There are 3 transport options available when travelling from LaGuardia airport to Queens or Midtown Manhattan, the city centre of New York. The easiest and most convenient option is to take a private LaGuardia airport shuttle or taxi. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Taxis at LGA are metered and you can expect to pay around $40USD (€37) to Manhattan, plus tolls – if you wish to travel on a flat rate fare, you can always book a private shuttle service in advance. For a cheaper option, you can take the train which costs $2.75USD (€2.40) with a journey taking around 50 minutes.
Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to New York at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.- Nothing Found
How to get from LGA Airport to the City Centre of New York
Welcome PickupsApril 8, 2021
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Pickups | €69 | 30min | 24/7 | |
| Taxi | €37 | 30min | 24/7 | |
| Train | €4.80 | 50min | 24/7 |
How to get from LGA Airport to city centre by taxi or private shuttle
Taking a taxi or private LaGuardia airport shuttle are the easiest and fastest transportation options when travelling to the city centre of New York. They are the best choice for those travelling with lots of luggage as they provide door-to-door service.
Taxi fare from LGA to city centre
Taxis from LGA Airport are metered and therefore the price may vary. A journey in usual traffic is likely to cost around $40USD (€37) and you will also be charged for any tolls along the way. Don’t forget that it’s customary to tip taxi drivers in New York (standard is around 20%). Please note that an extra $1USD is charged during rush-hour, between 16:00 – 20:00.
However, by booking a private shuttle in advance, you are guaranteed a fixed price, no matter how long the journey, with on-time pickups and no waiting time at any taxi rank.
Cost
€37
Trip Duration
30 Min.
*Rates may vary unless the taxi is booked in advance
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis and private shuttles are available 24/7 from LaGuardia airport.
Where do I get it from?
Official yellow taxi stands are situated outside every terminal at LaGuardia airport. There are also assistants available at every rank to assist and guide you to a taxi. Most taxis are standard sedans, but larger vehicles may also be available upon request.
If you book with a private shuttle company, your driver will be waiting for you, with a name sign, at the arrivals exit.
Convenience
Taxis and private shuttles are the most comfortable option to get you to downtown Manhattan, as you save time walking, transferring and carrying around heavy luggage. Airport taxis and shuttles in New York are regulated by law and abide by strict safety measures, so you can be sure that if you take an official taxi or shuttle, you are in good hands. It is best to avoid metered taxis during rush hours as traffic is heavy and the journey is slow.
Editor’s Note
There can be a long wait at the taxi ranks during peak hours, as well as a slow transfer into the city and high fare. If you wish to travel to your destination without having to wait in the taxi rank queues, you can book a private shuttle in advance.
Useful Tips
How to get from LGA Airport to city centre by train
There is no direct subway service at LaGuardia Airport. If you wish to use the subway system to reach Manhattan from the airport you will need to take the Q70 SBS LaGuardia Link Airport Bus to transfer to the metro station, located nearby on Roosevelt Ave. This transfer will take approximately 15 minutes. From Roosevelt Ave you are able to take the E Subway Line into Midtown, which will take around 35 minutes.
How much is the train from LGA to city centre?
The train and bus will cost $2.75USD (€2.40) each for a one-way journey, however if you board one within two hours of buying the ticket you are able to 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 in the airport.
Cost
€2.40
Trip Duration
50 Min
There can be up to a 20 minute wait for the train
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Both the subway and the Q70 bus operate 24/7.
Where do I get it from?
You will need to take the Q70 bus from terminals B, C or D at LGA Airport. The E Line Subway will leave from Roosevelt Avenue Station in Jackson Hights, so alight the Q70 here for the next leg of your journey.
Convenience
Despite its low cost, there are no direct subway lines from the airport. Having said this, the services operate 24/7, therefore if time and luggage are not issues, it is a cheap and relatively easy way to get to Manhattan.
Editor’s Note
It is better to purchase a Metrocard for $1 USD, even if you don't plan on using the public transport much. It will not only save you money (even on one use) but will also save time on your commute.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer
Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in New york. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read more Book Welcome Pickups transferWelcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.
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20 minute gap between transfers
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Regular Car Sanitisation
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Contactless ride
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Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from LGA airport to Manhattan / New York City Centre?
When travelling from LGA and Midtown in a taxi, your fare will be calculated using a taximeter, therefore you can expect to pay around €37 for the trip in light traffic conditions. There is an extra charge for peak hour service, as well as tolls along the route. You can always book a private shuttle service in order to pay a fixed price.
What transfer options are there from LGA airport to Manhattan?
There are 3 transport options to get you into Midtown Manhattan; a private shuttle, a taxi or a train. Taxis and shuttles are recommended as they are comfortable and faster for those with luggage, however taking the train is great for those on a budget.
How far is LGA airport from New York City?
LaGuardia airport is located 14.8km away from Midtown Manhattan. The journey by car, in normal traffic conditions, should take around 30 minutes.
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