When traveling from LaGuardia Airport to downtown Manhattan in New York City, you have four main transport options, each with its own pros and cons. The easiest and most convenient options are to either take a LaGuardia Airport taxi or pre-book a private LaGuardia Airport transfer. The journey takes around 30 minutes in light traffic and up to 2 hours in heavy traffic. Taxis and private transfers are recommended as they are comfortable and convenient for those with luggage, however, they are also the most expensive.
For those on a budget, we recommend taking the subway or the train. Both options take around 40 minutes, excluding wait and transfer times, and require taking the free Q70–SBS shuttle bus first to reach the station. The cheapest of the two is the subway, although the train is also very affordable. Keep in mind when taking public transport that you’ll likely have to make an additional transfer to a local bus or walk on foot to reach your final destination.
*Previously, there was a LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan shuttle called the NYC Express Bus, however, services stopped running after the pandemic.
4 ways to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €112 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Ideal for families and business travelers after a personalized experience. | ||||||
Taxi | €34 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| Perfect for families or groups after a quick, door-to-door ride. | ||||||
Train | €13.20 | 35min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Great for experienced or solo travelers seeking the fastest public transport option available. | ||||||
Subway | €5.20 | 40min | 24/7 | Convenience | Read more | |
| Good if you're arriving at night or in the early hours of the morning. | ||||||
Taking a Laguardia Airport taxi from LGA to Manhattan is the easiest and fastest transportation option when traveling to the city center of New York. Rides take around 30 minutes in light traffic, although travel times can increase considerably during peak hours. Taxis are metered and can seat up to 4 passengers with a standard suitcase each, making it a great choice for those traveling with lots of luggage as they provide a door-to-door service.
LGA to Manhattan taxi fare
New York taxis are metered therefore, your LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan taxi cost will vary depending on the exact time and distance to your destination. The typical price of a taxi to Times Square in Manhattan is somewhere between $30 and $38 (€27-34), however, extra surcharges will be added on top for driving at night or during peak hours and for getting picked up from the airport. Be aware that traffic can significantly affect your final fare and if you pass any road tolls you are responsible for paying them.
Where can I catch a taxi from?
Official taxi stands for classic yellow taxis are situated outside every terminal at LGA Airport. There are also assistants available at every rank to assist and guide you to a taxi – just keep in mind that it’s customary to tip these attendants. Most taxis are standard sedans, but larger vehicles may also be made available upon request.
*If you book an airport transfer with a company like Welcome Pickups, your driver will be waiting for you at the Arrivals exit.
Convenience
A taxi from LGA to Manhattan is the most convenient way to travel as you save time walking, transferring, and carrying heavy luggage. Moreover, airport taxis in New York are regulated by the local government and abide by strict safety measures, so you can be sure that you’re in good hands when using an official taxi.
That being said, it’s best to avoid metered taxis during rush hours as traffic can be hectic and the journey slow. Peak hours are Monday through Friday between 14:00 and 20:00, with 15:00 to 19:00 being the worst in terms of congestion levels.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThere isn’t a direct train service that departs from LaGuardia Airport. If you wish to travel by train from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan, the easiest way is to first take the LaGuardia Link Q70 Select Bus Service (SBS) to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). You don’t have to pay to board the Q70 LaGuardia Link and each bus is equipped with luggage racks for your convenience.
After boarding the Q70, expect one stop before arriving at Woodside Station which takes 25 minutes. From here, you’ll board the LIRR directly to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan for a further 10 minutes. All up, the train and bus take 35 minutes, not including wait and transfer times.
How much is the train from LGA to Manhattan?
The good news is that the Q70-SBS bus is free, so you’ll only need to pay for the LIRR train. The exact fare for the LIRR depends on whether you’re traveling during peak hours; a one-way ticket during peak hours (weekdays from 06:00-10:00) costs $7.25 (€6.60) per person, while off-peak (all other times) tickets cost $5 (€4.40).
The most convenient way to purchase a ticket is via the MTA eTix app. Alternatively, you can buy one from a ticket vending machine at Woodside Station using cash or a card. Buying one onboard from the conductor is also possible, but this option nearly doubles the price.
The LaGuardia Link Q70 and LIRR train run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Where do I get the train from?
To catch the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus, follow the signs for public transit from Terminals B and C. The Q70 stops right outside, connecting passengers to the train and subway network. Once you’ve arrived at Woodside Station, exit the bus and follow the signs to the LIRR or subway.
*If you arrive at Terminal A, take the airport shuttle to Terminal B to board the Q70.
Convenience
Whilst taking the train is great value for your money, dealing with wait times and having to switch transport modes part way through your journey can make it less convenient. Nevertheless, the LIRR is the fastest public transportation option available, although it may take longer during rush hours since it becomes very crowded onboard.
