Getting from LaGuardia to Manhattan can feel overwhelming when you’re not familiar with the New York area. You arrive into the northern part of Queens with the Manhattan skyline shimmering in the distance like a desert oasis.
And, all you want is just quick and simple info to help get from LGA to Manhattan so you can start your NYC trip off right!
This detailed guide (written-by-a-local) will help you decide the best way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan with all the step-by-step information you need to make a successful New York airport transfer.
How to Get from LaGuardia to Manhattan
LaGuardia Airport is the closest airport to Manhattan. Distance-wise, it’s about 8 miles from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square but the airport’s $8 billion construction renovation has made getting in, around, and out of LaGuardia a little trickier. The good news is things are s-l-o-w-l-y improving and transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan is becoming manageable again.
Take a Taxi from LGA to NYC
Metered taxi service is available at all LaGuardia Airport terminal buildings. A taxi from LaGuardia to Manhattan has no flat fee like there is from JFK to Manhattan. Since the ride is on the meter, costs will depend on where you need to go to in Manhattan, the amount of traffic you experience, and the amount of time spent in the taxi.
Generally, a taxi from LGA to Manhattan can cost you between $35-$50, not including tolls, tip, and any applicable surcharges. But, keep in mind, an LGA to Manhattan taxi fare can be significantly more during peak traffic times and/or if your NYC hotel is outside of midtown.
Arrange a Car Service from LaGuardia to Midtown
Similarly, pre-arranged car services and app-based car services like Uber and Lyft offer transportation from LGA to Manhattan. But, you’ll need to navigate the current construction issues.
The good news is passengers arriving in Terminal B no longer need to take a shuttle bus to the area where car services wait for their pickups. (Hallelujah! This was such a pain!)
If you arrive into Terminal B, your car service will pick you up on the 2nd level of the new Terminal B parking garage. From the departures level, follow the signs to the temporary, covered walkway that connects to the 2nd level of the garage.
The pick-up areas for Terminals A, C, and D are outside the terminals. The best thing to do is to make contact with your driver to let them know where you are once you’ve exited the baggage claim area.
Depending on the type of vehicle you book and the time of day, costs can range from $40.00 to $75.00. This is just a general range. Prices can certainly be higher.
Again, traffic in and around NYC is always a factor. Car services do take away the stress of watching a metered cab tick up and up in price as you sit in seemingly neverending traffic. But, the amount of time it takes to get from LaGuardia to NYC could be as quick as 30 minutes or it could also take over an hour.
Getting from LaGuardia to Manhattan by Shuttle
Another option for getting from LGA to Manhattan is by shuttle or shared van transport. GO Airlink NYC is an official partner with the New York and New Jersey Port Authorities and is known as the most trusted New York airport shuttle among NYC hotels.
Their LGA to Manhattan shuttle allows you to share the cost of transportation with other travelers. But unlike a bus, this NYC airport shuttle provides door-to-door service. No need to connect to a subway or take a taxi once you’re in Manhattan to arrive at your hotel.
Shuttle transportation from LGA to NYC is available 24/7 and can be reserved ahead of time for a stress-free arrival into New York City.
How to Take the Bus from LaGuardia to Manhattan
Unlike JFK and Newark, LaGuardia is the only major NYC airport with no direct rail link. The only direct public transportation available is via bus. You’ll need to take a private company bus transfer to Manhattan or the NYC MTA buses directly into Manhattan with the option to make connections to the NYC subway system from bus stops along the routes.
Private Company Express Bus from LGA to Manhattan
The Golden Touch Bus is an official express bus operator for the Port Authority. The service has 3 dropoff locations in Manhattan, Grand Central Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal & Times Square.
Keep in mind, this express bus is not door-to-door service, so unless your NYC hotel is near to one of the stops, you’ll need to walk, hail a taxi or take the subway to your final destination. The good news is these 3 dropoff locations are in prime locations with easy access to taxis and the NYC subway.
This bus costs $16.00 for a one-way ticket and $30.00 for a round-trip ticket and reservations can be made online ahead of time. However, round-trip service is only available from Grand Central and Port Authority Bus Terminal. There is no return service from Times Square.
