LaGuardia Transportation Guide
Finding the best way to get to LaGuardia Airport depends on where you’re starting, your flight time, how much luggage you’re carrying, and how much convenience you want.
Travelers in New York City have several options, including private car service, taxis, rideshare, and public transportation. The right choice for one traveler may not be the right choice for another.
For a general comparison of transportation options at all three major NYC airports, see our NYC Airport Transportation: JFK, LaGuardia & Newark Guide.
What Is the Best Way to Get to LaGuardia Airport?
For travelers who prioritize convenience and direct transportation, a private car service can be one of the easiest options.
Public transportation can be a good choice for travelers who want to minimize transportation costs. Taxis and rideshare services provide another flexible option.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Transportation | Best For | Convenience | Cost Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car Service | Families, business travelers, groups | High | Usually higher |
| Taxi | Individuals and small groups | High | Metered/fare varies |
| Rideshare | Flexible travel | High | Prices vary |
| Public Transportation | Budget-conscious travelers | Moderate | Generally lower |
| Large Vehicle/Sprinter | Groups and families | High | Depends on vehicle |
LaGuardia currently offers public transportation, taxis, rideshare services, rental cars, and authorized shuttle/private car services.
1. Private Car Service to LaGuardia
For many travelers, a private LaGuardia airport car service is the most convenient option when the priority is a planned, direct trip.
Instead of traveling to a subway station or waiting for a ride after you’re ready to leave, you can arrange your transportation in advance.
This can be particularly useful for:
- Families
- Business travelers
- Travelers with several bags
- Early flights
- Travelers unfamiliar with NYC
- Groups
- Travelers staying at hotels
- Travelers who prefer private transportation
LaGuardia Airport has designated pickup areas for authorized car services, with pickup locations varying by terminal.
For more information, read our LaGuardia Airport Car Service: What to Know Before Booking.
2. Taxi to LaGuardia Airport
Taxis are another straightforward option.
Official taxi stands are located outside the LaGuardia terminals. The airport recommends using official pickup areas and avoiding people inside the terminal who approach passengers offering transportation.
Taxi fares depend on the trip and can include tolls and applicable surcharges.
For example, LaGuardia currently lists estimated taxi fares to various NYC destinations, but actual costs can vary depending on the route and applicable charges.
A taxi may be a good choice if you want a direct trip without arranging a private car service in advance.
3. Rideshare to LaGuardia
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are also available at LaGuardia.
The airport has designated rideshare pickup locations, and passengers should follow the signs after baggage claim to find the appropriate pickup area. Pickup locations vary by terminal.
Rideshare pricing changes depending on the destination and time of day, so travelers should check the app for the current price before confirming the ride.
Rideshare can be convenient for individuals and smaller groups, but families should make sure the selected vehicle has enough passenger and luggage capacity.
4. Public Transportation to LaGuardia
Public transportation can be an excellent option for travelers who want to save money.
LaGuardia is connected to the MTA bus network, which provides connections to NYC subway stations, the Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad.
One particularly useful option is the Q70 LGA Link, which LaGuardia describes as its fastest public transportation option. The Q70 provides free service to and from LaGuardia and connects the airport with subway transit hubs including Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue and 74 St–Broadway.
Public transportation may make the most sense when:
- You’re traveling alone
- You have limited luggage
- You’re comfortable using NYC transit
- You want to minimize transportation costs
- Your schedule allows additional travel time
However, travelers with several bags or young children may find a direct vehicle more convenient.
Private Car vs. Public Transportation
The choice between private transportation and public transportation often comes down to convenience versus cost.
| Factor | Private Car | Public Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door | Yes | Usually no |
| Advance scheduling | Yes | Schedule-based |
| Luggage convenience | Excellent | Can be difficult |
| Families | Convenient | More complicated |
| Groups | Very convenient | More coordination |
| Budget | Higher | Lower |
| Transfers | Usually none | May require connections |
| Privacy | Private | Shared |
Neither option is automatically best for everyone.
The best choice depends on your individual trip.
Best Way to Get to LaGuardia from Manhattan
For travelers starting in Manhattan, the most convenient option depends on your exact location.
You might choose:
- Private car service
- Taxi
- Rideshare
- Public transportation
A private vehicle can be especially convenient if you’re traveling from a hotel, residence, or office with luggage.
Traffic should also be considered when planning your departure time.
Don’t assume that a trip that takes a certain amount of time under normal conditions will take the same amount of time during rush hour.
Best Way to Get to LaGuardia from Queens
Queens is geographically close to LaGuardia, but travel times vary significantly depending on your starting location.
A traveler near Jackson Heights has different transportation options from someone farther east in Queens.
Public transportation may be particularly useful for some Queens locations because LaGuardia connects to the MTA bus network.
If you’re deciding between JFK and LaGuardia, our JFK Airport Transportation from Queens guide can help you compare the JFK side of the trip.
Best Way to Get to LaGuardia with Luggage
Luggage can change which transportation option makes the most sense.
A solo traveler with one carry-on may have no problem using public transportation.
A family with several suitcases, however, may prefer a private vehicle.
Consider:
- Number of suitcases
- Carry-on bags
- Strollers
- Car seats
- Number of passengers
- Walking distance
- Number of transfers
The more equipment and luggage you have, the more valuable direct transportation can become.
Best Way to Get to LaGuardia with a Family
Families often have additional considerations.
Traveling with children can mean managing:
- Luggage
- Strollers
- Car seats
- Snacks
- Carry-on bags
- Multiple passengers
A private vehicle can eliminate some of the transfers and walking associated with public transportation.
If you’re traveling with a larger family or group, make sure the vehicle has enough room for everyone and their luggage.
