Getting from LaGuardia to Manhattan and vice versa can be simple if you know your options. Whether you prefer public transportation or private transfers, this article lists your options including info on transfer durations and prices.
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How to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan
With a distance of about eight miles, LaGuardia Airport in Queens is the closest airport to Manhattan. Compared to JFK and Newark airport, LGA mostly services domestic flights. If you fly internationally, you are more likely to land at JFK or Newark.
LaGuardia is well-connected to Manhattan and because of its proximity, it is the most convenient airport to fly into. Getting from LGA to Manhattan is not difficult at all but the abundance of options can be overwhelming. That’s why I have created a table that compares all your options followed by more detailed information on every transfer option.
Most Popular Private Transfer | Cheapest Public Transport | Taxi | Rideshares | |
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Prices from | ||||
Prices from | $34 | $2.75 | $40 | $15 |
Duration | ||||
Duration | 40 minutes | 50 minutes | 40 minutes | 40 minutes |
Max. Capacity | ||||
Max. Capacity | 5 | n/a | 4 | 6 |
Advantages | ||||
Advantages |
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Disadvantages | ||||
Disadvantages |
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1.Reserve a Private Transfer
A more convenient way to get from LGA to Manhattan is by scheduling a private airport transfer. They are available 24/7 and will drop you off at your hotel or address of choice in Manhattan. Upon arriving at LaGuardia Airport, you will need to call the number given on your booking confirmation (which you will receive immediately) and your car will arrive promptly.
Prices for the private transfer vary by group size. It will cost you $52 if you travel alone, but only $14 per person if you travel in a party of five. That being said, the transfer may not be the best option if you are traveling alone or as a couple. It’s great, however, for three to five people, making it a great and family-friendly airport transfer from LaGuardia to Manhattan. Do not be surprised, however, if your fare ends up a few dollars higher. That is because the prepaid amount does not include tolls and tip.
LGA TO MANHATTAN MANHATTAN TO LGA
- The total cost for this transfer varies between $23 – $52 person
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2. Use Public Transportation
If your plan is to use public transportation from LGA to Manhattan, you have three options: Bus lines Q70 or M60 Bus followed by the subway and the New York Airport Express Bus.
Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service)
The bus links LaGuardia terminals B, C and D with the subway in Jackson Heights and Woodside and the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). These are the only stops outside of LGA, offering you a quick connection. Jackson Heights connects to subway lines EFMR7 and Woodside Subway brings you to line 7 as well as the LIRR.
The bus runs 24/7, 7 days a week and only costs $2.75, the price of a subway fare. Out of all options, it is thecheapest way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan. Because of its low fare, the Q70 bus is a great option unless you carry a lot of luggage with you. At Jackson Heights or Woodside, you also have to transfer to the subway in order to get to your destination in Manhattan. The transfer between the bus and the subway is free.
To board Bus Q70, you need to have a ticket. You can purchase it at machines inside the terminals or pay the fare with a MetroCard if you already have one.
- The total cost for this transfer is $2.75 per person
M60 SBS (Select Bus Service)
MTA bus line M60 will take you as far as 106th Street in Manhattan and also only costs $2.75 per person. Compared to Q70, it has many more stops and doesn’t lead you to Midtown Manhattan. Instead, it runs to Harlem, north of Central Park. Many stops along the M60 Bus route are connected to the subway, so you won’t have any trouble getting to your hotel or accommodation in Manhattan. The transfer between the bus and the subway is free. Check the stops along the M60 route and subway connections before boarding the bus. Taking this bus only makes sense if your hotel is in Uptown Manhattan. Otherwise, you are better off taking the Q70 line.
In order to board M60 SBS, you need to have a ticket. You can collect it at the machine outside the bus stop or, if you already have a MetroCard, use your MetroCard to pay the fare.
