Catching The Metro At Laguardia Airport: Is It Possible?

can you catch the metro at laguardiia airport

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of the three New York City airports, located in the borough of Queens, and is the closest airport to Midtown Manhattan. While the airport has never had a direct rail link, there are several public transportation options to get to and from the airport. The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service is free and connects passengers to all LGA terminals, running 24/7. Passengers can then transfer to the subway at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. subway station. The M60 bus is another option, stopping at every airport terminal and connecting to several subway stations.

Characteristics Values
Is there a metro at LaGuardia Airport? No, LaGuardia Airport does not have a direct metro connection.
Nearest Metro Station The nearest metro station is Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. subway station, which can be reached via the Q70 bus.
Bus Options Q70 LaGuardia Link, M60-SBS, Q47, Q48, M60, Q70-SBS
Bus Fares Q70 LaGuardia Link: Free; M60-SBS: $2.90; Other fares vary
Subway Lines E, M, F, R, 7, N, W
Other Public Transport Options Long Island Rail Road & AirTrain, Subway and Bus Combo, Shared Shuttle, Taxi, Uber

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The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service is a free public transit line in Queens, New York City. It runs between the 61st Street-Woodside station and Terminals C and B at LaGuardia Airport, with intermediate stops at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station and 94th Street. The Q70 bus route was created to provide faster bus service between Woodside, Jackson Heights, and LaGuardia Airport.

The Q70 bus runs 24 hours a day and has special luggage racks for travellers. It runs approximately every 8-10 minutes during daytime hours and provides a direct non-stop trip to LaGuardia Terminals B, C, and D from the 74th Street-Broadway/Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue subway station. The Jackson Heights stop is the most heavily used stop on the route.

To continue your trip on the subway or another local bus after taking the Q70 bus, you can use OMNY by tapping your contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, or wearable device. You can also purchase and use a MetroCard. Transfers between the subway and bus are free for two hours when you use the same card or device.

The Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service has been free for all riders since May 1, 2022, following Governor Hochul's announcement. Previously, the LaGuardia Link was offered as a free service on select weekends and holidays to alleviate roadway congestion and encourage the use of public transportation.

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You can also take the M60 bus, which costs $2.90 and stops at every airport terminal

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to get to or from LaGuardia Airport, consider taking the M60 bus. This bus service is an excellent option, with the added benefit of stopping at every airport terminal for added convenience.

The M60 bus fare is a flat rate of $2.90, which is a small price to pay for the convenience of a direct airport connection. This bus service is easily accessible, with many stops located near subway stations, making it a great choice for travellers looking to connect to other forms of public transportation. One of the most convenient aspects of the M60 bus is its proximity to subway stations, providing travellers with seamless connections to the wider transportation network.

The M60 bus route includes stops at Terminal C and Terminal B of LaGuardia Airport. If you're arriving at or departing from Terminal A, there's no need to worry—the M60 bus also services this terminal, providing a seamless connection to and from the airport. This comprehensive coverage ensures that all travellers can take advantage of this affordable and convenient transportation option.

To make payment as seamless as possible, the M60 bus accepts various payment methods. You can pay on board using OMNY, which allows you to tap your contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, or wearable device. Alternatively, you can use your MetroCard or exact change at a curbside kiosk. If you're using a MetroCard or cash, remember to obtain a receipt as proof of payment before boarding the bus.

The M60 bus is a Select Bus Service, which means it offers certain advantages over regular bus routes. For instance, you can enjoy the convenience of paying your fare before you board, saving time and streamlining your journey. Additionally, the M60 bus operates on a 24-hour schedule, ensuring that you can always rely on this service, no matter the time of your arrival or departure.

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The Long Island Rail Road and AirTrain is a scenic route to the airport

LaGuardia Airport can be accessed via the 7 subway line or the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service. The Q70 bus service is free and connects to the subway at Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue station. The M60 bus also serves LaGuardia Airport, stopping at every terminal.

If you are travelling to or from Midtown Manhattan or Downtown Brooklyn, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and AirTrain is a scenic route to the airport. The LIRR is the oldest railroad in the United States still operating under its original name and charter. It has been in operation since 1834 and has 126 stations with over 700 miles of track. It is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying 250,000 customers each weekday on 947 daily trains. The LIRR is publicly owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

To get to LaGuardia Airport from Manhattan or Brooklyn via the LIRR and AirTrain, you can board the LIRR at Penn Station or Grand Central in Manhattan, or Atlantic Terminal in Downtown Brooklyn. The LIRR trains from Penn Station and Grand Central go through Woodside, where you can transfer to the Q70 bus to get to the airport. The Q70 bus stop is on Roosevelt Avenue and serves Terminals B and C. For Terminal A, you can take the airport shuttle bus from Terminal B.

