Manhattan to LaGuardia
Six ways to get from the city to LGA — ranked by price, with direction-specific advice for every departure point in Manhattan.
Just landed? See LaGuardia to Manhattan →
LaGuardia has no direct rail connection to Manhattan — so unlike JFK or Newark, you can’t simply board a train.
Once you know which option is right for you, the rest is straightforward. We’ve laid out every option below, from the cheapest to the most expensive, with advice tailored to where in Manhattan you’re starting from.
Approximate one-way costs from Midtown Manhattan. Rideshare prices vary by time of day and surge pricing. Verify current fares before you travel.
| Transportation Type | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit | |||
| Bus + SubwayM60 bus or subway + Q70 bus | $3.00Total cost · Q70 free | ~40–60 min | Cheapest |
| Long Island Rail Road + Q70 BusFrom Penn Station or Grand Central Madison | $5.25 / $7.25 | ~35–45 min | ⭐ Best Balance |
| Road | |||
| Shared VanGo Airlink NYC · Uber ShuttleSee note 5 | ~$15–$35Varies by pickup type | ~40–70 min | Budget, No Planning |
| Yellow TaxiMetered rate · no flat rate · See note 2 | ~$35–$60Meter + tolls + tip | ~25–50 min | Easiest Departure |
| Uber / LyftSee note 3 | $40–$90+Varies widely · Check app | ~25–50 min | Flexible, Door-to-Door |
| Car Service / LimoPre-book · See note 4 | From ~$120+ tip & fees | ~25–50 min | Comfort, Zero Hassle |
1. LIRR CityTicket: $5.25 off-peak / $7.25 peak · buy before boarding (on-board surcharge is $8 flat) · Q70 bus from Woodside to Terminals B & C is free
2. LGA taxis use metered rate — there is no flat rate from Manhattan to LGA (unlike JFK)
3. Tip not included in rideshare estimate · prices surge during peak hours and bad weather · check app before ordering
4. Confirm pricing when booking · prices vary by vehicle type, time of day, and number of passengers
5. Two products available at different price points — see Shared Van section for details
Taking the subway + bus combination to LaGuardia Airport is a two-step process. Your starting point in Manhattan determines where these two steps occur.
The M60 bus is an exception to this rule, as you do not need to transfer to the subway when taking that bus line.
Option A: The M60 Bus from Upper Manhattan
The M60 bus is the simplest single-ride option if you’re either Uptown on Manhattan’s east side or in the Bronx. It runs from west-to-east across 125th Street, then crosses the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on its way to LaGuardia Airport. The M60 serves all three of LaGuardia’s terminals: Terminals A, B, and C.
OMNY is New York City’s contactless payment system for buses and subways. To pay, tap your credit card, debit card, phone, or smartwatch against the OMNY reader when you board — no app or special card required, as long as your card or device supports contactless (tap-to-pay). The M60 costs one standard bus fare ($3.00). No cash accepted on this route.
Option B: Subway + Q70 Bus
From most of Manhattan, the least expensive route to LaGuardia is taking an E, F, M, R, or 7 train to Queens, then connecting to an airport-bound bus.
When taking the E, F, M, and R trains, you get off the subway at the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av station in Queens.
When taking the 7 train to Queens, you get off at the 74 St–Broadway station.
Please note both stations are in the same complex but use different names. Same place, different station names.
Or 7 train → 74 St–Broadway
Which subway line should I take?
| If you’re coming from | Use | Get off at |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown East | E, F, M, R, or 7 | Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av (E, F, M, R) or 74 St–Broadway (7 train) |
| Midtown West | E or 7 | Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av (E train) or 74 St–Broadway (7 train) |
| Lower Manhattan | 4 or 5 → transfer to 7 at Grand Central–42nd St | 74 St–Broadway |
| Upper West Side — via 1, 2, or 3 train | 1, 2, or 3 → transfer to 7 at Times Sq–42nd St | 74 St–Broadway |
| Upper West Side — via A or C train | A or C → transfer to 7 at 42nd St/Port Authority | 74 St–Broadway |
| Upper East Side | 4, 5, or 6 → transfer to 7 at Grand Central–42nd St | 74 St–Broadway |
| Upper Manhattan (East 125th St area) | M60 bus | Terminal A, Terminal B, or Terminal C at LaGuardia |
| Brooklyn (Downtown, DUMBO) | F train | Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av |
Flying out of Terminal A?