If you arrive into Terminals B, C, or D, look for the red signs directing you to the Golden Touch Transportation podium just beyond the ground transportation area. Passengers arriving into LaGuardia Terminal A will need to walk to Terminal B, C, or D.
Keep in mind, Express Bus Service is available 7 days a week but only between the hours of 11 am-7 pm. Buses depart on the hour. This means if you just miss a bus, you’ll have to wait about an hour until the next departure.
As with any time you’re on the roads in New York City, take the word “express” with a grain of salt. The ride from LaGuardia to Midtown will typically take about an hour.
Take the Subway from LGA to Manhattan via NYC/MTA Bus
LaGuardia is served by the M60 and Q70, both of which are Select Bus Service (SBS) lines. This means you need to pay your fare before boarding the bus in an attempt to load passengers onto the bus more quickly. You can use a MetroCard or the exact amount in coins to pay your fare. You’ll be given a ticket printout to show proof of payment on the bus if/when asked.
MetroCards can be purchased at MetroCard vending machines located in the LaGuardia Airport terminals. A one-way trip on city buses or subways costs $2.75. Passengers using MetroCards on Select Buses from LaGuardia get a free transfer to the subway. If it’s your first trip to NYC, just swipe the MetroCard at the subway turnstile and the transfer will register.
The M60 SBS runs 24/7 from the LaGuardia Airport Terminals to Broadway and W. 106 Street in Manhattan. Along the way, there are several stops with NYC subway connections. My preference is always to get to a subway as quick as possible because it beats being on the roads with the NYC traffic. And, I recommend you do the same.
After leaving the airport on the M60, one of the first stops in Queens is Astoria Blvd. Here you have a connection with the N and W subway lines. This is an elevated train track in Queens before it goes underground in Manhattan.
This is important because it means you’ll have to carry your bag(s) up some stairs to get to the subway platform. However, both the N and W trains make stops in Times Square, 34th Street/Herald Square, and have free connections to numerous other subway lines.
If you choose to stay on the M60 into Manhattan, the bus goes across 125th Street and has subway connections along the way with the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D trains before finishing close to 116th Street and access to the 1 train.
If your NYC hotel is in midtown, generally the best way to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan via the bus and subway combo is the M60 to the N or W trains at Astoria Blvd.
The Q70 SBS runs nonstop service connecting LaGuardia Airport Terminals B, C, and D to subway and Long Island Railroad connections in Jackson Heights and Woodside, Queens. This is a relatively newer SBS route from LaGuardia designed to be truly traveler friendly with things like luggage racks. However, it’s still gaining in popularity compared to the number of travelers using the M60 SBS.
With the Q70, you can access the 7, E, F, M, and R trains. The 7 train makes stops at Grand Central and Times Square. Also, if you’re staying at a hotel in Long Island City, Queens, the E and R trains will take you straight into that neighborhood.
Getting from Manhattan to LaGuardia
You can take all of the above transportation choices to get to LaGuardia Airport from Manhattan when your trip is done. The only exception is there’s no Golden Touch Express Bus from Times Square. Car services and the Go Airlink Shuttle can be reserved ahead of time.
If you’re hoping to take the bus to LaGuardia from Manhattan, take the 1 train to 116th Street and connect with the M60. Alternatively, you could also take the 2 or 3 trains to 125th Street to connect with the M60 bus to LGA. If your New York City hotel is near Times Square or in midtown west, these subway to bus connections are the most straightforward.
As always, how to get to LaGuardia Airport depends on your budget, flight times, and travel style. But, if you’re taking a taxi to LaGuardia, be mindful of your timing and the traffic. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in traffic knowing you’ve missed your flight.
So, what’s the best way to get from LGA to Manhattan?
Undoubtedly, the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan is by M60 or Q70 SBS connecting to the NYC subway. You just can’t beat a $2.75 New York airport transfer!
On the flipside, a taxi or car service will be the most expensive but also the most hassle-free LaGuardia transfer to Manhattan.
However, if you’d rather save yourself the hassle of public transportation and an expensive taxi ride, the Go Airlink Shuttle is a happy medium. And, it edges out the Golden Touch Express Bus service because the shuttle is door-to-door and can be booked for the time your flight arrives versus waiting for the next bus on the hour.
