New York, New York, USA

LaGuardia Airport To Times Square For $2.90

Posted by aeetrheim on

Hint: I created a free download that makes this post so much easier to read, with step-by-step instructions. Download it here.

I don’t know about you, but I have a rough time with directions.

Unfortunately, I tend to Uber to and from the airport. Because I figure it’s more expensive to miss my flight than pay the Uber (and I don’t trust myself to not get lost.)

If you are visiting New York City, I recommend flying to LaGuardia. There is a simple and cheap way to get directly to Times Square, in about 30-40 minutes, from the airport.

The best part? It’s only $2.90.

If you’re good with directions, this blog might be tedious for you.

But if you’re like me, and need it broken down step-by-step-by-step, here’s your foolproof guide to getting to Central Manhattan from LaGuardia.

Step One: Land The Plane

That part’s easy! Whoo-hoo!! (Assuming you’re not the pilot.)

P.S. You’re currently in Queens, one of the five boroughs of New York City, so look at the window and soak it in for a moment.

Step Two: Follow Signs To The Ground Transport / Baggage Claim

It will look something like this:

P.S. Just keep walking! And walking and walking. Catch a look at the water fountain. If you cross it at the right time, you’ll see a water show with music. It’s my favorite place in any airport I have ever been.

Keep following Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation Signs at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.
Keep following Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation Signs at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.
Keep following Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation Signs at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.
Gorgeous view out the window of LaGuardia Airport.
The gorgeous fountain at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.
Keep following Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation Signs at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.
Walk through the Exit Only doors.
Go down the Exit Only escalator.
Keep following Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation Signs at LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.

Step Three: You Made It To Baggage Claim!

Way to go.

Here is the LaGuardia Airport baggage claim at Terminal B.

Keep walking.

Walk this way:

Walk to the right past all the baggage claim carousels.

This is what it will look like:

Follow the signs for "Buses and Shuttles."
Follow the signs for "Buses and Shuttles."
Follow the signs for "Buses and Shuttles."

Optional: BONUS:

Keep walking a little bit, and you’ll see a I <3 NYC sign. Take a picture 😉

If you keep walking past that sign, you’ll get to the Uber pickup area. Turnaround and head back to where you came.

If you keep walking straight, you'll see a photo opportunity, even though that's not actually the way you want to go.
Here's the I Love New York City Sign! But turnaround after you take a picture and head back from where you came.
If you keep walking, you can get an Uber this way. But that's pricey.

Step Four: Go Downstairs!

Go down the escalators, following the signs for Shuttles & Buses.

You’ll see a Dunkin’ Donuts on the left as you go down the escalator. Exit the doors to the open air on the right.

Shuttles & Buses sign - follow this!
Go down the escalator
Go down the escalator
You'll see Dunkin Donuts on the right.
Take a right to go outside the door, following the "Shuttles and Buses" sign.

Step Five: Head to the big Number 2.

Wait for the bus. The LaGuardia Link Bus will arrive at the LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, next to the big number 2.

Approaching the LaGuardia Link Bus at the LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.
Approaching the LaGuardia Link Bus at the LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.
Approaching the LaGuardia Link Bus at the LaGuardia Airport Terminal B.

Step Six: Board the LaGuardia Link bus.

This is what the LaGuardia Link Bus looks like. Hop on, it's free.
This is what the LaGuardia Link Bus looks like. Hop on, it's free.
This is what the LaGuardia Link Bus looks like. Hop on, it's free.

Step Seven: Get off at the first stop: Roosevelt & 74th

It’s the very first stop, about 11 minutes later.

Step Eight: Enter the Big Ugly Building (No disrespect.)

This is the entrance of the Roosevelt Av - Jackson Heights Subway Station that you would like to enter next.
This is the entrance of the Roosevelt Av - Jackson Heights Subway Station that you would like to enter next.

Enter the station. It’s called, Roosevelt Av – Jackson Heights Subway Station. Now, things might feel hectic. You’re in the city now. No need to worry. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.

No need to buy a metro card. If you have Apple Pay, or a Credit Card that taps, just tap it to this machine. Take a right and you’ll see the machines. They look like this.

Here are the turnstyles where you can pay and enter a new york city subway station.

Step Nine: Pay Using Your Phone Or Tap Card.

If you have Apple Pay or a credit card you can tap, no need to buy tickets or do anything like that. Super convenient.

Want more info? Here is how to get on the Subway without buying a paper ticket.

You don't need to buy a paper ticket any more to ride a New York City train - you can just tap your Apple Pay or credit card on this machine.

You’re in! Great job!

Step Ten: Find your train.

Follow the signs to Manhattan / Brooklyn.

This is the entrance of the Roosevelt and 74th subway station in New York City.
Go down the stairs in the New York City subway station.
Follow the subway station signs - first the big white letters, then the colorful circles second.

Step 11: Get on your train.

Get on the “R” bus until 42nd Street/Times Square. It will say the big letter on the sign when it comes.

*This screenshot has you getting off one stop earlier. That also works. I like to wait one more stop. Anything around there will get you within walking distance.

Here is how to use Google Maps to navigate the Subway system in case you’d like a video guide.

This is what a train looks like in the subway system in New York City. It will go fast, hop on!
Navigating the New York City Subway using Google maps.

Step 12: Get off at 42nd Street/Times Square

There’s no way to mess this part up. Just find your way to air. Any street, any exit will do. Just keep walking til you reach daylight.

Step 13: Enjoy New York!!!

You did it!!!

You made it to Times Square, New York City!

Here is a downloadable version of these directions you just read.

Here is how to use Google Maps to navigate the Subway system.

Here is how to get on the Subway without buying a paper ticket.