- The total cost for this transfer is $2.75 per person
New York Airporter Bus
The New York Airporter Bus operates every 30 minutes between 11 am and 7 pm. Compared to the M60 Bus, however, it is more expensive. It is only worth it if your hotel is located in proximity to one of the stops. The NYC airport shuttle bus stops at three locations in Midtown. You can get off at the following stations:
- Grand Central Terminal
- Port Authority Bus Terminal
- Times Square
The Airporter bus departs at LaGuardia Airport terminals B, C and D. You will need to get a ticket before boarding the bus. Simply look for red “Express Bus” signs at the baggage claim or reserve it online.
- The total cost for this transfer is $16 per person (+ $2.75 for a subway ride, if applicable)
3. Take a Taxi
There is no flat fare for your taxi ride from LaGuardia to Manhattan. You will be charged the standard metered fare, which will be around $40 + tolls and tip. When exiting the airport, simply head towards the Yellow Cabs standing outside. You won’t be able to miss the taxi stand!
Some individuals may approach you offering you a taxi. Do not ride with them!
In order to operate as a taxi in NYC, a taxi medallion is required. The downside of taxing a taxi from LGA to Manhattan is that you may have to wait in line, depending on demand. Taxis are queued up in front of every terminal and the taxi stand has an attendant who will steer you to the next taxi in line.
- The total cost for this transfer varies between $35 – $50.
4. Book a Rideshare
Rideshares can oftentimes save you money. If you want to use rideshare from LGA to Manhattan, you have two options: LGA Connect or conventional ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft.
LGA Connect
At the end of 2019, Port Authority launched the “LGA Connect” airport rideshare service in collaboration with Via. The pilot-program offers flat-rate shared rides from LGA to all five boroughs, including Manhattan. working to reduce congestion by providing affordable ride shares. A ride to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens costs $15 while a ride to Staten Island or the Bronx costs $20.
You can book LGA Connect rides 7 days a week between 8 am and 1 am via the app. There is a designated LGA Connect pickup point outside of terminals C and D. Once booked, you will be matched with passengers headed in the same direction. You can expect to depart within 10 minutes. If you don’t have the app yet, you can download it here:
- The total cost for this transfer is $15.
Uber
No matter where you are in New York City, you can always call an Uber (or Lyft). That also applies to your transfer from LaGuardia to Manhattan. Simply download the app and request a ride. If you’re new to UBER, you can sign up using the promo code “selwynt1”that takes $5 off your first ride. Before you even book the ride, you will see a fare estimate based on distance and the selection you’ve made (pool or private). Once you book your ride, your driver will pick you up within minutes. The UBER app will take care of the payment via the credit card details you submitted. If you want to get a feel for Uber’s pricing before traveling to New York, check out their fare estimate tool.
Taking an Uber lets you be flexible, however, depending on demand, prices may surge and you end up paying more than you expected.
- The total cost for this transfer varies between $45 – $60.
LGA to Manhattan
My personal pick
I am a big fan of public transportation and always use the subway or bus system where available. Once you’ve read where to catch the bus and where to change into the subway, it’s really not too difficult. If you do carry heavy luggage or are traveling with children, however, public transportation may be quite tiring and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
My recommendations:
Traveling alone or as a couple? ➡️ Shuttle
Traveling as a party of 3-5? ➡️ Private transfer
Traveling as a party > 5? ➡️ Multiple private transfers or a shuttle
Traveling with kids? ➡️ Private transfer
Getting from Manhattan to LaGuardia
Getting to LaGuardia from Manhattan is easy. All you have to do is choose an option above and do it in reverse. In order to get from Manhattan to LGA, you have the following options:
- taxi directly to the airport
- private transfer directly to the airport
- shuttle bus directly to the airport
- subway, followed by bus
- rideshares (like Via, Uber or Lyft) directly to the airport
Always be sure to allow some extra time when getting to the airport. Generally speaking, you should be at the airport two hours before your departure when catching a domestic flight and three hours before departure before an international flight.
FAQ
How far is LaGuardia from Manhattan?
LaGuardia is the closest airport to Manhattan. It is only 8 miles away, making it the most convenient airport to fly into. Nevertheless, more flights land and depart from JFK and EWR as these are larger airports. Especially, if you are taking an international flight, you will probably be flying into JFK or Newark Airport.
