You just landed. The wheels hit the tarmac at LGA, and you’re already checking your watch. If you’re like most travelers, you’ve probably heard that LaGuardia is the "close" airport. But how far is LaGuardia from NYC, really?
Honestly, the answer depends entirely on whether you’re measuring in miles or minutes. In New York, those two things have almost nothing to do with each other.
On a map, LaGuardia Airport sits in northern Queens, roughly 8 to 9 miles from Midtown Manhattan. If you were a bird, you’d be there in five minutes. Since you’re likely a human in a yellow cab or a bus, it’s a different story. Depending on the time of day, that 8-mile journey can take 20 minutes or it can take 90. I’ve seen both.
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The Reality of the 8-Mile Trek
When people ask how far is LaGuardia from NYC, they usually mean Times Square or Grand Central.
Let's break down the actual road distance. If you take the Queens Midtown Tunnel, it’s about 7.6 miles. If you opt for the RFK Bridge (formerly the Triborough), you’re looking at closer to 9 or 10 miles depending on your drop-off point.
The proximity is exactly why business travelers love this place. It’s objectively the closest major airport to the heart of the city, especially compared to JFK (15+ miles) or Newark (16+ miles). But New York traffic is the great equalizer. You could be three miles away and still be thirty minutes from your hotel.
Time Estimates That Actually Make Sense
- 3 AM (The Dream): 15–20 minutes. You’ll fly down the Grand Central Parkway.
- 10 AM (Post-Rush): 30–40 minutes. Still manageable.
- 5 PM (The Nightmare): 60–90 minutes. Do not expect any miracles here.
- Rainy Friday at 4 PM: Just stay at the airport and get a bagel. You aren't moving.
Getting to Manhattan Without Losing Your Mind
Since there is no direct "AirTrain" to LaGuardia like there is at JFK, you have to get a little creative. The city finished a massive $8 billion reconstruction of the airport in 2024, so at least the terminals are gorgeous now, even if the Grand Central Parkway is still a mess.
The Free Hack: LaGuardia Link Q70
If you want to save money, this is the way. The Q70 bus is free. It runs nonstop from Terminals B and C to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave subway hub. From there, you can hop on the E, F, M, R, or 7 trains.
Total cost? Just the $2.90 subway fare.
Total time? Usually about 45 to 50 minutes to Midtown.
It’s surprisingly efficient because the bus uses dedicated lanes for part of the trip. Plus, the Q70 has luggage racks. If you’re at Terminal A (the historic Marine Air Terminal), you’ll want the M60-SBS instead. That one goes straight across 125th Street in Harlem.
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Taxis vs. Uber: The Great Debate
Taxis at LGA are metered. You’re looking at roughly $35 to $55 plus tolls and tip.
Rideshares like Uber or Lyft can fluctuate wildly. On a quiet Tuesday, an Uber might be $40. During a rainstorm or peak demand, I’ve seen "Surge" pricing hit $110 for the same 8-mile trip.
Always check the taxi line first. Sometimes the "old school" way is actually the cheapest and fastest.
Why Location Matters for Your Hotel Choice
If you haven't booked your stay yet, keep the distance in mind.
Staying in Long Island City? You’re basically neighbors with the airport. It’s a 15-minute ride.
Staying in Lower Manhattan (Financial District)? Now you’re looking at a 12 to 15-mile trip. You’ll likely have to cross through the most congested parts of Brooklyn or the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). That "close" airport suddenly feels very far away.
Navigating the "New" LaGuardia in 2026
The airport layout is much better than it was five years ago.
- Terminal B: This is where United, American, Southwest, and JetBlue live. The pickup area for cars is in a dedicated garage. Follow the "Car Services" signs; it’s a bit of a walk, but it's indoors.
- Terminal C: This is Delta's kingdom. It’s massive. If you’re calling an Uber here, make sure you’re at the right "zone" number or your driver will be circling for ages.
- Terminal A: The underdog. It’s small, quiet, and mostly serves Spirit and Frontier. It’s physically separated from the other terminals, so if you need to get to B or C, you have to take the airport shuttle bus.
Real Talk on Congestion Pricing
As of 2026, keep in mind that entering Manhattan below 60th Street often incurs extra fees for for-hire vehicles. This is usually passed on to you. If your budget is tight, taking the bus/subway combo avoids these surcharges entirely.
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Actionable Steps for Your Arrival
When you land at LGA, don't just mindlessly open your phone.
First, check the Google Maps "Depart at" feature to see the current traffic trend. If the Grand Central Parkway is deep red, do not get in a car. Head for the Q70 bus.
Second, if you’re taking a taxi, have your destination address ready on your phone. NYC cab drivers are pros, but with so many new hotels popping up, a specific address is better than just a hotel name.
Finally, if you have a lot of luggage and it’s rush hour, consider the Uber Shuttle. It’s a newer service (usually around $15-$20) that uses high-end vans to drop people at major hubs like Grand Central or Port Authority. It’s a solid middle ground between a crowded bus and a pricey private car.
Distance is just a number. In New York, time is the only currency that matters. Plan for the traffic, embrace the chaos of Queens, and you'll get to your destination just fine.