So, how do you plan to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
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Great post, very informative!!
But Oh boy….The subway is very intimidating.
I’m heading into LGA through Delta next week and literally heading straight for Time Square so this was perfect for me. Still a little nervous…..
Thank you!
Thanks for reading, Jen. I understand totally! But you can do it. NYers are quite friendly if you need any help. Go for it! And have a great NYC trip. 🙂
Im going to NYCwith my family anand my family from Colombia 7 of us and Im wonder what its the best transportation from LGA to time square?
Thanks for reading, Lina. For 7 of you, it might be a good idea to check out the van transport with Go Airlink NYC. This way you can all travel together as a group and share the cost. 🙂 Enjoy your trip to NYC!
Hi,
Thanks for all the wonderful info! My fairer and I are coming to NYC for the first time in Feb 🤗 we are flying into LGA but staying in Brooklyn. What would you recommend being the best way to get from LGA to Brooklyn?
Thank you so much!!
Jenny
Thanks for reading, Jenny. For a first-time visit, I’d recommend taking a taxi or an Uber from LGA to Brooklyn. There are no direct train connections. You’d need to take a bus and then likely transfer to a subway, which could be confusing and time-consuming depending on the time of day you arrive. If you want to go via public transportation, let me know the neighborhood in Brooklyn and I can try to be more specific in my directions. 🙂
Thanks for the information. That was supposed to say, my daughter and I are visiting-lol!
We are staying near Carol Gardens.
Really appreciate all the wonderful tips I have been getting from reading your posts! Thanks again😊
No problem! I figured it was a typo. 😉 So, I’d still recommend a taxi or an Uber to go from LGA to Carroll Gardens. If you wanted to go public transportation, you could use the Q70 Select Bus Service from LGA to Roosevelt Ave/74th Street stop. From there, you get on the F subway line toward Manhattan/Brooklyn. Take that to Carroll Street in Brooklyn. All in, this could take close to an hour and a half. The subway actually takes you into Manhattan before it goes to Brooklyn. You’ll have no problem going from Brooklyn to Manhattan. It’s just the LGA to Brooklyn connection that’s tricky. Hope that helps! Good luck and enjoy NYC! 🙂
Why did you not include rideshare services?
Thanks for reading, Jay. Great point. I do use Via in and around the city but not from the airports. I’ll work on adding this info. 🙂
Hi Jackie,
I love your picture of Peyto Lake at the top of your page!
What is the best way to get from LGA to JFK in the evening? The shuttle bus does not operate past 7:00 PM and I have 2-1/2 hours to make my connection.
Do car services have direct access to the LGA terminals or does one have to take a shuttle elsewhere to access these?
Cheers!
Thanks so much for reading, Claude. Isn’t Peyto Lake just a beauty! The best way to do this is to take a car service from LGA to JFK. Your car service should be able to pick you up at LGA if you’re in terminals A, C, or, D. If you arrive into terminal B, they’ll be waiting on the 2nd floor of the West Parking Garage which eliminates the need for a shuttle to another location at the airport. Hope that helps and happy travels!
Hi jackie, i arrive tomorrow at LGA with a group of 12 people includinding kids, i will be stay at hotel pennsylvania, how its the best way to go to the hotel?? Thanks
Thanks for reading, Jose. I think this info might find you too late, but if by chance you still need transportation for 12 people, I would look at getting a shared van so you all don’t need to take multiple taxis or cars. Hope you have a great trip to NYC!
lINK TO GO AIRLINK DOES NOT WORK
Thanks for letting me know, Wendy. I’ve updated them and it should work now. Thanks for reading. 🙂
Great article! My wife and I will be in NYC this week. We have always taken a cab from LGA to Manhattan, but I’m wondering if we could try the bus/subway to save money. Our hotel is in lower Manhattan. I know a cab gets us there fairly quickly. Any idea on time by bus/subway? I’m guessing much longer.
Thanks for reading, William. Depending on the time you arrive (rush hour or not), it could take 60-75 minutes. Have a great trip to NYC!
Hi Jackie
Great break down on how to get into Manhattan.
I have another question?
