Look, landing at LaGuardia (LGA) is a whole different beast than it used to be. The renovations are stunning, sure, but the geography hasn't changed. You're still stuck in northern Queens, and if your goal is the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, you’ve got a bit of a puzzle to solve. Honestly, the "best" way depends entirely on whether you're prioritizing your wallet or your sanity.
Traffic in New York is a living, breathing monster. If you land at 5:00 PM on a rainy Tuesday, the taxi line will be a nightmare, and the Grand Central Parkway will look like a parking lot. On the flip side, if it's 10:00 PM on a Sunday, you can zip through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel in twenty minutes. Most people just pull up Google Maps and hope for the best, but there’s a nuance to the LaGuardia to Port Authority trek that locals know and tourists usually miss.
The Secret Weapon: The Q70 SBS "LaGuardia Link"
Most people assume they have to take a cab. They’re wrong. The Q70 Select Bus Service, branded as the "LaGuardia Link," is arguably the most efficient way to start your journey, and—here is the kicker—it’s currently free. Yes, actually free.
The bus picks up right outside the terminals (B and C) and runs non-stop to the Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street subway hub in Jackson Heights. It’s fast. You aren't sitting through local Queens traffic making thirty stops. Once you’re at Roosevelt Avenue, you hop on the E train heading toward Manhattan. The E train is your golden ticket because it drops you off at 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Why the E Train is Superior
You could take the 7 train or the F, but the E is the one that actually enters the Port Authority complex underground. You won't even have to walk outside. If it’s snowing or 95 degrees with 100% humidity, you’ll appreciate that tunnel connection. Total cost? Just the price of a subway fare ($2.90 as of 2024/2025 rates), since the bus was free. You just tap your credit card or phone at the subway turnstile using OMNY. Easy.
Taxis, Ubers, and the Reality of Midtown Traffic
Sometimes you just have too many suitcases to deal with the subway. I get it. Lugging a 50-pound checked bag through the Jackson Heights station—which, by the way, involves a fair amount of walking and some elevators that may or may not be working—is a special kind of hell.
If you grab a yellow cab from the official stand, expect to pay a metered fare. There is no "flat rate" from LGA like there is from JFK. You’re looking at anywhere from $45 to $70 depending on the time of day, plus a $1.25 airport exit fee, a $5.00 rush hour surcharge (weekdays 4 PM–8 PM), and, of course, a tip.
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The Rideshare Trap
Uber and Lyft are popular, but they can be a headache at LaGuardia. You have to follow the signs to the specific rideshare pickup zones, which are often a hike from the arrivals gate. During "surge" pricing, a ride to Port Authority can easily clear $100. Always check the price on the app before you commit, and compare it to the yellow cab line. Usually, if the Uber wait is more than 10 minutes, the taxi line is actually faster.
The Private Shuttle Option
You’ve probably seen the "Go Airlink" or "Carmel" vans. These are shared shuttle services. In theory, they’re a middle ground. In practice? They can be frustrating. You might be the first person dropped off, or you might be the eighth, meaning you’ll get a scenic—but unwanted—tour of every hotel in Midtown before you finally hit the Port Authority.
- Pros: Guaranteed seat, no subway stairs.
- Cons: Unpredictable timing, often costs $30-$40 per person.
If you’re traveling in a group of three or more, a taxi or Uber is almost always cheaper and faster than buying individual shuttle tickets.
The "Old School" Route: The M60 Bus
If you happen to be at Terminal A (the Marine Air Terminal), the Q70 isn't as convenient. Instead, you might see the M60-SBS. This bus goes across 125th Street in Harlem. To get to Port Authority this way, you’d take the M60 to the St. Nicholas Avenue stop and transfer to the A or C train going downtown.
The A train is an express that hits 42nd Street–Port Authority in just a few stops. It’s a very "New York" way to travel—loud, fast, and efficient. But be warned: the M60 can get crowded with commuters, and it’s not ideal if you have a massive amount of luggage.
Navigating the Port Authority Terminal Itself
Once you actually arrive at Port Authority, don't relax just yet. The building is a massive, confusing labyrinth of levels, wings (North and South), and gates. It handles over 200,000 passengers a day. If you’re catching a Greyhound, Peter Pan, or NJ Transit bus, give yourself at least 20 minutes just to find your gate once you're inside the building.
The terminal is split. Generally, long-distance carriers like Greyhound are on the lower levels or the fourth floor, while NJ Transit commuter buses occupy the second and third floors. Look for the digital departure screens immediately—they are more reliable than the printed signs.
Safety and Services
Port Authority has improved a lot, but it’s still a gritty urban hub. There’s a heavy police presence (Port Authority PD), which is comforting. If you need a snack or a bathroom, try to do it before you get deep into the gate areas, as the options become much more limited once you leave the main concourses.
Comparing Your Choices at a Glance
For those who want the quick breakdown, here is how the LaGuardia to Port Authority trip usually shakes out:
The Public Transit route (Q70 + E Train) takes about 50 to 70 minutes. It costs under $3. It's the most consistent because the subway isn't affected by bridge traffic.
The Taxi/Rideshare route takes anywhere from 25 minutes (middle of the night) to 90 minutes (Friday afternoon). It costs $50-$90. It's the only real choice if you have three bags and a stroller.
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The Private Shuttle takes about 60 to 90 minutes. It costs roughly $35. It's okay for solo travelers who are terrified of the subway but don't want to pay for a private car.
Important Nuances to Keep in Mind
Don't forget the "TLC" (Taxi and Limousine Commission) rules. Never, ever accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal building whispering "Taxi? Uber?" Those are "gypsy cabs." They aren't insured, they aren't regulated, and they will almost certainly overcharge you. Always go to the official outdoor stand where a dispatcher in a high-visibility vest is stationed.
Also, keep an eye on the "Gridlock Alert" days if you're traveling during the holidays. When the UN is in session or it’s the week before Christmas, Manhattan traffic literally stops. In those specific scenarios, the subway isn't just the cheap option—it's the only option that will actually get you to your bus on time.
Real-World Advice for the Weary
If you’ve just stepped off a six-hour flight and you're exhausted, take the cab. The extra $50 is a tax on your mental health. But if you’re a budget traveler or just someone who hates sitting in traffic, the Q70 to the E train is a surprisingly slick system that works better than most people give it credit for.
Actionable Steps for Your Arrival
First, check the traffic on your phone the moment you land. If the Grand Central Parkway is deep red, head straight for the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus stop outside Terminal B or C. Use the OMNY readers on the subway—don't waste time at a MetroCard machine.
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If you choose a car, follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Taxis." Do not exit the terminal until you see the official taxi line. Once in the car, tell the driver "Port Authority, 42nd and 8th." If you’re heading for a specific bus line, ask to be dropped off at the 8th Avenue entrance for the North Wing or the 9th Avenue entrance for certain NJ Transit gates. This can save you a five-minute walk through the crowded interior of the terminal.
Download the MYmta app for real-time subway alerts before you leave the airport. New York subways love a good weekend service change, and the E train might be running on the F line or skipping stops without warning. Checking the app while you're still on the airport Wi-Fi can save you from standing on a platform waiting for a train that isn't coming.
Check your bus departure gate on the Port Authority website or the "MyTerminal" app while you are in transit. Gates change frequently, and knowing exactly where you're headed—be it Gate 212 or Gate 405—makes the transition from the street to the bus significantly smoother.
Stick to these steps, and you'll make it from the LGA arrivals gate to your departing bus at Port Authority in the most efficient way possible for your specific situation.