How long does it take to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
Depending on the transfer you choose and where your hotel is located, your trip from LGA to Manhattan can take anything from 20 minutes to one hour.
How much does it cost to get from LGA to Manhattan?
Your transfer from Manhattan to LGA or the other way around can cost anything from $3 to 20 per person, depending on the transfer you select.
Is there a flat rate from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
No. LGA is so close to Manhattan that the standard metered fare applies to all taxi rides from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan. You can expect to pay about $25.
Is there a subway to LaGuardia Airport?
No, but you can take a bus! Your best option is to take MTA’s M60 Bus. It will only cost you $2.75 and is, therefore, the cheapest transfer from LGA to Manhattan.
FAQs
How to get to Manhattan from LaGuardia by subway? ›
- Catch the LaGuardia Link Q70 at Terminals B or C. From Terminal B and C, follow the signs for public transit. ...
- Take the Q70 to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74 St-Broadway. The Q70 runs nonstop from Terminal B to the at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av, and the at 74 St-Broadway.
Taxis from LaGuardia to Manhattan don't have a flat fee (like JFK) and will range between $35-$50 depending on the time of day. The ride can be as quick as 30 minute or upward of an hour, depending on traffic. Uber/Lyft will run $35 – $60, depending on time of day and destination.
How much is taxi from LaGuardia to Manhattan? ›Taxis at LGA are metered and you can expect to pay around $40USD (€37) to Manhattan, plus tolls – if you wish to travel on a flat rate fare, you can always book a private shuttle service in advance. For a cheaper option, you can take the train which costs $2.75USD (€2.40) with a journey taking around 50 minutes.
Can you Uber from LaGuardia to Manhattan? ›Whether you want a ride from LaGuardia Airport in the early morning hours or late at night—or anytime in between—just open your Uber app and request a ride. How much does it cost to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan NY? The average trip price to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan NY is $52.00 - $79.00.
How much does an Uber cost from LaGuardia to Times Square? ›The average trip price to get from LaGuardia Airport to The Times Square Edition is $55.00 - $81.00.
How much does a Uber cost from Manhattan to LaGuardia? ›Trip prices can vary a bit depending on a number of factors. The average trip price to get from One Manhattan West to LaGuardia Airport is $67.00 - $97.00. You can also use Uber's price estimator tool to check a real-time estimate.
Does LaGuardia Airport have a shuttle service? ›Connecting Within LaGuardia
Use our complimentary airport shuttle bus service between our terminals, parking lots, rental car facilities and car service pick-up areas. Buses arrive approximately every 10 minutes but this frequency may vary with traffic conditions.
A number of transportation services, including private car services and app-based ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at LaGuardia Airport.
Is it cheaper to take a taxi or Uber in NYC 2022? ›With that being said, Uber is often slightly more expensive, with a NYC city taxi averaging about $1.40 less, according to Free Tours by Foot.
Is taxi or Uber cheaper in NYC from airport? ›It's actually cheaper!
You'd think that but, surprisingly no, a taxi cab is still cheaper than an Uber in NYC.
Does LaGuardia have a Metro station? ›
Subways and Trains
There's no subway that goes directly to LaGuardia. Nor is there a train. You'll need to take a bus and then transfer to a subway or train. For the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D subways, take the M60 to Manhattan.
Taxi drivers: 15–20 percent of total fare. Hairdressers: 15–20 percent of total service cost. Tips for other service personnel, such as theater ushers, tour guides and coat-check staff, are always appreciated.
Why is there no subway to LaGuardia? ›However, due to rising costs, the Port Authority canceled the direct rail link between LaGuardia/JFK and Manhattan in May 1995. Prior to the construction of AirTrain JFK in 1997, Mayor Rudy Giuliani opposed the AirTrain at JFK because of a monetary dispute between the state, city, and Port Authority.
How do you catch a taxi at LaGuardia? ›The taxi stand is located on Level 2 (Arrivals) at the easternmost end of the curb. Learn more about taxi service on the LaGuardia Airport website. Please do not accept a ride from any unauthorized ride service!
