Getting to and from LaGuardia Airport can be much easier when you choose the right transportation option and plan your trip in advance. Whether you’re traveling from Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, or another part of New York City, your choice of transportation can affect your comfort, travel time, and overall airport experience.
This guide covers the main LaGuardia airport transportation options, including private car service, taxis, rideshare, public transportation, and larger vehicles for families and groups.
If you’re also traveling through JFK Airport, you can compare your options in our guide to NYC Airport Transportation: JFK, LaGuardia & Newark.
What Is the Best LaGuardia Airport Transportation Option?
The best transportation option depends on where you’re starting, how many people are traveling, how much luggage you have, and how much convenience you want.
For some travelers, public transportation may be the most economical choice. Others may prefer a taxi or rideshare service. Families, business travelers, and groups may prefer a private car service because they can arrange transportation in advance and travel directly to the airport.
Here are some of the main options:
| Transportation Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car Service | Families, business travelers, groups | Pre-arranged and direct transportation | Must be booked in advance |
| Taxi | Individual travelers and small groups | Available at the airport | Fare varies by trip |
| Rideshare | Flexible travel | Convenient app-based booking | Pickup locations can vary |
| Public Transportation | Budget-conscious travelers | Connects LGA with NYC transit | May require transfers |
| SUV | Families with luggage | More space than a sedan | Higher capacity vehicle |
| Sprinter Van | Large groups | Keeps larger groups together | Requires advance planning |
LaGuardia officially provides access to taxis, rideshare services, public transportation, rental cars, and authorized private car and shuttle services.
LaGuardia Airport Car Service
A private LaGuardia airport car service can be a convenient choice when you want your transportation arranged before your trip.
Instead of figuring out transportation after arriving at the airport, you can schedule your pickup ahead of time.
This can be particularly useful for:
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- Business travelers
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- Families
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- Airport transfers
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- Hotel pickups
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- Early-morning flights
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- Travelers with multiple bags
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- Groups traveling together
LaGuardia Airport itself lists authorized private car and shuttle services and provides designated pickup areas at the terminals.
For travelers who are also considering JFK, see our guide to JFK Airport Car Service.
Taxi Transportation to and from LaGuardia
Taxis are another option for getting to and from LGA.
Official taxi pickup areas are available outside the terminals. LaGuardia recommends using the official airport taxi areas rather than accepting transportation offers from people inside the terminal.
Taxi fares depend on the destination, distance, time, tolls, and applicable surcharges.
Because of this, travelers should consider the total trip rather than assuming every taxi ride will cost the same amount.
Rideshare Transportation at LaGuardia
Uber, Lyft, and other ride apps are available at LaGuardia.
Passengers should follow airport signs to the designated rideshare pickup area and use the app to confirm the current pickup instructions.
LaGuardia notes that rideshare prices can change depending on the destination and time of day, so travelers should check the app for the current fare.
Rideshare can work well for individual travelers and smaller groups, but families or larger groups should make sure the selected vehicle has enough room for everyone and their luggage.
Public Transportation to LaGuardia Airport
Public transportation is another option for getting to and from LGA.
LaGuardia is connected to NYC public transportation through MTA bus services. The airport’s Q70 LGA Link provides free service between LaGuardia and subway transit hubs including Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue and 74 St–Broadway.
Public transportation can be useful for travelers who want to reduce transportation costs, but it may involve walking, transfers, and managing luggage.
For travelers carrying several suitcases or traveling with children, a direct vehicle may be more convenient.
LaGuardia Airport Transportation from Manhattan
Traveling from Manhattan to LaGuardia requires planning around your starting location and the time of day.
Traffic conditions can change significantly, so it’s important to allow enough time between your pickup and your scheduled airport arrival.
A private car service can be useful when you want direct transportation from a Manhattan hotel, residence, office, or other pickup location.
When planning your trip, consider:
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- Your exact Manhattan pickup location
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- Flight departure time
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- Number of passengers
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- Luggage
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- Traffic conditions
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- Required airport arrival time
LaGuardia Airport Transportation from Queens
LaGuardia is located in Queens, but that doesn’t mean every Queens trip to the airport will be quick.
Queens is a large borough, and travel time depends on your exact starting location, traffic, and route.
For travelers starting in Queens, compare your options based on convenience and your flight schedule.
You can also read our JFK Airport Transportation from Queens guide if you’re deciding between New York’s major airports.
LaGuardia Airport Transportation for Families
Families often have additional transportation needs.
Parents may be traveling with:
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- Children
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- Strollers
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- Car seats
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- Multiple suitcases
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- Carry-on bags
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- Snacks and other travel items
The number of passengers isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing a vehicle. Luggage and children’s equipment can require additional space.
A sedan may work for a small family with light luggage, while an SUV or larger vehicle may be more practical for families traveling with several bags.
LaGuardia Airport Transportation for Groups
Larger groups should consider vehicle capacity before booking transportation.
Trying to coordinate several separate vehicles can make group travel more complicated.
A larger vehicle can allow everyone to travel together while making it easier to coordinate luggage and pickup times.
For larger groups, a Sprinter van or another appropriately sized vehicle may be worth considering.
