Cheapest Ways to Get from LaGuardia to Times Square
Getting from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square doesn't have to drain your wallet — the cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Times Square is the Q70 Select Bus Service combined with the subway, costing just $2.90 total with OMNY or a MetroCard. LaGuardia sits roughly 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan, yet travelers overpay for rides daily simply because budget-friendly options aren't well publicized. This guide breaks down every realistic transportation option — from public buses and subways to taxis, ride-shares, and private car services — with exact fares, pickup locations by terminal, and honest travel time estimates. Whether the priority is saving money, saving time, or finding the best balance of both, the right option for the trip is below.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get from LaGuardia to Times Square?
The cheapest way to get from LaGuardia to Times Square is the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus combined with an NYC subway train, costing a single fare of $2.90 each way. That price covers the entire journey — from any terminal at LGA to the heart of Midtown Manhattan — thanks to a free transfer between the Q70 and the subway within the MTA system.
Budget-conscious travelers arriving at LaGuardia Airport can expect transportation costs to fall into three broad tiers:
- Public transit (Q70 + subway): $2.90 total with a free interagency transfer
- Shared airport shuttle bus service: $19–$35 per person depending on the provider
- Taxi or private car service: $35–$60+ before tip, plus tolls
- Ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft): $30–$55 during normal conditions, higher during peak hours
Each option trades cost for convenience. Public transportation requires more walking and transfers but delivers the best value by a wide margin. Private car service and ride-sharing offer door-to-door service at a significant premium. This guide breaks down every realistic option for getting from LGA to Times Square so travelers can choose the route that fits their budget and timeline.
How Does the LaGuardia Link Q70 Bus and Subway Work?
The LaGuardia Link Q70 Select Bus Service is the backbone of the cheapest route from LGA to Times Square. Understanding exactly how it works saves both money and confusion at the terminal.
Step-by-Step: Q70 to Subway to Times Square
The Q70 SBS departs from every LaGuardia Airport terminal, including Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminals C and D. Pickup stops are clearly marked outside each terminal's arrivals level. No fare is collected on the bus itself — the Q70 ride is free when you pay the subway fare using OMNY or a MetroCard.
Follow these steps to complete the journey:
- Locate the Q70 SBS stop outside your arrival terminal on the departures/arrivals roadway.
- Board the bus and ride approximately 10–15 minutes to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station in Queens.
- Tap your OMNY card or swipe your MetroCard at the subway turnstile to pay the $2.90 MTA base fare.
- Board the E, F, M, or 7 train toward Manhattan.
- Exit at Times Square–42nd Street station, which all four lines serve directly.
Total travel time from terminal to Times Square runs 45–60 minutes under typical conditions. Peak hours add delays, and crowded trains during morning and evening rush periods make maneuvering with large luggage difficult.
The Q70 operates 24/7, running every 5–10 minutes during peak hours and every 15–20 minutes late at night — though frequency drops significantly after midnight, so late-night arrivals should factor in potential wait times. Best Way from LaGuardia to Times Square: 2025 Guide
One underrated advantage of the Q70 over other MTA bus routes: it features dedicated luggage racks, which most NYC buses do not offer — a meaningful comfort for travelers hauling checked-bag-sized luggage. Best Way from LaGuardia to Times Square: 2025 Guide
Which Subway Lines Connect to Times Square?
Four subway lines at Jackson Heights connect directly to Times Square–42nd Street. The E and F trains run express and make the connection reliably. The M train operates during weekday daytime hours only. The 7 train also stops at Times Square and is a strong option for travelers already comfortable with Queens subway geography. MTA schedules confirm all four lines serve the Times Square–42nd Street station, making this transfer point one of the most connected in New York City's public transportation system.
How Do All LGA-to-Times-Square Options Compare by Cost and Time?
