A Complete Guide
As a New Yorker, I take a taxi or car service when I’m coming from LaGuardia — it’s just easier. But visitors ask me about this all the time, so here’s a guide to the options for you. LaGuardia Airport is only 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan — the closest of the three New York area airports. That sounds convenient, but there’s a catch: LaGuardia is the only major NYC airport with no direct subway access or AirTrain connection. Queens traffic can be brutal, and the bus routes, while cheap, are slow. Here’s what you’re working with.
The LaGuardia Link Q70 is a free bus that runs nonstop from the terminal to the subway in Jackson Heights, Queens. From there you connect to the E, F, M, R, or 7 train into Manhattan. The bus runs every 8 to 10 minutes from Terminals B and C. The only cost is your subway fare — $2.90 with a tap of your credit card or OMNY card. Total travel time is about 45 to 60 minutes. Not ideal with heavy luggage, but hard to beat on price.
The M60 Select Bus Service runs from LaGuardia to 125th Street in Harlem, with subway connections along the way. Cost is $3. This route takes longer than the Q70 — roughly 60 minutes or more depending on traffic — but it gets you into Upper Manhattan directly. Good option if you’re heading to the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, or Harlem.
From Jackson Heights, you can also transfer to the Long Island Rail Road at Woodside for a faster connection to Penn Station. Off-peak fares are around $5.25; peak fares are about $7.25. Total cost with the free Q70 is under $10, and the train leg takes only a few minutes. Worth considering if you’re headed to Midtown and the timing works.
Metered fare from LaGuardia to Manhattan typically runs $40 to $60, plus the $9 congestion pricing surcharge for destinations below 60th Street and tolls where applicable. With tip, most rides land between $60 and $80 all-in. No flat rate like JFK — the meter runs from the moment you get in. Traffic on the BQE and through the Midtown Tunnel can add significantly to both time and cost.
Base fares run approximately $35 to $55 before tolls and tip. Add the $9 congestion surcharge for Midtown and below, and most rides come in around $55 to $80 off-peak. During peak hours or surge, fares can climb to $100 or more. Rideshare pickup is in the designated zones at each terminal — follow the app’s instructions, as LaGuardia’s layout can be confusing.
Pre-booked car services offer fixed pricing with no surge. Rates to Manhattan typically start around $55 to $75 for a standard sedan, with tolls included. The advantage over rideshare is certainty — your price is locked in when you book, and your driver will be there regardless of demand. Worth it for early morning flights or when you need a guaranteed pickup.
GO Airlink NYC runs shared shuttle service from LaGuardia to Manhattan starting at $35 per person. Like all shared shuttles, it makes multiple stops, which extends the ride — budget 60 to 90 minutes. You can book in advance online or find the service at the terminal. Best suited for solo travelers or budget-conscious visitors who aren’t in a rush.
Note: All prices are approximate as of 2026. LaGuardia traffic is notoriously unpredictable — add buffer time during peak hours.
LaGuardia is only 8 miles from Midtown, but don’t let that fool you — Queens traffic can make this trip take much longer than the distance suggests. By bus and subway, budget 45 to 60 minutes. By taxi or rideshare in normal traffic, 25 to 50 minutes. During peak hours, add significant time.
No. LaGuardia is the only major New York area airport without a direct subway connection or AirTrain. Your public transit options involve taking a free bus (the Q70 LaGuardia Link) to the subway in Jackson Heights, Queens, and transferring from there.
Take the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Heights, then board the E, F, M, R, or 7 train into Manhattan. The only cost is your subway fare — $2.90. Total travel time is about 45 to 60 minutes. It’s not ideal with heavy bags, but it’s hard to beat on price.
There is no flat rate from LaGuardia — the meter runs. Fares typically come out to $40 to $60 before the $9 congestion surcharge and tip. All-in, most rides land between $60 and $80. Traffic is the wild card.
Uber Shuttle runs between LaGuardia and three Midtown Manhattan stops: Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street), Grand Central Terminal, and Penn Station. The fare is $18 per person each way. Shuttles run every 30 minutes from 5am to 10:45pm, seven days a week. To book, open the Uber app, tap Services, then select Shuttle. You can book up to seven days in advance. When the shuttle arrives, show your QR code to the driver to check in. This is one of the better options from LaGuardia given the lack of a direct train connection.
They’re comparable off-peak. A standard UberX runs $35 to $55 before tolls and tip; add the congestion surcharge and you’re around $55 to $80 total. A metered taxi typically comes out similarly. During surge, Uber pulls ahead in cost — in those cases, the taxi or the Uber Shuttle are smarter choices.
Sort of. Take the free Q70 bus to Jackson Heights, then transfer to the Long Island Rail Road at Woodside station. Off-peak fares to Penn Station are around $5.25; peak fares about $7.25. Total cost under $10. It’s not a direct connection but it gets you to Penn Station faster than the subway during busy periods.
Yes. GO Airlink NYC offers shared shuttle service starting at $35 per person. Travel time is 60 to 90 minutes due to multiple stops. Book in advance at goairlink.com or find the counter in the terminal.
The lack of a train connection is the main reason. While other options — taxi, rideshare, bus — are subject to Queens and Midtown traffic, I am usually to mid-town in under an hour. The Uber Shuttle and the Q70 bus to the subway are the most reliable options when traffic is bad.
Not for me, but since you asked…The M60 Select Bus Service runs from LaGuardia directly into Upper Manhattan, stopping at 125th Street in Harlem with connections to the subway. It costs $3 and takes 60 minutes or more. It’s useful if you’re heading to the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, or Harlem, but slower than the Q70 option for most Midtown destinations.
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