🇺🇸 New York Airport Transfer

New York JFK (JFK) New York LaGuardia (LGA)

JFK to LGA is a short 15 km hop across Queens, but Grand Central Parkway traffic can easily turn 25 minutes into 90+ minutes at peak. Yellow cab has flat rates; AirTrain-to-subway-to-bus is the cheapest.

Distance
15 km
Min. connection
3.5h
Best time to transfer
Off-peak (10:00-15:00, avoid rush hours)

Transfer options

Yellow cab / Uber / Lyft
taxi
Duration
25-90 min (traffic-dependent)
Cost
$45-90 (yellow cab flat + tolls); $50-120 Uber (surge)
Frequency
On-demand
Best for: Fastest option in off-peak
Private car (Welcome Pickups)
private transfer
Duration
25-75 min
Cost
$70-140
Frequency
On-demand
Best for: Groups + luggage + pre-booked reliability
Book Welcome Pickups
NYC Airporter Shuttle
bus
Duration
45-90 min
Cost
$25-30
Frequency
Every 30-60 min
Best for: Solo budget option
⚠️ Runs via Grand Central + Port Authority — indirect + slow in traffic
AirTrain JFK + E train + M60 bus
metro
Duration
75-100 min + 2 transfers
Cost
$8.15 + $2.90 = $11.05
Frequency
Every 5-10 min
Best for: Absolute cheapest — public transit only
⚠️ Multi-leg with heavy luggage = misery. Solo + light luggage only.

Stay overnight in New York?

If your connection is 8+ hours or overnight, a hotel between the two airports beats an airport chair.

Frequently asked questions

How long does JFK to LGA take?

Off-peak: 25-45 minutes by taxi. Peak hours (07:00-10:00, 16:00-19:00): 60-90 minutes. Public transit (AirTrain + subway + bus): 75-100 minutes.

What is the cheapest way from JFK to LaGuardia?

AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station ($8.15), E train to Queens Plaza ($2.90 unlimited MTA transfer), M60 bus to LGA. Total: $11.05. Timing: 75-100 minutes with 2 transfers.

How much time between JFK and LGA?

Minimum 3.5 hours. Domestic connections: 2.5 hours could work with private car in off-peak. International arrivals need extra time for immigration + baggage.

Is Uber cheaper than yellow cab JFK to LGA?

Yellow cab has a flat $52 fare + tolls to LGA (around $65 total). Uber ranges $50-120 depending on surge — off-peak often cheaper than yellow cab, surge pricing during rush hour often more expensive.

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