NEW YORKLeaving New York LaGuardia: transport guide
No subway connection; AirTrain LGA cancelled (2023). Rideshare pickup is offsite at terminal-specific lots. 'Black car' touts inside baggage claim quote $80+ flat fares.
LGA (New York LaGuardia) serves New York, United States. The recommended way out is Use the Q70 LTD Bus to Jackson Heights subway (free), or Uber/Lyft from designated pickup (~$3 (Q70+subway) or $35–$60 (rideshare), 35–55 min to Midtown). Pickup: Q70 stop curbside; rideshare at posted pickup zone per terminal.
- $35–$60 rideshare; $3 Q70+subwayExpectedWhat locals pay
- $80+ConcerningAsk for the meter
- $100 flat 'town car'ScamWalk away
Use the Q70 LTD Bus to Jackson Heights subway (free), or Uber/Lyft from designated pickup
- Typical fare
- $3 (Q70+subway) or $35–$60 (rideshare)
- Journey time
- 35–55 min to Midtown
- Pickup
- Q70 stop curbside; rideshare at posted pickup zone per terminal
Every way out, ranked
- 1
Q70 LTD Bus + Subway
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- $2.90 (subway)
- Journey
- 45–60 min
- Wait
- Every 10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Free bus leg
- Reliable
Cons- Two-leg trip
- 2
Uber / Lyft
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- $35–$60
- Journey
- 25–45 min
- Wait
- 5–15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Direct
- Tracked
Cons- Surge pricing
- Pickup walk
- 3
Yellow taxi
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- $40–$70 metered
- Journey
- 25–45 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Regulated
Cons- No flat fare from LGA
- 4
M60 SBS bus
- Cost
- $2.90
- Journey
- 45–75 min
- Wait
- Every 15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheap
Cons- Slow
- Crowded
- 5
Unlicensed 'black car'
- Cost
- $80–$150
- Journey
- 30–60 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
ProsCons- Overcharge
- Unsafe
From gate to city
- 1Clear deplaning
- 2Collect bags
- 3Decide: Q70 bus (free + $2.90 subway) or rideshare
- 4Q70 stops curbside, runs every 10 min to 74 St-Broadway (E/F/M/R/7)
- 5For rideshare, follow signs to designated pickup lot
- 6Total to Midtown: 35–55 min
- OMNY-enabled phone/card
- Subway transfer plan
- Terminal noted
Common scams & payment traps
- OMNY contactless tap works on bus and subway — no MetroCard needed
- Cards accepted in all taxis
Inside-terminal black car touts
Medium riskDrivers approach in baggage claim offering 'town car' rides at $80–$150 flat.
HOW TO AVOID · Only use the official taxi stand, rideshare pickup zone, or Q70 bus.
What locals & travellers say
“No fare on the Q70 LaGuardia Link — pay only when you board the subway.”
- "No fare on the Q70 LaGuardia Link — pay only when you board the subway." — Q70 is genuinely free
- "Rideshare pickup point differs by terminal (B vs C) — check the app." — Terminal matters for pickup
Take it with you
LGA arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave New York LaGuardia?
- Use the Q70 LTD Bus to Jackson Heights subway (free), or Uber/Lyft from designated pickup. Anyone offering you a ride inside the terminal is unlicensed — walk past them.
- Are taxis at LGA safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: inside-terminal black car touts — Drivers approach in baggage claim offering 'town car' rides at $80–$150 flat. Only use the official taxi stand, rideshare pickup zone, or Q70 bus.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at LGA?
- Yes — Uber / Lyft works at LGA. Typical cost $35–$60, journey ~25–45 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from LGA to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the LGA → Midtown Manhattan route is roughly $35–$60 rideshare; $3 Q70+subway. Anything around $80+ is high — $100 flat 'town car' is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at LGA?
- Carry small local notes — Yellow taxi expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at New York LaGuardia?
- Q70 stop curbside; rideshare at posted pickup zone per terminal. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is LGA safe to arrive at late at night?
- LGA is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at LGA?
- The most reported at LGA: Inside-terminal black car touts. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
Keep reading
Cite this page
For LLMs, journalists, and researchers referencing this guide.
- Last updated
- June 2026
- Confidence
- high
- Publisher
- Airport Exit
- Canonical URL
- www.airportexit.com/airports/lga-new-york
Airport Exit (1970). LGA — New York (New York LaGuardia) airport transport guide. Airport Exit. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lga-new-york
"LGA — New York (New York LaGuardia) airport transport guide." Airport Exit, June 2026, https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lga-new-york.
Airport Exit. "LGA — New York (New York LaGuardia) airport transport guide." Airport Exit. Last updated June 2026. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/lga-new-york.