Getting From New York JFK to LaGuardia Without Losing Your Mind

You've just landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport. You're tired. Your bags are heavy, and suddenly you realize your connecting flight isn't at the next gate—it’s across the borough at LaGuardia. Navigating the trek from New York JFK to LaGuardia is basically a rite of passage for East Coast travelers, but honestly, it can be a total nightmare if you don't have a plan.

It’s about 12 miles. That sounds like nothing, right? In any other city, 12 miles is a fifteen-minute breeze. In Queens, those 12 miles can take twenty minutes or two hours depending on whether a single double-parked delivery truck is hanging out on the Van Wyck Expressway.

The Ground Reality of the Queens Transfer

Let's get one thing straight: there is no magic train. Unlike many international hubs where a monorail or a dedicated rail line zips you between terminals, New York makes you work for it. You are essentially exiting one ecosystem and entering another.

Most people assume the AirTrain is the answer. It’s not—at least not entirely. The AirTrain connects JFK’s terminals to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), but it doesn't just "go" to LaGuardia. If you want to use the rails, you’re looking at a multi-leg journey that involves the AirTrain, a train to Woodside or Jamaica, and then a bus or another ride-share. It’s a lot of lifting.

The Ride-Share Gamble and the Yellow Cab

If you have the budget, a car is the most straightforward way to handle the New York JFK to LaGuardia shuffle. But even this has nuances that catch people off guard.

Uber and Lyft are the default for most, but here's a pro tip: check the price of a traditional Yellow Cab. At JFK, there are organized taxi stands outside every terminal. While JFK to Manhattan has a flat fare, JFK to LaGuardia is metered. On a good day with no traffic, you might get lucky. On a bad day? That meter keeps ticking while you stare at the bumper of a Greyhound bus.

Expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $85, plus tip and tolls. Also, New York ride-share apps often use "surge pricing" during peak hours—usually weekday mornings and late afternoons. I've seen prices hit $110 for a basic X ride during a rainstorm. If the app says it’s over $90, walk to the taxi stand. It’ll almost certainly be cheaper.

Public Transit: The "Cheap but Tough" Route

If you’re a solo traveler with just a backpack and a lot of patience, you can do this for under $15.

1. Take the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station ($8.50).
2. Look for the Q47 or Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service).
3. The Q70, specifically the "LaGuardia Link," is actually free.

Wait, did I say free? Yeah. The Q70 SBS is a dedicated bus that runs from the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av/74 St subway station and the Woodside LIRR station directly to LaGuardia Terminals B and C. It’s designed for travelers. It has luggage racks. It’s fast once you’re on it.

The trick is getting to it. From Jamaica Station (where the AirTrain drops you), you can take the E train toward Manhattan and get off at 74th St-Broadway to catch that free bus. It sounds like a lot of steps. It is. But if you’re trying to save $70 to spend on an overpriced airport salad later, this is the move.

The Van Wyck Factor

You cannot talk about going from New York JFK to LaGuardia without mentioning the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678). It is, quite possibly, the most unpredictable stretch of pavement in America.

Construction has been a constant presence for years. The "JFK Transformation" project, which is a massive multi-billion dollar overhaul of the airport, has made the surrounding roads a labyrinth of shifting lanes and sudden closures. If your GPS says 40 minutes, give yourself 80. Seriously.

The alternative is the Grand Central Parkway. Sometimes it's better; sometimes it’s just a different flavor of gridlock. If you are driving yourself or in a cab, trust the driver if they start taking side streets through Richmond Hill or Briarwood. They aren't trying to kidnap you; they’re trying to bypass a three-mile backup caused by a fender bender at the Jackie Robinson Parkway interchange.

Timing Your Connection: Don't Cut It Close

A common mistake is booking a connection with only two or three hours of lead time. That is a massive gamble.

Think about the timeline:

• Deplaning and grabbing bags: 45 minutes.
• Waiting for a car or getting to the bus: 20 minutes.
• Actual travel time: 45 to 90 minutes.
• Checking in and clearing security at LaGuardia: 45 minutes.