How much does a cab cost from LaGuardia to Times Square? ›The fastest way to get from New York La Guardia Airport (LGA) to Times Square is to taxi which takes 12 min and costs $40 - $55.
Is JFK or LGA easier to get to Manhattan? ›For most people traveling in and out of New York, JFK is the best airport to fly into. It's the easiest to get to/from on the subway and has a good variety of flight departure times and destinations.
How much does Lyft cost from LaGuardia to Manhattan? ›| Lyft | $50-60 | 31 | Request a ride |
|---|---|---|
| XL | $60-70 | 31 | Request a ride |
| Lux Black | $74-86 | 31 | Request a ride |
| Lux Black XL | $105-120 | 31 | Request a ride |
The results might shock you. She found that without tips or surge pricing, hailing a cab was always less expensive than an UberX or a standard Lyft. Cab prices averaged 35-83% less than a ride-share.
How much do you tip Uber drivers? ›You should tip Uber and Lyft drivers between 10 and 20 percent based on quality of service. You should use a set tip of $4-$6 for rideshare delivery. According to HyreCar, Uber and Lyft drivers make less than $15 an hour when driver costs are considered.
How much is LaGuardia Airport shuttle? ›Affordable Rates. Shared rides start at $40, and are available to and from major NYC airports, including JFK, LGA & Newark.
How much is a car service to LaGuardia? ›
| Vehicle | To LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | To JFK Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan 4Pass | $ 39 | $ 54 |
| Luxury 4Pass | $ 44 | $ 59 |
| MiniVan 6Pass | $ 59 | $ 69 |
| Van 9-13Pass | $ 160 | $ 202 |
It takes around 5 minutes to walk between these two terminals, and you don't have to re-clear security on arrival at the next terminal.
Where do Ubers pick up at LaGuardia? ›For Terminal A, head outside from arrivals or baggage claim. This is where Uber drivers at LGA meet travelers for pickup. For Terminal B, follow the green “Car Services” signs and proceed through the pedestrian walkway to Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage. Please wait for your driver in the designated lane.
How do I get from LaGuardia Airport to the city? ›- Option 1: Take the M60 Select Bus from uptown Manhattan. Fare: $2.75 for most riders. ...
- Option 2: Take the subway to Queens and then take the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus. Fare: $2.75 for most riders. ...
- Option 3: Take a LIRR train to Queens and then take the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus.
Drive to the designated UberX area at the Terminal B Parking Garage (Curb H). Be sure to follow signs for the Uber curb. Pull up to the "Wait Here" sign once you arrive at the curb, and remain inside your vehicle. Wait to receive the next UberX pickup request.
How much do you tip a taxi driver? ›Transportation Tipping
Cab driver: 15 percent to 20 percent tip of the fare. (Find out ahead of time if your cabbie accepts a credit card. If he or she doesn't, make sure you have enough cash for both fare and tip.)
Credit cards are accepted everywhere. In New York (and in the rest of the US) people that use credit cards are more common than those that use cash. In many ways, it is comparable to using a debit card. If you don't have a credit card or you'd like to pay in dollars, you can request the free Revolut Debit Card here.
Do you tip Uber drivers? ›Tipping is optional. You are free to add a tip, and drivers are free to accept tips. How do I leave my driver a tip? The easiest way to tip your driver is through the app.
Is LaGuardia connected to the subway? ›From the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station, the LaGuardia Link Q70-SBS bus provides non-stop service to LaGuardia Airport. Connections are available from the E, F, M, R trains at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the 7 at 74th St-Broadway subway station.
How do I get from LaGuardia to the city? ›The Free Q70 Bus To The Subway
Also known as the "LaGuardia Link", this bus takes you directly from the airport to the subway for free. You simply board the bus. The bus runs nonstop to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Subway Station (ADA accessible) in Queens every 8-10 minutes 24 hours a day.
Is the LaGuardia shuttle free? ›
Connecting Within LaGuardia
Use our complimentary airport shuttle bus service between our terminals, parking lots, rental car facilities and car service pick-up areas. Buses arrive approximately every 10 minutes but this frequency may vary with traffic conditions.