How to Get from LGA to JFK Airport: 5 Best Transportation Options
Navigating between New York City’s two major airports can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or pressed for time. Whether you’ve landed at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and need to catch a connecting international flight at John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), or you’re simply exploring your transportation options, understanding the available methods can save you time, money, and stress.
The distance between LGA and JFK is approximately 10-15 miles, but don’t let that modest distance fool you. Travel time can vary dramatically from 30 minutes during off-peak hours to well over 90 minutes during rush hour traffic. With five distinct transportation options available, each offering different benefits in terms of cost, convenience, and travel time, choosing the right method depends on your budget, schedule, and personal preferences.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every viable option for making this inter-airport transfer, complete with current pricing, estimated travel times, and insider tips to help you make the best decision for your specific situation.
1. Taxi and Ride-Share Services (Uber/Lyft)
One of the most straightforward options for traveling between LGA and JFK is using a traditional taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. This method offers door-to-door convenience without the complexity of navigating public transportation.
How It Works
For taxis, simply head to the designated taxi stand at LaGuardia Airport. Yellow cabs are readily available at all terminals throughout the day. If you prefer ride-sharing, open your Uber or Lyft app and request a ride from the designated pickup areas, which are clearly marked at each terminal.
Cost Breakdown
Taxi fares between LGA and JFK typically range from $50 to $75, not including tolls (approximately $10-15) and tips. The final cost depends on traffic conditions and your exact drop-off location at JFK. Uber and Lyft prices are dynamic and can range from $45 to $100 or more during peak hours or surge pricing periods.
Travel Time
Expect 30-45 minutes during off-peak hours, but allow 60-90 minutes during weekday rush hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM). The route typically takes either the Grand Central Parkway or the Van Wyck Expressway, both of which can experience significant congestion.
Pros
- Direct door-to-door service with no transfers
- Available 24/7 with minimal wait times
- Convenient for travelers with heavy luggage
- Can accommodate up to 4 passengers per vehicle
- No advance booking required for taxis
Cons
- Expensive for solo travelers
- Price uncertainty with ride-sharing surge pricing
- Vulnerable to traffic delays with no alternative routes
- Metered taxis don’t include tolls in the quoted price
- Driver quality can be inconsistent with ride-sharing apps
Best For
Solo travelers or small groups looking for convenience without advance planning, or those arriving during moderate traffic periods.
2. Public Transportation (Subway + AirTrain)
For budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a bit of complexity, combining the subway system with AirTrain services offers the most economical route between the two airports.
How It Works
From LaGuardia, take the M60 Select Bus Service or Q70 bus to connect with the subway system (either at 125th Street or Jackson Heights). From there, transfer to the subway lines that connect to either Jamaica Station (E, J, Z trains) or Howard Beach (A train), where you can board the AirTrain to JFK.
The most common route is: M60/Q70 bus from LGA → E train at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue → AirTrain at Jamaica Station → JFK terminals.
Cost Breakdown
This is the cheapest option available. You’ll pay $2.90 for the bus from LGA, $2.90 for each subway ride, and $8.50 for the AirTrain to JFK. Total cost: approximately $14-15 per person.
Travel Time
Plan for 90-120 minutes total, including waiting times and transfers. This can extend to 2+ hours during rush hour or if you just miss connections.
Pros
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Not affected by road traffic once on the subway
- Authentic New York experience
- Fixed, predictable pricing
Cons
- Requires multiple transfers (typically 3-4)
- Challenging with large luggage
- Can be confusing for first-time visitors
- Long total travel time
- Limited luggage space during crowded times
- No climate control on some portions
- Service disruptions can occur on weekends
Best For
Budget travelers with plenty of time, minimal luggage, and comfort navigating public transportation systems. Not recommended if you have a tight connection time.
3. Airport Shuttle Buses
Shared shuttle services provide a middle-ground option between private transportation and public transit, offering direct airport-to-airport service at a moderate price point.
