LaGuardia Airport Guide
Everything you need to know about LGA: terminals, transportation to Manhattan, travel tips, nearby attractions, and the best ways to get to and from New York City's closest airport.
What is LaGuardia Airport?
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a major airport in the New York City borough of Queens, located on the waterfront of Flushing Bay. It is the closest NYC airport to Manhattan at just 8 miles (13 km) from Midtown, making it the preferred airport for domestic travelers. LGA primarily serves domestic flights, with limited international service to Canada and the Caribbean.
LaGuardia has three terminal buildings, but the official airport directory currently places public commercial passenger flights in Terminals B and C. Terminal B serves multiple airlines, Terminal C is operated by Delta, and Terminal A is currently closed to public commercial flights while private operator Modern Aviation remains based there.
Getting from LGA to Manhattan can take 25-45 minutes by car in typical conditions, with longer times possible in heavy traffic. The Black Car NYC booking system returned $170 for an Executive Sedan on the representative LGA-to-Manhattan trip reviewed August 3, 2026. Taxis are metered, ride-app prices vary, the Q70 SBS is fare-free, and the M60 SBS base fare is $3. Enter the actual itinerary for a current car-service price.
Quick Facts: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport Terminals
LaGuardia has Terminal A, B, and C facilities. The current operating assignments below are sourced from the official LaGuardia terminal directory and should still be checked against the traveler's live airline itinerary.
Terminal A — No Public Commercial Flights
Terminal A, the historic Marine Air Terminal, is currently closed to the public for commercial flights. The official airport directory notes that private operator Modern Aviation is based there.
Terminal B — Multi-Airline Terminal
Terminal B handles multiple domestic and pre-cleared international carriers. Confirm the terminal and gate with the airline before departure because assignments may change.
Terminal C — Delta
Terminal C is operated by Delta and handles Delta's LaGuardia passenger service. Verify the live flight assignment with Delta before travel.
Transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan
There are several ways to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan. Here's a complete comparison of every option with current pricing and travel times.
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Service | $170 representative Executive Sedan price | 25-45 min | Reliability, comfort, luggage |
| Yellow Taxi | Metered + applicable charges | 25-45 min | Quick solo rides |
| Uber / Lyft | Check app; variable | 25-50 min | Off-peak, budget flexible |
| Q70 + Subway | $3 subway fare (bus is free) | 50-75 min | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| M60 SBS Bus | $3 base fare | 45-70 min | Upper Manhattan/Harlem |
Pricing note: LGA taxis are metered and ride-app prices vary. The Black Car NYC example shown here is the booking-system result for one representative trip, not a universal airport fare. Enter the actual pickup zone, destination, date, time, vehicle, passengers, luggage, and selected options to see the current amount before requesting the ride.
Verify live details with the official LaGuardia transportation directory and MTA's approved 2026 fare information.
LGA to Times Square
LaGuardia Airport to Times Square is approximately 9 miles and takes 25-40 minutes by car depending on traffic. The route goes via Grand Central Parkway to the RFK/Triborough Bridge, then south through Manhattan.
Car Service
$170 representative price | 25-40 min typical
Meet-and-greet: $25 where the commercial-terminal option is offered
Yellow Taxi
Metered + applicable charges | traffic-dependent
Metered, varies with traffic
Uber / Lyft
Check app | traffic-dependent
Surge pricing during peak times
Q70 Bus + 7 Train
$3 subway fare | 50-70 min typical
Q70 (free) → Jackson Heights → 7 to Times Sq
Traffic tip: Avoid departing LGA between 4-7 PM when the Grand Central Parkway and Triborough Bridge are most congested. Early morning (before 7 AM) and late evening (after 9 PM) offer the fastest travel times to Times Square. On weekends, the trip typically takes 20-30 minutes.
LaGuardia Bus & Subway Options
Unlike JFK (AirTrain) and Newark (AirTrain Newark), there is no direct subway or train to LaGuardia Airport. You must take a bus to connect to the subway system. Here are your public transit options.
