How to Travel from LGA Airport to Penn Station in NYC

Navigating from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to New York Penn Station can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, you can find the best way to get from New York LaGuardia Airport to this iconic hub. Whether you prioritize luxury, affordability, or speed, this guide covers all transportation options for travel from LaGuardia to Penn Station, including prices and travel times, bus fare, and practical tips to suit your needs and budget. Let’s explore the ways to travel to Penn Station, ensuring a seamless ride from LaGuardia Airport.

Transportation Options from LGA to Penn Station

Here’s a comprehensive look at all ways to travel from LGA Airport to New York Penn Station, including pros, cons, and estimated fares.

1. Luxury Black Car Service (Ride SoHo)

For a seamless, premium ride from LaGuardia Airport, Ride SoHo’s luxury black car service is unmatched. Professional, TLC-licensed chauffeurs pick you up at Terminal B or other terminals, handle your luggage, and drive you directly to Penn Station in vehicles like sedans, SUVs, or sprinters. Enjoy complimentary WiFi, charging ports, plush seating, and real-time flight tracking for stress-free travel from LaGuardia.

• Cost: $80–$120 (fixed rate, varies by vehicle)
• Travel Time: 25–45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Pros: Comfortable, direct, no surge pricing, ideal for groups or business travelers with luggage
• Cons: Higher cost than public transportation
• Booking: Reserve via RideSoHo.com or the Ride SoHo app for real-time scheduling days in advance or on-demand

2. Shuttle Services

Airport shuttle services offer a balance of affordability and convenience, with shared vans transporting multiple passengers to New York Penn Station. These shuttle services are a popular way to get from New York LGA to Penn Station.

• Cost: $16–$25 (one-way fare)
• Travel Time: 45–90 minutes, depending on traffic
• Pros: Affordable, direct to Penn Station, pre-bookable options if needed
• Cons: Shared rides may involve wait times, slower during peak hours
• Tip: Check provider websites for schedules, as holiday seasons may affect availability of shuttle services.

3. Taxi

Yellow taxis, offering a direct taxi ride from LGA Airport, are available at designated pick-up areas outside Terminal B and other terminals, providing a straightforward way to get from New York LaGuardia Airport to Penn Station.

• Cost: $35–$45 (metered fare, plus tolls/tips)
• Travel Time: 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Pros: Quick, widely available, door-to-door taxi which takes you directly to your destination
• Cons: Traffic delays, variable costs during peak hours
• Tip: Avoid peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) to minimize delays on your taxi ride.

4. Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft)

Rideshare services provide flexibility and comfort, with pickups arranged at designated pick-up areas for a convenient ride from LaGuardia Airport to Penn Station.

• Cost: $30–$50 (varies by demand)
• Travel Time: 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic
• Pros: Easy to book, comfortable vehicles, suitable for needs and budget
• Cons: Surge pricing during peak hours, potential wait for drivers
• Tip: Compare prices on apps to save on your ride from LaGuardia Airport.

5. Public Transit: Bus and Subway

For budget travelers, public transit combines bus service and subway for an economical journey without a car from LGA to Penn Station. The MTA operates reliable public transportation options like the Q70 bus and M60 bus.

Option A: LaGuardia Link Q70 Bus + Subway

• Route: Take the LaGuardia Link Q70 (Select Bus Service) from Terminal B to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave. Transfer to the E subway line to 34th Street–Penn Station. See step-by-step directions on the MTA app.
• Cost: $2.90 (bus fare, payable via MetroCard, OMNY, or contactless payment)
• Travel Time: 40–60 minutes, including transfers

Option B: M60-SBS Bus + Subway

• Route: Take the M60 (M60-SBS bus) from LGA to Astoria Blvd. Transfer to the N or W subway line to 34th Street–Herald Square, then walk 5 minutes to New York Penn Station.
• Cost: $2.90 (fare, payable via MetroCard, OMNY, or contactless)
• Travel Time: 45–65 minutes, including transfers

• Pros: Cheapest public transportation option, reliable bus service
• Cons: Requires transfers, crowded during peak hours, challenging with luggage (though luggage racks are available on buses)
• Tip: Purchase a MetroCard at LGA ticket machines or use OMNY for faster boarding on the Q70 bus or M60-SBS.

6. Bus and Train

Combine the Q70 bus with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for a bus and train which takes you to Penn Station faster than bus ride and subway alone.

• Route: Take the LaGuardia Link Q70 from Terminal B to Woodside Av/61 St. Walk to Woodside station and take the LIRR (Port Washington Branch) to New York Penn Station. See step-by-step directions on the TrainTime app.
• Cost: $3–$6 (bus fare: $2.90, LIRR: $1–$3 off-peak hours; tickets can be purchased via TrainTime app or ticket machines)
• Travel Time: 52 minutes, min to get from New York LGA to Penn Station
• Pros: Faster than bus and subway, fewer transfers
• Cons: LIRR schedules vary, requires walking
• Tip: Check LIRR schedules on the TrainTime app for off-peak hours savings.

7. Towncar or Shuttle

Private towncar or shuttle services offer a step above taxis with fixed rates and professional drivers for a premium ride from LaGuardia Airport.

• Cost: $110–$160
• Travel Time: 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic
• Pros: Direct, comfortable, pre-bookable options if needed
• Cons: Expensive compared to shuttle service or taxis

8. Driving

If you have a rental car or personal vehicle, driving from New York LaGuardia to Penn Station for the quickest way takes the least time in light traffic.

