A Local’s Guide for How to Get from LGA to Manhattan
LaGuardia Airport has come a long way over the years, but if weโre being honest, it still has a reputation. Plenty of travelers assume getting into the city from LGA will be confusing or stressful, and thatโs exactly why so many people overthink how to get from LGA to Manhattan.
Iโve traveled between LaGuardia Airport and Manhattan more times than I can count, and I promise you this. Itโs nowhere near as complicated as people make it seem, as long as you know your options ahead of time.
If youโre worried about navigating your way into the city after landing, donโt be. This guide breaks down exactly how to get from LGA to Manhattan, whether you want the fastest option, the cheapest route, or the least stressful ride.
Getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan: What You Should Know
Before diving into all of the options for how to get from LGA to Manhattan, there are a few important things to keep in mind before booking your flights.
๐ค Why Fly Into LaGuardia Airport?
LaGuardia is often overshadowed by JFK, but it can actually be one of the more convenient airports if youโre staying in Manhattan, especially Midtown or the Upper East Side. If you’re staying in Queens, it’s actually the best airport to fly into.
The biggest advantage of flying into LGA is distance. Itโs the closest airport to Manhattan, which can make a huge difference in travel time if traffic is reasonable. While it doesnโt have a direct subway connection, recent transportation upgrades have made getting from LGA to Manhattan far easier than it used to be.
LaGuardia is also ideal if youโre staying in Queens, the Upper East Side, Harlem, or even Midtown East. JFK is better for Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan, and getting from Newark to Manhattan tends to work best for Midtown West or New Jersey.
๐ How Long Does it Take to Get Through LaGuardia?
Since LaGuardia doesnโt handle major international arrivals (except Canada and the Caribbean), thereโs no customs process to worry about. International travelers landing in Laguardia actually do pre-clearance and have customs done in the place of departure. That alone can save you a huge amount of time compared to JFK or Newark.
Security lines can still vary depending on the time of day, but overall, moving through LGA is fairly efficient, especially in the newer terminals.
Planning how to get from LGA to Manhattan is much easier than the other airports, as you can more effectively time out your transportation, as long as your flight lands on time of course.
โญ๏ธ What is the Best Way for Getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
My personal favorite way of getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan is a combination of public transportation using the bus and subway. However, depending on where youโre staying, rideshares or taxis can sometimes make sense.
Here are the main options for how to get from LGA to Manhattan:
Want to save this article for later? Pin it!
How to Get from LGA to Manhattan
Now that you know what to expect at Laguardia Airport, letโs break down each option for how to get from LGA to Manhattan in detail.
๐ How to Get from LGA to Manhattan by Bus + Subway
The most budget-friendly and reliable way of getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan is by using New York Cityโs public transportation system.
LaGuardia Airport is served by five MTA bus routes, but most travelers heading to Manhattan will use one of the two Select Bus Service routes designed for airport travel.
These buses have fewer stops, more space for luggage, and faster boarding.
There are two main bus routes that serve LGA:
M60 SBS
This bus is ideal if youโre heading to Upper Manhattan or the Upper East Side. It stops along 125th Street and connects to subway lines including the 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, D, and 1, as well as Metr-North . The M60 serves Terminals A, B, & C, and can be paid with OMNY Contactless, Metro Cards, or coins.
This is one of the best options for how to get from LGA to Manhattan if youโre staying north of 59th Street or continuing on to Westchester or Connecticut.
Q70 SBS
This is the best option for most travelers. The Q70 is a free bus that connects LaGuardia Airport to Jackson HeightsโRoosevelt Avenue, where you can transfer to the E, F, M, R, and 7 subway lines, as well as the Long Island Road (Woodside Station).
Buses run every 8 to 15 minutes, and the total travel time for getting from LGA to Manhattan via bus and subway is usually 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic and your final destination. You can find this bus at both Terminals B & C.
Subway fares are $3, and you can pay using OMNY contactless payment or a MetroCard (if you already have one).
The Q70 is completely free, which makes it one of the best-kept secrets for getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan.
๐ Local Buses at LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia is also served by local Queens bus routes, which are mainly useful for travelers staying in Queens rather than Manhattan:
These buses make many stops and are slower, so theyโre generally not recommended if your goal is getting from LGA to Manhattan.
๐ Where to Find Bus Stops at LaGuardia Airport
Knowing where to go after landing is key for how to get from LGA to Manhattan smoothly.
