If you’re travelling to New York City, one of the first things you’ll need to know is where LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located. Known for its proximity to Manhattan, LaGuardia is one of the primary airports serving the city and is often the airport of choice for domestic flights. However, navigating your way to LGA or understanding how to get there from different parts of New York can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the area. This guide will answer the question, where is LaGuardia Airport? and help you plan your journey with ease.
What is LaGuardia Airport?
LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) is one of three major airports serving New York City, the others being John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Located in Queens, New York, LaGuardia serves primarily domestic flights and is the closest airport to Manhattan. Although it’s smaller compared to JFK, it handles a significant amount of traffic and is the go-to airport for many travelers flying into and out of New York.
Where is LaGuardia Airport Located?
LaGuardia Airport is situated in East Elmhurst, Queens, just a few miles from Manhattan and conveniently close to several neighborhoods in Queens. Its exact location is:
Address: LaGuardia Airport, East Elmhurst, NY 11371
Distance from Manhattan: Approximately 8 miles (about 15–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic)
Proximity to Key Areas: It’s located close to Astoria, Jackson Heights, and Flushing in Queens, with easy access to neighborhoods like Brooklyn and The Bronx.
Its central location in Queens means you can easily access LaGuardia from all boroughs of New York City, and its proximity to Manhattan makes it a preferred choice for travelers who want to avoid the longer travel times to JFK or Newark.
How to Get to LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport is well-connected to the rest of New York City, and there are several transportation options available, whether you’re coming from Manhattan or nearby areas in Queens or Brooklyn.
- By Car
If you’re driving to LaGuardia, it’s easy to access from multiple directions:
From Manhattan: Take the Triborough Bridge (also known as the RFK Bridge) or the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). Depending on traffic, the drive from downtown Manhattan to the airport takes about 15–30 minutes.
From Brooklyn: You can access LaGuardia via the BQE or take the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to Astoria Blvd.
LaGuardia offers both short-term and long-term parking lots. However, be prepared for higher parking fees, especially during busy travel periods. It’s always recommended to check parking availability online before your trip to avoid confusion and guarantee a spot.
- By Public Transit
If you prefer public transportation, LaGuardia is connected by several bus routes to various parts of the city. Although there isn’t a direct subway connection to the airport, the bus services make it relatively easy to reach LGA from various locations.
Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service): This bus service connects Jackson Heights and Roosevelt Avenue in Queens to LaGuardia Airport. The ride takes about 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic, and the bus runs frequently (every 10 minutes). This is one of the fastest and most affordable options to get to the airport.
M60 SBS: This bus runs from Harlem (from the 125th Street Subway Station) directly to LaGuardia, making it another great option if you’re coming from Manhattan.
If you’re travelling from the subway, you can take any E, F, M, or R subway lines to Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street in Jackson Heights, where you can transfer to the Q70 SBS or M60 SBS bus.
- By Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout New York City. The ride from Manhattan to LaGuardia generally takes about 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Taxi: Expect to pay around $30 to $50, depending on traffic, plus any tolls.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are widely available and offer slightly more flexibility, with similar prices to taxis during normal traffic hours.
These services will drop you off directly at your terminal at LaGuardia, making them a convenient choice if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a door-to-door service.
Related Page: Information About clt-airport
Navigating LaGuardia Airport
Once you arrive at LaGuardia, you’ll want to know how to quickly and easily find your terminal, get through security, and head to your gate. Here are a few tips for navigating this busy airport:
- Terminals at LaGuardia
LaGuardia is made up of four terminals: A, B, C, and D. Each terminal serves different airlines:
Terminal A: Serves JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
Terminal B: Primarily serves Delta Airlines and American Airlines.
Terminal C: Mostly for Delta Airlines flights.
Terminal D: Serves American Airlines and JetBlue.
If you’re flying with Delta Airlines, for example, you’ll be in Terminals B or C. JetBlue operates out of Terminal A, and American Airlines uses Terminals A, B, and D. Make sure to check your flight’s gate information before heading to the airport, as it can sometimes change.
- Check-In and Security
Each terminal at LaGuardia has check-in counters, and you’ll need to head to your airline’s counter to check in. If you have carry-on baggage only, you can also use the self-service kiosks for a quicker check-in process. After check-in, proceed to the security checkpoint for screening.
During peak hours, security lines at LaGuardia can get long, so it’s important to arrive at least 2 hours before your domestic flight’s departure time.
- Amenities and Dining
LaGuardia offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and lounges in each terminal. You can find everything from quick snacks and coffee to sit-down restaurants for a full meal. Some popular options include:
Shake Shack (Terminal B)
Five Guys (Terminal A)
Starbucks (across terminals)
There are also duty-free shops, retail stores, and gift shops in each terminal, perfect for picking up last-minute items or souvenirs.
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FAQs About LaGuardia Airport
A: LaGuardia is about 8 miles from downtown Manhattan. The trip typically takes around 15–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
A: No, LaGuardia does not have a direct subway connection, but you can take the Q70 SBS or M60 SBS buses to the airport from the subway stations in Jackson Heights or Harlem.
A: From Times Square, you can take the Q70 SBS or M60 SBS buses, or you can opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service for a more direct route.
A: Yes, LaGuardia offers short-term and long-term parking options, but parking can be expensive, especially during busy times. It’s best to check for availability and rates before heading to the airport.
A: Yes, LaGuardia participates in the TSA PreCheck program, allowing eligible passengers to speed through security more quickly.
Conclusion
Knowing where LaGuardia Airport is and how to get there is essential for travellers heading into New York City. Whether you’re taking a taxi, using public transit, or driving yourself, LaGuardia’s central location makes it easy to access from all parts of the city. By understanding the airport’s layout, terminals, and amenities, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth journey through one of the busiest airports in the United States.
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