Manhattan
Traveling between LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Midtown Manhattan is a common route for many visitors and residents of New York City.
Whether you're in town for a business trip, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends, it's important to know the best transportation options to get from the airport to one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world—Midtown Manhattan.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to travel from LGA to Midtown, ranging from the quickest options to the most cost-effective, ensuring you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
1. Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
For those who value convenience and time, taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft is the quickest and most straightforward way to travel from LGA to Midtown Manhattan. This is particularly useful if you’re traveling with luggage or need a direct route to your destination.
Estimated Time: On average, it takes about 25 to 40 minutes to reach Midtown Manhattan, depending on traffic. During peak hours, this can extend, especially if you’re traveling during rush hour.
Cost: The average taxi fare ranges between $40 and $60, including tolls and tip. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft may have slightly different rates, often fluctuating based on demand and time of day.
Pros: Door-to-door service, easy luggage transport, and no need to navigate public transit.
Cons: Can be more expensive, especially during rush hours or if surge pricing applies to ride-hailing services.
2. Shuttle Services: A Good Balance Between Convenience and Cost
For travelers who are looking for a more cost-effective option than a taxi but still want a relatively comfortable ride, shuttle services offer a great balance. These services often provide shared rides, and some offer private transportation for a slightly higher fee.
Shared Shuttles: Services like SuperShuttle, GO Airlink NYC, and NYC Airporter offer shared-ride options where you travel with other passengers heading to various locations in Midtown.
Private Shuttles: For those seeking more privacy, private shuttle services are available, typically costing less than a taxi but more than shared rides.
Estimated Time: Depending on how many passengers are being dropped off, travel time can range from 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Cost: Shared shuttles cost between $20 and $30 per person, while private shuttles range from $60 to $100, depending on the number of passengers.
Pros: Cost-effective, door-to-door service, and reliable.
Cons: Can be slower due to multiple drop-offs, and you may have to wait for the shuttle to fill up before departing the airport.
3. Public Transportation: The Most Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re looking for the most affordable way to get from LGA to Midtown Manhattan, public transportation is the best option. While it’s not as direct as a taxi or shuttle, it offers excellent value for money and can be a good choice if you're traveling light and don’t mind a bit of a walk or transfer.
Option A: Bus to Subway (Most Common Route)
Step 1: Take the Q70 LaGuardia Link Bus: The Q70 bus runs 24/7 and connects the airport with the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue Subway Station (E, F, M, R trains) and the 61st Street–Woodside Subway Station (7 train).
Step 2: Subway to Midtown: From either station, you can take the subway to Midtown Manhattan. For example:
E Train: This line takes you directly to stops in Midtown, such as Penn Station, Times Square, or Rockefeller Center.
7 Train: The 7 train will take you to Grand Central Station, which is centrally located in Midtown.
Estimated Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Cost: $2.90 for the bus and $2.90 for the subway fare (totaling $5.80). Both fares can be paid using a MetroCard or OMNY (contactless payment system).
Pros: Incredibly affordable and avoids traffic congestion.
Cons: Requires transfers, longer travel time, and may not be ideal if you're carrying heavy luggage.
Option B: M60 Bus (Alternate Route)
Another option is to take the M60 Select Bus Service, which connects LGA to Harlem-125th Street, where you can transfer to the 4, 5, or 6 subway lines that travel through the east side of Midtown.
Estimated Time: 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cost: Same as the Q70 route ($5.80 total).
Pros: Affordable and convenient for travelers headed to the east side of Midtown.
Cons: Slower during traffic hours and requires navigating subway connections.
4. Car Services and Limos: A Premium Experience
For those looking for a more luxurious travel option, booking a private car service or limousine can provide a premium experience. This is ideal for business travelers, special occasions, or simply those who want to arrive in style.
Available Services: Companies such as Carmel Limo, Dial 7, and other black car services offer private cars or limos to pick you up from LGA and take you directly to Midtown Manhattan.
Estimated Time: 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Prices start around $80 for a standard sedan and go up to $200 or more for a luxury limo, depending on the level of service and vehicle type.
Pros: Ultimate comfort, personalized service, and perfect for larger groups or special events.
Cons: Expensive compared to other options.
5. Renting a Car: Flexibility for the Entire Trip
While it’s not a common choice for most travelers going from LGA to Midtown, renting a car might be a good option if you’re planning to stay in New York for an extended period and need flexibility for travel around the city and beyond.
Estimated Time: Driving from LGA to Midtown will take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Rental car rates vary, but they generally start at $50 to $100 per day. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs like parking in Midtown, which can be pricey (up to $50 per day).
Pros: Offers flexibility and convenience if you plan on using the car during your stay.
Cons: Parking in Manhattan is expensive, and traffic congestion can be frustrating.
6. Helicopter Transfers: The Ultimate in Luxury and Speed
If you’re looking for the fastest and most exclusive way to get from LaGuardia to Midtown Manhattan, a helicopter transfer is the ultimate option. This is popular among high-end travelers and business executives who need to minimize travel time.
Available Services: Companies like Blade and Uber Copter offer helicopter transfers from LGA to Midtown’s heliports.
Estimated Time: 5 to 7 minutes.
Cost: Helicopter transfers typically range from $200 to $400 per person, depending on the service provider.
Pros: Incredibly fast and offers stunning aerial views of the city.
Cons: Extremely expensive and limited availability.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Option for You
When traveling from LaGuardia Airport to Midtown Manhattan, you have several options to choose from, each catering to different needs, preferences, and budgets.
For Speed and Convenience: A taxi, ride-hailing service, or car service is your best bet if you want to get to Midtown quickly and don’t mind paying a bit more for the convenience.
For Budget Travelers: Public transportation offers the best value for money, especially if you’re comfortable with transfers and a slightly longer travel time.
For Comfort and Luxury: If you’re celebrating a special occasion or prefer a premium experience, a limo or helicopter transfer ensures you arrive in style.
No matter which option you choose, getting from LGA to Midtown Manhattan is straightforward and offers plenty of flexibility depending on your travel needs.
