The New York City Traveler

In 1960 La Guardia Airport was voted "The Greatest Airport in the World" and in my opinion, it may still be the greatest airport in the world.  True, it is small, routinely delayed, and lacks the destinations that Newark and Kennedy offer, but La Guardia is the most convenient airport in the New York area.  In just minutes (yes, minutes!) after your plane lands you can be in Manhattan.

Public Bus to Manhattan:  Least Expensive

The best way to pay for the bus is with your MetroCard because you’ll get a free transfer.  Remember if paying by cash, you need to pay the fare of $2 with coins. 

• M60 (MTA) serves all terminals.  It arrives into Manhattan in Harlem on 125th Street then turns down the Upper West Side on Amsterdam Avenue.  You connect with the 4,5,6 on Lexington Avenue; 2,3 on Lenox Avenue; A,C or B,D on St Nicholas Avenue;  or 1 at 116th Street.  $2 + free transfer if using MetroCard 
• Q33 (TriBoro Coach) departs from all terminals except the Marine Air Terminal to Jackson Heights in Queens where you may connect with the E,F,R,V and 7 subway lines.  $2 + free transfer if using MetroCard
• Q47 (TriBoro Coach) departs from the Marine Air Terminal only to Jackson Heights in Queens with connections to the E,F,R,V and 7 subway lines.  $2 + free transfer if using MetroCard

Express Bus from LGA to Manhattan:  Inexpensive

New York Airport Service operates express buses every 20-30 minutes from LGA to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal, and Penn Station in Manhattan from 7:20 am to 11 pm.  Trips take 50-60 minutes.  $12 one-way, $21 round-trip.  

Shared Ride from LGA to Manhattan: Moderate

There are a number of shared ride services that operate from LGA to Manhattan.  These are on-demand, door-to-door service vans that transport up to 11 people.  Using a shared ride is not the fastest way from the airport because the driver will make stops for other passengers.  You can expect the trip will take at least 70 minutes.  LGA to Midtown:  Super Shuttle $16 and Airlink New York  $14.

Taxi:  Expensive

If going from La Guardia to Midtown, by far the fastest, most direct method is in a cab.  Just remember that in addition to the metered fare you need to pay any applicable tolls.  Most drivers will take the Queens-Midtown Tunnel which will drop you in Manhattan at East 36th Street.  Most meter fares are in the range of $21-30 plus a tunnel toll of $4.50.  Expect the ride to last at least 30 minutes and double that for times of peak-traffic.  

My recommendation:  The M60 all the way!  I always take the M60 (unless service is disrupted by one of those famous transit strikes) then I hop the subway downtown.  For you "out of towners", transferring in Harlem is not as bad as it sound.  It will give you a chance to check out the recent gentrification that has been sweeping over Harlem.

__________________________________________________________________

1 Comment