The Q70 does not serve Terminal A. If your flight is departing from Terminal A, you’ll need to take a Q33 bus from the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av and 74 St–Broadway complex in Queens. Like the Q70, the Q33 bus also has a stop just outside this large subway complex. Simply board the Q33 and take it to Terminal A.
Budget at least 90 minutes door-to-gate when taking transit during peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM weekdays). The subway leg is predictable; the Q70 and M60 run on surface streets and can be slowed by traffic. Off-peak or weekend travel is generally 60–75 minutes total. Always give yourself a buffer — LaGuardia’s security lines can be unpredictable.
If you’re near Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Woodside is the fastest public transit option to LGA — and one of the most underused.
The train ride to Woodside takes about 8–12 minutes, and from there the free Q70 bus connects directly to Terminals B and C. Door-to-gate, you can realistically do it in 35–40 minutes from Midtown in off-peak conditions.
Fares and tickets
The LIRR fare from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to Woodside uses the CityTicket rate — a discounted fare for trips within New York City limits. Woodside is Zone 1, the same zone as both departure stations, so the fare is the same regardless of which station you leave from.
| Ticket type | Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CityTicket — Off-Peak | $5.25 | Weekdays before 6 AM and after 10 AM; all day weekends and holidays |
| CityTicket — Peak | $7.25 | Weekday AM outbound (6–10 AM) and PM return (4–8 PM) |
| On-Board Surcharge | +$8.00 | Flat fee added if you buy your ticket on the train — always buy before boarding |
Purchase your ticket through the MTA TrainTime app or at a ticket machine in the station before you board. If you wait and buy on the train, a flat $8 surcharge is added to your fare — turning a $5.25 trip into $13.25. The app is the easiest option and lets you buy right up until the train departs.
Which trains stop at Woodside?
Not every LIRR train stops at Woodside — it’s an in-city stop, so express trains skip it. On the app or departure board, look for trains on the Port Washington Branch or any train shown stopping at Woodside specifically.
The Port Washington line stops at Woodside on every run. Frequency is good during peak hours; off-peak, trains run every 20–30 minutes, so check the schedule before you leave.
Flying out of Terminal A?
The Q70 does not stop at Terminal A. From Woodside, take the Q70 to Terminal B, then ride the free inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal A. Allow an extra 15–20 minutes for the shuttle connection.
Is the LIRR faster than the subway to LGA?
Yes, in most cases — especially from Midtown. The subway to 74th St plus Q70 takes around 50–60 minutes from Times Square. The LIRR to Woodside plus Q70 takes around 35–45 minutes from Penn Station.
The LIRR wins on speed, but it requires buying a separate ticket and coordinating with the train schedule. If you’re already near Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, it’s the better choice. If you’re not, the subway is more convenient.
Three shared ride options serve the Manhattan–LaGuardia route — all with fixed pricing and no surge. Go Airlink NYC runs two distinct products at different price points. Uber Shuttle is a third option through the Uber app.
A — Grand Central Express (Go Airlink NYC)
Go Airlink NYC operates a fixed departure point at the corner of East 41st Street and Park Avenue — one block from Grand Central Terminal. Make your way there, board their Grand Central Express shuttle, and it takes you directly to your LaGuardia terminal. Starting at ~$15 per person, it’s the most affordable shared ride to the airport — but you go to them, not the other way around.
