LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of three major airports serving New York City, located in Queens approximately 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan. It is the closest airport to Manhattan and primarily handles domestic flights, making it the preferred choice for business travelers and domestic connections.

Following a multi-billion dollar reconstruction completed in January 2025, LaGuardia has been transformed from one of America's most criticized airports into a modern facility. The airport now has three terminals:

• Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal): Historic art deco terminal serving Spirit Airlines only
• Terminal B: Completely rebuilt, serves American, United, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, Air Canada, and Porter Airlines. Features Western Concourse (Gates 11-31) and Eastern Concourse (Gates 40-59)
• Terminal C: Delta's $4 billion hub with four concourses, home to the largest Delta Sky Club in the network

Critical note: Terminals are not connected. There are no airside connections between terminals, and walking between them requires going outside (not covered) or taking the free shuttle bus.

LaGuardia is the closest of New York's three major airports to Manhattan, located just 8 miles from Midtown. However, unlike JFK and Newark, there is no direct rail connection—all ground transport is by road or bus-to-subway.

Typical travel times to Midtown Manhattan:

• By taxi/rideshare: 20-40 minutes (light traffic), 45-90 minutes (rush hour)
• By public transit: 50-75 minutes via Q70 bus + subway
• Rush hour warning: Avoid 4-8 PM weekday departures from Manhattan; the Grand Central Parkway and BQE can be gridlocked

The lack of rail access means travel times are highly unpredictable. For early morning flights, consider staying near the airport the night before.

Taxi

Yellow taxis queue outside all terminal arrivals. Fares are metered (no flat rate to Manhattan, unlike JFK).

Destination	Fare	Time
Midtown Manhattan	$40-70 + tolls/tip	20-60 min
Lower Manhattan	$50-80 + tolls/tip	30-75 min
JFK Airport	$35-50 + tolls	30-60 min
Brooklyn (downtown)	$45-65 + tolls/tip	25-50 min

Additional charges:

• LGA surcharge: $5.00 flat
• Congestion surcharge (below 96th St): $2.50
• MTA surcharge: $0.50
• Rush hour surcharge (4-8 PM weekdays): $2.50
• Tolls: $5-10 depending on route
• Tip: 15-20% customary

Tip: Cash and cards accepted in all yellow taxis. The meter does not include tolls or tip.

Uber & Lyft

Both services operate at LGA with designated pickup locations.

Terminal B pickup: Level 2 of Terminal B Garage, Row G. Exit departures level, cross the pedestrian bridge, and follow signs to rideshare pickup.

Terminal C pickup: Arrivals curb, Columns 13A-13C. Exit arrivals and follow signs to rideshare.

Service	Fare to Midtown	Notes
UberX / Lyft	$35-60	Surge pricing common during rush hour
Uber Comfort / Lyft XL	$50-80	More space for luggage
Uber Black	$80-120	Premium service

Uber Shuttle: A new budget option offering shared rides to Manhattan/Brooklyn for approximately $15-25.

Wait times: Typically 5-10 minutes, but can exceed 20 minutes during peak travel periods.

LaGuardia has no direct rail connection, but free bus service connects to the subway system.

LaGuardia Link Q70 (Free)

The Q70-SBS (LaGuardia Link) is a free express bus connecting the airport to the subway.

Route: Terminal B → Terminal C → Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave (E/F/M/R/7 trains) → 61st St-Woodside (7 train, LIRR)

To Midtown Manhattan via Q70:

1. Board the free Q70 bus outside your terminal
2. Ride to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue (15-20 min)
3. Transfer to the E or F train toward Manhattan
4. Exit at your destination (additional 20-30 min)

Detail	Information
Frequency	Every 8-10 minutes
Q70 fare	Free
Subway fare	$2.90 (OMNY/MetroCard)
Total time to Midtown	50-75 minutes

Note: The Q70 only serves Terminals B and C. From Terminal A, take the airport shuttle to Terminal B first, or use the M60 bus.

M60-SBS Bus

The M60-SBS runs across northern Manhattan, connecting LaGuardia to Harlem, the Upper West Side, and Columbia University.

Detail	Information
Route	LGA → Astoria Blvd (N/W) → 125th St → Columbia → Broadway
Fare	$2.90
Frequency	Every 10-15 minutes
To Upper West Side	45-60 minutes

Tip: The M60 is useful for reaching Upper Manhattan and the 1/2/3 subway lines.

NYC Ferry (Astoria Route)

From Astoria Ferry Landing (accessible via M60 or rideshare), the NYC Ferry runs to Midtown East (34th Street) and Lower Manhattan.

