LaGuardia vs JFK: Which Is Easier?

Here's a conversation that happens in our dispatch office at least twice a week:

"I have a flight out of LGA at 6pm. What time should I leave?"

"Where are you coming from?"

"Midtown."

"Leave at 3:30. Maybe 3."

"For a 15-minute drive?"

And that's when we explain that nothing about LaGuardia is a 15-minute drive. Not during rush hour. Not when the Grand Central Parkway turns into a parking lot. Not when construction (there's always construction) blocks half the lanes.

The LGA vs JFK debate has no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on where you're going, where you're coming from, what time of day, and how much patience you've got. After a decade of dispatching cars to both airports daily, here's the honest breakdown.

The Distance Myth

LaGuardia: 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan

JFK: 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan

On paper, LGA is almost half the distance. In reality, that distance barely matters.

LaGuardia is geographically closer, yes. But the routes to get there—the Grand Central Parkway, the BQE, the RFK Bridge—are among the most congested in the city. An 8-mile trip regularly takes 45-75 minutes.

JFK is farther, but the Belt Parkway and Van Wyck often flow more freely. A 15-mile trip can take the same 45-75 minutes—or less, if you're traveling at off-peak hours.

Our GPS data from the past year shows average drive times from Midtown:

• To LaGuardia: 42 minutes average (range: 20-90 minutes)
• To JFK: 52 minutes average (range: 28-100 minutes)

That 10-minute difference shrinks to nothing during rush hour, when both routes are crawling.

Ground Transportation Costs Compared

LaGuardia is cheaper for ground transportation—but not by as much as you'd think.

Service	To LaGuardia	To JFK
Car Service (Sedan)	$75-90	$95-110
Car Service (SUV)	$100-120	$125-145
Yellow Taxi	Metered (~$45-60)	$70 flat rate
UberX (no surge)	$35-55	$55-75
Public Transit	$2.90 (bus) or ~$20 (cab to subway)	$10.75 (AirTrain + subway)

The catch with LGA's "cheaper" taxis: they're metered, so heavy traffic actually costs you more. During rush hour, a taxi to LaGuardia might hit $70—the same as JFK's flat rate.

The Terminal Experience

This is where JFK pulls ahead, hard.

LaGuardia's Reality:

LGA has been under construction since 2016, with a massive rebuild aiming for completion around 2026. The new Terminal B is legitimately nice—modern gates, decent food, natural light. But the rest of the airport is a maze of construction detours, temporary walkways, and crowded spaces.

The terminal layout is confusing. Signage is inconsistent. If you have a connecting flight between terminals, you're often walking outside. There's no central security—each terminal has its own, so PreCheck lines can get long.

And food options? Getting better, but still limited compared to JFK.

JFK's Advantage:

JFK has 6 terminals spread across a massive campus. That sounds complicated, but each terminal operates like its own mini-airport. You check in, go through security, and stay in your terminal. The AirTrain connects everything.

Terminal 5 (JetBlue) is one of the best domestic terminals in the country—great restaurants, a rooftop garden, efficient security. Terminal 4 (Delta's hub) is equally solid for international travel.

Lounges are better at JFK. Dining is better. The overall vibe is less frantic.

Public Transportation Options

To JFK: AirTrain + Subway

JFK's AirTrain connects all terminals to the NYC subway system (via Jamaica or Howard Beach stations). Total cost: $10.75. Total time: 60-90 minutes from Midtown. It's not luxurious, but it works, and it runs 24/7.

To LaGuardia: No Rail at All

LaGuardia has no subway or rail connection. Your public transit options are:

• Q70 bus from Jackson Heights (subway transfer required)
• M60 bus from Harlem/Upper Manhattan
• NYC Ferry from Manhattan to Astoria, then bus

All of these take 60-90+ minutes and involve multiple transfers with luggage. There's a reason most people don't take public transit to LGA.

Which Airlines Fly Where

Your airline might make this decision for you:

LaGuardia Carriers: American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue (limited), Spirit, Frontier

JFK Carriers: JetBlue (hub), Delta (international hub), American, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, plus dozens of international carriers

LaGuardia is primarily domestic. JFK handles most international flights. If you're flying overseas, JFK is your only realistic option.