- Departures hourly on the hour from 41st & Park, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., 7 days a week
- Book in advance — walk-up not guaranteed
- Cancel up to 4 hours before pickup for a full refund
- May operate under the name NY Airport Service — same company, don’t be surprised
- Travel time: ~40–60 min to LaGuardia
- Note: last departure from Grand Central is 6 p.m. — not suitable for late-day flights
B — Door-to-Door Shared Ride (Go Airlink NYC)
Go Airlink NYC picks you up at your Manhattan address and drops you at the terminal curb. Expect to pay ~$30–$35. The van makes multiple stops en route, so build in extra time.
- Door-to-door pickup from Manhattan hotels, residences, and transit hubs
- Service from 4 a.m.–midnight
- Choice of shared van, private sedan, SUV, or chartered coach for groups
- Also serves cruise terminals
C — Uber Shuttle
- Book through the Uber app — select “Shuttle” from the home screen
- Fixed routes between LGA and Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Pickup from a designated Manhattan location — not door-to-door
- Departs every 15 minutes or so during peak hours
- Book up to 3 days in advance
- One piece of luggage plus one personal item included per seat
- Up to 5 seats can be reserved per booking
A yellow taxi is the simplest road option — hail one anywhere in Manhattan, tell the driver your terminal, and you’re dropped at the curb. No booking required, no app needed, no surge pricing. The meter runs from the moment you get in, and the total will depend on traffic, tolls, and tip. Unlike JFK, there is no flat rate from Manhattan to LaGuardia — the meter always applies.
What will it cost?
From Midtown Manhattan to LaGuardia, expect a metered fare of roughly $25–$45 before extras. Add tolls if your driver takes a route through the Queens–Midtown Tunnel or the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, plus a 15–20% tip. All-in, budget $35–$60 for most Midtown departures. Trips from Lower Manhattan or Uptown will vary depending on distance and route.
| Cost component | Typical amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metered fare | ~$25–$45 | Depends on pickup location and traffic · meter starts at $3.00 |
| Tolls | $0–$10 | Varies by route · RFK Bridge toll applies if taken · some routes avoid tolls |
| Congestion pricing surcharge | $0.75–$1.50 | Applies on trips originating below 60th St in Manhattan · added to meter |
| Tip | 15–20% | Not included in meter · cash or card |
| Total (typical) | ~$35–$60 | From Midtown · higher from Downtown or outer neighborhoods |
JFK has a well-known $70 flat rate from Manhattan. LaGuardia does not. Your taxi to LaGuardia always runs on the meter. There is no negotiated or fixed fare regardless of pickup location. If a driver quotes you a flat rate before you get in, that’s non-standard — the meter is the correct method. And if your driver utters the phrase “special price for you” — run.
Driving routes to LaGuardia
Most drivers will take one of two main approaches depending on traffic conditions:
- Queens–Midtown Tunnel → Grand Central Parkway — Common from Midtown East. The GCP feeds directly into the airport. Toll applies at the tunnel.
- Robert F. Kennedy Bridge → Grand Central Parkway — Common from Upper Manhattan and Midtown West. The bridge toll applies, but the GCP approach to LaGuardia is fast once you’re in Queens.
Traffic on the Grand Central Parkway approaching LaGuardia Airport can back up significantly during peak hours — particularly weekday afternoons (3–7 PM). Allow extra time if you’re traveling during those windows.
Where does the taxi drop me off?
Yellow taxis drop passengers at the curbside departures level of each terminal. Tell your driver your terminal (A, B, or C) or your airline — most drivers know the layout well. Drop-off is straightforward; there are no separate rideshare lots or garage requirements for taxis on the departures side.
| Terminal | Drop-off |
|---|---|
| Terminal A | Curbside departures level |
| Terminal B | Curbside departures level |
| Terminal C | Curbside departures level |
Check your booking confirmation or airline website for your terminal.
There is no passenger drop-off fee at LaGuardia for taxis or private vehicles. The airport access fee that applies to rideshare pickups on the arrivals side does not apply to departures drop-offs. You can be dropped at the curb at no extra airport charge beyond what’s on the meter.
