Hold up, future New Yorker! Just landed at LaGuardia (LGA) and wondering how to get to the actual New York City? You know, the place with the super-tall buildings, the yellow taxis, and the slices of pizza the size of your head?
Welcome to the concrete jungle! LGA is in Queens, not Manhattan (the island everyone pictures), but don't sweat it. Getting from the airport to the city is like leveling up in a video game. You've got choices, and we're going to pick the one that won't totally drain your V-Bucks.
The cheapest, best-for-your-wallet, and surprisingly fast way is the Bus and Subway combo. It’s a total pro move.
Step 1: Gear Up for the Public Transit Quest
First things first: you need to pay the piper. NYC's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) runs the bus and subway. The basic single-ride fare is cheap, currently .
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| How To Get From Lga To New York City |
1.1 Find Your Magic Key (OMNY or MetroCard)
The New New York Way (OMNY): This is the future, fam! Just tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or a phone/watch with Apple Pay or Google Pay on the black OMNY reader when you get on the bus or go through the subway turnstile. It's super easy and you don't need a special card.
The Old School Way (MetroCard): If you don't have a tap-to-pay card or phone, you’ll need a plastic MetroCard. Look for vending machines in the terminals (Terminal B and C mostly, near bus stops) or, eventually, when you get to the subway station. You pay a small fee for the plastic card, then load money onto it. Since you’ll transfer from the bus to the subway, you only pay once if you use the same OMNY tap or MetroCard within two hours! That’s a free transfer, baby!
1.2 Locate the Bus Stop: Your Ride is Here!
You need the bus. But which one?
The Q70 LaGuardia Link (The Champion!): This one is your best friend. It’s an express bus that zooms between Terminals B and C and the subway station, and the best part? It's free! Look for the signs that say 'Bus' or 'Public Transit' and an airplane icon. The bus itself is usually shiny, blue, and says 'LaGuardia Link' on the side.
The M60 SBS (The Uptown Alternative): This bus goes all the way to Upper Manhattan (Harlem/125th Street). It costs the regular fare (). If your final destination is Uptown, this is your jam. If you're going to Midtown or Downtown, the Q70 is usually the winner.
Pro Tip: Most people going to central areas of NYC take the Q70. Just follow the crowd of weary travelers dragging luggage—they probably know the drill.
Step 2: The Bus Ride and the Great Transfer
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
You're on the bus. Congrats! The Q70 is a Select Bus Service (SBS), which means it moves faster because it makes fewer stops.
2.1 The Q70's First Stop: Roosevelt Avenue
Hold tight! The Q70 ride is quick, maybe 15-20 minutes, depending on whether the traffic monster decided to wake up today. The bus's second stop is Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue. This is where the magic happens—you transfer to the subway!
Exit the bus and look for the signs pointing to the 'Subway'. It's super clear and easy to find. You'll be walking toward an elevated train line and a station complex.
2.2 Bonus Round Option: The LIRR Shortcut
You can also stay on the Q70 one stop past Jackson Heights to the Woodside-61st Street stop.
This stop connects to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuter train.
The LIRR is generally faster and more comfortable than the subway, but it costs more. A one-way ticket (CityTicket) during off-peak hours is usually around . It zooms right into Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.
If you're feeling fancy or super rushed, this is a solid choice.
Step 3: Subway Time (The Final Boss Level)
Now you're at the subway station, ready to dive into the city's underground nerve center.
3.1 Swipe and Go!
Tap your contactless card/phone or swipe your MetroCard at the turnstile. If you transferred from the Q70 within two hours using the same payment method, this transfer should be free! You're a budgeting genius!
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
3.2 Choose Your Train Destiny
At the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station, you have a few incredible options to get to Manhattan:
The Train: This is the workhorse. It goes straight through Midtown (like 50th Street) and Downtown Manhattan, hitting major hubs like Penn Station (34th Street) and the World Trade Center area. It's often the most direct route for first-timers.
The Train: Another good option for Midtown, hitting spots like Rockefeller Center.
The Train: This one is elevated and gives you a pretty decent view for a bit before dipping underground, and it'll take you right to Times Square or Grand Central Terminal.
Don't get on the train going the wrong way! Look for signs that say "Manhattan" or the name of a famous station in the direction you're going (like "Times Square"). New Yorkers call this "Downtown." If it says "Queens" or "Uptown" (or the name of a Queens neighborhood), you are going the wrong way, friend.
3.3 Victory Lap: Arriving in NYC
The subway ride from Queens into Manhattan is usually 20 to 30 minutes. Total travel time from the airport? Probably 40-60 minutes, depending on your transfer speed and destination.
You've made it! You navigated the New York public transit system, saved a ton of cash, and now you have a great story to tell. Go grab that giant slice of pizza. You earned it.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How to Hail a Yellow Cab from LGA to NYC?
Find the official taxi stand outside your terminal—don't accept rides from people offering them inside! Tell the driver your destination. The fare is metered (not a flat rate like JFK) and will likely be plus tolls and tip, taking about 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
How to Use a Ride-Sharing App (Uber/Lyft)?
Book the ride on your app, then follow the signs in the terminal for "Ride-Share Pick-up" or "Car Services." At Terminal B, this is usually on the second level of the parking garage. The cost is generally higher than a taxi, often or more during busy times (surge pricing).
How to Know if My Subway Train is an Express or Local?
Express trains (like the , , or ) are usually on the inner tracks and skip many stops, getting you to your final stop faster. Local trains (like the , , or ) are on the outer tracks and stop at every station. Check the train line's route map before you hop on!
How to Find the Public Transit Area in the Terminal?
Just look for the big, clear overhead signs that have the universal bus symbol (a small bus icon) and often the Q70 name or the words "Public Transit."
How to Get from LGA to Times Square?
Take the free Q70 bus to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave station, then transfer to the subway train (which goes right to Times Square-42nd Street) or the train (which stops nearby at 42nd Street/Port Authority).
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
How to Pay the Bus Fare if I don't have OMNY?
If you're taking the M60 bus (not the free Q70), you need a MetroCard or exact change in coins at a curbside kiosk before you board the bus, as you get a receipt for proof of payment.
How to Know How Much to Tip a Taxi Driver?
It's standard to tip a taxi driver 15-20% of the final fare. If the fare is , a tip is about right.
How to Find Out If the Subway is Running on Time?
Download a real-time MTA app (like the official MTA app) or use Google Maps. NYC is famous for 'unexpected delays,' so always check before you head down to the platform!
How to Travel from LGA to Lower Manhattan (like Wall Street)?
Take the free Q70 bus to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave station, then grab the train or train and ride it all the way downtown.
How to Deal with Luggage on the Subway?
Travel light if you can! The buses (especially the Q70) have luggage racks, but the subway can be a tight squeeze, and not all stations have elevators. You might have to muscle your suitcase up or down some stairs.
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