Q70 SBS — LaGuardia Link (FREE)
The Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service) is a free bus that connects all LaGuardia terminals to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station. From there, transfer to the 7 train (direct to Times Square, Grand Central, Hudson Yards), E/F trains (Midtown, Downtown Manhattan), or M/R trains (Midtown, Lower Manhattan).
M60 SBS — Direct to Manhattan
The M60 SBS bus runs from LaGuardia directly to Harlem and Upper Manhattan along 125th Street. It connects to the N/W trains at Astoria Blvd, 4/5/6 trains at 125th/Lexington, 2/3 trains at 125th/Lenox, and 1 train at 125th/Broadway. This is the only bus that goes directly from LGA to Manhattan.
Honest assessment: Public transit from LGA works well for budget-conscious travelers with light luggage and flexibility on time. However, navigating a bus-to-subway transfer with heavy suitcases, especially in bad weather, can be challenging. For travelers with luggage, families, or anyone on a tight schedule, a car service or taxi is significantly more practical.
Is LaGuardia Airport International?
LaGuardia Airport is primarily a domestic airport. Limited international service can operate from airports with U.S. preclearance, but schedules change. Verify the operating airline, airport, and terminal directly from the live itinerary.
For broader international service, compare JFK Airport and Newark Liberty (EWR). Airport schedules and route networks change seasonally, so use the airline's current itinerary as the final source.
Historically, LaGuardia handled more international flights. A federal perimeter rule restricts most LGA flights to destinations within 1,500 miles, with exceptions for Denver, some Western cities, and international routes to Canada/Caribbean. This keeps LGA focused on high-frequency domestic routes.
Things to Do Near LaGuardia Airport
If you have a layover, early arrival, or time to explore before your flight, here are top attractions near LaGuardia Airport in Queens.
Citi Field (NY Mets)
10 minutes from LGA
Home of the New York Mets baseball team. Game-day atmosphere, food, and stadium tours available year-round.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
10 minutes from LGA
Home of the US Open tennis tournament. Open for public play and tours when not hosting events.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
15 minutes from LGA
Site of the 1964 World's Fair. Features the iconic Unisphere globe, Queens Museum, and the Queens Zoo.
Museum of the Moving Image
15 minutes (Astoria) from LGA
World-class film and television museum in Astoria with interactive exhibits, screenings, and behind-the-scenes artifacts.
Jackson Heights Food Scene
10 minutes from LGA
One of NYC's most diverse neighborhoods with restaurants from 50+ countries. Famous for Indian, Nepali, Colombian, and Thai cuisine along Roosevelt Avenue.
Flushing Chinatown
15 minutes from LGA
NYC's largest Chinatown with authentic Chinese, Korean, and Asian cuisine. The New World Mall food court is a must-visit.
Need a ride to several stops near LGA? Executive Sedan hourly service starts at $117/hr with a three-hour minimum. Enter the actual itinerary to review the current vehicle options and total before requesting service.
Tips for Flying Out of LaGuardia
Arrive 2 Hours Early
Follow the airline and TSA guidance for the specific flight. Check-in requirements, live security conditions, weather, and terminal traffic vary, so add a reasonable buffer rather than relying on a universal shortcut.
Verify Your Terminal Before Leaving
Delta operates from Terminal C. Terminal B serves Air Canada, American, Frontier, JetBlue, Porter, Southwest, and United. Terminal A is currently closed to public commercial flights. Always use the live airline itinerary as the final authority.
Account for Traffic
The Grand Central Parkway leading to LGA is heavily congested during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). From Midtown Manhattan, allow 45-60 minutes during peak times. Early morning (before 6 AM) and evenings (after 8 PM) are fastest at 20-30 minutes.
Know the Food Options
Terminals B and C both provide dining and shopping. Tenants and operating hours change, so check the official terminal directory for current options near the departure gate.
Prepare for Weather Delays
Weather and air-traffic restrictions can affect departure times. Check the airline flight status and official airport advisories before leaving, and keep the reservation contact informed of material changes.
