Laguardia Airport: An Efficient Travel Experience?

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City is the closest of the area's three major airports to Midtown Manhattan. While the airport has a poor reputation for its outdated, unclean facilities and lack of amenities, there are still plenty of things to do during a layover. From exploring the city to visiting the airport lounges, here is an introduction to making the most of your time at LaGuardia Airport.

Where to eat and drink at LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport has a range of options for eating and drinking, although none are considered better than average for an airport. You can find a decent range of food court options and a few sit-down restaurants in Terminals B, C, and D, but Terminal A has a lack of options.

For coffee, you can visit Birch Coffee on Concourse G, Gate D92, or Sweetleaf and Beecher's at Gates 24 to 30. Starbucks is also available on Concourse E, Gate 70. For something stronger, try the full-service cocktail bar Orpheus and Apollo, which has views of the runway and can be found pre-security in the atrium. Pour Authority in the same location offers coffee during the day and wine at night.

If you're looking for a quick bite, there are several grab-and-go options, including international chains like Wendy's on Level Four and Shake Shack at Gates 40 to 59. You can also find fast-casual tacos, burritos, and bowls at Mi Casa Cantina, Baggage, Level Two. For pizza, there's Rossi Pizzeria on Concourse G, Gate 92, and Tony and Benny's, a walk-up counter, in the Level Four food court. Poppy's Bagels, owned by the owners of Chuko Ramen, can be found on Concourse E, Gate 74.

For a sit-down meal, Mulberry Street, a casual restaurant with flatbreads, burgers, and paninis from celebrity chef Marc Forgione, is located in the Level Four food court. For Italian, try Sunday Supper Trattoria, a sit-down restaurant with grab-and-go sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and larger entrees, on Concourse E. Cotto, with acclaimed chef Michael White, serves burgers, salads, and pizzas in the C Gates. For something more exotic, try Talde, a noodle bar from Top Chef star Dale Talde, located in the Level Four food court.

If you have a long layover, you might want to try the airport lounge. If you are flying Air Canada, American, or United, or hold an American Express credit card, you can purchase a day pass to enter a lounge.

How to get to LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport is located in Queens, New York City, and there are several ways to get there. You can drive, but parking can be expensive, so it may be better to use a rental car service or park off-site and take a shuttle to the airport.

Public transportation is a cost-effective way to get to the airport. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) offers a reliable and affordable bus service with several routes to the airport. The Q70-SBS bus connects passengers to all LGA terminals and runs 24/7. The M60-SBS is the last bus that goes to the airport, stopping nearby at 3:25 am. The Q47, Q48, and Q70-SBS buses also go to the airport. You can use the MTA's TripPlanner+ to plan your journey and check bus timetables. You can pay with a MetroCard or exact change in coins.

Another option is to take the subway and bus combo. Board the NYC subway train closest to your location and get off at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue Station. From there, transfer to the Q70 Limited bus towards LaGuardia Airport.

If you are in Uptown Manhattan, you can take the M60 bus directly to the airport. From Midtown Manhattan, you can take the subway or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Queens, and then the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus. The LIRR fare varies, but the trip may be shorter. The Q70 bus stops at airport terminals C and B. For Terminal A, take the airport shuttle bus from Terminal B.

Finally, you can take a taxi or ride-share service to the airport. This option is convenient and can get you to the airport quickly, but it may be more expensive than public transportation.

What to do on a layover at LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport does not have the best reputation among NYC-area airports. Travellers have reported outdated, unclean facilities and a lack of amenities. However, there are still plenty of things to do during a layover at LaGuardia Airport.

If you're feeling hungry, you'll find a decent range of food court options and a few sit-down restaurants in Terminals B, C, and D, but Terminal A is lacking in this regard. Good burgers are available at Five Guys, Sam Adams and Biergarten are great for craft beers, and Crust serves up a solid New York slice of pizza. If you're looking for something more substantial, there are several sit-down restaurants in Terminals B, C, and D. However, there are no 24-hour dining options at the airport.

