The easiest way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan without a car is by using public buses that connect directly to the NYC subway. This option is cheap, reliable, and runs every day. You don’t need a taxi, Uber, or rental car to reach Manhattan from LaGuardia.
Once you know which bus to take, the trip is straightforward.
Why LaGuardia Has No Train (And Why That’s Okay)
LaGuardia Airport does not have a direct subway or train station. This surprises many first-time visitors.
Instead, New York City uses bus-to-subway connections. These buses leave directly from the airport and drop you at major subway lines that go straight into Manhattan.
That’s why getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan without a car is still simple and affordable.
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Best Public Transport Options From LaGuardia
There are three main buses you should know. Each one connects to different parts of Manhattan.
M60 SBS – Best for Upper Manhattan
The M60 Select Bus Service (SBS) is the most popular option.
It connects LaGuardia Airport to:
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Harlem
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Upper West Side
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Upper East Side
You can transfer to multiple subway lines along the way.
Why people choose it
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Direct airport pickup
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Frequent service
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Easy subway transfers
This is often the best answer to how to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan without a car if you’re staying uptown.
Q70 SBS – Fastest Option to Midtown
The Q70 SBS, also called the “LaGuardia Link,” is designed for airport travelers.
It connects LaGuardia to:
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Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue
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Subway lines E, F, M, R, and 7
From there, Midtown Manhattan is a short subway ride.
This route is fast, clear, and luggage-friendly.
Q48 – Slower but Useful in Some Cases
The Q48 bus connects LaGuardia to Queens neighborhoods and subway lines.
It’s slower and more local, but it works if the SBS buses aren’t convenient for your destination.
Most travelers skip this unless needed.
Step-by-Step: Cheapest Way Without a Car
This is the most common method.
Step 1: Exit the Terminal and Find the Bus Stop
After baggage claim, follow signs for Ground Transportation or Public Buses. Bus stops are clearly marked outside each terminal.
Airport staff can point you to the correct stop.
Step 2: Take the Bus (M60 or Q70)
Board the bus and pay using:
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OMNY (tap your card or phone)
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MetroCard
Bus fare: about $2.75
No extra airport fee.
Step 3: Transfer to the Subway
Transfers between buses and subways are free within the allowed time.
From here, Manhattan is easy to reach.
This is the most affordable way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan without a car.
Total Cost and Travel Time
Cost
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Bus: ~$2.75
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Subway: Included with transfer
Total: ~$2.75
Travel Time
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45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic and destination
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Rush hour can add time
For the price, it’s hard to beat.
Is It Easy With Luggage?
Yes, but there are limits.
Buses have space near doors, and subway cars allow luggage. However:
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Large suitcases can be awkward during peak hours
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Elevators are not available at every station
If you pack light, this option is very manageable.
Why This Is Better Than a Taxi for Many Travelers
Taxis and rideshares from LaGuardia can be expensive and slow.
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Heavy traffic is common
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Prices increase during peak hours
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Travel time can be unpredictable
Public transport avoids traffic costs and keeps expenses low.
That’s why many locals and frequent travelers prefer getting from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan without a car.
When Public Transport Might Not Be Ideal
There are situations where a car makes sense.
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Late-night arrivals with limited buses
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Traveling with multiple large bags
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Small children and strollers
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Tight schedules
In these cases, convenience may matter more than savings.
Payment Tips for First-Time Visitors
You don’t need to buy tickets in advance.
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Tap your contactless card or phone
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Same payment works on bus and subway
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No MetroCard required
This makes the process easy even if it’s your first NYC trip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Getting on the wrong bus direction
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Forgetting to tap before boarding SBS buses
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Standing too far from the doors with luggage
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Traveling during peak rush hours with large bags
A little awareness makes the ride smoother.
Why There’s No One “Perfect” Route
Your best route depends on where you’re staying.
Upper Manhattan, Midtown, and Downtown all connect differently. The good news is that NYC’s subway system fills the gaps quickly once you leave the airport.
No matter where you stay, there is a practical way to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan without a car.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan without a car, public buses and the subway are the clear answer. They are cheap, reliable, and used daily by locals and travelers alike.
It may feel unfamiliar at first, but once you make the connection, it’s simple. You save money, avoid traffic stress, and arrive knowing you navigated New York like a local.
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