LaGuardia has no subway station; take the free Q70 bus to Queens, then pay $3 for the subway into Manhattan.
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) does not have a train station inside the airport. For the route most people mean by Subway from LGA to Manhattan, use the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus to reach Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, then ride the subway into the city.
The cheapest reliable route costs $3 for most riders because the Q70 bus is fare-free and the subway fare is the only paid part. The whole trip usually takes about 45 to 65 minutes, with the biggest swing coming from airport traffic, subway delays, and how far your Manhattan hotel is from the nearest station.
How Do You Get From LaGuardia Airport To Manhattan?
LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan works in two steps: a free airport bus from the terminal, then a subway, Long Island Rail Road, or bus connection. The Q70-to-subway route is the lowest-cost choice for Midtown, Times Square, Penn Station, Grand Central, and much of Lower Manhattan.
From Terminal B or Terminal C, follow signs for public transit and board the LaGuardia Link Q70. The bus runs nonstop to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74 St-Broadway, where you can enter the E, F, M, R, or 7 subway lines.
For a live comparison of this airport route against trains, buses, and transfers, use this after you know the basic path:
Getting From LaGuardia To Manhattan By Subway: Every Route Compared
The right subway line depends on where in Manhattan you are going, not on the airport terminal. The E train is usually the simplest subway choice for Midtown West, Port Authority, Penn Station, and World Trade Center.
Use these practical matches once you reach Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue:
- E train: good for Midtown West, 42 St-Port Authority, Penn Station via a short walk, and World Trade Center.
- F train: good for Bryant Park, Herald Square, 23rd Street, 14th Street, and parts of the Lower East Side.
- R train: good for Midtown, Union Square, SoHo-adjacent stops, and Lower Manhattan.
- 7 train: good from Woodside or Jackson Heights for Grand Central, Bryant Park, Times Square, and Hudson Yards.
Terminal A is the exception. The M60-SBS stops at Terminal A and can be easier for Upper Manhattan, especially near 106th Street, 116th Street, Columbia University, or 125th Street.
LaGuardia To Manhattan Route Costs And Times
The public-transit price is low because the Q70 is free and the subway fare is currently $3 for most riders. The MTA also lists LIRR CityTicket fares from Woodside to Penn Station or Grand Central at $5.25 off-peak and $7.25 peak.
| Route | Typical Time | Rough Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Q70 + E train to Midtown West | 45–60 minutes | $3 |
| Q70 + F train to Bryant Park or Herald Square | 50–65 minutes | $3 |
| Q70 + R train to Midtown or Lower Manhattan | 55–70 minutes | $3 |
| Q70 + 7 train via Woodside or Jackson Heights | 45–65 minutes | $3 |
| Q70 + LIRR from Woodside to Penn Station or Grand Central | 35–50 minutes | $5.25 off-peak; $7.25 peak |
| M60-SBS to Upper Manhattan | 45–70 minutes | $3 |
| Taxi or rideshare to Manhattan | 25–75 minutes | Metered or app-priced; traffic changes the bill |
Current MTA airport guidance says the LaGuardia Link Q70 is free, runs nonstop to the subway in Queens, and takes about 15 minutes from Terminal B to Jackson Heights in typical traffic on the MTA LaGuardia-to-Manhattan transit page.
Where To Catch The Q70 At LGA
The Q70 stops at Terminal B and Terminal C, so most arriving passengers can walk outside and follow the public-transit signs. From Terminal A, the M60-SBS is often simpler, or you can use the airport shuttle to Terminal B for the Q70.
The Q70 is built for airport riders. Buses have luggage racks, allow boarding through any door, and go nonstop between LaGuardia and the Queens subway connection.
At Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, leave the bus and follow the subway signs. Tap your contactless credit card, debit card, phone, wearable device, or OMNY card at the subway turnstile. If two people ride together, each person needs a separate tap unless you are using a payment setup that supports multiple riders.
When The LIRR Or M60 Makes More Sense
The LIRR makes sense when you want a shorter rail ride into Penn Station or Grand Central and do not mind paying more than the subway fare. The M60 makes sense when your destination is Upper Manhattan or when you land at Terminal A.
The Q70-to-LIRR route uses Woodside station instead of Jackson Heights. From Woodside, LIRR trains run to Penn Station and Grand Central, but not every train pattern is equally useful, so check the next departure before buying.
The M60-SBS runs from LaGuardia into Upper Manhattan and stops near several subway connections. M60 is not the right choice for most Midtown hotel stays, but it is a clean match for Columbia University, Harlem, or the west side around 106th to 125th streets.
Where To Stay After A Late Arrival
New York City hotel location matters after an LGA arrival because one extra transfer with luggage can feel longer than the flight. For the easiest subway finish, look near an E, F, R, or 7 station in Midtown, or near Grand Central and Penn Station if you use the LIRR.
Compare Manhattan hotel locations against your final subway stop before you commit:
Traveler Tip: If your flight lands after 10 p.m., check the MTA app before leaving the terminal. Late-night subway service can be slower, and a taxi may be worth it for a group with heavy bags.
Paying For The Ride Without Getting Stuck
Subway payment is easiest with OMNY, New York City’s contactless fare system. Tap the same card or device every time, especially if you are transferring between bus and subway on another NYC ride later in the trip.
Cash is not useful for the subway turnstile, and buying a separate fare card just for one airport ride adds friction. A contactless bank card or phone wallet is usually the cleanest setup for a visitor.
Families should also plan the luggage piece, not only the fare. Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue is busy, and elevators or escalators can be crowded. If you have strollers, several large suitcases, or a tight hotel check-in window, the LIRR from Woodside or a taxi may save energy even when it costs more.
Pick The Route That Fits Your Manhattan Stop
The Q70 plus subway is the cheapest strong choice for most LGA-to-Manhattan trips. Choose the line by your final neighborhood, not by habit.
- Cheapest overall: Q70 plus subway for $3.
- Midtown West and Times Square: Q70 plus E train or 7 train.
- Penn Station: Q70 plus E train with a short walk, or Q70 plus LIRR if time matters more than the extra fare.
- Grand Central: Q70 plus 7 train, or Q70 plus LIRR from Woodside.
- Upper Manhattan: M60-SBS is often simpler than backtracking through Queens.
- Heavy luggage or late arrival: Compare LIRR, taxi, and rideshare before defaulting to the subway.
For most first-time visitors, the cleanest move is simple: board the free Q70 at Terminal B or C, ride to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, tap into the subway, and take the E train if you are heading toward Midtown West or Lower Manhattan.
References & Sources
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority.“Getting to Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport.”Supports the current Q70 route, fare-free Q70 service, subway fare, LIRR fare examples, and M60 option.