from Midtown Manhattan.
Commuters can board an eastbound LIRR train from either New York Penn Station or Grand Central Madison directly to Woodside Station in Queens, a journey that takes only 10 to 12 minutes. At Woodside, riders can easily transfer at street level to the dedicated Q70 SBS “LaGuardia Link”, which provides nonstop highway transit directly to LGA Terminal B and Terminal C.
The total travel time from Midtown Manhattan to LaGuardia Airport typically ranges between 30 and 45 minutes, significantly faster than taking local subway routes during peak rush hours.
A one-way off-peak LIRR CityTicket or standard ticket costs $7.00 (or $10.75 during peak hours), and the Q70 SBS bus is fare-free, meaning passengers pay no additional transit fee for the airport connection. Train departures, track assignments, and live schedules are available through the MTA TrainTime app and the official MTA LIRR website.
🚘 Option 6: Driving or Car Service
If you’re renting a car or using a private service, driving is straightforward but can be slower due to NYC traffic.
- From Manhattan, take the Grand Central Parkway East directly to LaGuardia Airport.
- Parking is available at all terminals.
⏱ Travel time: 25–50 minutes (depending on traffic)
💵 Cost: Tolls + $25–$45/day parking
Travel Cost Options Summary
| Option | Time (approx.) | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway + Q70 Bus 🚍 | 45–60 mins | $2.90 | Budget travel |
| Shuttle Bus 🚐 | 45–60 mins | $17–$20 | Easy luggage handling |
| Taxi 🚕 | 25–40 mins | $30–$45 + tolls | Direct, reliable |
| Rideshare 🚗 | 25–40 mins | $25–$50 | Door-to-door |
| LIRR + Q70 🚊 | 30–45 mins | $9.90 approx. | Fast from Midtown |
| Driving 🚘 | 25–50 mins | Tolls + parking | Flexible schedule |
FAQs about Getting to LGA from NYC in 2026
Q1: What is the cheapest way to get to LGA from NYC?
The cheapest option is the subway + Q70 bus, costing just $2.90 with free transfers.
Q2: How long does it take to get to LaGuardia from Manhattan?
It usually takes 25–60 minutes, depending on traffic and the transport option you choose.
Q3: Can I take the subway directly to LaGuardia?
No, there is no direct subway to LGA. You must transfer to the Q70 bus at Jackson Heights or Woodside.
Q4: Is there an AirTrain to LGA like JFK?
No, LGA does not have an AirTrain. The main public option is the Q70 SBS bus.
Q5: Are taxis to LaGuardia flat rate like JFK?
No, taxi fares to LGA are metered, typically $30–$45 plus tolls and tips.
In summary: Getting to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) from New York City is simple, with options for every budget and schedule. The Q70 SBS bus is cheapest, taxis and rideshares are fastest, and shuttles are convenient for luggage.