I am driving to meet my boyfriend who is flying into LGA and I would like to to know if there is any where to park my car for 3 days as we are staying in the Financial District until Saturday evening when he flies back out. Hotel parking is expensive. We will definitely look into the shuttle for sure . Do you have any suggestions where to leave my vehicle for the 3 days to avoid taking it into the city ?
Any help is appreciated
Thank you for the great article
Penelope
Thanks for reading, Penelope. I’m with you on keeping your car outside of Manhattan. I would look here at this site for LGA parking. They help people find parking in and around airports across the U.S. including LGA. I hope that helps and you have a great trip to NYC! 🙂
In going from Midtown to LGA, can you also just take the C train to 125th St and pick-up the M60 in Harlem? If so, where do you get the transfer for the bus? Thanks.
Thanks for reading, David. Yes, you can take the C train to 125th Street and get the M60 in Harlem. You’ll have to exit the subway station and the bus stop will be at the intersection of W. 125 St. and St. Nicholas Ave. This is the same spot as where the C train station is. Hope that helps! Enjoy NYC. 🙂
I will be attending an event at the Laguardia Marriott and will need to return to Grand Central following it. Is airlink an option from the hotel, or would I need to go to the airport to get it? Do you know if they will allow booking without a flight reservation? Their webpage FAQs doesn’t address this. Trying to avoid the cost of uber or taxi, but still have a stress free return to GC. Thank you!
Thanks for reading, Karin. I do think it’s ok to book Airlink without a flight reservation. But, you will likely need to use the hotel shuttle to head back to LGA first before getting the Go Airlink Shuttle to NYC. Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi , thanks for the article. My husband, daughter, and I are traveling to Stewart Hotel at 371 7th Ave. We are coming for the first time and we will be buying the week pass for the subway/trains. We are flying into La Guardia and are nervous about finding right trains and bus from airport. Also on the way back in the morning on Sunday. Are we better off getting Uber. We are trying to save money, but really don’t want to get lost either and miss our plane back.
Thanks for reading, Janiel. The M60-SBS bus from LGA to 125th St./St. Nicholas Ave stop connects with the A and C trains. These trains will go right to 34th St. Penn Station which is just a block or so from your hotel, depending on which exit you come out of the subway from. Uber is also a good way to go if you prefer. Not sure of the day/time you arrive to LGA, but keep in mind rush hour traffic around there is really bad. The ride from Manhattan to LGA on a Sunday morning will be much faster because the roads “should be” quiet(er). Good luck! 🙂
I am lading in LGA at 12 noon on Thursday. What is the best/cheapest way to reach 305 Broadway (Lower Manhattan)? I’m in no hurry and have 2 hours to reach Broadway.
Thanks!
Thanks for reading, Ray. For the cheapest way, I would take the M60-SBS from LGA to 125th St./Malcolm X BLVD and transfer to the 2 or 3 train downtown to Chambers Street. This will leave you with a couple blocks of 305 Bway. Good luck!
Coming into LGA on a Wed around 1:30pm. Need to get to mid-town 42nd st. for my hotel.
I booked ground link private car service for the sake of convenience, but I am wondering if an Uber or cab would be better? I know it depends on traffic patterns at that time of day. Also, the LGA web site says terminal B is still shuttling people to can stands for pickup because of construction, is this incorrect?
Thanks for reading, Sara. My understanding is that Terminal B pickups are on Level 2 of the parking garage. While this isn’t as convenient as having your car just outside of baggage claim, there isn’t a shuttle bus required any longer to get to this pickup spot. Wednesday around 1:30 “should be” better than morning or later afternoon into the evening as far as traffic goes. That being said, you never know and even tame NYC traffic can still be frustrating. An uber or yellow cab, though, “should be” fine as well. Good luck!