Paying and tipping
All yellow taxis accept credit and debit cards at the in-cab terminal — you don’t need cash. Tip 15–20% on the metered fare. The card terminal will prompt you with suggested tip amounts. If you’re paying cash, agree on payment before you exit.
Rideshare is one of the most popular ways to get to LaGuardia from Manhattan — you know the price before you confirm, the car comes to your door, and drop-off at the departures curb is straightforward. The main variables are surge pricing during peak hours and traffic on the Grand Central Parkway approach. For most travelers with luggage who aren’t near a convenient subway line, it’s the default choice.
What will it cost?
Base fares from Midtown Manhattan to LaGuardia typically run $40–$65 in normal conditions. During peak hours, bad weather, or high-demand periods, surge pricing can push that to $80–$90+. Always check the app before ordering — the price shown is what you’ll pay, with no meter surprises.
Rideshare fares to LGA are dynamic and can jump significantly during morning rush (7–9 AM), afternoon rush (4–7 PM), and during bad weather or a major event in the city. If your fare looks high, wait 10–15 minutes and check again — surge pricing often drops quickly once demand eases. Booking a scheduled ride the night before can lock in a lower rate.
Drop-off at LaGuardia — the easy part
Unlike arrivals, where rideshare pickups require navigating the parking garage, drop-off at LaGuardia is simple curbside. Your driver pulls up to the departures level of your terminal and lets you out. No garage, no waiting, no extra steps. Just confirm your terminal in the app so the driver goes to the right building.
| Terminal | Uber/Lyft drop-off |
|---|---|
| Terminal A | Curbside, departures level |
| Terminal B | Curbside, departures level |
| Terminal C | Curbside, departures level |
Check your booking confirmation or airline website for your terminal.
If your Uber or Lyft pickup is in the Manhattan Congestion Relief Zone — south of 60th Street — a congestion pricing surcharge is added to your fare. For rideshare trips, this is typically $0.75–$1.50 depending on the vehicle type and time of day. It will appear as a line item in your fare breakdown in the app. Pickups above 60th Street are not subject to the surcharge.
Scheduling a ride vs. requesting on demand. For early morning flights, scheduling your Uber or Lyft the night before locks in a fare estimate and guarantees a driver is dispatched on time. On-demand requests at 4 AM can sometimes take longer to match, particularly outside of Midtown. Scheduling is worth the few extra taps if your flight is before 7 AM.
Uber vs. Lyft — which is cheaper to LaGuardia?
Pricing between Uber and Lyft is competitive and varies by moment. It takes less than a minute to check both apps before confirming — a habit worth building for airport trips. One may be significantly cheaper at any given time, especially during surge periods when the two platforms don’t always surge in sync.
With heavy luggage
If you’re traveling with oversized bags, a surfboard, or more than two large suitcases, select Uber XL or Lyft XL to ensure a larger vehicle. Standard UberX and Lyft standard vehicles have limited trunk space and drivers can decline trips where luggage won’t fit. XL service costs roughly 30–50% more but eliminates the risk of a cancellation at your door.
A licensed car service gives you a fixed price agreed before you travel, a professional driver, and a vehicle that meets you at your door at a confirmed time. There’s no meter running, no surge pricing, and no uncertainty about what you’ll pay. For business travelers, early morning flights, or anyone who wants the trip handled without variables, car service is the cleanest option — you just pay more for it.
How it works
Book by phone or online at least a few hours in advance — ideally the day before for early morning flights. You’ll confirm your pickup address, flight time, and terminal. The driver tracks your schedule and arrives at the agreed time. Payment is typically settled in advance or on account; tip is separate and expected (15–20%).
Unlike a taxi or rideshare, the quoted rate is what you pay — no meter, no surge, no tolls added on top (most operators include tolls in the quote). Confirm when booking whether tolls and fees are included. The total from Midtown Manhattan to LaGuardia typically runs $120–$180 depending on the operator, vehicle class, and time of day.
