Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Newark Airport (EWR) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) for most travelers is a combination of AirTrain, NJ Transit train, NYC Subway, and the Q70-SBS bus. This public transit option offers a good balance of cost (under $20) and reliability, taking roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours. The fastest way is a taxi or private car (45-90 mins), while the cheapest is the public transit combo. There are no direct trains or shuttles.
Option 1: Public Transportation (AirTrain, NJ Transit, Subway, Bus)
This is the most cost-effective and a surprisingly efficient method if you have light luggage and are comfortable with New York's transit system. It involves four distinct segments but is well-signposted.
Step-by-Step Guide & Cost Breakdown
- EWR AirTrain to Newark Airport Station: Follow signs to "AirTrain" at any terminal. Ride the free (in airport circulation) AirTrain to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station (not to be confused with Newark Penn Station).
- NJ Transit Train to New York Penn Station: Purchase a ticket to "New York Penn Station" (NYP) from the kiosks. Take any NJ Transit or Amtrak Northeast Regional train heading to NYP. Journey: 25-30 mins. Cost: ~$15.75 (NJ Transit). Pro Tip: If you buy an NJ Transit ticket from the machine, your AirTrain fare from the airport to the rail station is included.
- NYC Subway to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave/74 St: From NY Penn, walk to the nearby 34 St-Penn Station subway. Take the E train (Jamaica Center-bound) or the 7 train (Flushing-Main St bound) to the 74 St-Broadway / Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave station. Journey: 20-25 mins. Cost: $2.90 (MetroCard/OMNY).
- Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link Bus to LGA: Exit the subway and follow signs for the "Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link." This is a Select Bus Service (SBS) with off-board fare payment and dedicated lanes. It stops at all LGA terminals. Journey: 15-20 mins. Cost: $2.90 (free transfer from subway with OMNY or MetroCard within 2 hrs).
Total Estimated: 90 mins - 2 hrs | Cost: ~$18.55 - $21.55
| Segment | Service | Time | Approx. Cost | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EWR to Rail Station | AirTrain | 10 min | Included* | *With NJ Transit ticket purchase |
| Rail to Manhattan | NJ Transit | 25-30 min | $15.75 | Ticket machines at station |
| Across NYC | NYC Subway (E or 7) | 20-25 min | $2.90 | Use MetroCard or OMNY |
| To LGA Terminals | Q70-SBS Bus | 15-20 min | $2.90 | Free transfer from subway |
Pros, Cons & Who It's For
Pros: Very affordable; operates frequently; avoids road traffic; integrated fare system (OMNY/MetroCard for subway/bus).
Cons: Multiple transfers with luggage is challenging; not ideal late at night; can be crowded; requires navigating complex stations.
Best for: Budget travelers, solo travelers with a backpack or small roll-aboard, those familiar with urban transit.
Option 3: Taxi, Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) & Private Car Service
This is the most convenient and direct option, but also the most expensive. It's a single vehicle taking you from EWR curb to LGA curb.
Detailed Cost Analysis & Pickup Locations
- Yellow Taxi: Available at authorized taxi stands outside each terminal at EWR. The fare to LGA is not flat; it is metered and will include tolls (approx. $18-$22 for tolls plus the tunnel/bridge fee) and a potential surcharge. Total fare typically ranges from $100 to $150+, plus tip (15-20%). Traffic is the major variable.
- Rideshare (UberX, Lyft Standard): Use the Uber or Lyft app. Designated pick-up zones are at each EWR terminal (follow signs). Prices are dynamic (surge pricing during high demand). Expect to pay $80 - $130+ for a standard car, all-in. You see the price upfront before booking.
- Pre-Booked Private Car/Black Car Service: A professional driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign. The car is reserved solely for you. Prices are fixed in advance. Cost: $120 - $200+ depending on vehicle class and company. Companies like Carmel Limo or Dial 7 are well-established.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (EWR to LGA) | Booking Method | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Taxi | $100 - $150+ (metered) | Curbside stand | Tolls & traffic add cost/time |
| UberX / Lyft | $80 - $130+ (dynamic) | App | Surge pricing during peaks |
| Private Car | $120 - $200+ (fixed) | Online/Phone in advance | Reliable, professional, meet & greet |
Pros, Cons & Who It's For
Pros: Ultimate convenience and comfort; door-to-door; best for heavy luggage, families, or groups; available 24/7.
Cons: Very expensive; travel time entirely subject to notorious NYC/NJ traffic and potential tunnel/bridge delays.
Best for: Travelers on a tight schedule (with a buffer for traffic), families with children, groups of 3-4 where cost can be split, those with significant luggage, or business travelers.
