How to Get to Laguardia From Manhattan
By Emily Zemler; Updated September 26, 2017Farewell NYC: Quick, easy ways to get to LaGuardia
Traveling can be a real pain, especially when it comes to getting to and from the airport. But getting to New York's LaGuardia Airport doesn't have to be so challenging. There are several ways to get to this Queens-based airport, including public transportation, ride shares and taxis. Here's everything you need to know.
Via public transportation
Several public buses service LaGuardia Airport and connect to both the New York subway system and the Long Island Railroad. To get from Manhattan to the airport using the subway, check which subway line is best from your location to a connecting airport bus. The M60 bus is the most efficient and picks up passengers from the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C and D subway lines at Harlem/125 St. and the 1 subway line at 116 St. You can also board the Q70 bus at 74 St./Roosevelt Ave. from the 7, E, F, M and R subway lines.
A one-way trip on MTA buses or subways costs $2.75 and may be paid using exact change or a MetroCard. The M60 and Q70 buses require a paid fare before boarding. Visit the MTA website for more information or to use the ride planner to prepare for your specific journey.
Via taxi
Taxis are plentiful around Manhattan. Hail one on the street or ask for one at your hotel, and then instruct the driver to head for LaGuardia Airport. Fares to the airport are metered, which means the price depends on the distance and time of the trip and will include a surcharge during rush hour (4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays) or during the night (8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily). There is no extra charge for luggage.
A taxi from Times Square to LaGuardia costs approximately $29 and will take 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic. Be sure to allow for extra time during busy traffic hours or when the weather is poor. Be aware that taxi drivers in New York cannot accept bills over $20.
Via Uber
Uber is a good option for getting to LaGuardia from Manhattan. Use the shared ride service, which is available via its app, to request a car from anywhere in the city. It can be cheaper than a taxi, depending on the level of Uber service you select. An UberX, the ride service's budget option, estimates $34 to $44 from Times Square to LaGuardia, although that estimate varies depending on time of day and rider demand. You can get a specific estimate from your location to the airport on Uber's website.
Via car
If you rented a car or have a friend or relative who can drive you to the airport, it's essential to check the traffic before heading to LaGuardia. The airport is only a 20-30 minute drive from central Manhattan, but the traffic can get backed up during peak hours or in poor weather, and there is often construction on the highways around the airport. Use an app like Waze to check the traffic or use Google Maps to find the best route.
Via shared ride van
If you have extra time and don't want to spend your entire budget trying to get to LaGuardia, consider booking a shared ride van from Manhattan. Several companies operate in the New York area, including Super Shuttle and NYC Airporter. A Super Shuttle from Times Square to the airport costs approximately $19, making it one of the cheaper options. A full list of options is available on LaGuardia's website.