Vetted operator serving Manhattan to LaGuardia
This licensed operator has an established reputation for NYC airport service:
- King and Queen Limousine Service — Well-regarded NYC black car operator with flat-rate airport pricing and meet-and-greet options.
How far in advance should I book? For standard daytime trips, booking a few hours ahead is usually fine. For early morning flights (before 7 AM), book the night before — driver availability thins out in the small hours and last-minute requests may go unmet. For holiday travel or high-demand periods, book days in advance.
Drop-off at LaGuardia
Licensed car services drop you at the curbside departures level of your terminal — the same as a taxi. Confirm your terminal (A, B, or C) when booking so the driver goes directly to the right building. There is no drop-off fee for private vehicles or car services at LGA departures.
Car service vs. Uber/Lyft — when is it worth it?
| Car Service | Uber / Lyft | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Fixed, agreed upfront | Dynamic, surge possible |
| Booking | Must pre-book | On demand or scheduled |
| Vehicle quality | Professional fleet, newer vehicles | Varies widely by driver |
| Driver | Professional chauffeur | Gig worker, variable experience |
| Typical cost to LGA | ~$120–$180 | ~$40–$90+ |
| Best for | Business travel, early flights, peace of mind | Convenience, flexibility, lower cost |
Yes — LGA has short-term and long-term parking garages at Terminals B and C, operated by the Port Authority. Short-term rates are steep (designed for quick pickups and drop-offs), and long-term rates are lower but still significant for multi-day trips. For most Manhattan residents, car service or rideshare is more practical than driving and parking. If you do drive, check current rates at panynj.gov before you go.
Maps & Resources
It depends on your mode of transport and time of day. By transit (subway + Q70 or M60), allow 90 minutes door-to-gate during weekday peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and 60–75 minutes off-peak. By taxi or rideshare, allow 60–75 minutes in normal traffic and up to 90 minutes during rush hour or bad weather — the Grand Central Parkway approach to LGA can back up significantly. By car service with a pre-booked driver, 60 minutes from Midtown is usually comfortable off-peak. Whatever your mode, LGA security wait times are unpredictable — padding your departure time is always worth it.
The worst traffic windows to LGA are weekday mornings from 7–9 AM and weekday afternoons from 3–7 PM, particularly on the Grand Central Parkway and the Queens–Midtown Tunnel approach. If you can travel before 7 AM, between 10 AM and 2 PM, or on a weekend, road conditions are significantly better. For transit riders, the M60 and Q70 run on surface streets and are also subject to peak-hour slowdowns — budget extra time regardless of your mode if you’re traveling during rush.
The subway runs 24/7, but the Q70 and M60 do not operate around the clock. The Q70 runs from approximately 5 AM to midnight, and the M60 has similar hours — check current schedules in our Maps & Resources section before you rely on either bus for an early flight. If your flight departs before 6 AM, transit is generally not a viable option.
In that case, a pre-booked car service or scheduling a rideshare the night before is the most reliable choice. Scheduling an Uber or Lyft in advance guarantees a driver is dispatched — on-demand requests at 4 AM can sometimes take longer to match.
From Times Square, take the E, F, M, or R train to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av station, or take the 7 train to the 74 St–Broadway station. Both stations share the same complex in Queens. From there, board the free Q70 bus to LaGuardia. The total trip from Times Square is typically 45–55 minutes.
From Penn Station: Take the E train to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av, then the Q70 to LGA. Alternatively, the LIRR to Woodside (8 min) plus Q70 is faster and costs only $5.25–$7.25.
From Grand Central: Take the 7 train to 74 St–Broadway, then the Q70 to LGA. Or take the LIRR from Grand Central Madison to Woodside and then the Q70.
From Lower Manhattan (World Trade Center, Financial District, Fulton St): Take the E train directly to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av — no transfer needed. Then connect to the Q70.
