What is the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Times Square?

The most popular and affordable option is the NYC MTA bus, which offers direct service between the airport and Times Square for just a few dollars. These buses can be found outside of Terminals B, C, and D and run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours.



The absolute cheapest way to travel from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Times Square in 2026 is by using NYC MTA Public Transportation, which costs exactly $2.90 (the price of a single subway fare). You should take the Q70 LaGuardia Link SBS bus, which is currently free for all travelers and connects all terminals to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av subway station. From there, you use your contactless credit card, phone (OMNY), or a MetroCard to enter the subway. You can take the 7, E, F, M, or R trains directly into the Times Square-42nd St or Bryant Park areas. The total travel time is usually 45 to 60 minutes. This is a massive saving compared to a taxi or rideshare, which typically costs between $45 and $80 depending on surge pricing and traffic. For a slightly more comfortable but still affordable option, private shuttles like Go Airlink cost about $35 per person.

People Also Ask

Taxis from LaGuardia to Manhattan don't have a flat fee (like JFK) and will range between $35-$50 depending on the time of day. The ride can be as quick as 30 minute or upward of an hour, depending on traffic. Uber/Lyft will run $40 – $60, depending on time of day and destination.

MORE DETAILS

AirTrain + Subway from JFK to Manhattan This is by far the cheapest (and surprisingly easy) option to get from JFK to wherever you are staying. Using a combination of the light rail AirTrain to connect with the subway system is a very easy way to reach Manhattan.

MORE DETAILS

The 42 St Shuttle operates in Manhattan between Grand Central and Times Square. The shuttle provides a free transfer between 4, 5, 6, and 7 service at Grand Central-42 St and A, C, E, N, Q, R, 1, 2, 3, and 7 service at Times Square-42 St.

MORE DETAILS

The trip takes about one hour and costs $13.50 per person ($8 for the AirTrain and $2.75 for each subway train). If you don't want to navigate NYC's subway system with your luggage, you can take a shared airport shuttle from JFK to NYC. The GO Airlink shuttle operates 24/7 and costs about $45 per person.

MORE DETAILS

Travel with some cash, as it means you can easily tip your taxi driver, porter or waiter. Tipping in New York or rest of America, it is generally 15 to 20% of bill. Travel with some cash, as it means you can easily tip your taxi driver, porter or waiter.

MORE DETAILS

Undoubtedly, the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Manhattan is by the M60 or Q70 buses connecting to the NYC subway. You just can't beat a $2.90 New York airport transfer! On the flip side, a taxi or car service will be the most expensive but also the most hassle-free LaGuardia transfer to Manhattan.

MORE DETAILS

The journey takes around 30 minutes in light traffic and up to 2 hours in heavy traffic. Taxis at LGA are metered and you can expect to pay around $40 (€37) to Manhattan. If you wish to travel on a flat-rate fare, you can always book a private shuttle service in advance.

MORE DETAILS

Pros and Cons of Lyft and Uber Uber can be less expensive than Lyft for the average journey—research suggests that Uber is the cheaper company, with the average trip costing $20 compared with the $27 you would spend for an average Lyft trip.

MORE DETAILS

How much will I be charged? There is no difference in the pricing between normal Uber rides and scheduled rides – that means no extra cost for booking your Uber in advance! However, pricing is based on demand at the time of your order, so if you reserve at peak-hour traffic your ride might be a little more expensive.

MORE DETAILS

There are a few transport options to choose from. You can pre-book a private shuttle, take a New York taxi, utilise the efficient NYC subway system, take a bus or use a rideshare app. The cheapest option is by bus and the fastest and most convenient option is to pre-book a private transfer.

MORE DETAILS

AirTrain + Subway from JFK to Manhattan This is by far the cheapest (and surprisingly easy) option to get from JFK to wherever you are staying. Using a combination of the light rail AirTrain to connect with the subway system is a very easy way to reach Manhattan.

MORE DETAILS

AirTrain is free unless you start or end your journey at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. There, the fee is $8.25 USD, payable only by MetroCard. Where to buy a MetroCard: Hudson News stands before and after security at Terminals 1, 4, 7 and 8.

MORE DETAILS