LaGuardia to JFK: All Transfer Options
LGA and JFK are 13 miles apart in Queens, but with no AirTrain link between them and no airline shuttle, the trip ranges from 25 minutes by car off-peak to 90 minutes on public transit. Below: every option ranked by cost, time, and reliability.
Distance
~13 miles
Cheapest
$11.50
Q70 + subway + AirTrain
Fastest
25–35 min
Car / taxi off-peak
Flat-rate sedan
$95
All-in, 24/7
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q70 + E/F train + AirTrain | $11.50 | 60–90 min | Cheapest, light luggage |
| Yellow taxi (metered) | $50–70 | 25–60 min | Walk up at taxi line |
| Uber / Lyft | $40–85 | 25–60 min | App familiarity (surge risk) |
| Shared shuttle | $25–40 | 45–75 min | Reservation required |
| Private car service | $95 flat | 25–60 min | Tight connection, fixed rate |
Public transit fares: 2026 MTA pricing (subway/bus $3.00 OMNY, AirTrain JFK $8.50, Q70 free).
1. Q70 + Subway + AirTrain — $11.50
Take the free Q70 LaGuardia Link from any LGA terminal to 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights (~15 minutes). Transfer to the E or F train southbound. Both end at Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer. Walk to the AirTrain entrance and ride to your JFK terminal.
- • Cost: $0 Q70 + $3.00 OMNY subway + $8.50 AirTrain = $11.50
- • Time: 60–90 minutes door-to-door
- • Frequency: Q70 every 8–15 minutes 24/7; subway every 4–10 minutes daytime
- • Pickup: Q70 boards at dedicated stops on Arrivals (lower) level of each LGA terminal
Best for solo travelers with carry-on luggage. Three transfers total — feasible but slow.
2. Yellow Taxi — $50–70 metered
Use the official taxi line outside LGA arrivals. The fare is metered (no flat rate between LGA and JFK). Typical meter is $40–55 with no major tolls on the standard Van Wyck route. Add the $2.50 congestion surcharge, $0.50 state surcharge, and 15–20% tip.
A reliable choice when off-peak. Rush hour can stretch the meter as traffic on the Van Wyck/Grand Central can stop entirely.
3. Uber / Lyft — $40–85 (variable)
Pickup at the LGA rideshare zones (terminal-specific). Off-peak weekday afternoons can run as low as $40 — the cheapest motorized option. Friday evenings, weather events, and Sunday returns push fares above $75.
Watch surge pricing carefully — what looks like $42 at booking can become $78 by the time the driver arrives if demand spikes.
4. Shared Shuttle — $25–40
Private operators like NYC Airporter run scheduled shared vans between LGA and JFK. Typical price $25–40, time 45–75 minutes depending on stops. Reservation usually required.
Reasonable middle-ground for travelers with significant luggage who want a fixed price without paying full taxi/car-service rates.
5. Private Car Service — $95 flat sedan
Pre-booked Mercedes E-Class for $95 all-in LGA → JFK. Includes meet & greet at LGA baggage claim, flight tracking, all tolls, 60 minutes free wait time, and drop-off at your JFK terminal door. SUV $135, Sprinter $325 (groups up to 14).
- • Meet at LGA baggage claim
- • Flight tracking auto-adjusts pickup
- • 60 min free wait at LGA
- • Direct drop-off at JFK terminal door
- • All tolls and surcharges included
- • Free child seats on request
Connection Time Buffer
Domestic LGA → Domestic JFK
Minimum 3 hours by car. 4+ hours by public transit.
Domestic LGA → International JFK
Minimum 4 hours — international JFK check-in adds 60–90 minutes vs. domestic.
Weekday rush (4–8pm)
Add 30–45 minutes — Van Wyck and Grand Central back up routinely.
Tight connection?
Pre-book a car service with flight tracking and a fixed price. Fewer failure points than rideshare or public transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free shuttle between LGA and JFK?▾
No. There is no public free shuttle. Shared private shuttles run $25–40 with reservation.
Distance from LaGuardia to JFK?▾
Approximately 13 miles via the Van Wyck Expressway and Grand Central Parkway.
How much is a taxi LGA to JFK?▾
$50–70 typical — metered fare $40–55 + surcharges + 15–20% tip.
What is the fastest way?▾
Pre-booked car service or taxi off-peak: 25–35 minutes door-to-door.
Is the AirTrain JFK accessible from LGA?▾
Not directly. You need to first reach the Jamaica Station via the Q70 + subway, then transfer to the AirTrain ($8.50).
Tight LGA → JFK connection? Book a flat-rate car.
Mercedes sedan with chauffeur, $95 flat all-in. Meet at LGA baggage claim, all tolls included, flight tracking, 60 minutes free wait, drop-off at JFK terminal door.