How to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan

High confidenceChecked May 2026

Free Q70-SBS bus to 74 St-Roosevelt Av, then E/F/M/R/7 subway to Manhattan — $2.90 total. Uber runs $35–$70 depending on surge.

Best options

Best overall
Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link (free) + subway ($2.90 OMNY tap). 30–50 min to Midtown.
Cheapest safe
Q70-SBS bus + subway — $2.90 total, the bus itself is free.
Best at night
Yellow taxi from the official rank — metered $40–$60 + tolls. Faster than the bus after 22:00.
With luggage / kids
Uber or Lyft from the marked rideshare zone — fixed price, no Queens transfer with bags.
Taxi fare
$40–$60 metered + tolls + tip
Ride-hailing
Uber and Lyft from the signed rideshare zones at each terminal.
available
Public transport
Free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link to 74 St-Roosevelt Av, transfer to E/F/M/R/7 subway. $2.90 with OMNY.

Compare your options — LGA → Manhattan

Distance ~13 km, typical journey 25–50 min.

OptionTypical fareGood for
Public transportFree Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link to 74 St-Roosevelt Av, transfer to E/F/M/R/7 subway. $2.90 with OMNY.Cheapest safe option
Official taxi$40–$60 metered + tolls + tipLate arrivals, heavy luggage
Ride-hailingUber and Lyft from the signed rideshare zones at each terminal.available

After landing — step by step

  1. 1Exit arrivals and follow 'Buses / Subway' signs to the curb
  2. 2Board the free Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link to Jackson Heights
  3. 3Tap OMNY ($2.90) at the subway and transfer to E/F/M/R/7
  4. 4For taxi: official yellow-cab line only — insist on the meter
  5. 5For rideshare: walk to the signed Uber/Lyft pickup zone

Scam warnings

Curbside touts offering $80–$120 flat rides in unmarked cars

Drivers refusing the meter and quoting a flat fare

Long-route detours through Astoria to pad the meter

Avoid this

  • Anyone offering a ride inside the terminal
  • Drivers quoting flat $90+ to Midtown
  • Black cars with no app confirmation

Frequently asked

Q.How much is a taxi from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan?

$40–$60 metered + tolls + tip. Always confirm the fare or that the meter is on before pulling away. Watch for: Curbside touts offering $80–$120 flat rides in unmarked cars.

Q.What is the cheapest safe way from LGA to Manhattan?

Q70-SBS bus + subway — $2.90 total, the bus itself is free.

Q.Does Uber or ride-hailing work at LaGuardia Airport?

Uber and Lyft from the signed rideshare zones at each terminal.

Q.What's the best way from LGA to Manhattan at night?

Yellow taxi from the official rank — metered $40–$60 + tolls. Faster than the bus after 22:00.

Q.What scams should I watch for going from LGA to Manhattan?

Top reported: Curbside touts offering $80–$120 flat rides in unmarked cars; Drivers refusing the meter and quoting a flat fare; Long-route detours through Astoria to pad the meter. Use the official taxi rank, never accept a fare from someone approaching you in arrivals.

SOURCES
Full LGA airport guide