How to Get from LaGuardia Airport to Brooklyn

New York's extensive public bus and subway network offers the most affordable route from LGA to Brooklyn, though it requires a transfer. There is no direct subway line from LaGuardia. The journey involves a short bus ride to a subway hub, followed by a train into Brooklyn. Payment is seamless with a single $2.90 fare using a MetroCard or OMNY contactless system (free transfers included within 2 hours).

Best Bus + Subway Route Combinations

Choose your route based on your destination in Brooklyn:

Bus Route	From LGA Terminal	Connects to Subway	Best For Brooklyn Destinations Like...	Estimated Total Time
Q70-SBS "LaGuardia Link" (Express)	All Terminals	74th St-Broadway/Roosevelt Ave (E, F, M, R, 7 trains) OR Woodside-61st St (7 train)	Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Downtown Brooklyn, Park Slope (via R, M, F trains)	60-80 mins
M60-SBS (Select Bus Service)	Terminals B, C, D	Astoria Blvd (N, W trains) OR 125th St in Harlem (2,3,4,5,6, A,B,C,D trains)	Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn (via A,C), Bedford-Stuyvesant (via 2,3,4,5)	70-90 mins
Q47 Bus	Mainly Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal)	Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Ave (E,F,M,R,7 trains)	Similar to Q70, but less frequent. Good backup.	65-85 mins

Step-by-Step Guide: Q70-SBS + Subway Example (to Williamsburg)

1. Find the Bus Stop: Follow signs for "Public Transportation" or "Buses" from your baggage claim. Q70-SBS stops are clearly marked at all terminals.
2. Board the Q70-SBS: Pay with OMNY (tap credit/debit card or phone) or MetroCard. Take a receipt if using SBS (proof of payment). The bus has dedicated luggage racks.
3. Ride to 74th St-Broadway: Journey takes 15-25 minutes. Get off at the final stop (Roosevelt Ave/74th St).
4. Transfer to Subway: Enter the massive subway station. For Williamsburg, take the Manhattan-bound E or F train to Lexington Ave/53rd St, then transfer to the Brooklyn-bound M train towards Metropolitan Ave. Your single $2.90 fare covers the entire trip.

Pros: Extremely cheap ($2.90); frequent service; operates 24/7 (less frequent overnight); free transfer; good for light luggage.

Cons: Not direct; can be slow during rush hour; challenging with heavy luggage; requires navigation.

For direct, point-to-point service, yellow cabs and app-based ride-shares are the most popular option. They are ideal for groups, those with lots of luggage, or travelers arriving late at night.

Yellow Taxi (NYC Yellow Cab)

• Flat Rate to Brooklyn: The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) sets a flat fare from LaGuardia to destinations in Brooklyn. The rate is $52.00 to $58.00 (depending on the exact zone), not including tolls, tip, or potential surcharges.
• Where to Find: Official taxi stands are located just outside the baggage claim areas of all terminals. Follow signs. Avoid solicitors inside the terminal.
• Tolls & Extras: The driver will take the most direct route, which may include the Queens-Midtown Tunnel ($6.55 with E-ZPass) or RFK Bridge (toll varies). The passenger pays all tolls. A 15-20% tip is standard.
• Estimated Total Cost: $52 (fare) + ~$7 (toll) + ~$10 (tip) = Approx. $70.

Uber, Lyft & Other Ride-Shares

• Pickup Locations: Designated ride-share pickup zones are at each terminal (different from taxi stands). Open your app after baggage claim; it will direct you to the specific pickup spot (e.g., "LGA Terminal B - Zone 3").
• Pricing: Prices are dynamic and can range from $45 to over $120 based on demand, time of day, and vehicle type. A standard UberX or Lyft is typically comparable to or slightly cheaper than a yellow cab during off-peak times, but can surge dramatically during rush hour, rain, or late night.
• Vehicle Options: Standard (UberX, Lyft), XL for groups (UberXL, Lyft XL), and premium (Uber Black, Lyft Lux).
• Key Advice: Check both apps for the best price. Consider walking a short distance from the terminal (if safe and with luggage) to avoid airport surge pricing.

Pros: Direct, door-to-door; available 24/7; good for groups/luggage; predictable flat rate for taxis.

Cons: Expensive; price volatility with ride-shares; heavily affected by traffic (BQE, I-278 can be gridlocked).

For a stress-free, pre-arranged journey, consider a private car or shared shuttle. This is excellent for business travel, families, or those wanting certainty.

Pre-Booked Private Car Service

Companies like Dial 7 and Carmel are reputable NYC staples. You book online or by phone, providing your flight details. A driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign.

• Cost: Typically $65-$95 (including gratuity and tolls) to most of Brooklyn, depending on the car type. Slightly more than a taxi, but fixed and non-surge.
• Advantages: Fixed price, professional service, flight tracking (for delays), 24/7 availability, various vehicle sizes.

Shared Ride Shuttle Services

Services like GO Airport Shuttle (formerly SuperShuttle) offer shared van rides. You may share the van with other passengers heading to nearby destinations.

• Cost: Around $30-$50 per person to Brooklyn. Often cheaper than a private car but takes longer due to multiple stops.
• Booking: Must be booked in advance online. The shuttle picks up at designated curbside locations.

Hotel Shuttles

Some major hotels in Brooklyn offer paid shuttle service. Contact your hotel directly before your trip to inquire about availability, cost, and reservation requirements.

Pros: Pre-booked, reliable, fixed price (private car); cost-effective for solo travelers (shared shuttle).

Cons: More expensive than public transit (private car); shared shuttle can be slow; requires advance planning.

Navigating Traffic & Timing

• Avoid Rush Hours: Weekdays 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM are brutal on roads (BQE, Grand Central Parkway) and subways. A 30-minute taxi ride can easily become 90+ minutes. If you must travel then, factor in massive delays or choose the train (subway is slower but more predictable).
• Late Night & Early Morning: Taxis/Ubers are your best bet after ~11 PM when bus/subway frequencies drop. There is no 24-hour subway line from key transfer points like Astoria (N, W). The Q70 and M60 run overnight but less often.
• Weekends: Subway service often has planned changes (reroutes, express trains running local). Check the MTA website or app like Citymapper or Google Maps for real-time directions.

Luggage & Accessibility

• Heavy Bags: Seriously reconsider public transit if you have more than one large suitcase per person. Subway stations often have stairs-only exits, and crowded trains are unforgiving. The extra $50-60 for a taxi is worth the sanity.
• Accessible Services: All MTA buses are wheelchair accessible and kneel for easier boarding. Most, but not all, subway stations have elevators. Use the MTA accessibility map to plan your route. For door-to-door accessible service, book an Accessible Dispatch taxi.

Payment & Connectivity

• Get OMNY/Contactless: If you have a contactless credit/debit card or smartphone (Apple/Google Pay), use it directly at subway turnstiles and bus readers. It's easier than a MetroCard and guarantees free transfers. The $2.90 fare cap after 12 rides in a week (Mon-Sun) also applies.
• Airport Wi-Fi: Use LaGuardia's free Wi-Fi to book your ride-share or map your public transit route before you leave the terminal.
• Avoid Unlicensed "Gypsy Cabs": Only use official yellow taxis from the designated line or pre-booked services. Ignore anyone soliciting rides inside the terminal—they are unlicensed and will overcharge you.