Timetables
LaGuardia Airport Shuttle Bus
LaGuardia Link Q70 Timetable
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Timetable
Useful Tips
Similar to the train, there isn’t a direct subway service from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan. If you wish to use the subway system to reach Manhattan, you’ll first need to take the LaGuardia Link Q70 Service Bus to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue. The service takes approximately 15 minutes and is free of charge. From Roosevelt Ave you can take Subway Lines E, F R, or 7 into Midtown, which will take an additional 25 minutes, not including wait times.
How much is the subway from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
The Q70 is free of charge and the subway will cost $2.90 (€2.60) per person for a one-way journey. However, if you board one within two hours of buying the ticket you can transfer to a subway or another bus service for free if you use a Metrocard, keeping the price low. Metrocards can be purchased from stations at ticket machines or from Metrocard agents at the airport.
Both the subway and the Q70 bus operate 24/7.
Where do I get the subway from?
First, take the Q70 bus from terminals B and C at LGA Airport. The E, F, R, and 7 Subway Lines leave from Roosevelt Avenue Station in Jackson Heights, so you’ll need to get off the Q70 here and transfer to the subway to Midtown Manhattan. Your stop will be 42nd Street/Port Authority, however, we recommend you check to see which stop is closest to your hotel or accommodation.
*Take the free shuttle bus from Terminal A to the B and C Terminals.
Convenience
Despite its low cost, there are no direct subway lines from the LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan which means you need to take a bus before getting on the subway. Having said this, the service operates 24/7, therefore, if time and luggage are not a concern, it’s a cheap and relatively easy way to reach downtown.
Timetables
LaGuardia Bus Information
MTA Subway Timetables
Useful Tips
When considering your Manhattan transportation from the airport to the city, a private LaGuardia Airport transfer is the most reliable and customizable choice. No need to queue up on arrival for a taxi or worry about whether your traveling companions can stick together, when you book a private transfer you’ll be met with a local English-speaking driver on arrival and taken directly to the door of your hotel in comfort and style.
Welcome Pickups offer a guaranteed fixed fare rate and 24/7 customer support, plus your flight will be monitored in case there are any changes that might impact your trip. Additionally, your driver will welcome you to NYC by pointing out some of the city’s highlights en route to your destination, while letting you on some local secrets to help you get the most out of your holiday.
How much is a Welcome airport transfer from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
One of the advantages of booking a private airport transfer is the transparency around pricing. You’ll receive an upfront quote inclusive of all charges so you won’t have to worry about traffic conditions impacting the price, or the numerous surcharges adding up.
If you’re after a ride for 3 people, our modern sedans are the perfect fit, costing $123.50 (€112) for your transfer into Manhattan. Otherwise, you can choose to travel in our spacious minivans which seat up to 5 people for $143.40 (€130).
Booking is made easy with the Welcome Pickups app, or you can do so online. Just be sure to have your flight details on hand and you’re good to go!
Private transfer services can be arranged 24/7 from LGA Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
Each terminal has an Arrival Hall right after the Baggage Claim area where your personal driver will be waiting to meet you, holding a sign with your name on it. To help you recognize them, you’ll be emailed their details and a photo before you travel.
After introducing yourselves, your driver will happily lend a hand with any luggage and show you to your pre-selected private vehicle so you can start your journey into Manhattan.
Convenience
Despite being the most costly option, using a private transfer service is perfect for travelers looking to save time and avoid navigating the crowded train and subway system. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about the numerous surcharges that come with taking a taxi.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€52Starting from 17.3 EUR / passenger
SUV up to 5 passengers
€77Starting from 15.4 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€130Starting from 10.8 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get from LGA to Manhattan?
The easiest way to travel between LGA and downtown Manhattan is to arrange a private airport transfer with a company like Welcome Pickups. This way, you’ll be provided a guaranteed fixed fare price and be met with an English-speaking driver on arrival to ensure a fast and smooth ride.
Is there a free shuttle from LGA?
There is a free shuttle bus provided by the airport 24/7 that runs between each terminal. The LaGuardia Link Q70 Select Bus Service (SBS) is also a free service that connects passengers to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Subway network.
How much is a taxi from LGA to Manhattan?
When you opt to take a taxi from LGA to Manhattan, your fare will be calculated using a taximeter based on the distance you’re traveling. You can expect to pay between $30 and $38 (€27-34), not including tolls and surcharges, which can significantly increase the price.
For a fully personalized transfer with no hidden fees, pre-book your LGA Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups and take advantage of our door-to-door pickups and 24/7 customer support team.
How far is LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?
The distance from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan is approximately 15 km which – under light traffic conditions – takes around 30 minutes when traveling by taxi or private transfer.
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