How to get from LaGuardia Airport to New York City

Arriving in New York City might feel like a dream. As you step outside the Laguardia Airport, you will notice the incredible skyscrapers peeking through the skyline.

However, getting to Manhattan can be a bit tricky. What transportation should you take? And how much does it cost? No worries, we’ve got your back! Here is our guide for getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan.

If you are visiting New York City for the first time, getting from the airport to your hotel may seem a little overwhelming. Here are some super easy ways to get from point a to point b.

Where is LaGuardia Airport?

 

LaGuardia Airport is one of the three major airports that serve the New York City region.  LaGuardia is the closest airport to Manhattan and so it is generally the preferred airport for New Yorkers.

If you have been in New York, you have probably heard about the John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, which hosts most international flights, and the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

 

If you have a domestic flight, chances are you will probably end up in Laguardia as 22 million passengers went through it during 2019. Of course, the situation with Covid-19 has significantly impacted the number of travellers, but the airport will surely flourish again after the pandemic ends.

 

When it comes to the distance, LaGuardia Airport is the closest airport to Manhattan, and there are about 8 miles from the airport to Times Square. However, since 2016 the airport has been undergoing major construction that has made navigating around the site a bit harder.

But no worries – slowly, things are getting back to normal. If you are arriving at LaGuardia Airport, you should know there are four separate terminals – A (JetBlue), B (Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines), C (Delta Airlines, Spirit, WestJet) and D (Delta Airlines). 

 

Taxi service from LGA to Manhattan

Whichever terminal you might land in, you will notice a line of taxis standing outside the building. Keep in mind that there is no flat fee (unlike the ride from JFK to Manhattan). That is why the price may vary, depending on the traffic and amount of time you spent in the taxi.

Usually, the cost should be between $35-$50, but, of course, you also have to count in the tip, tolls and any possible surcharges. In case your chosen accommodation is located outside of midtown, or you are driving during the peak times, you might have to pay more.

 

How much is Uber from LaGuardia to Manhattan?

 

A similar choice would be to hire a car service, for example, Uber or Lyft. The only problem with this way of transportation – you will have to understand which is the best road to take since the current construction has made it quite tricky.

Up until recently, passengers arriving in Terminal B had to take a shuttle bus to arrive at the area where most transportation options are available, but, thankfully, this is not the case anymore. If you land in Terminal B, your hired car service will wait for you up on the second level. Terminals A, C and D are located outside, which is why the best idea would be for you to contact your driver and explain where are you exactly.

Compared to standard taxis, a hired car service may cost you more. Of course, the price may change depending on the type of car you choose and  what part of the day you arrive. Typically, you will pay somewhere between $40.00 and $75.00. Probably the best thing about choosing a hired service is the fact you don’t have to worry and stress about the metered cab ticking up and up.

 

Shuttle busses from airport to Manhattan

 

If you prefer to save a bit of money, an excellent option for getting from LGA to Manhattan is to use a shuttle bus. There are different kinds of companies offering the service, but we suggest choosing GO Airlink NYC, the official partner with the New York and New Jersey Port Authorities.

The best thing – going on a shuttle bus, you can split the cost of transportation with other people, making it a cheaper way of moving around New York City. What is more, this company offers door-to-door service, which means you will arrive straight to your hotel and you won’t have to worry about getting lost, trying to find the proper metro or taxi to get to your accommodation. 

Public transportation from LGA to Manhattan

The cheapest way to get to and from LaGuardia, undoubtedly, is by using public transportation.

Unfortunately, Laguardia doesn’t have a direct rail link which means your best (and pretty much only) choice would be to hop on a bus.

Here is what you should do – purchase a MetroCard (it will cost $1.00), leave the terminal and look for the Q70 Limited (LTD) Bus stop. You should get off the bus near the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Subway Station. There you will be able to hop on a train of your choice. If you do end up using public transportation, be prepared to haul your luggage up and keep in mind that the trip might take up to two hours.

However you choose to get to Manhattan, once you are there you are in for so much fun.

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