Landing at LaGuardia kinda feels like stepping into a movie. You get off the plane, walk through these shiny new terminals, and boom—there’s construction everywhere and huge “Welcome to New York” signs in your face. It’s loud, a bit chaotic, and honestly, pretty exciting.
The good news? Times Square isn’t far—just a few miles. But how you get there really depends on your mood, your bags, and whether you slept at all on the plane.
So here’s the deal. This isn’t some boring “transportation options” article. It’s the kind of advice locals wish travelers knew before touching down. Whether you’ve got a suitcase the size of a fridge or just a backpack, there’s a way to get to Midtown without losing your cool. Let’s break it down. Whether you’ve got two giant suitcases or just a backpack, there’s a way to get to Midtown that won’t make you lose your mind. Let’s figure it out.
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.
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.
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.
0 Comments