If you’re landing in New York and need to switch from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) over to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you already know it’s not as simple as it sounds. On paper (LGA to JFK), these airports are close—just under 10 miles apart. In reality, though, the trip can feel longer than it should. Traffic in Queens, construction detours, no direct rail link. It adds up.
So the big question in 2025: how do you actually get from LaGuardia to JFK without losing your cool or your flight? The short answer is there are multiple ways, ranging from a couple of bucks on the subway to a couple hundred for a private chauffeur. Which one makes sense depends on time, money, and how much hassle you can tolerate. Let’s walk through all of them, from cheapest to most premium, so you can pick what works for your situation.
Why Reliable Transfers Matter Between LGA and JFK
LaGuardia is mostly domestic. JFK is the international heavyweight. That’s why plenty of people land at one and depart from the other. Sometimes it’s a planned connection, other times it’s because the fare worked out cheaper that way. Either way, you’ve got to cross Queens.
Here’s the thing: New York doesn’t make it easy. There’s no direct train line. No one-seat subway. Just roads. And roads in New York, especially around two busy airports, can be unpredictable. I’ve seen people make it in 25 minutes with no traffic. I’ve also seen it drag close to two hours when the Grand Central Parkway turned into a parking lot.
Then there’s construction. LaGuardia’s new terminals look sleek, sure, but pickup areas keep shifting. JFK has its massive Terminal 1 rebuild, which creates bottlenecks. If you’re connecting flights in 2025, do yourself a favor: build in more buffer time than you think you need. You’ll thank yourself later.
Transportation Options from LGA to JFK
Everyone’s got a different travel style. Some people would rather save money and deal with a longer trip. Others will pay extra for a stress-free ride. Here’s the full menu, starting with the lowest-cost options and moving up.
Public Transportation Options
Let’s start with the bare-bones option. You can take the Q70-SBS bus from LaGuardia to Jackson Heights, hop on the subway, then connect to the AirTrain at Jamaica Station for JFK.
Cost? Around $2.90 to $5.80 depending on how you pay and how many transfers you make. Time? Easily 75 to 90 minutes. That’s if transfers go smoothly. If you’re dragging two giant suitcases, stairs and crowded platforms will test your patience.
This is best for travelers on very tight budgets, students, or anyone with a long layover who doesn’t mind stretching the journey. Personally, if I had a tight connection, I wouldn’t risk it.
Shuttle Buses and Express Bus Service
If you don’t want to navigate multiple transfers, the NYC Express Bus is a middle-ground. It runs directly between LaGuardia and JFK with a few Manhattan stops. Tickets are about $17 to $20.
It takes roughly an hour, give or take traffic. The plus side: luggage storage, a straightforward route. The downside: the schedule. Buses only run between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., every 30 minutes. Land outside those hours and this option vanishes.
Still, for solo travelers looking to save money without hauling bags through subway turnstiles, this can be a solid pick.
Ride-Sharing (Uber and Lyft)
Open your phone, tap a button, and in theory a car shows up. Uber and Lyft make transfers simple—most of the time. Prices swing anywhere between $35 and $70. That range depends on time of day, demand, and how much surge pricing kicks in.
Caution: pickup zones at LaGuardia aren’t always where you think. With all the construction, designated spots sometimes change, which can mean an unexpected walk with luggage. And yes, surge pricing is real. Land around 5 p.m. on a weekday and you may end up paying as much as a private JFK car service.
That said, if you hit an off-peak window, ridesharing can be a comfortable middle-ground.
Standard Taxi Service
Ah, the yellow cab. They’re still lined up outside LaGuardia terminals, ready to go. No app, no pre-booking. Just hop in and head out.
Fares usually fall between $40 and $65 plus tolls and tip. Travel time is 30 to 50 minutes if traffic is reasonable. It can stretch longer during rush hour. One catch: since it’s metered, the price climbs the longer you sit in traffic. Not exactly fun if the Grand Central is crawling.
Taxis work well for solo travelers or people who don’t mind rolling the dice on price. They’re reliable in availability, though wait times at the taxi stand can get annoying at peak hours.
Private Car Service from LaGuardia to JFK
Now we move into the smoother options. Booking a LaGuardia airport car service gives you a professional driver, predictable pricing, and no surprises. Someone meets you at your terminal, helps with luggage, and gets you to JFK without detours.
Average cost: $90 to $140 depending on vehicle. Sedans are cheaper, SUVs more expensive. Travel time runs about 30 to 45 minutes in normal conditions.
The benefit? Reliability. No waiting in lines. No surge pricing. If you’re a family with kids, a business traveler on a schedule, or just someone who hates uncertainty, this is a strong option.
Executive and Black Car Services
At the top end, you have executive car service and black car service. Think luxury sedans or SUVs, professional chauffeurs, water bottles in the backseat, sometimes Wi-Fi.
Rates start at $120 and can climb higher depending on the vehicle. The ride itself is similar to standard private cars—30 to 45 minutes if traffic cooperates—but the experience is smoother. You’re paying for comfort, privacy, and the assurance that everything runs on your terms.
This is the go-to for corporate clients, VIPs, or anyone who wants zero stress during an airport connection.
Travel Time and Cost Comparison LGA to JFK
| Option | Average Cost | Travel Time | Best For |
| Public Transit (Bus + Subway) | $2.90–$5.80 | 75–90 mins | Travelers with light luggage, long layovers |
| Express Shuttle Bus | $17–$20 | ~60 mins | Budget-conscious passengers |
| Uber / Lyft | $35–$70 | 30–50 mins | Flexible travelers, off-peak hours |
| Taxi | $40–$65 | 30–50 mins | Solo travelers, last-minute rides |
| Private Car / Chauffeur | $90–$140 | 30–45 mins | Families, business travelers, late-night arrivals |
| Executive and Black Car | $120+ | 30–45 mins | Premium travelers, corporate clients |
Tips for a Smooth Transfer in 2025
- Always allow more time than you think. Roadwork and traffic in Queens are unpredictable.
- Book ahead if you want private or black car service. It locks in availability and pricing.
- Try to avoid rush hour if you can. Morning 7–9 a.m. and evening 4–7 p.m. are slow.
- Double-check pickup zones. At LaGuardia, they’ve moved several times due to ongoing terminal changes.
- If you’re price shopping, don’t forget Newark. Sometimes flights are cheaper through there, and you can arrange a Newark car service instead.
Connecting Flights and Travel Planning
Airlines usually build in some buffer for connections across airports, but you still want at least three to four hours between landing at LaGuardia and departing from JFK. That includes travel, check-in, and security lines.
Arrive early? JFK has lounges, dining, and even nap pods to pass the time. If you want details, check out JFK Airport and other top serviced airports.
Final Thoughts
Transferring between LGA and JFK isn’t exactly seamless, but it’s not impossible either. Once you know the options—whether that’s spending a few dollars on public transit or splurging on a chauffeur—it comes down to balancing cost, time, and convenience.
If you want the cheapest ride, the subway-bus-AirTrain combo is there. If you need predictability, private cars and black car services take the edge off. And if you land somewhere in between, taxis and rideshares cover the middle ground.
The key is simple: plan ahead, give yourself buffer time, and match your transfer to your travel style. Do that, and this leg of your journey becomes just another step, not a stress point.