You can also read our JFK Airport Transportation for Families and Groups guide for additional family airport transportation tips.
Best Way to Get to LaGuardia for Business Travelers
Business travelers often have less flexibility with their schedules.
If you have an important meeting, conference, or flight, transportation reliability and convenience may be more important than finding the lowest-cost option.
A private car can provide direct transportation between:
Hotel → Office → Meeting → LaGuardia Airport
rather than requiring multiple transportation connections.
For comparison, see our JFK Airport Transportation for Business Travelers article.
Best Way to Get to LaGuardia for Large Groups
Large groups should consider passenger capacity and luggage space before selecting transportation.
Using several separate cars can work, but coordinating multiple vehicles can make group travel more complicated.
A larger vehicle can keep everyone together.
For groups traveling with substantial luggage, consider a vehicle designed specifically for larger parties.
How Early Should You Leave for LaGuardia Airport?
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is focusing only on the driving time.
You need to consider the entire airport journey.
Your schedule should account for:
- Getting ready to leave
- Vehicle pickup
- NYC traffic
- Airport arrival
- Baggage drop-off
- Security
- Walking to the gate
- Boarding
Traffic can change quickly in New York City, so leaving a reasonable buffer is important.
For additional planning advice, see our How Early Should You Leave for JFK Airport? guide.
Although it focuses on JFK, the same basic principle applies to LaGuardia: don’t plan your airport journey around the absolute minimum travel time.
What About Traveling from LaGuardia to JFK?
Some travelers need to transfer between NYC airports.
LaGuardia’s official airport guidance lists public transportation, taxis, rideshare services, and shuttle/van services as options for airport-to-airport travel.
For example, the airport currently estimates taxi travel between LGA and JFK at approximately 30–60 minutes, with an estimated fare of $60, although actual travel time and cost can vary.
If you have a tight connection, allow substantially more time than the estimated driving time because airport transfers can involve luggage collection, transportation between airports, check-in, baggage re-checking, and security.
Our Best Way to Get to JFK Airport from NYC article provides additional information about JFK transportation.
LaGuardia vs. JFK Transportation
Choosing the airport closest to you isn’t always the only consideration.
Your airline, destination, flight schedule, and starting location all matter.
| Consideration | LaGuardia | JFK |
|---|---|---|
| NYC airport | Yes | Yes |
| Public transportation | Yes | Yes |
| Taxi service | Yes | Yes |
| Rideshare | Yes | Yes |
| Private car service | Yes | Yes |
| Best airport | Depends on trip | Depends on trip |
If you want a broader comparison of NYC airports, see our NYC Airport Transportation Guide.
Quick Decision Guide
Not sure which option to choose?
Choose private car service if:
- You want door-to-door transportation
- You’re traveling with children
- You have several bags
- You’re traveling for business
- You’re traveling with a group
- You prefer to arrange transportation ahead of time
Consider public transportation if:
- You’re traveling alone
- You have limited luggage
- Keeping costs low is important
- You’re comfortable navigating NYC transit
- You have enough time for connections
Consider a taxi if:
- You want direct transportation
- You prefer not to use an app
- You don’t want to arrange a private car in advance
Consider rideshare if:
- You prefer app-based booking
- You want to see the estimated price before requesting
- You’re traveling with a small group
Tips for Getting to LaGuardia Airport
1. Check Your Flight Information
Confirm your departure time and terminal before leaving.
2. Plan for Traffic
NYC traffic can change quickly.
3. Consider Your Luggage
More luggage can make public transportation less convenient.
4. Choose the Correct Vehicle
If you’re traveling with several people, make sure there is enough room for everyone and their bags.
5. Book Private Transportation in Advance
If you prefer a private car, arrange it before travel day.
6. Confirm Your Pickup Location
Make sure your driver has the correct address and contact information.
7. Follow Airport Signs
LaGuardia has designated areas for taxis, rideshare services, and car services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to LaGuardia Airport?
The best way to get to LaGuardia Airport depends on your location, budget, luggage, group size, and schedule. Private car service is convenient for travelers who want direct, pre-arranged transportation, while public transportation can be a lower-cost alternative.
Is public transportation available to LaGuardia?
Yes. LaGuardia is connected to NYC’s MTA bus network, including the free Q70 LGA Link.
Is there a taxi to LaGuardia Airport?
Yes. Official taxi pickup areas are available outside the terminals.
Can I use Uber or Lyft to get to LaGuardia?
Yes. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services operate at LaGuardia with designated pickup areas.
Is a private car service good for families?
Yes. A private vehicle can be particularly convenient for families carrying luggage, strollers, and other travel equipment.
What’s the best option for a large group?
A larger vehicle may be more convenient because everyone can travel together. Vehicle selection should be based on both passenger count and luggage.
Can I travel from LaGuardia to JFK?
Yes. Public transportation, taxis, rideshare services, and shuttle/van services are available.
Should I book LaGuardia transportation in advance?
If you want a private car service or need a specific vehicle, advance booking is recommended. This is particularly useful for families, business travelers, and larger groups.
Final Thoughts
The best way to get to LaGuardia Airport depends on what matters most to you.
Public transportation can be a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers, while taxis and rideshare services provide flexible alternatives. For travelers who want direct, pre-arranged transportation, a private car service can offer additional convenience.
The most important thing is to consider your starting location, flight schedule, luggage, passenger count, and traffic conditions before deciding.
For more information about LaGuardia transportation, start with our LaGuardia Airport Transportation: Complete NYC Guide.
And if you’re comparing all three major NYC airports, read our NYC Airport Transportation: JFK, LaGuardia & Newark Guide