How To Take Public Transportation to LaGuardia [2023 Guide]

Last Updated on December 25, 2022 by Snezana Grcak

If you’re tired of fighting traffic or paying for expensive airport parking, consider taking public transportation to LaGuardia Airport instead. Not only is it cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it can also save your time and nerves. This article will explore the various MTA buses running to and from LGA and provide tips on making the most of your journey. Whether you’re a seasoned public transit user or new to the scene, we’ve got you covered—let us guide you on your next bus trip to LaGuardia.

Table of Contents

Which MTA Buses Serve LaGuardia?

Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates multiple routes connecting LGA to Manhattan and Queens: Q70 SBS, M60 SBS, Q47, Q48, and Q72. These also offer connections to the subway, LIRR, and Metro-North Railroad. Learn more about each LGA public transportation line below.

Link Q70-SBS

SBS in the Link Q70-SBS stands for Select Bus Service, which is a faster and more reliable alternative to the regular Q70 bus. It’s free and operates 24 hours a day; plus, it provides connections to the 7, F, E, M, and R subway lines at the 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue station.

If going from Long Island, take the LIRR train to the LIRR Woodside station and connect to the Link Q70-SBS. At LGA, the bus stops at Terminals B and C.

M60-SBS

If searching for reliable public transportation from LaGuardia to Manhattan (Upper East Side) or Harlem, take the M60-SBS bus. It stops at Terminals A, B, and C, and it offers faster transfers due to the limited-stop service. Click here to see the schedule.

Q47

The Q47 bus offers daily transfers through the borough of Queens, with frequency varying depending on the time of day. It stops at Terminal A and provides connections to the 7, M, E, F, and R subway lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Ave.

Q48

MTA’s Q48 bus service serves Corona, Flushing, and East Elmhurst. They run every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of the day, and you can see the entire schedule here. At LGA, Q48 buses pick up and drop off at all terminals.

Q72

Aside from the LGA Terminals B and C, the Q72 buses pick up and drop off travelers in East Elmhurst, Corona, and Rego Park in Queens. The schedule is available here, and you can use the Q72 bus to connect to M and R subway lines at 63 Dr/Rego Park.

Where Are the MTA Stops at LGA?

Here are the locations of all LaGuardia Airport bus stops:

Terminal A: Departures Level, near the curbside outside Security;
Terminal B: Level 1, near curbside; look for the Bus & Shuttles sign;
Terminal C: Arrivals Level, outside Security.

Note that you can ride an airport shuttle bus between the terminals.

How Much Is a One-Way Bus Ride?

A regular one-way fare is $2.75 on all MTA buses, except for Link Q70, which is free. The cost is the same for subway transfers.

You can purchase a MetroCard at any vending machine at LGA or use OMNY for contactless payment. These are also valid if you plan to transfer between bus and subway within the first two hours. Click here to learn all about fares and payment methods.

What Are the Alternatives to Public Transportation?

Public buses take longer to reach LGA and are less comfortable than private transfers, especially if you travel with lots of luggage or have mobility issues. So, check out the top three alternatives our team singled out for you.

Shuttles are an excellent pick as long as you do your research and choose a reliable one. We suggest you use our shuttle booking form to make a shuttle reservation and arrange a ride from LGA to JFK or any other destination.
Rideshare has been quite popular among travelers nationwide, and we sure do recommend it for quick trips. Check out our guide to Uber at LGA to learn more before requesting a ride.
Private transfers are perfect for those who prefer a more luxurious transportation experience. Multiple companies offer a range of vehicles, from sedans and SUVs to stretch limousines, which pick up passengers at all terminals.

TL;DR: Public transport is the best option if the cost is your main concern, but if you prefer speed and comfort, consider other transfers.

Bonus: Take Public Transit to Other U.S. Airports

Aside from taking a bus to LaGuardia, our guides cover other NYC transport hubs—JFK and Newark Airport—as well as a bunch of other airports in the country:

Our in-depth research and editorial practices make us an expert in the airport transportation field, so feel free to contact us at (860) 821-5320 to arrange a ride to or from any U.S. airport.