How to Get From LGA to JFK (Quickest & Cheapest)

There are only two good ways to travel from LGA to JFK:

1. Taxi (inc Uber or Lyft)
2. Pubic Transport

Public transport is the cheapest option. But it can take around 2 hours (twice as long as a taxi) and requires multiple changes. A taxi is more expensive at between $40 and $80, but it is quicker and a lot less hassle.

There are two ways you can take a taxi from LGA to JFK:

1. Traditional Taxi
2. Uber or Lyft

Traditional taxis are convenient because they are ready and waiting outside the terminal. However, traditional taxis run on a meter rather than a pre-set price.

As a result, a traditional taxi between LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy is around $60 to $80. Meanwhile, Uber or Lyft typically costs $40 to $50. Both prices are before a tip.

For this reason, I always take an Uber or Lyft when travelling by taxi from LGA to JFK.

The journey between JFK and LGA could take as little as 45 minutes. However, given the traffic in New York City, expect it to be more like 1 hour.

Traditional taxis and rideshares have different pick-up points. Both are signposted inside the arrivals hall, except at JFK, Terminal 5, where the rideshare pick-up point is at departures.

You should only book your Uber or Lyft once you have arrived at the designated pick-up point. You will be charged, and the driver will leave if they wait more than 5 minutes. Given the airport’s popularity, drivers often arrive in under 10 minutes.

If you’re travelling in a large group or have a lot of luggage, an XL car is available for a premium on Uber and Lyft. However, this is still cheaper than taking two separate cars.

Public transport is the cheapest way to travel between LGA and JFK. However, the two airports do not have direct bus or subway lines.

As such, you’ll need to transfer, meaning the journey, including wait times, will likely take around 2 hours.

1. Take the LaGuardia Link (Q70-SBS). This bus only goes from Terminal B and Terminal C. If you’re arriving at Terminal A, take the bus to Terminal B.
2. Arrive at Jackson Heights—Roosevelt Ave Station (takes about 15 minutes).
3. Buy a MetroCard at the subway station and load $10.75 on it.
4. Take the E train to Sutphin Blvd – Archer Av – JFK Airport (costs $2.75)
5. Follow the signs for Jamaica Station AirTrain.
6. Board the AirTrain to JFK. This train stops at every terminal and costs $8.