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

Situated in Queens, NY LaGuardia is the smallest of the New York Metropolitan Area’s three major airports.

As such you may find yourself having to travel across New York City to the larger John F. Kennedy International Airport for an onward journey.

It takes around one hour to travel from LGA to JFK depending on traffic, and the mode of transport. The cheapest way to travel from LGA to JFK is on public transport at a cost of $10.75. However, the fastest way is in a taxi, Uber or Lyft which typically costs between $30 – $40.

Given the number of transfers associated with public transport, we wouldn’t recommend this option for those with mobility limitations or a large amount of luggage.

Taxi

If you’re travelling with a large amount of luggage or are looking for convenience then one of the best ways to travel from LGA airport to JFK is by taxi.

Traditional yellow taxis are available from all airport terminals at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy.

Just follow the signs from the baggage claim area into the arrivals hall and to the taxi stand, where an attendant will be waiting and directing passengers into cabs.

Although the LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports are just 10 miles apart, it can take anything from 30 minutes to more than an hour to drive between the two – especially during rush hour.

Taxi cabs in New York have a standard metered fare and as such taking a taxi between LGA and JFK can typically be cheaper than using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.

The cost of a yellow taxi from LGA to JFK is typically between $35 and $40. However, the exact fare will fluctuate depending on the time of day and amount of traffic.

You can pay for your taxi with cash or a credit card. It’s standard to leave at least a 15% tip for your cab driver.

The benefit of taking a taxi instead of using a rideshare app is that you will usually save money, and you typically won’t have to wait as long for your ride.

While there may be a long line at the taxi stand, there are so many taxis in the queue that it moves quickly and efficiently.

Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

For many, including ourselves, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are the preferred option when it comes to transferring between LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airport.

The travel time between the two airports is the same as a yellow taxi cab – between 30 minutes and an hour. However, the cost can often be slightly higher at $40 – $65 and fluctuate a lot more.

That’s because, unlike an NYC taxi, there isn’t a standard metered fare. Instead, the price is algorithm based depending on traffic and demand in the area.

As such it’s important to check both Uber and Lyft to see who has the better prices.

LGA and JFK have designated rideshare pickup areas at each terminal which are signposted within the arrivals hall.

For both airports, the pickup zones are outside arrivals. However, at Terminal 5 at JFK, the rideshare pickup zone is outside departures instead.

When booking a ride in the Uber or Lyft app, you’ll be able to select your exact location and terminal for both pick-up and drop-off.

We do not recommend ordering your Uber or Lyft until you are ready and waiting at the dedicated pick-up area.

That’s because once you’re Uber or Lyft arrives they only wait five minutes before leaving.

If you’re not inside the car within five minutes then either your billing period will start as the driver calls to try and find you, or the fare will be cancelled but you’ll still be charged a fee.

For those travelling as a large family or group, or with a large amount of luggage the XL car available on both Uber and Lyft is a good option.

These are often mini-vans instead of cars and subsequently, come at an additional cost. However, the price per person (for those travelling in a large group) is often cheaper than two cars or public transport.

Shuttle Bus

One of the most affordable ways to travel between LGA and JFK is by using one of the shuttle services.

ETS Airport Shuttle offers a direct service between the two airports at a cost of between $20 and $25 per person.

These shuttle buses run between 5.00am and 11.30pm only. Therefore if you’re travelling outside of these hours you’ll have to take a different mode of transportation (likely a taxi, Uber or Lyft).

This is an economical option for solo travellers, but it becomes less cost-effective if you have two or more people in your group.

ETS Airport Shuttle also provides private shuttle vans for large groups of up to 10 passengers which can be booked for $160 one-way (at the time of writing).

These shuttles (both private and shared) must be booked online in advance. When booking your shuttle, you can include the exact terminal for pickup and dropoff.

To find your shuttle once you arrive at the airport make your way to the ground transportation welcome center in the arrivals hall and present your ETS voucher.

Public Transportation

The cheapest option for travelling between LGA and JFK is public transport.

However, there is no direct route by bus or subway, so this method involves two transfers which including wait times often takes around two hours.

From LaGuardia, you can take the Q70-SBS bus (also called the LaGuardia Link) to the Jackson Hts – Roosevelt Ave. subway station in Queens.

This shuttle picks up from Terminal B and Terminal C at LaGuardia only. Therefore if you’re arriving at Terminal A, you’ll have to take the free transfer shuttle to Terminal B in order to catch the bus.

Once at the Jackson Hts – Roosevelt Av station, buy a MetroCard and load $10.75 on it.

From here you will take the E train to Sutphin Blvd – Archer Av – JFK Airport, which costs $2.75. 

From this station, you will follow the signs for Jamaica Station AirTrain. Here, you will swipe your MetroCard again (it costs $8) and board the AirTrain, which makes stops at every terminal at JFK.

Given the total duration of the journey and the number of transfers this public transport option isn’t the best for those with mobility limitations or a large amount of luggage. Instead, we’d recommend a taxi, Uber or Lyft.

Private Car Service

If you’re looking for convenience above everything else then a private car service is a great option.

This service is provided by a number of companies. However, NYC Airporter is the only company to be authorised by the Port Authority of NY and NJ.

The exact cost of this service varies depending on the day, time and car size. However, typically you’ll be looking at between $110 and $250.

This service needs to be booked online in advance. Upon doing so you’ll be asked to provide your inbound flight details.

The company will then arrange for the driver to be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and take you from there to the car where you’ll be driven across the city to JFK.