Is it safe enough to send a 16, almost 17 year old responsible unaccompanied man-child on the bus/subway from LGA to Times Square? He’s meeting a group there. He arrives Southwest Airlines on a Thursday at 1:30. Alternatively, what about Taxi? I have memories several decades ago of taxi drivers not knowing their way around so we had to tell them how to go…
Thanks for reading, Shari. It all depends on how comfortable/confident your 17-year son is. There are plenty of NYC middle and high school kids who ride public transportation to and from school each day. A taxi should also be able to get him there. The majority of taxi drivers today use Google Maps or Waze to navigate if they don’t know how to get to a specific place. Hope that helps! 🙂
HI Jackie! Great read. We are coming into New York for a 3 day trip in 2 weeks. 6 travelers landing at LaGuardia around 630pm on a Sunday. We’re staying at the Embassy Suites Manhattan/Times Square. I wish I would’ve known to land at JFK for the convenience of the train….but none the less…..what’s the best options for our transportation into the city? Also getting back to LaGuardia by 9am on a Wed morning? Thanks for the wonderful blog!
Thanks for reading, TT. For a group of 6, it will be easier for you to use the Go Airlink shuttle. They have reservations where you can book as a group. Public transportation is a possibility, too, if you don’t have too many bags. Just keep in mind, it’s Sunday night and bus and subway service will run a little less often. Taxis can only take 4 passengers so you’d need to pay for 2 different cars which can be quite expensive once tolls and tip are factored in. On the way back in the morning on Wednesday, you could repeat the shuttle or opt for the subway (1,2,3 trains) up to 125th street and take the SBS M60 bus to LGA. A taxi at that early hour will be quick but you’ll still be subject to the flat fee for the airport ride (plus tip & tolls) x2 because of your group size. Hope that helps! Have a great trip to NYC. 🙂
Great info! Could you clarify the best way to get to the Mayfair Hotel from LaGuardia. Thank you!!
Thanks for reading, Zach. If you want to do public transportation, take the SBS M-60 to W.125 & St. Nicholas Ave. and connect to the downtown C train. If you want an affordable door to door transfer, Go Airlink NYC is a great option. Have fun in NYC!
Hello,
We’re at the Belleclaire on Broadway and 77 with a Delta flight out of LGA at 2:59pm. I had never heard of the M60 service but it seems like it might be ideal. There are 2 of us, each with a single carryon bag.
The hotel car service is $55 including tolls which seems like a huge premium.
We have our boarding passes and are Pre-Checked. When should we leave?
Thanks for reading, Dave. Yes, the M60 can be a good way to go. From your hotel, take the 1 train uptown from B’way and 79th and get off at 103rd St. Walk 3 blocks up to B’way and 106th St. B’way and W 106th St. is the first stop for the M-60 heading to LGA. The entire bus route can take about 50 minutes without traffic. If you need to be at LGA for 1pm, I’d give yourself an hour and a half at least.
Thanks!
Your post says to take the 1 to 116 and transfer. Is 106 a better chance of a seat?
Is there another route that you’d recommend? I’ve usually defaulted to car service.
Dave
Sorry about that! I could swear I wrote 106th st. Yes, 106 gives you the best chance to get a seat. Unfortunately, that’s the best public transportation to LGA right now. I recommend GO Airlink because it’s reliable and a happy medium price-wise between the bus and a car service. Good luck!
Forget it! If I stand for 20 minutes sweating on a subway platform I’ll want to kill myself. Car service here I come – $55 including tax, tolls, and tip
lol, fair enough, Dave! Safe journey to the airport. 🙂
Ugh (late update)
I dropped $55 for a seemingly very comfortable towncar. Except the AC didn’t work! It was horrible. Really horrible.
Next time I’ll take the stupid bus.
On the plus side we had complementary pre-check so skipped a huge line at LGA!
Ugh!!
So sorry, Dave! No AC in this weather is brutal AND for 55 bucks!
Live and learn for next time!
Thanks so much for sharing this information. I arrive on a Wednesday at 6:40pm and am staying near Lincoln Center. I was going to look for a Lyft/Uber or Carmelo (which is what I used last time), but I’m wondering if it’s faster to do the bus/subway at that time of day. I tried to look online for information about construction. Thank you! Robin
Sorry that I missed you, Robin. I’m traveling in an area with limited connectiity.
I hope you made it in ok. Are you staying long?
Again, sorry I didn’t respond earlier and thanks so much for reading!
