Landing at LaGuardia is usually a mix of excitement and confusion. If you’re trying to get from LGA to Times Square, the first thing you notice is how busy everything feels — people rushing, signs everywhere, construction noise, and that very loud “welcome to New York” energy the city has. It’s not stressful yet, but you can tell it easily could be if you pick the wrong move.
Midtown looks close on a map, but that doesn’t always mean much once you’re actually outside the terminal. The time of day matters, traffic matters, and so does how much luggage you’re dragging behind you. A choice that sounds fine in theory can feel annoying fast once you’re tired and just want to get to your hotel.
This isn’t a neat list of options. It’s more like figuring out what makes sense before you end up standing on a curb wondering why everyone else seems to know what they’re doing. Whether you’re carrying heavy suitcases or traveling light, there’s a way into the city that won’t start your trip off on the wrong foot. Let’s go through it.
If you land at LaGuardia during weekday rush hour, driving into Midtown can be much slower than people expect. Many visitors assume a short distance means a quick ride, but traffic between Queens and Midtown is often the real problem.
Quick overview: Getting from LGA to Times Square
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30–60 min | $$ | Luggage, comfort |
| Uber/Lyft | 30–60 min | $$–$$$ | Flexibility |
| Bus + Subway | 60–90 min | $ | Budget |
| Private Transfer | 40–60 min | $$$ | Families |
Yellow Taxis — the Straight-to-Broadway Move
Travel time: 25–45 minutes in light traffic; 45–60 when the Grand Central Parkway clogs.
What it costs: Metered fare (about $40–$50 for the mileage and waiting time) + $1.75 airport-pickup fee + $0.50 MTA fee + $1 improvement fee + $2.50 weekday rush-hour surcharge (4 – 8 pm) + RFK Bridge toll (~$8 with E-ZPass) + $2.50 congestion surcharge south of 60th Street, then tip 15-20 %. Most visitors land around $70–85 all-in. The meter shows “Rate 1,” not a flat rate.
How to catch one: Follow the yellow “Taxi” signs outside each terminal and join the dispatcher’s line. Ignore anyone hustling rides inside the arrivals hall.
Local tip: Ask the driver which is quicker—RFK Bridge or the Midtown Tunnel. The bridge is usually faster off-peak and keeps the toll a little lower.
App-Based Rides (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Up-front pricing, an easy split with friends, and drop-off anywhere west of Times Square with no street-hailing drama. A typical UberX quote hovers around $65–75, but can dip to $55 late night or rocket past $100 in surge.
Local tip: If surge is ugly, jump on the free Q70 bus and subway for eleven bucks total (details below) and keep that cash for pizza.
Q70 LaGuardia Link + Subway — Cheapest 24/7
Good for: The absolute lowest price, reliable travel times, and anyone comfortable rolling a suitcase onto trains.
Travel time: 45–65 minutes terminal-to-Times Square.
Cost: Q70 ride is free; subway swipe is $2.90 with OMNY or MetroCard.
How to do it
- Follow blue “LaGuardia Link Q70” signs outside Terminals B & C.
- Ride ten minutes to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave.
- Hop on the E train to 42 St–Port Authority or the 7 train to Times Sq–42 St.
- Stay on the same credit card or phone tap all week: once you spend $34, the rest of your rides are free thanks to OMNY’s fare-capping.
Accessibility note: Q70 buses kneel, and Jackson Heights station has elevators to the E/7 platforms.
Q70 + LIRR CityTicket — Fastest on Rails
Good for: Beating rush-hour traffic while still paying subway-level prices.
Travel time: 30–40 minutes platform-to-platform.
Cost: Q70 free + $5 off-peak / $7 peak CityTicket from Woodside to Penn Station or Grand Central.
Steps
- Stay on the Q70 two extra stops to Woodside–61 St.
- Buy a CityTicket in the TrainTime app (origin: Woodside, destination: Penn Station or GCT).
- LIRR ride is 8 minutes to Penn or 13 to Grand Central. From Penn just walk one avenue or ride one subway stop to Times Square; from GCT hop the S shuttle or stroll 12 minutes along 42nd Street.