• Cost: $2–$3 (gas), plus parking fees ($20+/hour near Penn Station)
• Travel Time: 16–30 minutes, min to drive from New York LGA
• Pros: Fastest in light traffic, flexible for your next trip
• Cons: High parking costs, NYC traffic congestion
• Tip: Use apps like SpotHero to find affordable parking near New York Penn Station.

9. Group Bus Transfers

For large groups, AirportTransfer.com offers chauffeured bus service with customized routes, ideal for travel from LaGuardia.

• Cost: Varies by group size (contact for quote days in advance)
• Travel Time: 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic
• Pros: Ideal for groups, flexible schedules
• Cons: Requires advance booking, higher cost

Why Visit Penn Station?

New York Penn Station, located at 34th Street and 8th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, is one of North America’s busiest transportation hubs. Serving Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), NJ Transit, and subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, C, E), it connects travelers to NYC landmarks like Times Square, Madison Square Garden, and the Empire State Building. Its historical significance and central location make it a gateway for travel from LaGuardia for both tourists and locals.

Distance between New York LaGuardia Airport and Penn Station: Approximately 9 miles (14.5 km), with travel time ranging from 16 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and your chosen method.

Hotels Near Penn Station

Stay close to New York Penn Station for convenience. Top options include:

• Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel: Modern rooms, steps from Penn Station.
• The Penn Club of New York: Exclusive, upscale accommodations.
• Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Times Square South: Budget-friendly, comfortable.
• Hampton Inn Manhattan Madison Square Garden Area: Cozy, near MSG.
• Moxy NYC Times Square: Trendy, vibrant atmosphere.

Hotels Near LaGuardia Airport

If you need a hotel near LGA Airport, consider:

• New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott: Modern, reliable.
• Hampton Inn New York – LaGuardia Airport: Affordable, convenient.
• Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport: Stylish, budget-friendly.

Practical Tips for Traveling from LGA to Penn Station

• Avoid Peak Hours: NYC traffic peaks from 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM. Plan around these times for faster travel from LaGuardia.
• Holiday Travel: Book luxury services or shuttle services early days in advance during Thanksgiving or Christmas to secure availability.
• Luggage: Choose Ride SoHo or taxi which takes you directly if you have heavy luggage, as public transit buses like Q70 bus or M60-SBS have luggage racks but can be crowded.
• Safety: Ride SoHo’s TLC-licensed chauffeurs are vetted, ensuring a secure ride from LaGuardia Airport.
• Apps: Download the MTA TrainTime app for real-time subway and bus service schedules or the Ride SoHo app for quick bookings.
• Payment: Use a MetroCard, OMNY, or contactless payment at ticket machines for M60-SBS or Q70 bus to avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cheapest way to get from LGA to Penn Station?

The LaGuardia Link Q70 or M60-SBS bus combined with the subway costs $2.90 (bus fare via MetroCard or OMNY), making it the most budget-friendly public transportation option.

What’s the fastest way to get from LGA to Penn Station?

Driving from New York LaGuardia (16–30 minutes) or a Ride SoHo luxury black car service (25–45 minutes) is the quickest way, depending on traffic.

Is LaGuardia or JFK closer to Penn Station?

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) (9 miles) is closer than JFK (15 miles) to New York Penn Station.

Does Penn Station go to LGA?

There’s no direct train, but you can take the LIRR to Woodside, then the Q70 bus to LGA Airport.

What subway line is Penn Station on?

New York Penn Station is served by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E subway lines.

Is there a free shuttle from LGA to Penn Station?

No, but the LaGuardia Link Q70 is free within LGA Airport terminals and costs $2.90 (bus fare) to connect to the subway for Penn Station.

Does the subway run from LGA to Manhattan?

No, LaGuardia Airport has no direct subway line. You must take the M60 or Q70 bus to a subway station like Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave (E, F, M, R, 7) or Astoria Blvd (N, W) to reach Manhattan.

What is the easiest airport to get to from Penn Station?

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the easiest, as it’s the closest (9 miles) and offers multiple transportation options like the Q70 bus to subway ($2.90, 40–60 minutes) or taxi which takes 30–45 minutes ($35–$45).

Does LaGuardia Airport have train stations?

No, New York LaGuardia Airport does not have a train or subway line. The closest rail options are the LIRR at Woodside or subway stations at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave, accessible via the Q70 bus or M60-SBS.

Does Amtrak go to LaGuardia Airport?

No, Amtrak does not serve LaGuardia Airport directly. From Penn Station, take the LIRR to Woodside and connect to the Q70 bus to reach LGA.

How much is Uber from LGA to Penn Station?

An Uber ride from LaGuardia Airport to Penn Station typically costs $30–$50, depending on traffic and vehicle type (e.g., UberX). Surge pricing during peak hours can increase costs.

Which is cheaper in NYC, taxi or Uber?

Taxis which take you to Penn Station ($35–$45) and Uber ($30–$50) have similar prices and travel ranges, but taxis are often cheaper during off-peak hours due to Uber’s surge pricing. Compare both for your next trip.

How much is a yellow cab from LaGuardia to Manhattan?

A yellow taxi ride from LaGuardia Airport to Penn Station or other Manhattan destinations costs $35–$45, including tolls and tips, depending on traffic.

Conclusion

Whether you’re seeking luxury with Ride SoHo’s black car service, affordability with public transit like the Q70 bus or M60-SBS, or convenience with a taxi ride, getting from New York LaGuardia to Penn Station is straightforward with the right plan. 

Consider your needs and budget to choose the best way to get from LGA Airport. For a stress-free, premium ride from LaGuardia Airport, book Ride SoHo days in advance and enjoy a seamless journey to New York Penn Station. Plan your next trip with these transportation options for a smooth travel from LaGuardia. Safe travels!