Navigating between New York’s two busiest airports, LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK, can feel like a puzzle. Although they are only about 12 miles apart, these 12 miles will become hectic due to busy traffic, limited transit options, and tight layovers.
This travel guide gives you smart tips for planning your transfer. This guide becomes your best option ever if you compare it with a quick taxi ride, budget-friendly MTA routes, or the comfort and convenience of private transfers. From travel time estimates to cost breakdowns and smart tips for planning, even when you are running late, I’ve got you covered.
Let us get you from terminal to terminal as comfortably as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Get from LaGuardia to JFK?
It all depends upon road traffic conditions, terminal, and time of day, as I said, expect 35–75 minutes by car.
- Rush hours 7 to 10 am, 4 to 7 pm: 60 to 75 minutes, sometimes longer
- Late night or early morning 10 pm to 6 am: 35 to 45 minutes with light traffic
Midday 10 am to 3 pm: 45 to 55 minutes, moderate delays - Midday 10 am – 3 pm: 45–55 minutes, moderate delays
- During major events (US Open, UN General Assembly, concerts at Citi Field): Add 20 to 30 minutes extra.
Example: If your airstrip at LGA Terminal D at 11:00 pm and you have to catch a red-eye departing JFK Terminal 1 at 1:30 am, you should organize to depart LGA by 11:30 pm, since traffic is usually minimal late at night.
Best Routes from LGA to JFK: Car vs. Shuttle Options
| Route | Best For | Typical Time | Insider Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Grand Central Parkway → Van Wyck Expressway (I-678 S) |
Most direct |
35–55 min |
Standard route. Watch for heavy congestion near Kew Gardens Interchange. |
|
BQE → Belt Parkway → JFK |
Backup option |
45–75 min |
Longer, but useful if Van Wyck is crawling. Scenic drive along Jamaica Bay. |
|
Whitestone or Throgs Neck Bridge → Cross Island Pkwy → Belt Pkwy |
Northern Queens reroutes |
55–80 min |
Sometimes better if leaving from the Bronx/Upper Queens. Adds tolls. |
Helpful Pro Tip: On weekdays between 4–6 pm, the Belt Parkway can move faster than the Van Wyck. Experienced chauffeurs check traffic apps before executing.
Optimum Travel Times: When to Evade NYC Airport Traffic
Navigating New York’s traffic can be a challenging, particularly during:
- Peak hours: Weekday rush hours(7 to 10 am and 4 to 7 pm), Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and during major events.
- Ideal times: Early morning (before 6 am) and late evening (after 8 pm).
- Cyclical patterns: Weekends during summer bring extra traffic toward the beaches.
Real Scenario: Last week, a family heading from LGA to JFK last Sunday night to board the next international flight because of heavy weekend return traffic on the Belt Parkway. Leeway: 30 minutes extra.
Complete Cost Breakdown: LGA to JFK Transfer Options
- Taxi: $40 to $70, metered plus tolls
Car Service (NYC Elite) - Business Sedan: $237 (for 3 hours minimum at $79/hr)
- First-Class Sedan (e.g., Mercedes S-Class, BMW 5 Series): $447 (3 hours minimum at $149/hr)
- Luxury SUV (e.g., Suburban, Yukon XL): $297 (3 hours minimum at $99/hr)
- Mini SUV (e.g., Cadillac XT6, Lincoln Aviator): $89 (1 hour minimum)
- Premium SUV (e.g., Escalade, Navigator): $387 (3 hours minimum at $129/hr)
- Van (e.g., Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit): $597 (3 hours minimum at $199/hr)
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): $45 to $80, but dynamic pricing can double rates
- Public Transit: $10 (bus, subway, AirTrain combo)
- Private Shuttle: $35 to $60 per person
If you’re a group of 3 to 5 with luggage, a pre-booked mini SUV or luxury SUV from NYC Elite. They offer the best value and are faster and more comfortable than public transit or shuttles, especially during peak travel times.
Factors That Impact Your Airport Transfer
1. Traffic patterns
- Midtown congestion spills onto Grand Central Parkway.
- The Van Wyck Expressway is infamous for stop-and-go traffic.
