New York LaGuardia Airport: Getting Into the City

LaGuardia Airport is New York's domestic flights terminal (with a few exceptions). Since many of us get to NYC on connecting flights, landing here is common. And if you're flying into New York from another U.S. city, LaGuardia will most likely be your airport.

This air terminal in Flushing, in northern Queens, is the closest airport to Manhattan, just 13 kilometers away! That means transfers to your hotel will be cheaper and faster. Depending on your destination, you can get there in anywhere from half an hour to an hour. So if you have the option to land at LaGuardia, I'd say give it serious thought.

Below, to help you plan your trip, is some practical info on the different types of transfers from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan.

Private transfer from LaGuardia Airport

The most comfortable and fastest option is to book a private transfer to take you from LaGuardia to your destination in New York City.

On the Civitatis transfer search tool you'll find different types of vehicles depending on the number of travelers, with options for 3 to 14 passengers. When you check the prices, you'll notice they're great value if you're traveling as a family or in a larger group.

This search tool is worth using for two reasons: 1) the service has plenty of positive reviews from travelers, and 2) the drivers speak Spanish.

Prices depend on where you're headed and how many passengers there are (the cheapest options start at around $90). By booking your private transfer online, you lock in the price and avoid surprises the way you can get with taxis.

Buses connecting to the subway from LaGuardia

If you're looking to save as much as possible and don't mind using New York public transportation, the cheapest transfer from LaGuardia is the buses that drop you near the subway. With this bus + subway combo, you'll get to your accommodation for $2.75. Dirt cheap!

Unlike JFK Airport or Newark Airport, LaGuardia has no AirTrain service linking the terminal to the subway. From this airport in Queens you have to take a bus to reach the subway and continue on your way.

Depending on which LaGuardia terminal you arrive at and where you're going, these are the bus lines that will work for you:

Q70-SBS bus (LaGuardia Link Q70)

If your destination is in Queens, Midtown Manhattan or Downtown Manhattan, the Q70 bus or LaGuardia Link Q70 is your best bet (learn how to plan routes on New York public transportation).

The Q70 bus is a free shuttle connecting LaGuardia Terminals B and C with subway lines 7, E, F, M and R at the 74th St/Roosevelt Avenue station.

If you land at Terminal A and the Q70 works for you, you can get to Terminal B on the airport's free shuttle.

The Q70 bus is free, but to enter the subway you'll need to pay with a MetroCard or the OMNY system, the new way to pay for NYC subways and buses (as of 2024, MetroCards are no longer sold).

You can read more details about this free LaGuardia bus transfer on the airport's official page.

M60-SBS bus

If your destination is in Astoria (Queens), Uptown Manhattan or the Bronx, the M60 bus is the most convenient. It stops at Terminals A, B and C and makes several stops in Queens and Manhattan (to figure out whether it's the best bus for your trip, read how to plan routes on New York public transportation).

Unlike the Q70, the M60 bus isn't free. You have to pay with the new OMNY fare payment system, a MetroCard, or by buying a single ticket from the machines at the bus stop (not a good idea if you're transferring to the subway, since that ticket only covers the bus).

If you need to buy a MetroCard, there are vending machines inside the airport, near the M60 bus stops.

Shared transfer from LaGuardia

If you're traveling solo, shared vans (shuttles) are a cheaper option than private transfers. They run around $40 per passenger. They're minibuses that hold up to 10 people.

If there are 2 or more of you, I'd seriously consider a private transfer instead, since the shuttle only saves you a few dollars and takes much longer, dropping passengers at different addresses with no way of knowing whether you'll be first or last.

If you book the shared van from your hotel to the airport, request it well in advance so traffic doesn't ruin your plans, especially during rush hour.

Taxi from LaGuardia Airport

If you're in a hurry or traveling with a lot of luggage (which can be a real problem on the bus and subway), you can take a taxi (to Manhattan it runs about $45, plus tip (an extra 15% to 20%) and tolls where applicable).

My advice is to take only official taxis. You'll find the taxi lines easily since they're clearly marked at the terminal. They're regulated and insured in case anything goes wrong.

Up to 4 people can ride with a small amount of luggage.

Uber or Lyft from LaGuardia

A very popular alternative to taxis in New York is Uber or Lyft, apps that are now go-to options for booking cheaper rides.

They're completely legal in New York, so go ahead and order one with confidence.

Since the ride is charged straight to your card, tip included, you don't have to hand the driver a cent. Easy!

One thing though: you'll need a data plan or roaming on your phone for this option to work.

How to get from LaGuardia Airport to JFK or Newark

If your trip involves connecting between New York's airports, read this piece where I explain how to get from one New York airport to another.

If you want to make the most of a layover and see some of New York, it helps to know the best luggage storage spots and apps.