Very thankful for such a useful and informative post. First timer staying in Hell’s kitchen area for the first time. I’m thinking Go Air Link from LGA to midtown but …
What is your preferred way to get back to LGA for a flight leaving Saturday at 5:45 AM. I’m a bit concerned with choosing the right combination of speed and safety on our way back to the airport. Thank you for your response!
Hi Carl,
Thanks for reading!
At that hour, I would look to schedule a return on Go Airlink and you should get to LGA super fast given the early departure.
You’re getting to LGA so early (say 4Aish?), I wouldn’t take public transportation. Mostly for speed purposes as those lines are still considered off-hours at that time. They’re running but not as frequently.
If Go Airlink doesn’t work for you for some reason, then a pre-arranged car service is what I would do. You could try an NYC yellow taxi but that means waving one down essentially in the middle of the night. Not at all impossible but you’re looking to ensure you get to the airport on time.
Hope this helps!
Hi Jackie, my family of four will be arriving at LGA on a Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Could you tell me the best way for us to get to Hotel Wales (1295 Madison Ave)? We’ll each have a carry on bag. Thanks!
Hello Matt!
The two options I would recommend are:
The cheapest way but still effective is to take public transportation and take the M60 Bus to 125th Street & Lexington Ave. This leaves you north of the hotel by 23 blocks and 2 avenues east if you’re looking at a map of uptown Manhattan. From here you can take the 6 train (located at the 125th & Lex bus stop) to 96th street & Lexington which will leave you with a little walk over to the hotel at 92nd street & Madison Ave.
If that doesn’t work for you then I’d go with the Go Airlink shuttle that will take you from LGA directly to the hotel. This costs more but it’s pretty convenient. You can book this online in advance which is advisable if you choose this option. There’s a link you can use in my LGA to Manhattan article below. Hope this helps!!
Thanks so much, Jackie. I really appreciate your help!
You’re welcome, Matt!
I hope you and your family have a great trip!!
Hi Jackie,
w
We have a rental car and we are in New Haven, ST right now. We have to return the car tomorrow before noon to the airport to follow our 5 days stay in Manhattan ( Hilton times square) .
Do you think is a good idea to return the car in La Guardia or JFK because then we need to figure how to go Manhattan. I
Any advice will be greatly appreciated .
Hello Diana,
Thanks for reading! Just want to confirm, are you looking to get back into Manhattan from either LGA or Manhattan after you drop off the rental car? If so, LGA is closer to Manhattan where you can take either a shuttle or public transportation.
Same for JFK, but it’s is a little further from Manhattan.
The one difference on public transportation is you can take a train directly from JFK into Manhattan. For LGA you’ll need to take a bus to a subway stop.
Also, from each airport, you can book a Go Airlink reservation to take you directly to a hotel located in times square.
Hope this helps!
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for sharing all this useful info!
I will be traveling with my family(4 people total) from La Guardia to Manhattan for the first time!
Could I simply rent a car from La Guardia and drive myself? If I can, any suggestions on where and how to rent a car?
If it isn’t possible, what do you reckon is the best way to travel that is also cheap?
Thanks so much; any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for reading, Lily. Laguardia does have car rental counters at the airport to rent a car. Honestly, though, I wouldn’t recommend driving into Manhattan. Traffic is insane and there’s nowhere to park. Not to mention, a lot of time can be wasted figuring out where to go and what to do with the car. Public transportation is the cheapest way to go. There’s the SBS M 60 bus which takes you into Manhattan and connects you with several subway lines. However, if you’re not comfortable doing that, 4 people can fit into a yellow taxi and the flat rate is $52 plus tolls and tip. It would likely work out to be just about the same as the GoAirlink shuttle but you would have the taxi all to yourself. Reserved car services will be similarly priced into Manhattan. Just keep in mind the Go Airlink shuttle will be about $20 pp so f you can get a taxi or car service for cheaper, then that will make more sense.
Hi Jackie:
Thank you for all of this helpful information! I’ll be flying into LaGuardia on a Wed afternoon at 3:30pm and need to get to Freehand Hotel in Manhattan and then to a function near there at 6pm I then catch a flight the following evening at LaGuardia at 6:30pm. Yes, a very quick trip! What’s the best way to get to and from Freehand and how much time should I leave getting back to airport so I don’t miss my flight. Getting there I’m not too worried about it’s leaving to get to the airport Thursday in rush hour traffic. Thank you in advance!