How It Works
Several companies operate shuttle services between NYC airports, including GO Airlink NYC and SuperShuttle (though availability has changed post-pandemic). These services can be booked online in advance or sometimes at airport transportation desks. Shuttles make multiple stops to drop off other passengers, so you’re sharing the ride.
Cost Breakdown
Expect to pay $25-40 per person for a shared shuttle service. Some companies offer discounts for round-trip bookings or multiple passengers.
Travel Time
Allow 60-90 minutes, as shuttles make multiple stops and pickups along the route. Wait times for departure can add another 15-30 minutes to your journey.
Pros
- More affordable than private rides
- Direct airport-to-airport service
- No navigation required
- Can book in advance for guaranteed service
- Professional drivers familiar with airport routes
Cons
- Limited departure schedules
- Waiting time for other passengers
- Multiple stops extend travel time
- Less flexibility than private options
- Some services have reduced operations post-pandemic
Best For
Travelers on a moderate budget who want direct service but don’t mind sharing a ride and have flexible timing.
4. Private Limo and Car Services
For travelers prioritizing comfort, reliability, and time efficiency, professional car services offer a premium solution for the LGA to JFK transfer. Unlike ride-sharing apps where driver quality varies, a dedicated Limo Service NYC provides consistent reliability with professional chauffeurs who monitor flight times and know optimal routes to avoid traffic delays.
How It Works
Book your service in advance through a reputable car service company. Your driver will track your flight arrival and meet you at a designated location with a name sign, assist with luggage, and transport you directly to your terminal at JFK. Many services include complimentary wait time for flight delays.
Cost Breakdown
Professional car services typically charge flat rates ranging from $80 to $150 for the LGA to JFK transfer, depending on vehicle type and service level. This price usually includes tolls, taxes, and gratuity, eliminating surprise costs. Luxury vehicles or SUVs for larger groups may cost more.
Travel Time
Similar to taxis (30-90 minutes depending on traffic), but professional drivers often know alternative routes and have experience timing airport transfers to minimize delays.
Pros
- Fixed, transparent pricing with no surge charges
- Flight tracking ensures your driver is ready when you land
- Professional, commercially licensed chauffeurs
- Guaranteed availability with advance booking
- Comfortable, well-maintained vehicles
- Meet-and-greet service at arrivals
- Included wait time for delays (typically 30-60 minutes)
- Business amenities available (WiFi, charging ports, water)
- Ideal for groups when cost is split
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than other options
- Requires advance booking
- May have cancellation fees
- Overkill for extremely budget-conscious solo travelers
Best For
Business travelers expensing transportation, groups of 3-4+ people splitting costs, travelers with tight connection times, those arriving on late-night or early-morning flights, anyone carrying valuable equipment or multiple bags, and travelers who prioritize comfort and reliability over cost savings.
Booking Tips
When booking a private car service, verify that the company is properly licensed and insured. Read reviews from recent customers, confirm the flat-rate pricing includes all fees, ask about their flight monitoring policy, and clarify the cancellation policy before booking.
5. Rental Car
Renting a car might seem like an option, but it’s generally the least practical choice for this specific inter-airport transfer unless you have other transportation needs during your trip.
How It Works
Pick up a rental car at LaGuardia’s rental car facilities, drive to JFK following GPS directions (typically via Grand Central Parkway and Van Wyck Expressway), and return the vehicle at JFK’s rental car facility.
Cost Breakdown
Even a short rental period will cost $40-70 for the vehicle, plus fuel ($5-10), tolls ($10-15), and potentially drop-off fees if returning to a different location. Total: $60-100 minimum, and potentially much more if the rental company charges high one-way fees.
Travel Time
30-90 minutes driving time, plus time for vehicle pickup and return (20-30 minutes at each airport).