When to Choose LaGuardia

• Domestic flights only. LGA doesn't serve international routes (except some Canadian destinations).
• Staying in Upper Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx. LGA is significantly more convenient from these areas.
• Short trips with minimal luggage. Less terminal walking, faster pickup loops.
• Delta Shuttle to Boston/DC. The hourly shuttles from LGA are efficient for business travelers.
• You're price-sensitive. Ground transportation is $20-30 less.

When to Choose JFK

• International travel. No contest—JFK is the gateway.
• You value terminal comfort. Better restaurants, lounges, and amenities.
• Early morning or late night flights. The AirTrain runs 24/7; LGA buses don't.
• You're coming from Brooklyn or lower Manhattan. JFK is often faster from these areas.
• Long layovers. More to do, better places to wait.
• Flying JetBlue. Their JFK terminal is excellent.

The Chauffeur's Perspective

I asked a few of our drivers which airport they prefer for pickups and drop-offs:

Tony (15 years driving): "JFK is easier. The roads make sense. At LaGuardia, the construction changes weekly. I've been doing this 15 years and I still get confused by the detours."

Maria (8 years driving): "LaGuardia for quick domestic flights, especially if the client is in Midtown. But if they have time? JFK. Less stress for everyone."

James (10 years driving): "The LGA pickup zones are chaos during peak hours. JFK is spread out, so even when it's busy, there's room to maneuver."

What About Newark?

We get asked this a lot. Newark Liberty (EWR) is New Jersey's airport, but it's often faster to reach from Lower Manhattan than either NYC airport.

Quick comparison:

• Distance from Midtown: About 16 miles (similar to JFK)
• Car service cost: $110-140 for a sedan (tolls are higher)
• Best for: Downtown/FiDi pickups, United flyers, some international flights

If your flight options include Newark, check our EWR guide for a deeper comparison.

Making the Decision: A Flowchart

1. Is your flight international? → JFK (almost always)
2. Are you flying JetBlue? → JFK (Terminal 5 is worth it)
3. Are you in Queens or Upper Manhattan? → LGA (shorter drive)
4. Is it rush hour? → Either airport will be slow; choose by flight availability
5. Do you value terminal experience? → JFK
6. Is budget the top priority? → LGA (cheaper ground transport)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport is easier for first-time NYC visitors?

JFK. The AirTrain provides a clear, reliable connection to the city. LaGuardia's lack of rail and ongoing construction make it more confusing. Plus, JFK terminals have better signage and more staff available to help.

Which airport has shorter security lines?

It varies by terminal and time of day. JFK Terminal 5 (JetBlue) is known for efficient security. LaGuardia's new Terminal B has improved, but the older terminals can have long waits. Always check your airline's terminal and allow extra time.

Can I switch airports if my flight gets canceled?

Possibly, but it's not guaranteed. Airlines sometimes rebook on partner carriers at different airports. If you need to switch, a car service can get you between LGA and JFK in about 30-45 minutes (off-peak).

Is there Uber/Lyft at both airports?

Yes, both airports have designated rideshare pickup zones. At JFK, it's in the parking lots near each terminal. At LGA, it's at specific locations (check the app for directions after you land).

Which airport is better for families with kids?

JFK, generally. The terminals are less cramped, there's more space to wait with strollers and car seats, and the AirTrain is a small adventure kids often enjoy.

The Bottom Line

There's no universally "easier" airport. LaGuardia is closer and cheaper for ground transportation, but the terminal experience is rougher and there's no rail link. JFK is farther but has better facilities, the AirTrain, and handles international flights.

For most domestic flights from Midtown or Uptown: LaGuardia makes sense.

For international travel, JetBlue flights, or trips from Brooklyn/Downtown: JFK is usually better.

Either way, book your ground transportation in advance. Showing up to either airport without a plan during rush hour is the one guaranteed way to have a bad experience.

Need a ride to LGA or JFK? Check our airport transfer rates—we serve both, and we'll get you there on time.