From the Upper West Side: Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to Times Square–42nd St, then transfer to the 7 train to 74 St–Broadway, then Q70 to LGA. Or take the A or C to 42nd St/Port Authority and transfer to the 7. Total time is roughly 55–70 minutes.
From the Upper East Side: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to Grand Central–42nd St, transfer to the 7 train, then ride to 74 St–Broadway and take the Q70. Budget 60–75 minutes.
Yes — the M60 bus runs directly to LaGuardia from Manhattan with no subway transfer required. It travels along 125th Street in Harlem, with stops at Broadway, Amsterdam Avenue, Lenox Avenue, and 2nd Avenue, then crosses into Queens and stops at Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C. It’s the best single-ride transit option to LGA, particularly if you’re coming from Upper Manhattan, Harlem, or the Bronx. From Midtown, the subway + Q70 combination is generally faster.
The M60 begins on the west side of Manhattan and runs eastward, with the following Manhattan stops:
Broadway / W 106 St · Broadway / W 116 St · Broadway / W 120 St · Amsterdam Ave / W 120 St · Amsterdam Ave / La Salle St · W 125 St / St. Nicholas Ave · W 125 St / Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave) · E 125 St / Madison Ave · E 125 St / Lexington Ave · E 125 St / 2nd Ave
After 2nd Ave, the bus crosses the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge into Queens and proceeds to LaGuardia Airport, stopping at Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C. It connects with multiple subway lines along 125th Street — including the 1, 2/3, A/B/C/D, 4/5/6, and Metro-North at Harlem–125 St.
Yes — the Q70 runs in both directions. From the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av and 74 St–Broadway complex in Queens, it goes to LaGuardia (Terminals B and C). From LaGuardia, it returns to the same hub. The bus is completely free in both directions — no tapping required, just board. The Q70 does not run 24/7 — service operates roughly 5 AM to midnight. Check the schedule in our Maps & Resources section for current departure times.
The Q70 departs from a large transit complex in Jackson Heights, Queens — the same building serves two station names: Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av (E, F, M, R trains) and 74 St–Broadway (7 train). Once you exit, follow signs to the Q70 bus stop on Roosevelt Avenue at street level. It’s a well-marked connection and one of the busier transit hubs in Queens.
Yes, in most cases — especially from Midtown. The LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison reaches Woodside in about 8 minutes, and the Q70 from Woodside to LaGuardia takes another 15 minutes. Total: roughly 35–45 minutes from the station.
The subway to the Jackson Heights complex plus Q70 takes closer to 50–60 minutes from Times Square. The LIRR wins on speed but requires a separate ticket ($5.25–$7.25) and coordinating with the train schedule. If you’re already near Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, it’s the better choice.
The Q70 is completely free in both directions — and unlike other Select Bus Service routes, you do not need to tap anything to board. Simply walk on. No OMNY tap, no MetroCard, no fare machine needed. Just board through any door.
Yes — there’s no official luggage restriction on the Q70, and the bus is used regularly by travelers heading to and from LaGuardia. That said, the buses can get crowded during peak hours, and large bags take up aisle space. If you’re traveling with multiple oversized bags, a taxi or rideshare may be more practical — you load directly into the trunk without navigating a crowded bus.
No — the Q70 serves Terminal B and Terminal C only. If you’re flying out of Terminal A, take the subway to the Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Ave and 74 St–Broadway complex, then board the Q33 bus directly to Terminal A. Alternatively, take the Q70 to Terminal B and ride the free inter-terminal shuttle to Terminal A. The shuttle runs 24/7 every 8–15 minutes. Allow an extra 15–20 minutes for the shuttle connection.
Your terminal is determined by your airline — check your booking confirmation or airline website before you travel. Terminal assignments can change, so always confirm directly with your airline rather than relying on general guides. A quick search for “[your airline] LaGuardia terminal” will give you the definitive answer.