Pros
- Complete independence and control
- Useful if you need a car for other purposes
- Can make additional stops along the way
- No waiting for other services
Cons
- Most expensive option when considering all costs
- Requires navigating unfamiliar roads and traffic
- Parking and return process adds time
- One-way rental fees can be substantial
- Stress of driving in NYC traffic
- Need to be comfortable with aggressive highway driving
- Risk of getting lost or taking wrong exits
Best For
This option only makes sense if you need a rental car for other activities before or after your flight, or if you’re extremely uncomfortable with all other transportation methods. For a simple airport transfer, this is rarely the best choice.
Making the Right Choice: Decision Framework
Choosing the best transportation method depends on several factors unique to your situation. Here’s a quick decision framework:
Choose Public Transportation If:
- Your budget is extremely limited
- You have 3+ hours between flights
- You’re traveling with minimal luggage
- You’re comfortable navigating public transit
Choose a Taxi or Ride-Share If:
- You need immediate transportation without advance planning
- You’re arriving during off-peak hours
- You’re comfortable with variable pricing
- You’re traveling with 1-3 people
Choose a Private Car Service If:
- You have less than 2.5 hours connection time
- You’re traveling for business
- You’re in a group of 3+ people
- You arrive late at night or early morning
- You’re carrying valuable equipment or multiple bags
- You want guaranteed, reliable service
Choose a Shuttle Bus If:
- You’re on a moderate budget
- You have flexible timing
- You want direct service without navigating
Choose a Rental Car If:
- You need a vehicle for other purposes during your trip
Important Timing Considerations
When planning your inter-airport transfer, timing is crucial, especially if you’re making a connecting flight. Airlines and travel experts generally recommend the following minimum connection times:
For domestic connections: Allow at least 3 hours between your LGA arrival and JFK departure. This accounts for deplaning, collecting luggage (if checked), travel time with buffer for traffic, and going through security again at JFK.
For international connections: Allow at least 4 hours, as international check-in typically closes 60-90 minutes before departure, and you may need additional time for customs documentation or security procedures.
Rush hour periods (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays) can add significant time to any ground transportation option. If your connection falls during these windows, add an extra 30-45 minutes to your timing estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is LGA from JFK? The distance is approximately 10-15 miles depending on the route taken. However, distance doesn’t tell the full story in New York City—traffic conditions have a much larger impact on travel time than the actual mileage.
What’s the fastest way between the airports? During off-peak hours, a taxi, ride-share, or private car service is fastest at 30-45 minutes. During rush hour, these can slow to 90+ minutes, while the subway/AirTrain combination might actually be faster since it’s not affected by road traffic.
Can I walk between LGA and JFK? Technically possible but absolutely not recommended. It would take 3-4 hours on foot through areas not designed for pedestrians, including highways and industrial zones.
Are there direct bus routes? There are no direct public bus routes. You’ll need to combine the M60 or Q70 bus with subway and AirTrain connections.
What if my flight is delayed? If you’ve booked a private car service, most companies monitor flights and adjust pickup times automatically. For taxis and ride-shares, simply request one when you’re ready. If using public transportation, the system runs continuously so delays won’t affect your ability to travel.
Is it cheaper for multiple people? Yes, significantly. While solo travelers might benefit from public transportation’s low cost, groups of 3-4 people will find that splitting the cost of a taxi or car service becomes very competitive with other options, while offering much greater convenience.
Final Recommendations
The LGA to JFK transfer is a common challenge for travelers, and fortunately, New York City offers multiple solutions to fit different needs and budgets. For most business travelers and those with tight connections, a private car service offers the best combination of reliability, comfort, and peace of mind. Budget travelers with ample time will find the public transportation option entirely adequate despite its complexity.
Whatever method you choose, always build in extra time for unexpected delays. New York City traffic is notoriously unpredictable, and arriving early at the airport is always better than missing your flight. Plan ahead, book services in advance when possible, and keep your confirmation numbers readily accessible.
With proper planning and the right transportation choice for your specific circumstances, the journey between LaGuardia and JFK can be a smooth, stress-free portion of your travel experience rather than a source of anxiety.