Thanks for reading, Peter. I would recommend using the GoAirlink Shuttle for an affordable transfer. You can also go for a taxi/car service. Your hotel is on the east side of Manhattan so it’ll be (relatively) easy once you get across the East River and into Manhattan. If you go for the car service/Taxi (car service may actually be cheaper…because taxis are a flat rate no matter where in NYC.), make sure they’re using Waze or another traffic app to see which is better traffic-wise to cross, the RFK Bridge or the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. For the return trip, I would leave by 3pm so you can get to LGA by 4:30 (2 hours before flight) without stressing out on the way. 🙂
Thanks so much for your effort, help and advice, Jackie! I understand your point and this has been extremely helpful!
Have a great time in NYC, Lily. 🙂
Thank you Jackie for your response!
My pleasure! 😉
Hey. First time in New York. We will be arriving around 9am into LaGuardia Airport on Friday, Aug 9. What’s the best route for public transportation if our destination is the Maxwell Hotel on Lexington Ave.
Also, how much are the tolls if we decide to take Uber?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks for reading, Shondreka. Look for the SBS Q70 from LGA going towards Manhattan. Then connect with the E train at Roosevelt Ave/Jackson Heights. Get off the E train at 53rd and Lexington. Then walk Southwest to your hotel on 49th and Lexington. Have a great trip to NYC! 🙂
Hi Jackie, Two of us first time to NY and flying redeye SFO-LGA. Arriving at LaGuardia at 10.30am on a Tuesday and heading to Hotel Elysee on E 54th St. We will be wanting to get to the hotel asap and wondering if we are we better off taking a taxi or car service at that time of day? This would be the most informative site I have seen thank you. Brilliant.
Thanks so much for reading, Les. At 10:30 on a Tuesday, most of the morning rush should have worked itself out (exception being the Tuesday after Labor Day because traffic on that day in the city can be bad all day). There will still be some traffic but I’d agree a taxi or car service will be best if you’re needing the most direct route to your hotel. 🙂
Greetings Jackie!
What an amazing site you have! Thanks for making life easier for many of us! 🙂
Three of us arriving LGA this Friday August 16 at 9:25AM. Just carry-on luggage. Hotel is Refinery – 63 West 38th St. What is our best bet to get to hotel asap? Are we past subway rush hour? Leaning towards bus / subway if so.
Heading back to LGA on Sunday August 18 for 7:40pm international flight. What would be our best bet for return and what time would be best bet to leave midtown?
Many thanks again for what you do and for the help,
Albert
Thanks for reading, Albert. Appreciate the kind words. With just carry on luggage, take the SBS Q70 bus to the Roosevelt Ave – Jackson Heights subway station. This will be at Roosevelt Ave and 74th Street. Take the F, M or 7 train towards Manhattan and get off at the Bryant Park stop. From there it’s about a 2 block walk south (down) 6th Avenue (also called the Avenue of the Americas). The quicker you can get to a subway, the better. You will then bypass any and all traffic. For the return, I’m someone who doesn’t like to stress over being late because of traffic. You’ll need to be at LGA 2 hours before your flight. I wouldn’t leave any later than 4-4:15. If you plan to use public transportation on the return, be mindful the bus will run less often on Sunday evenings. To save some money, you could take the subway back to the Roosevelt Ave-Jackson Heights subway station and then get an Uber/taxi from there. I say Uber first because sometimes it’s not easy to find a yellow cab right away outside of Manhattan. Otherwise, book the GO Airlink Shuttle or take a taxi/Uber from Manhattan. Good luck and thanks again for reading! 🙂
Thanks a bunch for your reply Jackie!
Quick follow-up question….Of the F, M or 7 trains into Manhattan, is there one that is quicker to Bryant Park stop than the others?
Much appreciated,
Albert
No problem, Albert. 🙂 I mentioned all 3 because you might just want to hop on the first one that comes, especially if there’s a long wait for one particular train. I don’t typically make bets, but if I had to put my money on which train is the fastest, I’d go with the 7 train. Good luck! 🙂