Both Terminal B and Terminal C have curbside drop-off at the departures level — your taxi, rideshare, or car service pulls directly to the curb in front of the terminal entrance. For taxis and rideshares, there are no separate drop-off garages or waiting areas on the departures side — it’s straightforward curbside access.
No — there is no passenger drop-off fee at LaGuardia Airport for taxis, car services, or private vehicles dropping at the departures curb.
Yes — Uber and Lyft drop off at the curbside departures level of each terminal, the same as a taxi. Make sure your destination in the app shows the correct terminal (A, B, or C) so your driver goes to the right building.
No — LaGuardia does not have a flat rate from Manhattan. The taxi meter always applies. This is a key difference from JFK, which has a well-known $70 flat rate from Manhattan. For LaGuardia, your fare is metered from pickup to drop-off, plus tolls (if applicable) and a 15–20% tip. From Midtown, expect a total of roughly $35–$60 all-in.
From Midtown Manhattan, a standard UberX to LaGuardia typically runs $40–$65 in normal conditions. During peak hours, bad weather, or high-demand events, surge pricing can push the fare to $80–$90 or more. The price shown in the app at the time you book is what you’ll pay. Check both Uber and Lyft — one is often cheaper than the other at any given moment. If your pickup is south of 60th Street in Manhattan, a small congestion pricing surcharge ($0.75–$1.50) will also appear in your fare breakdown.
Yes, if your trip originates south of 60th Street in Manhattan. The NYC Congestion Relief Zone covers Manhattan below 60th Street, and trips beginning in that zone are subject to a surcharge. For taxis it is added to the meter; for rideshare it appears as a line item — typically $0.75–$1.50. Pickups above 60th Street are not subject to the surcharge. Transit riders on the subway or bus are not affected.
LGA is generally the most convenient for domestic flights from Midtown and Upper Manhattan — it’s the closest airport to most of the city. JFK is better for international flights, has more airline options, and offers the AirTrain for easy transit access. Newark (EWR) is worth considering if you’re on the West Side — NJ Transit rail from Penn Station is fast and affordable — and fares are sometimes lower. Check fares across all three before deciding.
With heavy or bulky luggage, the easiest options are yellow taxi, rideshare, or car service — all of which take you and your bags directly from your door to the terminal curb with no stairs, turnstiles, or crowded bus aisles. If cost is a concern, a yellow taxi is the most straightforward. If you want a guaranteed larger vehicle, book an Uber XL or Lyft XL in advance. For the most comfort, a pre-booked car service handles everything door-to-door.
Yes — pull up to the curbside departures level of the correct terminal (A, B, or C), let your passenger out, and go. There is no drop-off fee for private vehicles or taxis. The curb enforces brief stops, so allow a few extra minutes to get through the airport approach roads during peak departure times.
Yes — LGA has short-term and long-term parking garages at Terminals B and C, operated by the Port Authority. For most Manhattan residents, car service or rideshare is more practical. If you do plan to drive and park, check current rates at panynj.gov before you go.
For standard daytime trips, booking a few hours ahead is typically fine. For early morning flights (before 7 AM), book the night before. For holiday travel or high-demand periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer Fridays), book several days in advance. Car services require confirmed reservations — they’re not on-demand like rideshare.
Yes — the M60 bus runs directly from 125th Street in Harlem to all three LGA terminals with no transfer. From Midtown or Lower Manhattan, the subway + Q70 is generally faster because traveling up to 125th St first adds significant time.
No — the Q70 does not run 24 hours. Service operates roughly 5 AM to midnight in both directions. For very early morning flights or late-night departures, you’ll need a taxi, rideshare, or pre-booked car service. The current Q70 schedule is linked in our Maps & Resources section.
Most international flights from the New York area depart from JFK or Newark rather than LaGuardia. But if you’re an American heading abroad, it’s worth knowing that many countries offer VAT refunds on purchases made by foreign visitors — meaning you can reclaim a portion of the tax paid on goods bought overseas. Read our full guide to VAT refunds before your next international trip.