Roberta Aguirre
LaGuardia Airport in New York City can be reached by train, although it is the only major US Northeast airport without a direct rail connection. Travellers can take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, Jamaica or Brooklyn, and then transfer to the AirTrain to reach the airport. Alternatively, the subway can be taken to Queens, followed by the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus. However, some travellers have described the state of airport transportation in New York as embarrassing, with no direct train route to LaGuardia Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport options | Taxi, ride-share, shuttle, bus, train, subway |
| Airports with direct train access | JFK Airport |
| Bus options | MTA bus, M60 bus, Q70 Select Bus, LaGuardia Link Q70 bus |
| Subway options | 7 train, E, F, M, R trains |
| Train options | Long Island Rail Road, AirTrain |
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What You'll Learn
Taking the train from Penn Station
LaGuardia Airport is the only major US Northeast airport without a direct rail connection. However, you can still get to LaGuardia Airport from Penn Station by train or subway. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Buying Tickets
You can buy tickets in advance or at the station. Ticket machines are available at Penn Station, or you can purchase tickets using your phone.
Getting to the Platform
To get to the correct platform, follow the signs or ask a station attendant for help.
Taking the Train
To get to LaGuardia Airport from Penn Station by train, you have two options:
- Take the 7 subway line to Mets-Willets Point station and then board an airport shuttle bus to your terminal.
- Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)'s Port Washington line to Woodside Station for direct access to the airport's Central Terminal Area.
Please note that the LIRR and subway schedules may be more limited during weekends and late-night hours, so it is recommended to check the timetables before your journey.
Alternative Route: Subway and Bus
If you prefer, you can also take the subway and then transfer to a bus. Take the E, F, M, or R train to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave station. From there, transfer to the Q70 bus, which goes directly to LaGuardia Airport.
Additional Information
The Q70 bus service is free, but the subway and LIRR have separate fares. The M60-SBS Select Bus Service is another bus option, offering a direct link to LaGuardia Airport with stops at each terminal. This bus runs 24/7, with frequent departures.
For a more comfortable and direct journey, you can also consider taking a taxi, ride-sharing service, or shuttle service from Penn Station to LaGuardia Airport. These options may be more expensive but can be more convenient, especially during peak hours.
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The AirTrain from Jamaica Station
LaGuardia Airport does not currently have a rail connection. However, there are plans to implement an express train to the airport in the future.
In the meantime, if you are referring to the AirTrain at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the AirTrain connects all passenger terminals to airport parking lots, the hotel shuttle pick-up area, the rental car centre, and New York City's public transportation network at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. At Jamaica Station, you can connect to the Long Island Rail Road, the NYC Subway, and public buses.
The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) train ride from Penn Station or Grand Central Station takes 20 minutes to AirTrain JFK's Jamaica Station. From there, it takes 10 to 15 minutes on the AirTrain to your terminal. The standard AirTrain fare is $8.50, which can be paid for with cash, a credit or debit card, or a MetroCard at the vending machines at Jamaica Station.
The AirTrain is driverless and operates 24/7, with three lines and nine stations within the New York City borough of Queens. It is ADA-compliant, with elevators and escalators, as well as two designated wheelchair locations on each vehicle. The construction of the AirTrain also led to the development of several projects in Jamaica, including the Jamaica Center Mall, Joseph P. Addabbo Federal Building, and a 15-screen movie theatre, leading to a boom in commerce in the area.
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The Q70 bus from Queens
LaGuardia Airport currently lacks a direct rail connection, with buses being the chosen short-term solution for travellers. One option for those looking to take public transport to the airport is the Q70 bus from Queens.
The Q70 bus, also known as the LaGuardia Link, provides a direct connection between Woodside LIRR, Jackson Heights E F M R 7 Subway, and LaGuardia Airport. The bus route covers Terminals B and C, which are fare-free zones for the Q70. The Q70 bus stops at multiple locations along its route, including Roosevelt Av/61 St, 74 St/Roosevelt Av Station, LaGuardia Rd/94 St, and Woodside Av/61 St.
The Q70 bus service provides real-time updates on its website, allowing passengers to track the bus's location and estimate their travel time. The website also offers information on the number of passengers on each bus, aiding travellers in finding buses with more seating availability.
For those looking to take the Q70 bus from Queens to LaGuardia Airport, it is essential to plan your journey in advance. Utilising the real-time updates and passenger estimates can help ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. While LaGuardia Airport awaits a direct rail connection, the Q70 bus service from Queens offers a viable alternative for travellers looking to reach the airport via public transportation.
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The subway
LaGuardia Airport can be reached by taking the subway. However, it does not connect directly to the airport, and travellers will need to transfer to a bus to complete their journey.
From Uptown Manhattan, travellers can take the M60 bus directly to the airport. From Midtown Manhattan, travellers can take the subway or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Queens, and then transfer to the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus. The subway fare is $2.90, but it may take longer than the LIRR, for which fares vary.
To get to the airport from JFK Airport, travellers can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E train to the airport, or take the Q10 or Q70 bus to the airport.
There have been proposals to extend the subway to LaGuardia Airport, but these have not yet been implemented. The recommended method for a rail connection appears to be a subway extension since the AirTrain project has been cancelled. One proposal suggests extending the N and W train lines to Terminals B and C, with the option of combining the stations into one to save costs. Another proposal suggests extending the 7 train to the airport, with the line staying elevated along the Grand Central Parkway until it reaches Astoria Boulevard, before going into a short tunnel under the parkway to avoid Runway 4.
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The Long Island Rail Road
LaGuardia Airport is the only major airport in the US Northeast that does not have a rail connection. While there have been proposals for a direct train to the airport, none have been implemented. However, travellers can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to reach various destinations in Long Island and New York City.
The LIRR is the oldest and busiest commuter railroad in North America, operating under its original name since its charter in 1834. It carries an average of 301,000 customers each weekday on 735 daily trains, serving 124 stations across Long Island, including Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. The LIRR system consists of over 700 miles of track on 11 different branches, with three main trunk lines: the Main Line, the Montauk Branch, and the Atlantic Branch. The Main Line runs between Long Island City and Greenport via Jamaica, while the Montauk Branch runs along the southern edge of the island between Long Island City and Montauk, also via Jamaica. The Atlantic Branch primarily operates in New York City, running between Atlantic Terminal and Valley Stream, again via Jamaica. The LIRR fare system is based on the distance travelled, with eight non-consecutively numbered fare zones.
The LIRR provides access to numerous attractions, including white-sand beaches, historic lighthouses, Gold Coast Mansions, vineyards, vibrant downtowns, and golf courses. It also connects travellers to popular destinations such as Montauk, the Hamptons, and Long Island Wine Country. Additionally, passengers can use the LIRR to attend Yankees games by transferring to the 4 train or Metro-North at Grand Central Station.
The LIRR has a rich history, initially focusing on providing daily service between New York City and Boston via a ferry connection. Over time, it faced competition from other railroads and underwent acquisitions, eventually consolidating into its current form. Despite being unprofitable for much of its history, the LIRR benefited from the Pennsylvania Railroad's investment in the early 1900s, enabling expansion and modernisation. Today, it continues to play a vital role in transportation across Long Island and New York City, providing essential connections for commuters and tourists alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, Jamaica or Brooklyn to LaGuardia Airport.
Other ways to get to LaGuardia Airport include taking a taxi, ride-share, shuttle, bus, or the AirTrain.
To get to LaGuardia Airport from JFK Airport, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E train to the airport, or take the Q10 or Q70 bus to the airport.
