Tag: mta to lga
How to take public transit from NYC to LaGuardia (LGA)
by Captain G on Jul.19, 2010, under Business Travel, Vacation
One of the most efficient and economical ways to get to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) from below 57th street Manhattan is via MTA’s R, N or Q train. Total cost for a one way trip will be less than US$3.00, which includes a transfer from the train to the bus. If you’re in NYC for a few days, consider reading my article on how to maximize the value of the unlimited MTA Metrocard.
The R, N and Q trains run north-south along Broadway and through the center of Manhattan island to Queens. Once you get to Queens, hop on the M60 bus for about 20 minutes max and you’ll be at a LGA terminal.
Here are the step by step directions to get to LaGuardia Airport LGA from Manhattan.
1. Look for the R, N or Q trains when you’re in Manhattan. All three trains share the same tracks and run north on Broadway.
Depending on when you get on the R, N or Q train, it will take you no more than one hour to get to Astoria Boulevard. Note the R train will not get you to Astoria as it will change tracks once it leaves Manhattan.
1a. Get on the Q when you are at an interchange station because the Q runs express vs the N and R.
2. Get off the N or Q train when you’re at Astoria Boulevard – which is 6 stops after you have arrived to Queens (you’ll know when the train moves onto elevated tracks).
3. Exit Astoria Boulevard station and stay on your right hand side. Look for signs that read M60 bus and display an airplane.
5. The M60 bus will be coming off the bridge from Manhattan. Jump on the M60 and it will take you straight to all the LGA terminals.
You can pick up the same bus from LGA if you’re arriving into NYC. However, there are no vending machines in LGA for you to get a Metrocard. You’ll need to have US$2.25 in change, or you’re out of luck. For NYC visitors, you may want to check out my NYC Visitor’s Guide.
For your convenience, here are links on how to get from Manhattan to Newark (How to get to NYC from Newark) and JFK (How to take NYC public transportation to/from JFK).