For those who want to do some shopping, Terminals B and C have the most options, including convenience stores and shops offering makeup, sunglasses, souvenirs, and technology. There are also a few duty-free areas. If you're looking for high-end fashion, head to Lacoste, Desigual, or TUMI, or check out Uniqlo for more affordable options.

If you want to relax and unwind, consider purchasing a day pass to one of the airport lounges. These lounges offer unlimited food and drinks, solid WiFi, comfortable seating, and a quiet environment conducive to work or relaxation. You can even treat yourself to a spa treatment at XpresSpa in Terminal C, which offers manicures, pedicures, facials, and express massages.

If you have a long layover and want to explore the area outside the airport, there are several options nearby. Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, is just two miles southeast of the airport, so you can catch a baseball game if you're there during the season. The Mets Hall of Fame, located adjacent to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, is another option for sports fans. Art lovers can head to the Marine Air Terminal to view James Brooks's mural, "Flight", which depicts the history of flying.

For those interested in exploring New York City's diverse neighbourhoods, Flushing is New York's Mandarin Chinatown, while Jackson Heights is a vibrant enclave of Latin American culture. Astoria, just a short distance from the airport along the Grand Central Parkway, is known for its Mediterranean culture. Manhattan and Chinatown or Greenwich Village are also accessible via the NYC Airporter van.

If you're looking for a place to rest, it's recommended to opt for a hotel nearby, as overnight stays at the airport are not advisable due to reports of homeless people and squatters in the public areas. However, free and unlimited WiFi is available throughout the airport, so you can stay connected and entertained during your layover.

Where to stay near LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport is located 2.1 miles from Flushing city centre. If you're looking for accommodation near the airport, there are plenty of options to choose from.

For example, the Vista LIC Hotel in Queens is a reliable choice, with reasonable prices, clean and comfortable rooms, and easy access to the subway to NYC. The Aloft LGA is another good option, located just a 4-minute walk from the nearest subway and a 10-minute walk from the airport. The neighbourhood also has lots of restaurants and small shops.

If you're looking for something more luxurious, the Renaissance New York Flushing Hotel and the Hyatt Place Flushing/LaGuardia Airport are both highly-rated options. The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel is another great choice, with spacious rooms and easy access to nearby theatres, restaurants, and subway stations.

For a more unique experience, you can also find accommodations like a 3 BR Duplex House in East Elmhurst, just 1.8 miles from the airport, or Eleni's Charming Studio in North Beach, 6.3 miles from St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Many hotels in the area offer complimentary benefits, such as free Wi-Fi, fitness centres, and breakfast. Some are also pet-friendly and provide amenities like pet beds and treats.

How to get to and from LaGuardia Airport by car

LaGuardia Airport is accessible by car via the Grand Central Parkway, which connects to the Interstate 278 to the south and the Interstate 495 to the east. Here are some tips for getting to and from the airport by car:

Driving Your Own Car

If you are driving your own car to LaGuardia Airport, there are a few parking options available. The airport offers daily, long-term, and short-term parking. Terminal parking garages are available but tend to be more expensive than economy lots. The cost of parking varies depending on the duration of your stay and the type of lot chosen.

Rental Cars

If you are considering renting a car to get to and from the airport, several rental car services are available at LaGuardia Airport. These services can provide you with a vehicle to get to and from the airport, and you can typically park your rental car at the airport if needed.

Ride-Share Services

Using ride-share services like Uber or Lyft is another option for getting to and from LaGuardia Airport by car. These services offer convenient and flexible transportation, and you can easily request a ride through their mobile apps. It's important to note that while ride-share companies are allowed to operate at the airport, they have designated pick-up locations, so be sure to check these locations ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available for getting to and from LaGuardia Airport. You can book a taxi in advance or hail one on the street. The travel time from most parts of New York City to the airport typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Keep in mind that some taxi drivers may take unfamiliar routes, which could result in a higher fare. It is recommended to agree on the fare price before starting your trip to avoid surprise extra charges.

Frequently asked questions