New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has undergone a massive, multi-billion dollar glow-up. It's fancy now. But even with the shiny terminals and the high-end water features, one problem remains stubbornly, classically "New York": actually getting out of the airport. If you're heading to the neon chaos of Midtown, finding a LaGuardia to Times Square shuttle or a reliable ride is the first real test of your vacation.
Most people just instinctively open Uber. Don't do that yet.
The math on airport transfers has changed. Traffic on the Grand Central Parkway is basically a sentient being that hates you. Between the surge pricing and the "LaGuardia Ground Transportation Tax," that $40 ride can easily hit $85 before you’ve even crossed the RFK Bridge. This is where shared shuttles and clever public transit pivots come in. They aren't just for the budget-obsessed; they’re for anyone who doesn't want to pay a premium to sit in a Toyota Camry while staring at a stationary bumper for an hour.
The Reality of Shared Shuttle Services
When people talk about a LaGuardia to Times Square shuttle, they’re usually thinking of companies like Go Airlink NYC or NYC Airporter (now often operating under the Golden Touch brand). These are the big vans you see idling at the curb.
Here’s the deal. You pay per seat, usually somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 to $35. If you're traveling solo, the economics are great. You get a guaranteed seat, room for your luggage, and you don't have to navigate the subway with a 50-pound suitcase. However, "shared" is the operative word. You are at the mercy of every other passenger's hotel destination. If your hotel is on 42nd Street but the three other families in the van are staying at the Hilton on 54th, you’re going on a scenic tour of Midtown North first.
It’s a trade-off. You save money, but you pay in time. Honestly, if there are three or more of you, just get a yellow cab. The flat rates don't apply from LGA (only JFK), but the split cost will be cheaper and faster than buying three individual shuttle tickets.
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The "Secret" Shuttle: The LaGuardia Link Q70
If you want to feel like a local who actually knows what they’re doing, you use the Q70 LaGuardia Link. This is technically a bus, but it functions like a high-frequency airport shuttle. Best part? It’s completely free.
The city made the Q70 free a couple of years ago to encourage people to get off the roads. It runs 24/7 and picks up at Terminals B and C. It’s a "Select Bus Service," which is fancy talk for "it has its own lane and doesn't stop at every street corner." It shoots you straight to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station in Queens.
From there, you hop on the E, F, M, R, or 7 trains. The E train is your best friend here. It’s an express. It goes straight to 7th Avenue and 53rd Street or 42nd Street-Port Authority. From the moment you step off the bus to the moment you’re standing in the middle of Times Square, you’ve spent $2.90 (the subway fare) and maybe 35 to 45 minutes.
Compare that to a shuttle van that might take an hour just to get through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. The subway doesn't care about gridlock. It’s loud, it’s gritty, and you’ll probably see someone eating a full rotisserie chicken on the 7 train, but it’s the most reliable LaGuardia to Times Square shuttle alternative in existence.
Private Shuttles vs. The "Wild West" of Ground Transport
Walk out of Terminal B and you’ll be approached by guys in suits whispering "Taxi? Shuttles?"
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Ignore them. Always.
These are unlicensed "gypsy cabs." They aren't part of any official LaGuardia to Times Square shuttle network. They will charge you $150. They will tell you the subway is broken. They will tell you there are no more Ubers. It’s a lie. Stick to the official ground transportation pedestals.
If you want a private shuttle experience—meaning a black car or a pre-booked van—look into Carmel or Dial 7. These are institutions in NYC. You book them on an app or a website, they give you a flat price, and they’re waiting for you. For a family of five, a pre-booked private van is often the most "sane" way to get to Times Square without the logistical nightmare of dragging kids through the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Comparing Your Options at a Glance
- Shared Vans: Good for solo travelers. Expensive for groups. Slow due to multiple stops.
- The Q70 + Subway: The fastest way during rush hour. Virtually free. Hard if you have four suitcases.
- Yellow Cabs: Predictable. Use the official line. Expect to pay $45-$60 plus tip and tolls.
- Ride-Hailing (Uber/Lyft): Can be $40 or $140. Check the price before you leave the terminal.
Why the "Shuttle" Definition is Changing
In 2026, the concept of a shuttle is morphing. We're seeing more "micro-transit" experiments. Some boutique hotels in Times Square have started partnering with private van lines to offer direct pier-to-pier service, but it’s still fragmented.
The real "shuttle" of the future is likely the proposed light rail, but that’s been a political football for decades. For now, you are choosing between the comfort of a van and the efficiency of the tracks.
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If you're arriving at night, the shared shuttle loses its luster. Traffic dies down after 10:00 PM. At that point, a cab will zip you to Times Square in 20 minutes. But if you land at 5:00 PM on a Friday? God help you. The Q70 and the E train will beat every vehicle on wheels, every single time.
Navigating the Terminals
LaGuardia is split into Terminal A (the old Marine Air Terminal), Terminal B (the massive new one), and Terminal C (Delta’s fortress).
The shared LaGuardia to Times Square shuttle services pick up at all of them, but the staging areas are different. Terminal B has a dedicated "Welcome Center" on the arrivals level. Go there. Don't wander out into the street. The staff there are actually pretty helpful at pointing you toward the specific van you booked.
If you're at Terminal C, be prepared for a bit more of a walk. It's sprawling. Follow the green signs for "Buses" or the yellow signs for "Taxis."
Small Details That Save Your Sanity
Always have your destination hotel's exact address ready. There are about five different Marriotts and three different Westins within a six-block radius of Times Square. If you tell a shuttle driver "The Marriott," you might end up at the Marquis when you’re actually staying at the Central Park location.
Also, watch the tolls. If your driver takes the RFK Bridge (formerly the Triborough), there's a toll. If they take the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge), there isn't. Shuttles usually factor this into the ticket price, but for cabs and Ubers, it’s an add-on.
Actionable Steps for Your Arrival
- Check the Traffic Before You Land: Use the plane's Wi-Fi or check immediately upon landing. If the Grand Central Parkway is deep red on Google Maps, abandon the idea of a road-based shuttle.
- Download the OMNY App or Use Contactless: You don't need a MetroCard anymore. You can tap your phone or credit card on the Q70 bus and the subway. It’s seamless.
- Book Shared Shuttles in Advance: If you’ve decided on a service like Go Airlink, book it 24 hours early. Walk-up prices are often higher, and you might have to wait for the next available van.
- Pin the "For Hire Vehicle" Area: If you do go with Uber or Lyft, follow the signs to the dedicated parking garage. You cannot get an Uber at the terminal curb. You have to go to a specific floor in the parking structure.
- Locate the Q70 Bus Stop: It’s clearly marked outside Terminals B and C. Look for the "LaGuardia Link" branding.
Getting from LaGuardia to Times Square doesn't have to be a $100 ordeal. Whether you choose the shared van for the luggage help or the Q70 for the speed, the key is having a plan before you hit the pavement. New York rewards the prepared and eats the indecisive. Choose your ride, keep your luggage close, and welcome to the city.