Detail	Information
Fare	$4.00
Frequency	Every 20-30 minutes
To 34th Street	20 minutes (ferry only)

LaGuardia offers terminal garages with hourly and daily rates. Cash is not accepted—credit/debit cards only.

Terminal Parking

Facility	Daily Rate (Drive-up)	Daily Rate (Online)
Terminal B Garage	$80/day	$55/day
Terminal C Garage	$89/day	$60/day

Short-Term Rates

Terminal	Rate
Terminal B	$5 first 30 min, $10 each additional 30 min
Terminal C	$6 per 30 min (first 3 hrs), $12 per 30 min after

Tips:

• Book online at laguardiaairport.com for significant savings
• Premium spaces available with advance booking
• EV charging stations available in both garages (Terminal B 3rd floor, Terminal C 2nd floor)
• First 10-15 minutes typically free for pickup/drop-off at curbside

Off-Site Alternatives

Third-party lots with shuttle service are available from $8-15/day. Book via SpotHero, Way.com, or similar services.

The 2025 reconstruction transformed LaGuardia's dining scene, with Terminal C featuring an extensive food hall celebrating New York cuisine.

Terminal B (Airside)

• Shake Shack: New York's famous burgers and shakes
• Irving Farm Coffee Roasters: Local specialty coffee
• Eli's Essentials: Upscale deli and provisions
• La Chula Bar & Taqueria: Mexican
• Kingside: American comfort food

Terminal C (Airside)

Terminal C features the Food Hall with diverse New York options:

• Artichoke Pizza: NYC's famous oversized slices
• Bubby's: Comfort food and pies
• Rossi Pizzeria: Mark Iacono's acclaimed pizza
• Poppy's Bagels: Fresh New York-style bagels
• Taim: Mediterranean falafel and bowls
• King David Tacos: Mexican
• Magnolia Bakery: Cupcakes and banana pudding
• Brooklyn's Best Bagels: Classic bagels and spreads

Sit-down restaurants:

• Prime Steakhouse: Steaks and seafood
• Soleil: French bistro
• Calista Taverna: Greek cuisine

Terminal A

Limited options; consider eating before arriving or at Terminal B.

Budget tip: Grab-and-go options in both terminals offer sandwiches and salads for $10-15.

Free WiFi is available throughout all terminals at LaGuardia.

Detail	Information
Network name	_Free LGA WiFi
Cost	Free
Time limit	Unlimited
Registration	Accept terms and conditions
Provider	Boingo

Speed: Adequate for browsing and email; streaming may be inconsistent during peak hours. Lounges offer faster connections.

Support: 24/7 customer support at 1-800-880-4117

For international travelers needing US mobile connectivity:

Airport Locations

• Best Buy Express (Terminal B): Prepaid SIM cards
• InMotion (Terminals B and C): Electronics and SIM cards
• Vending machines: Basic prepaid options available

Carriers and Pricing

Carrier	Prepaid Plan	Data
T-Mobile	From $40	10 GB
AT&T	From $45	15 GB
Mint Mobile	From $15	5 GB (online only)

Tip: For better prices and selection, purchase SIM cards at carrier stores in Manhattan or order an eSIM before arrival.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals in both pre- and post-security areas.

ATM Networks

Major US banks represented:

• Chase
• Bank of America
• Citibank
• Capital One

Withdrawal fees: $3-5 for non-customers; check with your bank about fee reimbursement.

Currency Exchange

Travelex locations available in Terminals B and C. However, airport exchange rates include significant markups (10-15% above market rate).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw USD from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Charles Schwab, Fidelity)
• Use Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates
• Most Manhattan businesses accept credit/debit cards; cash is rarely essential

LaGuardia's reconstruction brought improved retail options, particularly in Terminal B and C.

Terminal B

• Hudson News: Magazines, snacks, travel essentials
• Best Buy Express: Electronics, chargers, headphones
• FAO Schwarz: Toys and gifts
• MAC Cosmetics: Beauty products
• Johnston & Murphy: Business footwear and accessories

Terminal C

• Dylan's Candy Bar: Candy and sweets
• Hudson: Travel essentials
• InMotion: Electronics
• Delta-branded merchandise

Duty-Free

Limited duty-free shopping as LaGuardia primarily serves domestic routes. For duty-free, fly from JFK or Newark for international departures.

LaGuardia offers several lounge options, primarily in Terminal B and C.

