How to Get from LGA to JFK: 5 Ways, Cost, Time and Distance (2026)

The cheapest way from LaGuardia (LGA) to JFK is the free Q70 bus, a subway ride and the AirTrain, which costs $11.75 for one adult. A taxi is simpler with bags: the Port Authority estimates about $60 and 30 to 60 minutes on the road, before tolls and surcharges.

The two airports are about 10.7 miles apart in a straight line and roughly 11 to 13 miles by road. This page uses fares and times from the Port Authority, the MTA and the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), and it was last checked on October 13, 2026.

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Illustrated map of five ways to travel between LaGuardia and JFK airports: taxi, shuttle van, AirTrain, bus and phone app

LGA to JFK Options at a Glance

OptionCostTimeBest for
Free Q70 bus + subway + AirTrain$11.75 ($3 subway + $8.75 AirTrain)About 75 to 100 minutes (third-party estimate)Lowest cost, light luggage
Yellow taxiAbout $60 (Port Authority estimate), plus tolls and surcharges30 to 60 minutesBags, door to door
Uber or LyftLive app quote. One third-party guide puts taxi and rideshare at roughly $35 to $7030 to 75+ minutesComparing a direct quote
Pre-booked shuttle vanProvider quote. The Port Authority gives no price30 to 60 minutesGroups, oversized luggage
Private car or limoProvider quoteSame road time as a taxiA tight, planned connection
Rental carRental, tolls, fuel and feesRoad time plus pickup and returnOnly if you need a car afterward
LGA to JFK · Airport transfer

LGA to JFK by the Numbers

Fares and estimates from the Port Authority, MTA, NYC TLC and Air Miles Calculator. Checked October 13, 2026.

Straight-line distance10.7 miAbout 11 to 13 miles by road
Cheapest route$11.75$3 subway + $8.75 AirTrain, Q70 free
Taxi estimate~$6030 to 60 minutes, before tolls and surcharges

The cheapest route, step by step

Step 1 · FreeQ70 bus from LGA Terminal C or BRide to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue. The Port Authority calls it a free 10-minute ride.
Step 2 · $3Subway toward JamaicaTake the E to Sutphin Blvd–Archer Av–JFK Airport.
Step 3 · $8.75AirTrain to your JFK terminalFollow AirTrain signs to the upper level. Unlimited passes do not work on the AirTrain.

After you land, do it all again

Collect your bagsPick up checked bags at the arrival airport.
Check in againCheck in and drop bags with the departing airline.
Clear TSA againLeave plenty of time in rush hour or on holidays.
TruckGuider · LGA to JFKSource: Port Authority, MTA, NYC TLC, Air Miles Calculator

How Far Is LGA From JFK?

The straight-line distance between the airports is about 10.7 miles (17.2 km), according to Air Miles Calculator. By road it is about 11 to 13 miles, depending on the route, according to one commercial guide. Neither airport publishes a distance. The same trip takes 30 to 60 minutes by taxi or shuttle in the Port Authority’s estimate and can run longer in rush hour, so distance tells you little about time.

Option 1: Free Q70 Bus, Subway and AirTrain

Route diagram from LaGuardia by Q70 bus, subway and AirTrain to JFK
Route diagram from LaGuardia by Q70 bus, subway and AirTrain to JFK.

This is the cheapest route and the one the Port Authority lists for public transit. For LGA to JFK, follow it in this order:

  1. Take the free Q70 bus from LGA. The MTA says the LaGuardia Link Q70 is free and stops at Terminals C and B. For Terminal A, take the airport shuttle bus from Terminal B. Get off at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue. The Port Authority calls it “a free 10-minute ride.”
  2. Take the subway toward Jamaica. At Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, the MTA lists the E, F, M, R and 7 trains. The E runs to Sutphin Blvd–Archer Av–JFK Airport. The subway fare is $3.
  3. Follow AirTrain signs to the upper level. At Sutphin Blvd–Archer Av–JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to your JFK terminal. The AirTrain fare is $8.75, and you pay with a contactless method. Unlimited passes do not work on the AirTrain.
  4. Ride the AirTrain between terminals if needed. Terminal-to-terminal AirTrain travel at JFK is free.

The total is $11.75 for one adult, per the MTA. One commercial guide estimates 75 to 100 minutes or more for the LGA to JFK transit route. We found no official end-to-end time, so treat that as an estimate and add time for stairs, elevators and waits. Check the MTA service alerts for elevator or AirTrain outages before you go.