The AirTrain is an automated people mover that connects to all airport terminals. The AirTrain fare is usually $8.50, but there is a reduced summer fare of $4.25 valid through Labor Day.

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The subway and bus combo is an affordable way to get to the airport

If you're looking for an affordable way to get to LaGuardia Airport, the subway and bus combo is a great option. This method offers convenient routes to the airport and can save you money compared to private transportation options like taxis or limos. Here's everything you need to know to navigate this cost-effective route like a pro.

Subway to Bus Transfer

The first step is to board the NYC subway train closest to your location that will take you to the bus station at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue Station. This station is a convenient transfer point for your journey to the airport. Remember to look for clear signage in the stations to guide your transfer easily.

Bus Options to LaGuardia Airport

Once you arrive at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue Station, it's time to transfer to a bus that will take you directly to LaGuardia Airport. You have a few options for buses, depending on your specific location and needs:

  • Q70 Limited Bus: This bus route is specifically tailored to travellers heading to LaGuardia Airport. It stops at airport terminals C and B. For service to Terminal A, you can take the airport shuttle bus from Terminal B. The Q70 bus provides a seamless connection to the airport and runs nonstop every 8-10 minutes. Best of all, the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus service is entirely free!
  • M60 Bus: The M60 bus is another excellent option, especially if you're travelling from Manhattan or Queens. It stops at every airport terminal, making it a convenient choice. The fare for the M60 is $2.90, and you can pay using OMNY, a MetroCard, or with exact change in coins.
  • Other Bus Routes: Depending on your location, you might also consider taking the Q47, Q48, or M60-SBS bus routes to reach LaGuardia Airport. These buses offer connections to different parts of the city.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Allow Extra Time: Traffic in New York City can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to give yourself some buffer time when travelling to LaGuardia Airport.
  • Plan Your Route: Check bus timetables and plan your journey in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.
  • Payment Methods: For the bus, you can usually pay with a MetroCard or exact change in coins. Some buses also accept OMNY, where you can tap your contactless debit or credit card, smartphone, or wearable device.
  • Proof of Payment: Remember to obtain a receipt as proof of payment before boarding the bus, especially when using a MetroCard or exact change.
  • Luggage Considerations: Keep the bus aisles and seats clear by stowing your bags on the provided luggage racks whenever possible.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can take advantage of the affordable subway and bus combo to reach LaGuardia Airport comfortably and efficiently. Enjoy your journey and happy travels!

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A subway extension to LaGuardia Airport has been proposed since 1943

LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York City, is considered the only major US airport without a train service. The nearest subway station is 3 miles (4.8 km) away, and the M60 bus is the only public transportation route between Manhattan and the airport. Given that 46.8% of travellers going to LaGuardia from Manhattan arrive by taxi, causing pollution and traffic congestion, a rail link has been seen as a priority for some time.

In the 1990s, there was demand for a direct rail link between Midtown Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport. In 1990, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) proposed a $1.6 billion rail link to LaGuardia and JFK airports, to be developed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). The PANYNJ set aside $40 million for engineering and marketing, but the line was cancelled in 1995 due to escalating costs, political unpopularity, and the potential for the project to cause financial difficulty.

Another proposal in 1998 entailed extending the Astoria Line, and in 1999, the MTA narrowed the project down to two options: the elevated extension of the Astoria Line from Ditmars Boulevard and the route through Sunnyside Yard. However, all four proposed extensions of the N to LaGuardia were strongly opposed by local residents, and the project was also opposed by some transit advocates due to its indirect route to Midtown Manhattan, high cost estimate, and potential to prevent further rail transit connections to LaGuardia.

In 2014, the AirTrain LaGuardia was proposed as a 1.5-mile-long elevated railway that would provide service to LaGuardia Airport, connecting with the New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in Willets Point. The project was highly controversial, with advocates touting improved access to the airport and reduced traffic congestion and air pollution, while opponents criticised the indirect route to Midtown Manhattan and the high cost estimate. Construction was projected to start in 2019, with passenger service in 2023, but it is unclear if this timeline is still on track.

Frequently asked questions

No, LaGuardia Airport does not have a direct metro connection. However, you can take the Q70 bus to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. subway station and then take the subway.

The LaGuardia Link Q70 bus service is free. However, if you are transferring from the subway to the bus, you will need to pay a fare of $2.90.

The Q70 bus stops in front of Terminals B and C and runs nonstop every 8-10 minutes to the subway. For service to Terminal A, take the airport shuttle bus from Terminal B.

Yes, you can also take the M60 bus, which stops at every airport terminal. The fare for the M60 is $2.90. Additionally, you can take the Long Island Rail Road and AirTrain combination, which costs $15.

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