M60 SBS + Subway — One Fare, Scenic Route
The M60 Select Bus rolls out of Terminal C every few minutes and costs the same $2.90 swipe as any city bus. Ride to Astoria Blvd and grab the N/W train (49 St stop puts you a block from Times Square) or stay aboard to 125 St and switch to the 1/2/3 downtown. Travel time runs an hour give or take.
Uber Shuttle & Other Express Vans
Uber’s new 14-seat LaGuardia Shuttle departs Port Authority, Grand Central, and Penn up to every 20 minutes for $18 (promo fares sometimes $9). Reserve in the Uber app up to a week out. Door-to-door shared vans such as Go Airlink charge $25–40 per person and leave once they’re full.
Private Car or Limo Transfers — Stress-Free Splurge
Reserve a sedan or SUV (Carmel, Dial 7, or any limo firm) for $90–120 flat including the new congestion toll. A driver meets you outside baggage claim, hauls the suitcases, and drops you at your hotel lobby—bliss after a red-eye.
For late arrivals, families, or anyone landing after a long flight, some travelers prefer booking a car in advance. It’s more expensive than a taxi, but someone’s already waiting and there’s no guessing involved.
Which Ride Fits You Best?
- Four friends + big bags: Yellow cab is the easiest and the price splits nicely.
- Solo on a budget: Free Q70 plus subway for under three bucks.
- Solo but speed-obsessed: Q70 + LIRR gets you off the plane and into Penn in half an hour.
- Mobility issues or stroller brigade: Uber Shuttle or a pre-booked van avoids subway stairs.
- Arriving after midnight: Taxi or rideshare—buses run, but trains thin out.
Money-Saving & Stress-Saving Tips
- Tap, don’t swipe. OMNY’s $34 weekly cap means the subway rides after your twelfth tap are free.
- Congestion Pricing is live. Every car entering south of 60th St pays a $9 toll; cabs add it automatically, app rides show it in the quote.
- Watch that taxi meter. If it flips to Rate 4 (negotiated) or Rate 5 (group) at LGA, ask to reset to Rate 1—Manhattan trips stay metered, no flat rate.
- Skip fake fares. Q70 is always free—never hand cash to anyone claiming you need a ticket.
- Check weekend service changes. The MTA Weekender site posts bus and subway detours every Thursday night.
If you’re staying near Times Square, many first-time visitors plan sightseeing around that area. Instead of buying tickets one by one, some people use an attraction pass to keep things simple, especially on shorter trips.
A popular option is New York CityPASS, which bundles several major attractions into one pass and lets you visit them at your own pace.
FAQ – LGA to Times Square
How long does it actually take from LGA to Times Square?
Usually 30–45 min. Rush hour can be over an hour.
Is Times Square close to LaGuardia?
Yes, distance-wise. Traffic makes the difference.
What’s the fastest way from LGA to Times Square?
Taxi or Uber, when traffic is light.
What’s the easiest option after a long flight?
Taxi. Walk out, get in, done.
What’s the cheapest way to get there?
Bus + subway.
Is public transport from LGA confusing?
For first-timers, yes.
Is there a direct train from LGA to Times Square?
No.
Do I need to take a bus first?
Yes, if you’re using public transport.
Is Uber better than a yellow cab?
Sometimes. Not always.
Are taxis easy to find at LGA?
Yes. There’s a taxi line outside.
Is Uber expensive from LGA to Times Square?
It can be during rush hour or bad weather.
Is traffic bad in the evening?
Usually, yes.
What about late night arrivals?
Taxi or Uber is simplest.
Is it safe late at night?
Yes.
Can I pay cash in a taxi?
Yes.
Do taxis take credit cards?
Yes.
Can I use OMNY or MetroCard?
Yes, for buses and subway.
Are airport buses free?
Yes.
Is public transport a good idea with big luggage?
Not really.
Is a private transfer worth it?
Only if you want zero hassle.
What do locals usually choose?
Taxi, unless they’re on a budget.
Final Word
LaGuardia’s renovations may feel like a maze, but your ride choices are simple: rails if you crave certainty, wheels if you want the back-seat city tour. Pick the option that matches your budget and energy level, keep an eye on those signs, and you’ll see the giant Times Square billboards before your phone fully re-charges. Welcome to New York—grab a slice, snap a selfie, and enjoy every neon second.
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