Option 2: Taxi From LGA to JFK

Taxis wait outside each terminal. The Port Authority estimates about $60 and 30 to 60 minutes, and warns that tolls and surcharges may add to the metered fare. The NYC TLC says the meter must show $3.00 at the start of the trip.

Surcharges listed on LaGuardia’s taxi page include $1.00 on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., $0.50 overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and a $0.50 New York State tax. A $2.00 airport access fee applies to pickups at the airport.

The $60 estimate leaves out tolls, and we found no official toll amount for this trip, so ask the driver or check a fare estimator before you ride.

Option 3: Uber or Lyft

Use the official pickup areas the airport points rideshare riders to. Neither the Port Authority nor the airports give a rideshare price, and tolls and surcharges may apply by time of day and route.

The app’s upfront quote is the number to trust, and you can compare it with the $60 taxi estimate. A commercial guide that covers the trip puts taxi and rideshare at roughly $35 to $70, but that range is not official.

Option 4: Shuttle Van From LGA to JFK

There is no free scheduled shuttle between the airports that we could find. The Port Authority lists pre-arranged vans, which it says may be best “if you are traveling with a group or have oversized or large quantities of luggage.” Its estimate is 30 to 60 minutes and it gives no price. The Port Authority lists these providers:

  • ETS Air Shuttle: +1 (718) 221-5341
  • Airlink New York: +1 (212) 812-9000
  • All County Express: +1 (800) 914-4223 (listed on LaGuardia’s page)

Confirm pickup terminal, drop-off terminal, other stops and the luggage rule when you book. Shared stops can add time.

Option 5: Private Car or Rental Car

A pre-arranged private car or limousine takes the same roads as a taxi. The Port Authority lists the option but gives no time or price, so get a written quote that includes tolls and tip. A rental car makes sense only if you need a car after the transfer, because you add the rental counter, tolls, fuel and the return to JFK to a short drive.

How to Get From JFK to LGA

The public transit route reverses. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica, ride a subway toward Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, and take the free Q70 to LGA. The Port Authority estimates 30 to 60 minutes and about $60 for a taxi from JFK to LGA, and 30 to 60 minutes by shuttle van. The cost of the public transit route is the same $11.75.

Time to Allow Between Flights

Traveler passing baggage claim, airline check-in and security when changing airports
Traveler passing baggage claim, airline check-in and security when changing airports.

A transfer between airports is not a connection. The Port Authority says to collect your checked bags at the arrival airport, check in and check your bags again with the departing airline, and go through TSA security again.

It tells travelers to leave plenty of time, especially during rush hour or holidays. If your two flights are on separate tickets, ask the second airline about its check-in cutoff before you book a tight transfer. We could not verify any airline-run ground transfer between the two airports.

LGA to JFK FAQ

How far is LGA from JFK?

About 10.7 miles in a straight line and roughly 11 to 13 miles by road. The Port Authority puts a taxi or shuttle trip at 30 to 60 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from LGA to JFK?

The free Q70 bus, a $3 subway ride and an $8.75 AirTrain, for $11.75 in total.

What is the fastest way to get from LGA to JFK?

A taxi or pre-arranged car in light traffic. The Port Authority estimates 30 to 60 minutes on the road, and rush hour can push it longer.

Is there a shuttle from LGA to JFK?

Yes, pre-arranged shuttle vans run between the airports. The Port Authority lists ETS Air Shuttle and Airlink New York, and LaGuardia’s page also lists All County Express. We found no free scheduled airport-to-airport shuttle.

Is there a subway or train from LGA to JFK?

There is no direct train. The route is the free Q70 bus to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, a subway toward Jamaica and the AirTrain to JFK.

Is there a direct bus from LGA to JFK?

No. The Q70 only takes you from LaGuardia to the subway at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue or the 74 St station area, and from there you continue by subway and AirTrain.

How much is a taxi from LGA to JFK?

The Port Authority estimates about $60 before tolls and surcharges.

Can you walk from LGA to JFK?

Not in practice. The airports are about 10.7 miles apart in a straight line, and no walking route is offered.

How do I get from JFK to LGA?

Take the AirTrain to Jamaica, a subway to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue and the free Q70 to LGA, or take a taxi or shuttle van for 30 to 60 minutes.

Author

  • John Zayn Smith

    Zohn Zayn Smith is a seasoned automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the industry. As the Founder and Chief Editor of Truckguider, he specializes in Dodge Ram models, including the Ram 1500 and Ram 2500. His deep understanding of these trucks makes him a trusted authority on everything from performance and maintenance to towing capabilities.

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