2. Terminal location
- JFK’s Terminal 8 is closer to the Van Wyck.
- Terminal 4 or 5 arrivals can add 10–15 minutes.
3. Events
- The US Open (late August/September) near Flushing Meadows creates heavy LGA-area backups.
- UN General Assembly week (September) clogs Midtown and routes feeding into Queens.
4. Vehicle type
- Standard sedans cost less but may not fit oversized luggage.
- SUVs or luxury vehicles add comfort but cost more.
5. Tolls
- Depending on diversions, if drivers cross Whitestone or Throgs Neck bridges, they add $6 to $10.
Travel Tips by Passenger Type: Business, Family & Tourist Guide
1. Business Travelers
- Book a black car with WiFi so you can work on the move.
- Plan extra time for JFK international departures (2 to 3 hours before flight).
- Ask your driver about the drop-off station closest to your destination.
2. Families
- Request an SUV or van with child seats. If you have a small child with you, we provide a special seat for them.
- Factor in restroom breaks or luggage repacking. When travelling with families, we face some issues like using the restroom and repacking. Consider extra time for that.
- Make a reservation to avoid last-minute dynamic pricing.
3. Tourists
- Don’t risk public transit with heavy bags—it can take 90 to 120 minutes with multiple transfers.
- Choose a chauffeur who knows alternative local points through Queens.
If you have time, inquire about traversing - Flushing Meadows Park or Jamaica Bay for a mini-scenic drive.
Smart Booking to Plan an Action for Airport Shuttle
- Domestic connections: Book at least 24 hours prior.
- International flights: Book 48 hours prior to risk premium vehicles.
- High-demand weeks (US Open, UNGA, holidays): Reserve 3 to 5 days ahead.
Book your LGA to JFK transfer with NYC Elite Car Service for guaranteed availability, flight tracking, and professional drivers.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth LGA to JFK Transfer
Transferring from LaGuardia to JFK is an iconic experience, but as you now know, it does not have to be a stressful one. The best option is planning which, with NYC elite cars, is under your budget, your timeline, and your appetite for adventure.
Avoid the stress of last-minute rideshares or complicated public transit routes; book your ride with NYC Elite Car Service. You will get a guaranteed ride, a professional driver, and peace of mind, so you can focus on your journey, not the transfer.
LaGuardia to JFK Transfer FAQs
It typically costs $237 to $447 for sedans, $89 to $387 for SUVs, and around $597 for vans or sprinters. Prices may vary depending on the vehicle and the required minimum hours for booking. Check out our full guide for Hourly Black Car & Limo Costs in NYC: The Latest Pricing Guide?
Yes, but sometimes only. Uber and Lyft may be low cost at first, but during rush hours, bad weather, and late nights demand often surges rates above car service pricing.
Of course, but it is an indirect connection. Travelers typically take the Q70-SBS bus firstly to Jackson Heights, then transfer to the E subway line, and then finally connect to the AirTrain JFK at Jamaica Station. The total time for the trip takes 90 to 120 minutes.
Definitely, reputable providers like NYC Elite Car Service check your flight status in real time. If your flight is postponed, your driver automatically modifies the pickup time without extra fees.
Public transit is the cheapest option, costing around $10 total. The route takes up to 2 hours due to multiple transfers (bus, subway, and AirTrain) and is not ideal with luggage or children. For many travelers, the time saved with a pre-booked car justifies the added expense.
It is advisable to allocate at least 3 to 4 hours between flights. This covers baggage claim, road transfer, which will take 35 to 75 minutes by car, and security at JFK. For international departures, allow at least 4 to 5 hours. .
Yes, several private shuttle companies operate shared rides between two airports. They usually cost $35 to $60 per person and may require waiting for other passengers.
No, there is no direct subway line between the two airports. This takes 90 to 120 minutes and involves multiple transfers (bus, a subway ride, and AirTrain).
Sophia Lane is the voice behind NYC Elite Car Service’s blog, bringing readers expert insights on luxury transportation, travel tips, and New York City experiences. With years of professional writing experience, she combines in-depth research with local knowledge to create informative, trustworthy, and engaging content that helps travelers navigate NYC in style.