Book Reliable Transportation
Prearrange the ride with the exact pickup address, airline, terminal, passenger count, luggage, and flight time. The reviewed representative Manhattan-to-LGA booking starts at $170 for an Executive Sedan; the actual itinerary determines the current total.
LaGuardia Airport Travel Tips
Essential tips for making your LaGuardia Airport experience as smooth as possible, whether arriving or departing.
Free WiFi
Connect to "LGA Free WiFi" in all terminals. Speed is good for email and browsing.
Phone Charging
Charging is available in active passenger terminals; confirm the closest location on the official airport map.
No Smoking
LaGuardia is entirely non-smoking. There are no indoor smoking lounges. Smoking areas are outside the terminal before security.
Cell Phone Lot
Free parking lot for drivers waiting to pick up arrivals. Monitor flight status and drive to the terminal when passengers land.
Terminal Connections
The All Terminals Shuttle connects terminals, parking, rental cars, and car pickup areas. Follow the current airport signs.
Ride Pickup Zones
Use the official taxi stand or the terminal-specific prearranged/ride-app zone. Terminal B uses Level 2 of the parking garage and Terminal C uses the arrivals inner lane.
Lost and Found
Contact the airline for items left on planes. For items lost in terminal, call Port Authority Lost & Found: (718) 533-3988.
Accessibility
All terminals are ADA accessible with elevators, escalators, and wheelchair assistance available through your airline.
People Also Ask About LaGuardia Airport
What is LaGuardia Airport (LGA)?
LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA) is a major airport in Queens, New York City. It is the closest of the three major NYC airports to Midtown Manhattan and primarily handles domestic service, with limited pre-cleared international flights. Current commercial passenger operations use Terminals B and C; Terminal A is currently closed to public commercial flights.
How far is LaGuardia Airport from Manhattan?
LaGuardia Airport is approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Midtown Manhattan. Travel time is 25-45 minutes by car depending on traffic. During rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), the trip can take 50-70 minutes. LaGuardia is the closest of the three major NYC airports to Manhattan — JFK is 15 miles away and Newark is 16 miles away.
How much is a taxi from LGA to Manhattan?
Yellow taxis from LaGuardia to Manhattan use the meter rather than a universal flat fare. The final amount may include tolls, tip, airport surcharges, peak or overnight surcharges, and congestion pricing. For comparison, the Black Car NYC booking system returned $170 for an Executive Sedan on the representative LGA-to-Manhattan trip reviewed August 3, 2026; enter the actual trip for the current total.
Does LaGuardia have international flights?
LaGuardia primarily serves domestic destinations but can receive limited international service from airports with U.S. preclearance. Airline schedules and terminal assignments change, so travelers should verify the operating flight directly with the airline. JFK and Newark handle a much broader range of international routes.
What is the cheapest way to get from LGA to Manhattan?
The fare-free Q70 SBS to Jackson Heights or Woodside followed by a $3 subway ride is usually the lowest-cost Manhattan option. The M60 SBS has a $3 base fare and travels directly to Upper Manhattan. A taxi is metered. The reviewed Black Car NYC representative Executive Sedan booking was $170; check the actual itinerary for the current price.
Is there a train or subway to LaGuardia Airport?
There is no direct subway or train service to LaGuardia Airport. Unlike JFK (which has the AirTrain) and Newark (which has the AirTrain Newark), LGA relies on bus connections. The Q70 SBS bus (free) connects LGA to the Jackson Heights subway station (7/E/F/M/R trains). The M60 SBS bus connects to subway lines in Harlem. A proposed AirTrain to LGA was considered but has not been built.
How do I get from LGA to Times Square?
For a prearranged ride, enter LaGuardia and the exact Times Square address in the booking system; the broader representative LGA-to-Manhattan Executive Sedan price reviewed August 3, 2026 was $170. Taxis are metered and ride-app prices vary. For public transit, take the fare-free Q70 SBS to Jackson Heights and connect to the 7 train; the subway base fare is $3. Travel time varies with traffic and service conditions.
What terminals does LaGuardia Airport have?
