LaGuardia Airport has long been one of the most convenient airports for getting into Manhattan. Located just a few miles from Midtown, it’s much closer to the city than either JFK or Newark.
For years, though, LaGuardia was also the punchline of jokes about outdated terminals and cramped facilities. That reputation has changed dramatically. After a massive redevelopment project, the airport now features modern terminals, new restaurants, and even several impressive airport lounges. What was once considered one of the country’s worst airports is now regularly ranked among the best mid-sized airports in the United States.
Unlike JFK or Newark, LaGuardia is shaped by perimeter rules and shorter runways, which means it mostly handles domestic flights on narrow-body aircraft. That gives the airport a different feel from the other major New York airports. In many ways, it functions more like a large regional hub than an international gateway.
But despite its proximity to Manhattan, getting from LaGuardia into the city isn’t always as straightforward as you might expect.
For decades, planners have discussed building a rail connection to link the airport directly to New York’s subway or commuter rail system. The most recent proposal was scrapped, leaving travelers to rely on buses, trains, taxis, and ride shares instead. (You can read more about what happened to the rail plan here.)
So what are your options for getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan—or nearby neighborhoods in Queens and Brooklyn?
Here’s a look at the main ways to make the trip, from the cheapest public transit routes to private car services.
Public Transit (Bus + Subway or Train)
The cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan is by using public transportation. While there’s no direct train connection to the airport, several MTA buses link LaGuardia with nearby subway and commuter rail stations.
The most popular option is the Q70 LaGuardia Link, which runs nonstop between the airport and two major transit hubs:
- Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue (E, F, M, R subway lines)
- Woodside–61st Street (7 subway line and Long Island Rail Road)
The Q70 bus itself is free, making it one of the most affordable ways to reach Manhattan. From there, you simply transfer to the subway or LIRR, depending on where you’re going.
We used this option on a previous trip and found it surprisingly easy once you know where to go. You can read about our experience taking the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to the subway.
Another option is the M60 SBS bus, which runs directly from LaGuardia to Manhattan along 125th Street, connecting with several subway lines along the way.
You can find official transit directions on the airport’s website here:
LaGuardia Airport – Getting To & From the Airport
Typical cost: $2.90 subway fare (the airport bus portion is free)
Uber Shuttle
Uber Shuttle is a shared, fixed-route option that can be a nice middle ground between public transit and booking a private ride. Instead of paying for a car to take you all the way to Manhattan, you reserve a seat on a shuttle traveling between LaGuardia and a set drop-off point in the city.
Pricing isn’t the same as a traditional “flat fare” shuttle. Uber says that Shuttle prices may vary based on factors like your pickup and drop-off, departure time, when you book, and whether any promotional discounts apply. You’ll see the upfront price before you reserve your seat.
We wrote more about these newer airport-focused features in our post on Uber’s new services designed to make airport trips easier.
Typical cost: Varies; shown upfront before booking
Taxi
NYC taxi
New York City’s iconic yellow taxis are another easy option from LaGuardia. Taxi stands are located outside each terminal, and attendants direct passengers to the next available cab.
Unlike trips from JFK Airport, rides between LaGuardia and Manhattan are metered rather than flat-rate. That means the final price depends on traffic conditions, time of day, and the exact route taken.
Typical fares to Manhattan usually range from $35 to $60 before tip and surcharges.
If you’re concerned about what the ride might cost, there are tools that can estimate taxi fares in advance. We covered a few ways to do that in our guide on learning how much a taxi ride may cost before you get in the cab.
Typical cost: $40–$70, including surcharges and tip
Ride Share (Uber or Lyft)
Ride share services like Uber and Lyft are extremely popular for airport trips in New York. Pickups at LaGuardia take place in designated ride share areas outside each terminal.
The biggest advantage of ride share services is convenience. You can request a ride from your phone and travel directly to your destination without worrying about subway transfers or navigating the MTA system.
The downside is that pricing can vary widely. During peak travel periods or heavy traffic, surge pricing can push the cost well above what a taxi might charge.
Typical cost: $50–$90, depending on demand and traffic
Private Car Service
If you want a more polished experience, New York still has a large network of traditional car service companies. These services allow you to book a ride in advance and know the price before leaving the airport.
Popular companies include Dial 7, Carmel, and international services like Blacklane.
We used one of these services ourselves when traveling from Newark to Manhattan and found the process very straightforward. You can read about our experience booking a Dial 7 car service from Newark Airport to Manhattan.
Depending on the service you choose, you may even be able to offset some of the cost with credit card benefits. For example, the Citi Strata Elite Card includes a credit for rides booked through Blacklane. One Mile at a Time has a detailed explanation of how that credit works.
Typical cost: $90–$150+
Quick Comparison: Getting From LaGuardia to Manhattan
| Option | Typical Cost | Best For | Potential Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit (Bus + Subway) | $2.90 | Budget travelers, frequent NYC visitors, light luggage | Requires transfers and some familiarity with the MTA system |
| Uber Shuttle | Varies (price shown before booking) | Solo travelers heading near a shuttle stop | Can get expensive for groups; fixed drop-off locations |
| Taxi | $40–$70 | First-time NYC visitors or travelers who want something simple | Metered fare means traffic can increase the cost |
| Ride Share (Uber/Lyft) | $50–$90+ | Door-to-door convenience with app booking | Surge pricing during busy periods |
| Private Car Service | $90–$150+ | Travelers who want a scheduled, premium experience | Most expensive option |
Which Option Should You Choose?
The “best” way to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan depends on your budget, your familiarity with New York, and how many people are traveling.
- Public transit is the cheapest option, but it’s easiest if you’re comfortable navigating the subway system and traveling with minimal luggage.
- Uber Shuttle can be a good middle ground for solo travelers. However, once you’re traveling with three or four people, the cost of individual shuttle seats can quickly exceed the price of a single taxi or rideshare.
- Taxis are often the simplest option for first-time visitors. Just follow the signs to the taxi stand and take the next cab in line—no apps or reservations required.
- Ride shares like Uber and Lyft offer door-to-door convenience, but pricing can vary depending on demand.
- Private car services are the most predictable option if you want a scheduled pickup and a more comfortable ride.
LaGuardia may be close to Manhattan, but in New York, “close” doesn’t always mean “quick.” If you want the simplest option, a taxi is still the easiest “follow the signs and go” choice. If you want the cheapest, the Q70 + subway combo is hard to beat—especially if you’re already comfortable navigating the MTA.
Before you land, it’s worth double-checking pickup locations and transit details on LaGuardia’s official transportation page. There are plenty of lookalike sites that try to redirect you elsewhere, and this is the one source you can trust to stay current.
Flying into a different New York airport? Here are our guides for getting to Manhattan from JFK and Newark.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