๐ณ Fare Information for Buses and Subway
All MTA buses and subways accept contactless OMNY payment
๐ Getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan with Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft are widely available at LaGuardia Airport, and many travelers choose this option because it feels straightforward. I used to use it all the time when Uber first came out, as it was only $7 to get to my sister’s apartment in Astoria.
However, gone are the days of really affordable Ubers, and rideshare prices fluctuate wildly depending on traffic and demand. During rush hour, prices can easily skyrocket, which makes prices much higher, especially if you’re going into Manhattan.
If you’re looking how to get from LGA to Manhattan, this is definitely not the least expensive options, but it works best if youโre traveling late at night, with a group of 3 to 4 people, or if you have a lot of luggage and donโt want to deal with stairs or transfers.
๐ Getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan by Taxi
Yellow taxis are readily available at LaGuardia Airport, and unlike JFK, there is no flat fare to Manhattan.
Prices typically range from $35 to $65 plus tolls and tip, depending on traffic and destination. While it can be convenient, traffic can easily double your travel time, especially during peak hours.
If you’re looking for how to get to LGA to Manhattan in a convenient way, this can be ideal, but it is far from a budget-friendly option.
๐ How to Get from LGA to Manhattan with Private Transportation
If youโre looking for comfort and convenience, private transportation can be a solid choice. This includes shared shuttles, private cars, and luxury SUVs.
This option is best for corporate travelers, families, or larger groups who want to travel together without navigating public transit. You can book in advance through platforms like Viator or Get Your Guide and pay ahead of time, which makes it particularly great if you’ll be landing during rush hour.
Itโs not the cheapest option for getting from LGA to Manhattan, but it is one of the most comfortable, and we prefer it more than the traditional taxis. It also avoids any surprises that ride shares and taxis have like tolls and meters racking up from traffic.
๐ Getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan by Rental Car
I cannot stress this enough. Driving in Manhattan is brutal, especially if youโre unfamiliar with the city. One wrong turn, and you can find yourself paying extra for bridges and tolls. Not only that, but the new congestion pricing adds an additional fee to driving in Manhattan.
Between traffic, tolls, aggressive drivers, and the nightmare that is parking, renting a car for the sole purpose of getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan is not worth it.
That said, renting a car can make sense if youโre staying outside Manhattan (for example in Long Island) or if you’re planning a lot of day trips beyond NYC. Just donโt plan on driving into the city itself.
Whenever we have to drive into Queens we look for street parking, which is free outside the biggest avenues. Then we take a subway into Manhattan.
How to Get from LGA to Manhattan: Final Thoughts & Whatโs Next
LaGuardia Airport is one of the most convenient airports for reaching Manhattan, especially if you understand your transportation options ahead of time.
Whether youโre traveling on a budget or looking for the most comfortable ride, there are plenty of reliable ways for how to get from LGA to Manhattan without the stress people often expect.
Knowing your route before landing makes all the difference, and with this guide, youโll be navigating your way into the city like a local.
Want to save this article for later? Pin it!
๐ What’s Next?
Now that you know how to get from LGA to Manhattan, you’re probably ready to learn all about visiting New York City!
Here are some other NYC guides that will help you plan your trip:
โ๏ธ How to Get from EWR to NYC
๐ธ 22 Christmas Bars in NYC
๐ด 17 Christmas Restaurants in NYC
๐จ Top 10 Hotels in NYC for Christmas
๐
๐ป 29 Christmas Activities in NYC
โธ 13 Ice Rinks to Check Out This Season
๐ The Top Christmas Trees in NYC
โจ The 8 Best Locations for Christmas Lights in NYC
๐ช The Best Window Displays in NYC
๐ Where to Find the Best Christmas Decorations in NYC
๐ 52 Fun Things to Do This December in New York
๐
๐ป The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Christmas in NYC
๐ 30 Cool Restaurants in New York City You Need to Try
๐ธ The Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in NYC
๐ง The 19 Best Waterfalls in New York
โ๏ธ Visiting NYC in Winter
๐ธ Our 16 Favorite Instagrammable Places in NYC
๐ The Best Valentineโs Day Date Ideas in NYC
๐ค 10 Things to Do in NYC for Free
๐ The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
We hope you got a lot of information out of our guide, and will be able to confidently get from Laguardia Airport to Manhattan!
Looking for more guides about New York City? Donโt miss out on our other New York travel guides! Also, donโt forget to join to our newsletter, so you can get updates on our most recent articles every week, and get exclusive discounts on our shop.
Ready to start booking the most incredible trip to NYC? Let us help! As locals, we create customized itineraries and take care of all of the stressful details. Want to learn more? Take a peak at our travel planning packages.
Here are some other guides you’ll love:
