For decades, mentioning LaGuardia Airport (LGA) usually prompted a groan from travelers. It was famous for being cramped and difficult to reach. However, following an $8 billion multi-year redevelopment, LaGuardia has transformed into one of the most modern airports in the United States.
If you’re asking “where is LaGuardia Airport located,” you’re likely trying to figure out how it fits into the chaotic geography of New York City. This guide will help you pinpoint its location and solve the common headaches of getting there and back.
The Exact Location: Where is LGA?
LaGuardia Airport is located in the northern part of the borough of Queens, New York. It sits right on the waterfront of Flushing Bay and Bowery Bay, giving passengers some of the most iconic views of the Manhattan skyline during takeoff and landing.
- Address: LaGuardia Airport, Queens, NY 11371
- Distance from Manhattan: It is the closest airport to Midtown Manhattan, sitting only about 9 miles away. This proximity makes it the preferred choice for business travelers and tourists staying in Times Square or the Upper East Side.
Related Page: About Dulles Airport
Problem-Solving: Navigating the “LGA Logistics”
The biggest problem with LaGuardia isn’t its location—it’s the fact that it is the only major NYC airport without a direct subway link. Here is how to solve the most common transport frustrations.
1. The “No Subway” Solution
Many tourists arrive at LGA expecting a train station. When they don’t find one, they end up paying $60+ for a taxi.
- The Pro Hack: Take the LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service). It is free and specifically designed for travelers. It features luggage racks and runs non-stop to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station. From there, you can hop on the E, F, M, R, or 7 subway lines, getting you anywhere in the city for the price of a standard metro fare ($2.90).
2. Beating the Grand Central Parkway Traffic
LGA is bordered by the Grand Central Parkway, which is notorious for “gridlock” at almost any hour.
- The Solution: If you are taking an Uber or Lyft, always check the “Wait Time” vs. “Travel Time.” During rush hour, it is often faster to take the bus to the subway than to sit in a car on the bridge. If you must drive, use the Terminal B or Terminal C parking garages—they are now connected directly to the gates via pedestrian bridges, eliminating the need for those annoying shuttle buses of the past.
3. Terminal Confusion: B or C?
LaGuardia is essentially split into two massive, world-class complexes: Terminal B (serving American, United, Southwest, and JetBlue) and Terminal C (the massive Delta fortress).
- The Problem: They are not easily walkable between each other.
- The Solution: Double-check your airline before you tell your driver where to drop you off. If you do end up at the wrong terminal, look for the blue, red, or yellow shuttle buses that circulate the airport loops.
Related Page: About Fort Lauderdale Airport
LGA vs. JFK vs. Newark: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | LaGuardia (LGA) | John F. Kennedy (JFK) | Newark (EWR) |
| Best For | Manhattan & North Queens | Long-haul International | New Jersey & West Side |
| Distance to Midtown | 9 Miles (Closest) | 15 Miles | 16 Miles |
| Train Access | Bus to Subway Only | AirTrain to Subway/LIRR | AirTrain to NJ Transit/Amtrak |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
LaGuardia is located entirely within Queens. However, it is very close to the Brooklyn border (Astoria/Long Island City area), making it a 20-minute drive to North Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg.
A yellow taxi usually costs between $45 and $65, depending on traffic and tolls. Note that unlike JFK, there is no flat rate from LGA; it is a metered fare.
Generally, no. While the new terminals are massive, they are separated by taxiways and highways. You must use the airport’s internal shuttle bus system to move between Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), B, and C.
Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, is a historic Art Deco building used by Spirit and Frontier. It is located about a mile away from the main Terminal B/C complex, so give yourself extra time if your flight departs from here.
Leave a Reply