Every LGA-to-Times-Square option differs by fare, travel time, and comfort level. The table below compares all six main routes so travelers can match the right service to their budget and schedule.
| Transportation Option | Estimated Fare | Typical Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q70 bus + subway | ~$2.90 | 45–60 min | Budget travelers |
| M60 bus + subway | ~$2.90 | 55–70 min | Travelers near Astoria |
| NYC taxi (metered) | $30–$50+ | 25–45 min | 1–2 passengers with luggage |
| Uber/Lyft (standard) | $30–$60 | 25–45 min (surge pricing applies) | Door-to-door convenience |
| Private car service | $55–$85 flat | 30–50 min | Groups or business travel |
| Airport shuttle bus | $20–$35/person | 40–60 min | Solo travelers wanting simplicity |
For travelers prioritizing speed over cost, Blade offers premium helicopter and car transfer service from LaGuardia at a significantly higher price point. Peak hours on the Van Wyck and Grand Central Expressway can push car-based travel times toward the upper end of these ranges.
Is Uber, a Taxi, or Private Car Service Worth the Extra Cost?
Ride-sharing services, taxis, and private car services all deliver door-to-door service from LaGuardia Airport to Times Square — but the cost differences between them are significant depending on when you travel.
Uber and Lyft fares to Times Square average $35–$55 under normal conditions. During peak hours — Friday nights, post-event traffic, or rush hour — surge pricing pushes those fares to $70 or higher. Always check the fare estimate in the app before booking.
NYC yellow taxis charge a metered fare plus tolls and tip. Off-peak, the total lands between $35–$50, which frequently matches or beats Uber without the surge risk. Taxis pick up from designated zones at Terminal B's arrivals level — no app required.
Private car services charge flat rates, typically $55–$85 depending on vehicle class. That rate locks in regardless of traffic or time of day, making private car service the most predictable option for budget planning.
Three factors to weigh when choosing between these options:
- Uber and Lyft are cheapest off-peak but carry surge risk during busy travel windows
- Yellow taxis offer metered transparency and are competitive off-peak without app-based price spikes
- Private car services cost the most upfront but eliminate fare uncertainty entirely
What Are the Best Tips for Saving Money on the LGA-to-Times-Square Journey?
Knowing a few insider tactics separates a smooth LGA arrival from a stressful one. These five money-saving strategies apply across the most common traveler scenarios — solo with a carry-on, a family hauling checked bags, or a Friday night arrival into a congested city:
- Tap your credit or debit card directly on the OMNY reader at any MTA bus or subway turnstile — no MetroCard purchase required, and the $2.90 fare is identical. Important: You must use the same payment method for both legs of the journey to qualify for the free transfer. Paying cash on the Q70 bus and then swiping a MetroCard at the subway turnstile means paying twice — a common and avoidable mistake. Best Way from LaGuardia to Times Square: 2025 Guide
- Avoid Uber or Lyft during weekday peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM), when surge pricing can double the base fare.
- Split a taxi or rideshare with travel companions — two or three people sharing a flat-rate car service can undercut the per-person public transit cost when luggage is involved.
- Check MTA service alerts before leaving the airport — weekend diversions on the E, F, or 7 trains add 20 or more minutes to the journey.
- Book rideshare during weekday midday or late-night windows for the lowest fares and fastest travel times into Times Square.
What's the Fastest Way to Get from LGA to Times Square?
A taxi or Uber covers the LGA-to-Times-Square journey in 25–35 minutes during light traffic, making it the fastest door-to-door option. Travel times by car vary dramatically by time of day: off-peak windows (late morning or mid-afternoon) typically take 15–25 minutes, rush hour (7–10 AM and 4–7 PM) stretches to 35–60+ minutes, and late-night rides can be as fast as 13–18 minutes. Holiday periods and major event days are unpredictable and often exceed 45 minutes. Best Way from LaGuardia to Times Square: 2025 Guide
During peak hours or bad weather, those estimates can stretch past an hour, while the Q70 bus and subway combination stays more predictable. Unlike JFK, LaGuardia has no AirTrain or direct rail link to Manhattan — a common misconception that catches travelers off guard. The absence of a direct rail link at LGA is a well-documented gap: a 2023 Port Authority of New York & New Jersey study — conducted by an independent team including Bechtel, WSP, and Nelson\Nygaard — formally evaluated multiple mass transit solutions for the airport, including subway extensions and light rail options, underscoring that no quick fix is imminent for travelers. Options for Mass Transit Solutions to LGA – Port Authority of NY & NJ
The Long Island Rail Road from nearby Woodside station is technically accessible via the Q70, but the added transfer complexity rarely beats the bus-subway route on cost or overall simplicity for most New York City visitors.