Which LaGuardia Transportation Option Is Right for You?
| Traveler Type | Transportation to Consider |
|---|---|
| Solo traveler | Public transportation, taxi, or rideshare |
| Couple | Taxi, rideshare, or private car |
| Small family | SUV, private car, taxi, or rideshare |
| Family with lots of luggage | SUV or larger private vehicle |
| Business traveler | Private car service |
| Large group | Sprinter van or larger vehicle |
| Budget-conscious traveler | Public transportation |
| Traveler prioritizing convenience | Private car service |
The right choice depends on your specific trip rather than one transportation option being best for everyone.
LaGuardia Airport Transportation for Business Travelers
Business travelers often value reliable scheduling and direct transportation.
If you’re traveling for a meeting, conference, corporate event, or business trip, having transportation arranged ahead of time can simplify your schedule.
A private vehicle can also provide direct transportation between:
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- Hotels
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- Offices
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- Meetings
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- Airports
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- Corporate events
If your transportation needs involve multiple stops or several hours of service, you can also consider hourly transportation.
LaGuardia Airport Transportation for Weddings and Events
Airport transportation can also be part of a larger event transportation plan.
Wedding parties, family reunions, corporate groups, and other events may require transportation between airports, hotels, venues, and other locations.
For larger groups, planning the vehicle size and pickup schedule ahead of time can help keep everyone organized.
Traveling Between LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark
Some travelers need to transfer between New York-area airports.
For example, you may arrive at LaGuardia and need to continue to JFK, or arrive at JFK and travel onward to Newark.
The official LaGuardia airport guidance recommends allowing plenty of time for airport transfers, particularly during rush hour or holidays. Travelers transferring between airports may also need to collect luggage, travel to the next airport, check in again, and go through security again.
For general information about all three airports, see our NYC Airport Transportation guide.
How Early Should You Leave for LaGuardia Airport?
Your departure time depends on your starting location, traffic, flight schedule, and how much time you need at the airport.
Give yourself additional time if you’re traveling:
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- During busy traffic periods
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- With children
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- With several bags
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- With a large group
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- During holidays
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- For an important international connection
The goal isn’t simply to reach the airport before your flight. You also need enough time for drop-off, luggage, check-in, security, and getting to your gate.
For more airport timing advice, see our How Early Should You Leave for JFK Airport? guide.
Although that article focuses on JFK, many of the same planning principles can help when preparing for an airport trip from NYC.
Tips for a Smoother LaGuardia Airport Transfer
1. Book Ahead
If you’re using a private car service, arrange your transportation before travel day.
2. Confirm Your Pickup Location
Make sure your driver has the correct hotel, home, office, or other pickup address.
3. Consider Your Luggage
Don’t choose a vehicle based only on passenger capacity.
4. Check Your Flight
Confirm your departure time and terminal before leaving.
5. Allow Extra Time
NYC traffic can be unpredictable, so avoid planning your trip around the minimum possible driving time.
6. Follow Airport Pickup Instructions
LaGuardia has designated pickup locations for different transportation services. Follow airport signage when meeting a driver.
LaGuardia Airport Pickup Information
If you’re being picked up at LaGuardia, pay attention to the designated pickup areas.
LaGuardia’s current guidance says terminal curbsides are intended for active pickup and drop-off rather than parking. The airport also has a Cell Phone Lot for drivers waiting for arriving passengers.
If you’ve arranged a private car service, follow the instructions provided by your transportation company and the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best LaGuardia airport transportation?
The best option depends on your starting location, number of passengers, luggage, budget, and preference for convenience. Private car service, taxis, rideshare, and public transportation are all available options.
Is there public transportation to LaGuardia Airport?
Yes. LaGuardia is served by MTA bus routes, including the free Q70 LGA Link connecting the airport with subway transit hubs.
Can I book a private car service to LaGuardia?
Yes. Private car and shuttle services are available at LaGuardia, with designated pickup areas at the terminals.
Is LaGuardia airport transportation available for large groups?
Yes. Larger groups can arrange appropriately sized transportation. The vehicle should be selected based on both passenger count and luggage requirements.
What is the best transportation option for families?
Families should consider passenger capacity, luggage space, strollers, car seats, and convenience. An SUV or larger private vehicle may be appropriate for families with several bags.
Can I travel from LaGuardia to JFK?
Yes. Travelers can use public transportation, taxis, rideshare, or shuttle/van services to transfer between the airports. Allow plenty of time for the transfer.
Does LaGuardia have Uber and Lyft?
Yes. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services operate at LaGuardia, with designated pickup areas.
Make Your LaGuardia Airport Trip Easier
Choosing the right LaGuardia airport transportation comes down to your location, schedule, group size, luggage, and preferred level of convenience.
Public transportation can be useful for travelers focused on cost, while taxis and rideshare services offer flexibility. For families, business travelers, and larger groups, arranging a private vehicle in advance can make the airport journey more organized.
If you’re traveling through multiple NYC airports, our NYC Airport Transportation: JFK, LaGuardia & Newark Guide is a useful place to compare your options.
And if JFK is your destination, you can also read our Best Way to Get to JFK Airport from NYC guide.
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