You need a minimum of four hours to feel even remotely safe. Five hours if you want to actually breathe. LaGuardia (LGA) has undergone a stunning renovation recently—Terminal B is genuinely world-class now—so if you arrive early, it’s not the miserable experience it used to be. You can grab a decent coffee, find a seat with a charging port, and relax.

Shuttles: The Forgotten Middle Ground

There used to be a plethora of private "inter-airport" shuttles. Post-2020, that market thinned out significantly. ETS Airport Shuttle and some private van services still operate, usually charging around $30–$40 per person.

The benefit here is that they handle the luggage for you. The downside is that they often wait to fill the van before departing. You might sit at the JFK curb for 20 minutes while they scout for more passengers. If you're in a rush, skip the shuttle. If you're solo and have two massive suitcases, it's a viable middle ground between the $10 bus and the $80 Uber.

What about the "Blade" Helicopter?

If you're feeling fancy—or desperate—there’s Blade. They fly between JFK and Manhattan, but they don't have a direct "shuttle" flight to LaGuardia. However, for the right price, you can charter or find a route that gets you close. It’s mostly for the 1% or people who have a very important meeting and a very large corporate expense account. For 99% of us, we’re stuck on the Van Wyck with everyone else.

Dealing with Terminals at LaGuardia

When you finally arrive at LGA, make sure you know your terminal. LaGuardia is essentially split into Terminal A (the historic Marine Air Terminal, mostly JetBlue/Frontier), Terminal B (United, American, Southwest, Air Canada), and Terminal C (Delta).

The distance between Terminal A and Terminal C is not walkable. If your Uber drops you at the wrong one, you’re looking at another 10-15 minute wait for an internal airport shuttle. Double-check your airline app before you tell the driver where to go. Terminal B and C are the "new" parts of the airport and are stunning, but they are physically distinct.

Real Talk: Is it worth it?

Honestly, sometimes it's better to just pay the extra $100 for a flight that stays at the same airport. By the time you factor in the ride-share, the stress, and the potential for a missed flight, the "cheaper" deal that requires an airport swap often loses its luster.

But, if you're already committed, just lean into the chaos. Queens is a fascinating place. You’ll catch glimpses of the Unisphere from the 1964 World's Fair as you pass Flushing Meadows Corona Park. You'll see the diverse neighborhoods that make New York what it is. It's a localized road trip.

👉 See also: Lake Sabbatia: Why This Taunton Spot is More Than Just a Fishing Hole

Practical Steps for a Smooth Transfer

To make the trek from New York JFK to LaGuardia as painless as possible, follow these specific steps:

• Check Google Maps/Waze the moment you land. Don't wait until you're at the curb. If the Van Wyck is deep red, you know you're in for a long haul.
• Download the MTA's TrainTime app if you decide to take the LIRR. It’s way more user-friendly than trying to figure out the paper schedules at Jamaica Station.
• Keep your luggage tags. If you’re switching airlines, you’ll have to re-check your bags. Ensure you have all your claim tickets handy.
• Use the restrooms at JFK before getting in a car. There is nothing worse than being stuck in traffic on the Grand Central Parkway when you really have to go.
• Have your LaGuardia terminal ready. Don't just say "LaGuardia" to the driver. Say "Delta Terminal C" or "American Terminal B."

Summary of Options

If you want the fastest route, take a Yellow Cab or Uber, but be prepared for the price and the traffic. If you want the cheapest route, take the AirTrain to Jamaica, the E train to 74th St-Broadway, and the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus. If you have tons of luggage, look for a private van shuttle. No matter what, give yourself a four-hour window to avoid a heart attack.

New York infrastructure is a beast, but it’s a predictable beast once you know its habits. Pack some snacks, keep your phone charged, and remember that even if you're stuck in traffic, you're at least getting a very expensive tour of Queens.

Final Checklist Before You Leave JFK

1. Verify your LGA terminal on your airline's mobile app.
2. Check the "Live" traffic on a mapping app to see if there are major accidents on the I-678.
3. If using ride-share, compare Uber and Lyft prices—they vary wildly in NYC.
4. Ensure you have your physical ID or Passport easily accessible for the second security screening at LGA.
5. Take a deep breath; you'll get there eventually.