Exploring Train Accessibility At Laguardia Airport

There is no train service to LaGuardia Airport. In 2023, plans to build the AirTrain LaGuardia, a 1.5-mile-long elevated railway to the airport, were abandoned due to rising costs. The project, which was proposed in 2014, was expected to improve access to the airport and reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. However, critics argued that it would be slower than existing transit modes and increase loads on certain train lines. Currently, travellers can use the bus or shuttle services to get to and from the airport.

The AirTrain LaGuardia project was abandoned due to high costs

LaGuardia Airport in New York City currently has no direct rail service. The AirTrain LaGuardia project was proposed in 2014 to address this issue. The project involved constructing a 1.5-mile-long elevated railway that would connect the airport to the New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in Willets Point. The plan was introduced by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2015, with an initial cost estimate of $450 million. However, in March 2023, the project was officially abandoned due to escalating costs.

The AirTrain LaGuardia project faced strong opposition from various quarters. Critics argued that the project was slower than existing transit options and would increase congestion on the already crowded 7 and <7> trains. Additionally, the proposed route was confusing, as travellers heading to Manhattan would first have to go east before doubling back on the subway or LIRR. The project also faced opposition from residents of nearby communities and some transit advocates who objected to the high cost estimate and the project's indirect route to Midtown Manhattan.

The cost of the AirTrain LaGuardia project had ballooned to $2.4 billion, more than five times the initial estimate, leading to its cancellation. A panel of transportation experts recommended less expensive alternatives, such as improving existing bus services and introducing a new non-stop airport shuttle. These options were estimated to cost just under $500 million and would carry twice as many passengers as the AirTrain.

The cancellation of the AirTrain LaGuardia project highlights the challenges of implementing infrastructure projects in urban areas. While the project aimed to improve access to LaGuardia Airport, the high costs and complex logistics ultimately led to its abandonment in favour of more cost-effective solutions.

There is no train to LaGuardia Airport, only buses and taxis

LaGuardia Airport in New York City has no train service. In fact, there has never been a rail link to the airport. However, there are several other ways to get to and from the airport.

If you're travelling to or from LaGuardia, you can take a bus or a taxi. The Q47, Q72, and Q48 buses connect the airport to Queens. The Q47 to Jackson Heights connects to the 7, E, F, M, and R subway lines, while the Q48 to Flushing connects to the 7 subway and the LIRR. The Q72 to Rego Park, Corona, and Forest Hills connects to the 7, M, and R subway lines.

For those travelling to or from Manhattan, the M60 bus runs from LaGuardia to 106th Street and Broadway. It travels through Astoria, connecting to the N and Q subways, and then goes over the RFK Bridge to Harlem. It crosses Manhattan along 125th Street, with connections to the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D subway lines.

There are also private shuttle bus companies that can bring passengers to and from LaGuardia Airport. These are usually large vans rather than buses. Passengers can also opt for a taxi or ride-hailing service, such as Uber or Lyft.

The closest train station to LaGuardia Airport is Mets-Willets Point

LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York City, is not directly served by rail or subway services. However, the closest train station to LaGuardia Airport is Mets-Willets Point, which is served by the 7 subway line. Passengers can board an airport shuttle bus at Mets-Willets Point to reach their terminal.

The 7 subway line is one of several public transportation options available to travellers going to and from LaGuardia Airport. The airport is about four miles from the closest point on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and various bus and subway connections can be used to reach the airport.

The M60 bus, for example, travels from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan at 106th Street and Broadway, connecting to the N and Q subways. The Q47, Q72, and Q48 buses also connect the airport to Queens, with connections to the 7, E, F, M, and R subways, as well as the Long Island Railroad (LIRR).

For travellers coming from Penn Station, the subway or LIRR to LaGuardia Airport is a convenient and cost-effective option. The LIRR's Port Washington line provides direct access to the airport's Central Terminal Area via the Woodside Station.

In addition to public transportation, travellers can also opt for taxis, ride-hailing services, or shuttle services. New York City taxis serve LaGuardia Airport and are usually the quickest option, although they are also the most expensive. Shuttle services are another affordable and convenient choice, with multiple passengers sharing a ride.

The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus is a popular option for those travelling to the airport

LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York City, is not directly served by rail or subway services. However, there are several bus routes that connect the airport to the wider public transport network. One of the most popular and convenient options for travellers is the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service.

The Q70 bus route was created in 2013 to provide faster bus service between Woodside, Jackson Heights, and LaGuardia Airport. It became a Select Bus Service route in 2016, with the branding LaGuardia Link, and has been fare-free since April 2022. The Q70 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers transfers to the New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at the 61st Street-Woodside station. It also connects to several subway lines at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station, including the Flushing Line (7 train) and IND Queens Boulevard Line (E, F, M, and R trains).

The Q70 bus serves Terminals B and C at LaGuardia Airport, with an intermediate stop at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station. It runs primarily along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and offers a quick and efficient way to get to and from the airport. The route is particularly useful for those travelling to and from Midtown and Uptown Manhattan, as it provides a direct connection to the subway and LIRR. The subway fare is $2.90, while the LIRR fare varies depending on peak and off-peak hours.

The Q70 bus has special luggage racks for passengers travelling to and from the airport, and its popularity has continued to grow since its implementation. In 2019, the Q70 served nearly 1.95 million passengers, and between 2016 and 2019, ridership increased by 35%. This growth led to the deployment of articulated buses on the route in June 2020 to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.

The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus is a convenient and cost-effective option for travellers heading to and from LaGuardia Airport. With its frequent service, connections to other transport lines, and dedicated luggage racks, it's no surprise that the Q70 is a popular choice for those travelling to the airport.

Shuttle services are also available to LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport in New York City is not served by a direct train or subway service. However, shuttle services are available to and from the airport, providing a convenient and affordable way to travel.

Shuttle services offer a hassle-free and budget-friendly transportation option for travellers. GO Airlink NYC, for instance, provides a shared shuttle service starting at $35 per person, allowing travellers to share the expense. This service is recommended by most Manhattan hotels and offers a seamless experience for those travelling to and from LaGuardia Airport. Additionally, SuperShuttle Express provides door-to-door service, ensuring travellers can bypass crowded entrances and packed shuttle services.

Shuttle services are typically available at regular intervals and can be booked in advance or upon arrival. They are an excellent choice for those seeking a cost-effective and timely option without the hassle of navigating traffic and finding parking. Most shuttle services cost around $20 per person, with some offering flat rates starting at $35. These services are usually shared rides, allowing travellers to split the cost with fellow passengers.

When considering a shuttle service, it is important to keep in mind potential limitations, such as wheelchair accessibility and specific drop-off locations within the airport. It is always advisable to check with the provider about any accessibility requirements and confirm the correct terminal for your flight before disembarking.

Shuttle services provide a convenient and affordable alternative for travellers heading to and from LaGuardia Airport, ensuring a stress-free transportation experience.

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