6 Ways to Get From LaGuardia Airport to JFK Airport

Travelling between LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of New York City’s most common inter-airport transfers. Although the two airports are only 10 miles apart, traffic, route complexity, and unpredictable wait times make the journey confusing for many travellers. Below are the six most reliable ways to get from LGA to JFK, compared using travel time, cost, convenience, and real-world conditions.

1. Private Car Service (Best Option)

A private car service is the most reliable and comfortable way to travel between LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport, offering a seamless, door-to-door experience without the uncertainty of taxi meters or rideshare surge pricing. Your chauffeur meets you at the terminal or curbside pickup zone, assists with luggage, and provides a direct, uninterrupted ride to JFK with a predictable travel time of 35–60 minutes. This option is ideal for business travellers, families, groups, or anyone connecting between flights who needs punctuality, comfort, and stress-free movement across New York’s busiest airport corridor.

Advantages: Fixed pricing, luxury vehicles, professional chauffeurs, guaranteed pickups, luggage assistance, excellent reliability during peak hours, and the fastest overall route.

Disadvantages: Higher cost than rideshare or public transit, advance booking recommended, and not suitable for ultra-budget travellers or those seeking the cheapest possible transfer.

2. Taxi

Taxis are widely available at both LaGuardia terminals and remain a practical option for travellers who prefer on-demand transportation. However, taxis operate on metered fares, meaning cost varies based on traffic, route taken, and time of day.

While taxis offer direct travel without transfers, they do not guarantee vehicle condition, pricing transparency, or driver professionalism on the same level as private car service.

Advantages:

• Easy to find at any terminal
• No app required
• Direct airport-to-airport transfer

Disadvantages:

• Metered pricing can be high during traffic
• Older vehicles and inconsistent cleanliness
• No fixed travel time guarantee

Most travellers choose taxis when they want fast on-demand access but do not mind fare variability.

3. Uber & Lyft Rideshare Services

Uber and Lyft are convenient options for travellers who want app-based digital booking, live tracking, and cashless payment. These services operate heavily at LaGuardia and offer a range of vehicle options—from basic sedans to XL SUVs.

However, rideshare pricing fluctuates based on demand, time of day, and weather, sometimes exceeding the cost of a private car service. Cancellations, long wait times during rush hour, and driver unavailability also impact reliability.

Advantages:

• App-based convenience
• Live tracking and fare estimates
• Quick curbside pickup

Disadvantages:

• Surge pricing is common
• Driver cancellations during short or low-paying trips
• Inconsistent professionalism and vehicle quality

Rideshare is best suited for travellers who want app-controlled flexibility but do not require luxury or guaranteed service.

4. Airport Shuttle Services (Shared Transfers)

Shuttle services provide a budget-friendly way to move between LGA and JFK through shared vans or multi-stop airport shuttles. Although the cost is lower than a private car service or taxi, shared transfers typically involve longer travel times due to multiple passenger pickups and drop-offs.

Shuttles are best for solo travellers without tight schedules or those who prioritise affordability over speed and privacy.

Advantages:

• Cheapest vehicle-based option
• Shared cost with other passengers
• Operates frequently between major airports

Disadvantages:

• Longer travel time due to multiple stops
• Limited luggage space
• Crowding during busy travel seasons

This option is most ideal for budget-conscious travellers without time-sensitive plans.

5. Public Transportation (Bus + AirTrain)

Public transportation is the cheapest way to travel between LaGuardia and JFK, but it is also the slowest and least convenient, especially if you have heavy luggage or are new to NYC transit.

A typical route involves the following sequence:

1. Q70 SBS or M60 Bus from LaGuardia → Jackson Heights or Harlem
2. Subway (E, F, 7, A lines depending on route)
3. AirTrain JFK to your terminal

This multi-step journey usually takes 75 to 95 minutes, but delays or transfer waits can extend the trip.

Advantages:

• Lowest cost overall
• Frequent departures
• Good for travellers staying under a tight budget

Disadvantages:

• Most complicated option
• Requires multiple transfers
• Not ideal with luggage or mobility limitations

Public transportation works best for local New Yorkers, backpackers, or budget travellers who are comfortable navigating the NYC transit system.

6. Rental Car

Renting a car for an airport-to-airport transfer is not common, but it is possible. Travellers may choose this option if they plan to continue driving after reaching JFK or want a temporary vehicle during a long layover.

Rental car pickups are available at LaGuardia via designated shuttle buses. After driving to JFK, cars can be returned at rental centers connected to the AirTrain.

Advantages:

• Full control of schedule
• Ideal if continuing a road trip
• Multiple vehicle choices

Disadvantages:

• Cost of rental, fuel, tolls, and insurance
• Traffic and navigation stress
• Airport rental center logistics

This option works best only when part of a larger trip rather than a simple airport transfer.

What Is the Best Way to Travel From LGA to JFK?

The best overall way to travel from LaGuardia to JFK is using a private car service, especially if you want predictable timing, fixed pricing, and a stress-free experience. Private transfer eliminates the uncertainty of rideshare surge pricing, taxi meter fluctuations, and multi-step public transport routes.

Most travellers prefer a method that avoids:

• unpredictable traffic delays
• luggage handling complications
• multiple transfers
• unsafe roadside pickups during bad weather

A private car service solves all these issues with professional chauffeurs, direct routing, and punctual pickup times that align perfectly with your flight schedule.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From LGA to JFK Airport?

The fastest way to travel between LaGuardia and JFK is a private car service or a taxi under normal traffic conditions. Travel time ranges between 35 and 50 minutes.

During peak traffic hours (7–10 AM and 4–7 PM), the quickest choice remains a professional chauffeur because they understand local traffic patterns, known bottlenecks, and alternate routes such as:

• Grand Central Parkway
• Van Wyck Expressway
• Jackie Robinson Parkway
• Northern Boulevard

Rideshare services can also be fast, but driver availability, cancellations, and detours often create delays.

Public transportation and shared shuttles are never the fastest methods due to multiple transfers and fixed routes.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From LGA to JFK?

The cheapest way is public transportation, costing roughly:

• $2.90 for the MTA bus
• $2.90 for the subway (if needed)
• $8.50 for the AirTrain JFK

Total: Approximately $14–$15.

However, the trade-offs include:

• 3 or more transfers
• 75–95 minutes of travel time
• stairs, platforms, and crowded buses
• poor accessibility for luggage-heavy travellers

If your priority is purely cost, public transit is the best option. If you need comfort or efficiency, a private car or taxi is more suitable.

How Long Does It Take From LGA to JFK?

Travel time depends heavily on traffic, weather, and time of day:

Public transportation typically takes 75–95 minutes, regardless of traffic.

Shared shuttles take between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on how many passengers are onboard.

Why Private Car Service Is the Best Choice?

A private car service is the best option because it delivers the highest level of reliability, comfort, and timing accuracy between LGA and JFK. You receive a pre-scheduled pickup, a trained chauffeur, and a clean, luxury vehicle with guaranteed door-to-door service. Unlike taxis or rideshares, pricing is fixed, drivers never cancel, and travel times remain consistent even during peak traffic—making it ideal for tight connections or stress-free airport transfers.

Why Ride Soho Is the Best Option?

Ride Soho is the best choice for LGA-to-JFK transfers because it delivers a premium, dependable experience with licensed NYC TLC chauffeurs, real-time flight tracking, and guaranteed on-time pickups. Every ride includes a luxury vehicle, fixed pricing with no hidden fees, and professional assistance with luggage. Whether you’re a business traveller, family, or group, Ride Soho ensures a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free airport-to-airport transfer at any hour of the day.