LaGuardia Airport Pickup Tips
Expert guide to navigating LaGuardia Airport (LGA) pickups. Terminal locations, car service procedures, and tips for the newly renovated airport.
8 mi
to Manhattan
25-45 min
travel time
$55-75
car service
2 terminals
B + A (MAT)
The New LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport completed a massive $8 billion renovation in 2024, transforming it from one of America's most criticized airports into a modern, efficient facility. The new Terminal B features improved ground transportation access, making car service pickups significantly easier.
As Manhattan's closest airport (just 8 miles), LaGuardia is ideal for domestic travel when you need the quickest ground transportation. The renovated terminals have dedicated pickup areas for car services, reducing the chaos of the old airport.
Terminal Guide
Terminal B
Main terminal - newly renovated in 2024Airlines
Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, and more
Car Service Pickup
Ground Transportation level, arrivals
Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal)
Historic terminal for shuttle flightsAirlines
Delta Shuttle, some regional flights
Car Service Pickup
Outside arrivals, curbside
LGA Car Service Pickup: Step by Step
Before Landing
Your driver will track your flight and position themselves at the airport as you land. You'll receive a text with driver name, vehicle details, and pickup location.
Exit & Get Bags
Deplane and head to baggage claim. The new Terminal B has clear signage directing you to Ground Transportation after bags.
Text Your Driver
Once you have your luggage, text your driver to confirm you're heading to pickup. They'll circle to meet you at the designated car service area.
Follow Signs to Pickup
Follow "Ground Transportation" signs. At Terminal B, exit to the arrivals level and look for the App-Based Rides/Car Service pickup zone.
Meet Your Driver
Your driver will be waiting with a name sign or will identify your vehicle by the details texted. They'll help with bags and get you on your way.
LGA to Manhattan Pricing
| Destination | Sedan | SUV | Est. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown Manhattan | $55-65 | $75-85 | 25-40 min |
| Downtown Manhattan | $60-70 | $80-90 | 30-45 min |
| Upper East Side | $50-60 | $70-80 | 20-35 min |
| Upper West Side | $55-65 | $75-85 | 25-40 min |
| Brooklyn (Downtown) | $65-75 | $85-95 | 35-50 min |
| Long Island City | $35-45 | $55-65 | 10-20 min |
* All rates are flat rates - no surge pricing. Tolls included.
Pro Tips for LGA Pickups
Know Your Terminal
LGA has fewer terminals than JFK, but confirm yours before booking. Most flights use Terminal B; shuttle flights use Terminal A.
Grand Central Parkway Traffic
The access road to LGA can bottleneck. For departures, leave extra time during rush hour (add 30+ minutes).
Cell Phone Lot
If picking someone up, use the free Cell Phone Lot until they're ready. Drivers cannot wait at the curb.
Text Updates
Stay in contact with your driver via text. The pickup areas can be busy - clear communication speeds things up.
Book in Advance
LGA is close to the city but can have surge pricing during peak times. Lock in your flat rate by booking ahead.
Consider Timing
Morning rush (7-10am) and evening rush (4-7pm) add significant time. Mid-day arrivals have the fastest transfers.
LGA vs Other NYC Airports
| Factor | LaGuardia | JFK | Newark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to Midtown | 8 miles | 15 miles | 16 miles |
| Typical Travel Time | 25-45 min | 45-75 min | 35-60 min |
| Car Service Price | $55-75 | $75-95 | $85-110 |
| Flight Types | Mostly domestic | Int'l + domestic | Int'l + domestic |
| Rush Hour Impact | Moderate | High | High (tunnels) |
Bottom line: For domestic flights, LaGuardia is usually the best choice for Manhattan-based travelers due to shorter distance and faster ground transportation.
Book LaGuardia Car Service
Skip the taxi line and surge pricing. Book reliable car service to or from LaGuardia with flat rates and professional drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I meet my car service at LaGuardia Airport?
At the new Terminal B, car services pick up at the Ground Transportation level (arrivals level). Exit through baggage claim, follow signs to Ground Transportation, and meet your driver at the designated rideshare/car service pickup area. At Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), pickup is directly outside arrivals.
How long does it take to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
LaGuardia to Manhattan typically takes 25-45 minutes depending on traffic and your destination. During rush hour (7-10am, 4-7pm), expect 45-60+ minutes. Mid-day and late night, you can reach Midtown in as little as 20-25 minutes.
How much does car service from LaGuardia to Manhattan cost?
Car service from LaGuardia to Manhattan ranges from $55-75 for a sedan depending on exact destination. Black Car NYC offers flat rates: Midtown $55-65, Downtown $60-70, Upper Manhattan $60-70. No surge pricing regardless of traffic or weather.
Can my driver meet me inside LaGuardia terminal?
Due to post-renovation LGA rules, drivers cannot wait inside terminals but will text you when they arrive at the pickup area and provide their exact location. They will help with luggage at curbside and get you to your vehicle quickly.
What airlines fly out of which LaGuardia terminal?
Terminal B (new terminal) serves most major airlines: Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and others. Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal) serves Delta Shuttle and some regional flights. Always confirm your terminal before booking.
Is LaGuardia the best airport for Manhattan?
Yes, LaGuardia is the closest airport to Manhattan (8 miles vs 15 miles for JFK and 16 miles for Newark). For domestic flights, LGA often provides the fastest ground transportation to/from the city, especially after the recent terminal renovations.