News
May 01, 2022
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3 min read
Q70 bus to LaGuardia is now free for riders as leaders mull future options
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Anyone who has been to New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in recent months has seen just how much it’s been transformed. Massive construction projects have led to a greatly-improved passenger experience at the airport. What’s still in the works though, are better options for getting to and from the airport.
This past week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a temporary solution of sorts while the city and state work on “longer-term solutions.”
Starting today, the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus became free to all riders. The bus service connects LaGuardia’s terminals to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
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Typically, there have been weekends and holiday weeks where the Q70 fees are waived as part of an effort to encourage public transportation and get cars off congested roads. Last week, Hochul announced that she is directing New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to extend the Q70 fee waiver to the end of the year.
“While we continue working to create a world-class transit option that’s worthy of a whole new LaGuardia Airport, we’re taking action right now to make it easier to get to the airport by making the Q70 bus service free for all riders,” Hochul said.
The LaGuardia Link bus service connects airport passengers within 10 minutes to the 74 Street-Broadway/Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue subway station. The bus also connects to the Long Island Rail Road's Woodside Station at 61 Street and Roosevelt Avenue. The bus fare is traditionally $2.75 one way.
Leaders discussing long-term solutions for public transportation to LaGuardia is something frequent travelers may be glad to hear. TPG recently reported on a rise in taxi fares between the airport and many of Manhattan’s most popular tourist destinations.
LaGuardia, despite its terminal improvements, does not have the same public transit options you’ll find at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where the AirTrain provides a direct connection to subway and train service.
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Related: Which NYC airport should I fly to?
In the meantime, the now-free Q70 service runs 24 hours a day, with a bus expected to arrive every ten minutes during the day. The buses, which bring subway passengers to LaGuardia terminals B, C and D, contain special luggage racks to accommodate airport passengers.
Featured image by
(Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.
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- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
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- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
FAQs
Is Q70 to LaGuardia free? ›
The Q70 stops at airport terminals C and B. For service to Terminal A, take the airport shuttle bus from Terminal B. LaGuardia Link Q70 bus service is free.
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.
The LaGuardia Link Q70 is free.
You do not have to pay to board the Q70 at LaGuardia Airport. To continue your trip on the subway or another local bus, use OMNY by tapping your contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, or wearable device. You can also purchase and use a MetroCard.
Transfers from the subway to the bus are already free for two hours when you use your MetroCard (you have to get a receipt from a kiosk, but you won't be charged).
Who is paying for LaGuardia Airport? ›Delta is investing more than $6 billion in New York's LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airports, he added. The new LaGuardia terminal includes Delta's largest airport lounge, a 34,000-square-foot Sky Club with panoramic views that when finished can accommodate nearly 600 people.