Credit Card Lounges

American Express Centurion Lounge (Terminal B)

• Location: Above security checkpoint, before Eastern Concourse bridge
• Access: Amex Platinum, Centurion, Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Amenities: Hot buffet meals, premium bar, showers, workspaces, high-speed WiFi
• Quality: Excellent food and drink; can be crowded during peak hours
• Note: As of February 2025, some card members have visit limits; check current access rules

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (Terminal B)

• Location: Terminal B, near security
• Access: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders
• Size: 21,800 square feet
• Amenities: Diverse seating, workstations, wellness areas, Face Haus facial treatments

Airline Lounges

Delta Sky Club (Terminal C)

• Location: Level 4 of Terminal C
• Access: Delta One/First Class, SkyMiles Medallion members, Amex Delta cards, day pass ($59)
• Amenities: Premium bar, seasonal food, artwork, upscale amenities
• Note: This is the largest Delta Sky Club in the network

American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal B)

• Location: Concourse D, near Gates 1-2
• Hours: Sun-Fri 4:30 AM - 7:30 PM, Sat 4:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Access: Admirals Club members, Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, AA First/Business, day pass ($79)
• Amenities: Full-service bar, snacks, WiFi, showers, conference rooms

United Club (Terminal B)

• Location: Terminal B
• Access: United Club members, Star Alliance Gold, United Polaris, day pass
• Amenities: Complimentary snacks and beverages, WiFi, workstations

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Terminal B)

• Access: Air Canada Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, Maple Leaf members

Priority Pass Options

Priority Pass does not have traditional lounge access at LGA, but members can access:

Minute Suites Express (Terminal B)

• Location: Past security at The Bowery Bay Shops
• Hours: 4:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Benefit: Free 1-hour room rental (Priority Pass members)
• Amenities: Private room, workstation, comfortable chairs

LaGuardia has no on-airport hotel, but several options are within a short shuttle ride.

Near the Airport

New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott

• Distance: Less than 1 mile
• Shuttle: Complimentary to/from airport
• Rate: From $180/night
• Amenities: Restaurant, fitness center, meeting rooms

Courtyard by Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Rate: From $150/night
• Amenities: Pool, restaurant, lounge bar

Hampton Inn New York LaGuardia Airport

• Distance: 1 mile
• Shuttle: Complimentary
• Rate: From $140/night

Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport

• Distance: 1 mile
• Rate: From $130/night
• Amenities: Modern design, bar

Budget Options

• Fairfield Inn New York LaGuardia Airport/Astoria: From $120/night
• Comfort Inn LaGuardia Airport: From $100/night

In Manhattan (for Early Flights)

For very early departures, staying in Queens (Astoria or Jackson Heights) offers a balance of Manhattan access and shorter airport commutes.

LaGuardia primarily serves domestic travelers, but the airport's location in Queens offers easy access to Manhattan and local neighborhoods.

Getting to Key Destinations

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Times Square	40-60 min	Q70 + E/F train or taxi
Grand Central	35-50 min	Q70 + 7 train or taxi
Penn Station	45-65 min	Q70 + E train or taxi
Wall Street	60-80 min	Q70 + E train to World Trade Center
Brooklyn (Downtown)	50-70 min	Q70 + subway or taxi
Citi Field (Mets)	10-15 min	Taxi or Q70 + 7 train
Arthur Ashe Stadium (US Open)	15-20 min	Taxi or Q48 bus

Exploring Queens

LaGuardia is located in Queens, New York's most ethnically diverse borough:

• Astoria: Greek restaurants, breweries, Museum of the Moving Image (15 min from LGA)
• Jackson Heights: Incredible Indian, Nepali, and Latin American food (Q70 stop)
• Flushing: Authentic Chinese cuisine, second-largest Chinatown in the US (20 min by taxi)
• Long Island City: Modern art at MoMA PS1, waterfront parks, Manhattan skyline views

Manhattan Quick Hits

For short layovers or first-time visitors:

• 4-hour layover: Not recommended to leave airport—Manhattan round-trip takes 2+ hours minimum
• 6-hour layover: Quick taxi to Astoria for Greek food, or Jackson Heights for diverse cuisine
• 8+ hour layover: Possible Manhattan visit; go directly to one neighborhood (Midtown, Central Park, or Lower Manhattan)

Travel Tips

• MetroCard/OMNY: Use contactless payment or get an OMNY card for subway/bus
• Tipping: 18-20% standard at restaurants; $1-2 per drink at bars
• Walking: Manhattan is highly walkable; comfortable shoes essential
• Traffic: Avoid taxi/rideshare during rush hours (8-10 AM, 4-7 PM)
• Airports: JFK and Newark are 45-90 minutes from LGA depending on traffic