How to Get to LaGuardia Airport
By Emily Zemler; Updated August 11, 2017Tips for making your airport journey stress-free
Traveling to the airport can be a stressful experience, so planning ahead and knowing all the options is key. LaGuardia Airport in Queens services New York and its surrounding areas and is accessible via several forms of transportation. When heading to the airport from Manhattan or one of the outer boroughs, select the option that best suits your travel needs considering time, cost and traffic.
Via public transportation
The New York subway does not directly extend to LaGuardia Airport, however several buses go to and from the airport. The MTA provides buses directly between Manhattan or Queens and LaGuardia, as well as those that connect from the subway and the Long Island Railroad. A one-way trip on MTA buses costs $2.75, and tickets can be purchased at MetroCard vending machines in the stations using cash or a credit card. Passengers can also use exact change to board a bus. Passengers using MetroCards get a free transfer from the subway to the bus.
There are several buses to take, depending on your location in the New York area. The M60 SBS, which services LaGuardia Terminals B, C and D, is the best way to connect from most New York subway lines coming from Manhattan and Queens, as well as from the Metro-North Railroad. A complete bus schedule, with a full list of stops, is available on the LaGuardia Airport website. Further information is also available by calling 511.
Via taxi
LaGuardia Airport is an easy taxi ride from Manhattan, as well as Queens and Brooklyn. Metered taxis, available to hail or call throughout the city, calculate your fare based on distance and time. There is no flat rate for trips to LaGuardia. There is a $1 peak-time surcharge for trips from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and a $.50 surcharge for trips from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, as well as a New York State tax of $.50 added to trips within the state. Be aware that there is a limit of four passengers per taxi, and the ride could take longer during the winter months if road conditions are icy or snowy. The average taxi fare to LaGuardia from central Manhattan is $50.
Via rideshare
Uber or Lyft are good options to travel to LaGuardia Airport. The cars can be summoned to any location via an app on your phone, with payment via a pre-entered credit card. These are generally cheaper than a metered taxi and you can request an Uber XL when using Uber if you have large luggage or more than four passengers. Allow extra time if there is heavy traffic or poor weather conditions, especially when coming from Manhattan. An UberX, Uber's budget-friendly option, is generally $30-39 from Manhattan.
Via rental car
Rental car drivers should allow an extra hour at LaGuardia to return the vehicle and to take a free shuttle to the terminals. The airport recommends taking your driving directions from Google Maps or Waze, and it's essential to check for traffic or road closures ahead of time. LaGuardia is located on the Grand Central Pkwy, which runs through Queens and connects to Brooklyn and Manhattan.