The best way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan depends on your budget, how much luggage you have and where you’re staying. For most families, a taxi is the easiest option because you can go directly from LGA to your hotel. If you’re traveling light and want the cheapest option, take the free Q70 LGA Link bus and connect to the subway.

LaGuardia is only about 8 miles from Times Square, but travel time can vary dramatically depending on New York City traffic. There is no subway station at LaGuardia, so every public transportation option begins with a bus.

We’ve traveled in and out of New York City for years, and these are the easiest ways to get from LGA to Manhattan.

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.

 

 

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 some of the terminals have been beautifully updated and it makes the contruction totally worth it. l. 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.

Taxis will cost you $30–$52 to Times Square/Theater District, $34–$57 to Tribeca/Civic Center and $24–$45 to Morningside Heights, before tips and certain surcharges.

 

Uber or Lyft from LaGuardia to Manhattan

Uber and Lyft are another easy way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan, especially if you want door-to-door service but prefer to know the estimated cost before you get in the car.

Prices vary depending on demand, traffic, time of day, and where you are staying in Manhattan. During busy periods, surge pricing can make a rideshare considerably more expensive than a taxi, so I recommend checking the price in the app and comparing it with a taxi before booking.

Each LaGuardia terminal has designated rideshare pickup areas. Follow the airport signs for App-Based Ride Servicesand check your Uber or Lyft app for your exact pickup location, since these locations can change.

For families, Uber or Lyft can be particularly convenient when you’re traveling with luggage and don’t want to navigate a bus and subway after a flight. Just keep in mind that if you need a car seat, you’ll need to plan for that when choosing your ride.

Tip: Don’t request your ride until you’ve collected your luggage and are ready to head toward the pickup area. This makes it much easier to meet your driver without paying for unnecessary wait time.

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.  If you’re looking for the best day trips from New York, consider exploring nearby destinations like the scenic Hudson Valley or the charming towns of Long Island. These locations offer a perfect escape from the city, allowing you to enjoy nature, history, and local cuisine. Each trip provides a unique experience that complements the vibrant life of New York City.

Cheapest Way From LGA to Manhattan: Q70 Bus + Subway

LaGuardia doesn’t have its own subway station, but getting to the subway is fairly simple. The Q70 LGA Link bus is free and connects Terminals B and C with the subway at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74 St–Broadway.

From there, you can transfer to the subway and continue into Manhattan. Which train you take depends on where your hotel is located, so check your route before leaving the airport.

This is the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan and can be a great choice if you’re traveling light. With several large suitcases or tired young kids, I’d personally pay more for a taxi or rideshare.

What is the Best Way to Get From LGA to Manhattan?

For most families, I’d take a taxi. You don’t have to navigate subway transfers with luggage, everyone travels for one fare, and you’re dropped directly at your hotel. For solo travelers or couples packing light, the Q70 and subway can save a significant amount of money.

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