Newark to LaGuardia: The Realistic Options
EWR and LGA sit on opposite sides of New York City — 21 miles apart with no direct train, no airline shuttle, and serious bridge/tunnel traffic in between. The fastest reliable transfer is by road in 45–90 minutes. Below: every option ranked by cost, time, and reliability.
Distance
~21 miles
Cheapest
$22
NJ Transit + Q70
Fastest reliable
45–60 min
Car service off-peak
Flat-rate sedan
Current quote
All-in, 24/7
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit + Q70 bus | ~$22 | 100–120 min | Cheapest, no luggage |
| NJ Transit + M60 SBS | ~$22 | 110–130 min | Slower alt routing |
| Shared shuttle (NYC Airporter) | $30–55 | 60–90 min | Heavy luggage, reservation |
| Yellow taxi (metered) | $115–155 | 45–90 min | Walk up at taxi line |
| Uber / Lyft | $80–160 | 45–90 min | App familiarity (surge risk) |
| Private car service | Current quote | 45–90 min | Tight connection, fixed rate |
Public transit fares: 2026 MTA + NJ Transit pricing. EWR AirTrain $8.50, NJ Transit one-way $15.50, NYC subway/bus $3.00 OMNY.
1. Public Transit (NJ Transit + MTA) — ~$22
Take the EWR AirTrain to Newark Liberty Airport Station ($8.50). Board NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line) to Penn Station New York ($15.50, 25–30 minutes). At Penn, walk to the 7 train at Times Square (1/2/3 one stop, then transfer to 7), ride to 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue, transfer to the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus.
- • Total cost: ~$22 ($8.50 + $15.50 + $3.00 transfer; Q70 free)
- • Total time: 100–120 minutes door-to-door
- • Frequency: NJ Transit runs every 15–30 minutes; service from 5:30am–1am
- • Tickets: NJ Transit app or kiosks at Newark Liberty Airport Station
Only viable if you have plenty of time, light luggage, and aren't making a tight flight connection. Two transfers and significant walking.
2. Shared Shuttle (NYC Airporter) — $30–55
Several private operators run scheduled shared vans between EWR and LGA. NYC Airporter is the largest. Vehicles are 10–14 seat vans with luggage trailers. Reservations recommended; same-day booking is sometimes possible.
Useful for 1–2 travelers with significant luggage who want to avoid public transit. Less useful if your flight is delayed — shuttles depart on a fixed schedule and may not wait.
3. Yellow Taxi — $115–155
EWR taxis are metered and charge a NY-side surcharge ($17.50) on trips crossing the Hudson. Tolls (GWB or Lincoln Tunnel ~$16 toward NYC) are passenger's responsibility. With 15–20% tip, total typically lands at $115–155.
A flat-rate car service often comes in cheaper than a metered EWR taxi by the time tolls and tip are added.
4. Uber / Lyft — $80–160 (variable)
Pickup at the EWR rideshare zone (Terminal A, B, C upper level). Pricing fluctuates significantly with demand and traffic. Friday afternoons, weather events, and weekday rush hour routinely produce $130+ fares. UberXL fits up to 6 passengers with luggage.
Off-peak weekend afternoons can be the cheapest motorized option. Avoid for tight connections — driver cancellations and surge are common.
5. Private Car Service — Current Itinerary Quote
Request the exact arrival and departure terminals, date, time and selected vehicle for a current transfer quote. Review passenger and luggage capacity, optional extras and waiting terms. Sprinters require a custom proposal; a previous sample quote does not price a new trip.
- • Optional meet & greet when selected and confirmed
- • Flight tracking auto-adjusts pickup
- Waiting terms confirmed
- • All bridge/tunnel tolls included
- • Drop-off at LGA terminal door
- • Child seats available for $25 each
Connection Time Reality Check
Most travelers underestimate how long an EWR → LGA transfer really takes. Here is a realistic minimum buffer between landing at EWR and departure at LGA:
Domestic arrival → Domestic departure
Minimum 4 hours by car. Add 1 hour if using public transit.
International arrival → Domestic departure
Minimum 5–6 hours. Customs at EWR alone often runs 60–90 minutes.
Friday 4–7pm or weather event
Add 1–2 extra hours. GWB and Lincoln Tunnel routinely back up 30–60 minutes.
Tight connection? Pre-book a car
Flight tracking and a fixed price reduce the failure points compared to taxi or rideshare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct shuttle between EWR and LGA?▾
No public transit shuttle. Private operators (NYC Airporter, ETS) run shared vans on a schedule for $30–55.
How long should I allow for the transfer?▾
Minimum 4 hours by car for domestic-to-domestic, 5–6 hours for international-to-domestic. Public transit needs 6+ hours.
What is the cheapest way?▾
NJ Transit + Q70 bus at ~$22 — but it takes 100–120 minutes and requires two transfers.
How much is Uber EWR to LGA?▾
Typically $80–160. Friday rush hour and bad weather routinely produce $130+ fares.
Can I pre-book a car service?▾
Yes. Review the included waiting allowance, its start time and additional waiting charges in your accepted reservation.
Make your EWR → LGA connection
Request a current quote for the exact terminals and vehicle. Review the included waiting allowance, its start time and additional waiting charges in your accepted reservation.