LaGuardia to Penn Station: Every Option
LaGuardia is 9 miles from Penn Station — but with no AirTrain, the trip can range from 25 minutes by car to 75 minutes on public transit. Below: every option compared, with real fares and the right pick for your situation.
Distance
~9 miles
Cheapest
$3.00
Q70 + 7 train
Fastest
25–35 min
Car / taxi off-peak
Flat-rate sedan
$150
All-in, 24/7
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q70 LaGuardia Link + 7 train | $3.00 | 45–60 min | Cheapest, daytime |
| M60 SBS + N/W | $3.00 | 60–75 min | Upper West Side detour |
| NYC Airporter shuttle | $22–35 | 45–75 min | Direct to Port Authority |
| Yellow taxi (metered) | $60–80 | 25–55 min | Walk-up at taxi line |
| Uber / Lyft | $50–110 | 25–55 min | App familiarity (surge risk) |
| Private car service | $150 flat | 25–55 min | Meet & greet, fixed rate |
Fares: 2026 MTA pricing (subway/bus $3.00 OMNY). Taxis are meter-based — flat fares apply only at JFK, not LGA.
1. Q70 LaGuardia Link + 7 Train — $3.00
The Q70 LaGuardia Link is a free MTA bus that connects all LGA terminals to 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights. From there, transfer to the 7 train westbound to Times Square (5 stops, ~15 minutes). At Times Square, take the 1/2/3 one stop to 34 St–Penn Station, or walk 10 minutes south on 7th Avenue.
- • Cost: $0 Q70 + $3.00 OMNY transfer to subway = $3.00 total
- • Q70 frequency: every 8–15 minutes, 24/7
- • 7 train frequency: every 4–10 minutes daytime
- • Pickup: dedicated Q70 stops on the Arrivals (lower) level of each terminal
The Q70 itself is free — you only pay when you tap into the subway. This is the only no-transfer-fee combo to Manhattan from LGA.
2. M60 SBS + Subway — $3.00 (slower)
The M60 Select Bus Service runs from LGA across 125th Street in Harlem, then to Broadway. Transfer to the N/W or 1 train at 125th Street and ride south to Penn Station. The route is longer but useful if you are heading anywhere on the Upper West Side first.
Skip the M60 unless you have a specific reason — the Q70 + 7 is faster in nearly every case.
3. NYC Airporter Shuttle — $22–35
Shared shuttle from LGA to Manhattan stops including Grand Central, Bryant Park, and Port Authority Bus Terminal (44th & 8th, a 5-minute walk to Penn Station). Departs every 30 minutes during operating hours.
Reasonable choice if you have heavy luggage and prefer one seat without subway transfers.
4. Yellow Taxi — $60–80 metered
LaGuardia uses metered taxi fares (not the JFK flat rate). Typical meter to Midtown is $45–55, plus RFK Bridge toll if your driver takes the Triboro route (~$11), plus surcharges and 15–20% tip. Total $60–80 off-peak, more in rush hour.
Use the official taxi line outside arrivals. Taxi-based pricing fluctuates with traffic, which can push the meter higher than expected during gridlock.
5. Uber / Lyft — $50–110 (variable)
Pickup at the LGA rideshare zone. Off-peak weekday afternoons run $50–70. Friday evenings, weather events, and Sunday returns push fares above $90 routinely.
Cheaper than a yellow taxi off-peak, but watch surge pricing — a $50 ride can become $110 in 5 minutes.
6. Private Car Service — $150 flat
Pre-booked Mercedes E-Class for $150 all-in from LGA to Penn Station (or anywhere in Midtown). Includes meet & greet inside the terminal at the chauffeur board, flight tracking, 60 minutes free wait, all tolls, and luggage assistance. SUV $185.
- • Meet inside terminal at chauffeur sign
- • Flight tracking adjusts pickup automatically
- • 60 min free wait, then $1/min
- • Tolls included, fixed price
- • Mercedes E-Class / S-Class / Escalade
- • Free child seats on request
Which Should You Pick?
Solo, daytime, light luggage
Q70 + 7 train. $3 and 45 minutes door-to-door — by far the best value.
Group of 3+ with luggage
Yellow taxi or car service. $60–150 split 3 ways beats public transit on time and convenience.
Late night arrival (after 11pm)
Pre-booked car service or taxi. Q70 still runs but transfers are slower; Uber surge is unpredictable.
Business trip, fixed budget
Car service. Flat $150 means no expense-report surprises and a professional vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from LaGuardia to Penn Station?▾
No direct train. The closest equivalent is the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus (free) to 74th St/Roosevelt Av, then the 7 subway to Manhattan.
What is the cheapest way?▾
Q70 + 7 train at $3.00 total. The Q70 is free; you only pay when you tap into the subway.
How much is a taxi from LaGuardia to Penn Station?▾
Roughly $60–80 — meter ($45–55) + RFK Bridge toll (~$11) + surcharges + 15–20% tip. Add 20–30% during rush hour.
Does the Q70 run all night?▾
Yes, 24/7, with reduced frequency between 1am and 5am (every ~30 minutes).
How early should I leave Penn Station for LaGuardia?▾
Allow 2.5 hours for domestic flights. Q70 + subway riders should leave 3 hours early to absorb transfer time.
Pre-book LaGuardia → Penn Station
Mercedes sedan with chauffeur, $150 flat all-in. Meet & greet inside the terminal, tolls included, 60 minutes free wait, 24/7 dispatch.