LaGuardia has Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C. The official airport directory currently says Terminal A is closed to public commercial flights and is home to private operator Modern Aviation. Terminal B serves Air Canada, American, Frontier, JetBlue, Porter, Southwest, and United. Terminal C is operated by Delta. Use the airport's All Terminals Shuttle when a terminal transfer is required.
Which terminal is Delta at LaGuardia?
The official LaGuardia terminal directory identifies Terminal C as the Delta-operated terminal. Always confirm the current terminal on the airline itinerary or boarding pass before travel because operational assignments can change.
Which terminal is JetBlue at LaGuardia?
The official LaGuardia terminal directory currently lists JetBlue at Terminal B, along with Air Canada, American, Frontier, Porter, Southwest, and United. Verify the terminal on the live airline itinerary before departure.
How much does Uber cost from LaGuardia?
Uber and Lyft prices from LaGuardia vary by destination, time, traffic, vehicle, and demand. The official airport guidance directs passengers to the app for an exact fare and pickup zone. Terminal B ride-app pickup is on Level 2 of the parking garage, while Terminal C uses the arrivals inner lane.
Is there an express bus from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
The M60 SBS runs between LaGuardia and Upper Manhattan with a $3 base fare. The fare-free Q70 SBS connects Terminals B and C with Jackson Heights and Woodside for subway and rail connections. Check current MTA maps and service alerts because routes and transfer conditions can change.
What is there to do near LaGuardia Airport?
Near LaGuardia Airport: Citi Field (home of the NY Mets, 10 minutes), USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (10 minutes, home of the US Open), Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (15 minutes), Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria (15 minutes), Jackson Heights food scene with restaurants from 50+ countries (10 minutes), and Flushing Chinatown for authentic Chinese cuisine (15 minutes).
How early should I arrive at LaGuardia Airport?
Follow the airline and TSA guidance for the specific flight, then add realistic travel time from the pickup address. Security conditions, check-in requirements, weather, and terminal traffic vary; do not rely on a universal arrival-time shortcut.
What food options are at LaGuardia Airport?
Terminals B and C offer dining and shopping before and after security. Because tenants and hours change, use LaGuardia's official terminal directory for the current restaurant list rather than relying on an older static list.
Does LaGuardia have WiFi?
LaGuardia provides airport Wi-Fi in its active passenger terminals. Network names, performance, and lounge access can change, so confirm the current connection instructions at the airport.
How do I get from LGA to Brooklyn?
Enter the exact Brooklyn address in the booking system because the distance and price vary materially between neighborhoods. Taxis are metered and ride-app prices vary. For public transit, the fare-free Q70 SBS connects LGA with Jackson Heights, where riders can transfer to the subway; the best connection depends on the Brooklyn destination.
What is the best car service from LaGuardia Airport?
Choose a prearranged service that publishes its pickup process, vehicle capacity, complete pricing terms, and confirmation rules. Black Car NYC's booking system returned $170 for an Executive Sedan and $200 for an Executive SUV on the representative LGA-to-Manhattan trip reviewed August 3, 2026. Exact pricing depends on the actual itinerary and selected options. Commercial-terminal meet-and-greet is $25 where offered, and a reservation is complete only after written confirmation.
Can I park at LaGuardia Airport?
Yes. LaGuardia offers terminal parking, prepaid economy parking, premium parking, accessible spaces, and limited waiting options. Rates and availability change, so reserve and verify the current total on the official LaGuardia parking page before traveling.
Is LaGuardia Airport safe?
Yes, LaGuardia Airport is safe. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates LGA with full TSA security screening, police presence, and surveillance systems. The recently renovated terminals are modern and well-lit. For ground transportation safety, use official taxi stands, verified rideshare pickup zones, or pre-booked car service. Avoid unmarked vehicles soliciting rides outside terminals.
Book LaGuardia Car Service
Enter the exact LGA terminal, Manhattan address, date, time, passenger count, luggage, and vehicle to see the current booking-system price. The representative LGA-to-Manhattan booking reviewed August 3, 2026 returned $170 for an Executive Sedan and $200 for an Executive SUV. A reservation is complete only after written confirmation.
Or call (347) 321-9929 to book by phone.