Option 4: Cost & Time Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all your options for traveling from Newark Airport (EWR) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Key Characteristics | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Transit Combo (AirTrain, NJT, Subway, Bus) | 90 min - 2 hrs | $18 - $22 | Cheapest, multiple transfers, avoidable traffic, requires walking/stairs | Budget solo travelers, light packers |
| Shared Shuttle Van | 60 - 120+ min* | $35 - $55 | Door-to-door, shared ride, variable wait/travel time, must book ahead | Small groups, those with more luggage |
| Rideshare (UberX/Lyft) | 45 - 90 min* | $80 - $130+ | On-demand, door-to-door, price surges, app-based | Convenience seekers, 2-3 people |
| Yellow Taxi | 45 - 90 min* | $100 - $150+ | Immediately available curbside, metered fare plus tolls & tip | Immediate need, those avoiding apps |
| Private Car Service | 45 - 90 min* | $120 - $200+ | Pre-booked, professional, fixed price, meet & greet service | Business, families, special occasions, large groups |
*Travel time for road-based options is HIGHLY dependent on time of day and traffic conditions. Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) can double travel times.
Winner for Budget: Public Transit. Winner for Speed/Convenience: Private Car/Taxi (outside of rush hour).
Traveler Tips & Experience for a Smooth Transfer
Beyond choosing a method, these practical tips from frequent travelers can make your inter-airport journey significantly smoother.
Luggage Strategy is Key
- Pack Light if Using Public Transit: Navigating the AirTrain, train steps, subway turnstiles, and bus stairs with large suitcases is exhausting and slows you down. A backpack and a carry-on roller is the ideal combo.
- Consider Luggage Shipping: If you have multiple or oversized bags (e.g., ski equipment, golf clubs), look into door-to-door luggage shipping services like Luggage Forward or ShipGo. This can transform a stressful trek into a manageable one.
Navigational Challenges
- New York Penn Station is Vast: Allow extra time to find your way from the NJ Transit platforms to the subway. Follow signs for the "A, C, E" or "1, 2, 3" lines carefully. Don't be afraid to ask MTA staff.
- Q70-SBS Bus Identification: At Jackson Heights, the Q70 buses are bright blue and say "LaGuardia Link" prominently. Remember to tap your OMNY/MetroCard at the fare machine on the sidewalk before boarding.
Temporal Considerations
- Avoid Rush Hour if Possible: Travel between 10 AM and 3 PM for the most predictable road travel times and less crowded public transit.
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Flights: Public transit frequency drops after midnight. Your only guaranteed options are taxis or pre-booked cars. Verify the last train times on the NJ Transit and MTA websites if attempting a late transfer.
- Allow a Massive Buffer: For a domestic flight connection, a minimum of 4 hours between landing at EWR and your next flight's departure from LGA is advisable. For international flights, 5-6 hours is safer to account for immigration, baggage reclaim, and re-check-in.
FAQs: Newark Airport to LaGuardia Airport Transfer
Is there a direct train or shuttle between Newark and LaGuardia airports?
No. There is no single direct train or dedicated airport shuttle connecting Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) airports. The journey requires a combination of public transport (like AirTrain, NJ Transit, and NYC Subway) or a bus/van service with at least one transfer.
What is the cheapest way to get from Newark to LaGuardia?
The cheapest option is public transportation: Take the AirTrain from EWR to Newark Airport Station, then an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station ($15.75 approx.), followed by the NYC Subway (E or 7 train) and a Q70-SBS bus to LGA (total ~$2.90). Total cost is under $20 but takes 90+ minutes and involves multiple transfers.
What is the fastest way to travel between EWR and LGA?
The fastest reliable method for most travelers is a pre-booked private car service or taxi, taking 45-90 minutes depending on traffic, but costing $100-$150+. For a balance of speed and cost outside peak traffic, the AirTrain/NJ Transit/Subway/Bus combo can be surprisingly efficient (~90 mins).
How do I travel between the airports late at night or early in the morning?
Late-night/early-morning options are limited. Public transit runs on reduced schedules. Your most reliable options are: 1) Yellow Taxi (available 24/7 at terminals), 2) Pre-booked private car service, or 3) Rideshare apps (Uber/Lyft). Always check NJ Transit and MTA schedules for late-night train/subway service if you attempt public transit.
Is it easy to make this transfer with a lot of luggage or children?
This transfer can be challenging with heavy luggage or young children due to multiple transfers, stairs, crowded trains/buses, and long walking distances. For families or those with multiple bags, a direct shared shuttle van or private car service, while more expensive, is highly recommended for door-to-door convenience and luggage handling.
Can I use a MetroCard for the entire journey?
No, you cannot use a single MetroCard for the entire trip. You'll need: 1) A ticket for the NJ Transit train (purchased separately), and 2) A MetroCard or OMNY contactless payment for the NYC Subway and the Q70-SBS bus to LaGuardia. The AirTrain from EWR requires a separate AirTrain ticket unless you have a connecting NJ Transit/Amtrak ticket.
Should I just fly between Newark and LaGuardia?
Flying is not a practical option. There are no direct commercial flights. Even if you connected through another city, the total door-to-door time (check-in, security, flight, baggage claim, ground transport) would be 5+ hours and cost hundreds of dollars, making it vastly inferior to ground transportation.
How much time should I allow for the transfer?
Allow a minimum of 2 to 2.5 hours for the transfer to account for waiting times, potential delays, and navigating stations. If you have checked baggage to re-check or are traveling during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), allow 3 hours or more to ensure you don't miss your flight.