Where Is LaGuardia Airport Located?

LaGuardia Airport—commonly called LGA—is one of the busiest airports serving New York City. Yet many travelers still struggle with a simple but critical question: where exactly is LGA located, and how does that affect getting in and out of the city?
This guide answers that question in a practical, problem-solving way, helping you choose the fastest routes, avoid common mistakes, and plan your trip more efficiently.

Where Is LaGuardia Airport Located?

LaGuardia Airport is located in northern Queens, New York City, along the western shore of Flushing Bay. It sits about:

8 miles (13 km) from Midtown Manhattan
6 miles (10 km) from Upper East Manhattan
Within New York City limits, unlike some other major airports

Address:
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Queens, NY 11371, United States

This close proximity to Manhattan is one of LGA’s biggest advantages—but also the source of many travel challenges.

Why LGA’s Location Matters (and Causes Confusion)

Many first-time visitors assume all NYC airports are equally far from the city. That’s not true.

Common traveler problems:

❌ Expecting a subway stop directly at the airport
❌ Underestimating traffic congestion
❌ Choosing the wrong airport for a tight schedule

LGA’s location inside dense urban Queens means travel time can vary dramatically depending on traffic, time of day, and transportation choice.

Which Neighborhoods Are Near LaGuardia Airport?

Understanding nearby areas helps you plan pickups, hotels, or alternate routes.

Closest neighborhoods to LGA:

Astoria – southwest of the airport
East Elmhurst – directly south
Jackson Heights – southeast
Flushing – northeast

If you’re staying in Astoria or Jackson Heights, LGA is often the fastest airport to reach.

How to Get to LaGuardia Airport Based on Its Location

By Car or Taxi

Because LGA is surrounded by major roadways, driving can be convenient—or stressful.

Key access roads:

Grand Central Parkway
Brooklyn–Queens Expressway (BQE)
Whitestone Expressway

Problem-solving tip:
If traveling during rush hour (7–10 AM or 4–7 PM), budget extra time. What’s normally a 25-minute drive from Midtown can easily become 60+ minutes.

By Public Transportation

Unlike JFK or Newark, LGA does not have a direct subway or train connection.

Best transit workaround:

Take the subway to Queens
Transfer to an MTA bus (such as Q70, M60, or Q48)

Why this works:
The airport’s location makes rail construction difficult, so buses are the most reliable public option.

Ride-Shares and Airport Shuttles

Due to its central location, Uber, Lyft, and shuttle services are widely available and often faster than public transit—especially for travelers with luggage.

Is LaGuardia Airport Inside Manhattan?

No.
LaGuardia Airport is not in Manhattan—it is firmly located in Queens, one of New York City’s five boroughs.

However, because Queens is part of NYC, LGA is often mistakenly thought to be “in Manhattan” by visitors.

Why this matters:
Some navigation apps or hotel descriptions oversimplify locations, leading to confusion about travel time.

How LGA’s Location Compares to Other NYC Airports

Airport	Borough / Area	Distance to Midtown
LaGuardia (LGA)	Queens	~8 miles
JFK	Queens	~15 miles
Newark (EWR)	New Jersey	~16 miles

Problem-solving takeaway:
If you’re attending a meeting in Manhattan or Queens, LGA is usually the fastest airport, assuming traffic is reasonable.

When LaGuardia’s Location Is a Disadvantage

Despite being close, LGA’s location can cause issues:

Heavy traffic during peak hours
Limited late-night public transit
Fewer international flights compared to JFK

If your flight arrives late at night or you’re traveling internationally, JFK or Newark may sometimes be easier, despite being farther away.

FAQs About LaGuardia Airport Location

Q: Where exactly is LaGuardia Airport located?

A: LaGuardia Airport is located in northern Queens, New York City, along Flushing Bay, about 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan.

Q: Is LaGuardia closer than JFK to Manhattan?

A: Yes. LGA is significantly closer to Manhattan than JFK, making it a popular choice for domestic travelers.

Q: Does LaGuardia Airport have a subway station?

A: No. The airport does not have a direct subway connection. Travelers must use buses or taxis.

Q: Which NYC borough is LGA in?

A: LaGuardia Airport is in Queens, not Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Q: Is LaGuardia Airport inside New York City?

A: Yes. Unlike Newark Airport, LGA is fully within New York City limits.

Final Thoughts: Solving the LGA Location Puzzle

LaGuardia Airport’s location in Queens, close to Manhattan, is both its biggest strength and its biggest challenge. Knowing where it is, what surrounds it, and how to reach it efficiently can save you time, money, and stress.

If speed matters and you’re flying domestically, LGA’s location works in your favor—if you plan smartly.