EWR Airport to LaGuardia: Transit Options and Travel Guide
Traveling from EWR airport to LaGuardia involves crossing state lines from New Jersey to New York and navigating through NYC traffic. Since these two major airports are located about 30 miles apart, you will need to plan your transfer route carefully.
There is no direct public train or bus that connects the two locations. From what we’ve seen, getting between them requires taking a taxi, booking a private rideshare, or using a multi-step public transit route through Manhattan.
How do you travel from EWR airport to LaGuardia?
You can travel from EWR airport to LaGuardia by booking a taxi, using a rideshare service, or taking public trains and buses. Taxis offer the most direct route, while trains and buses are the most budget-friendly choice.
According to a 2024 service advisory from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a typical taxi ride between the two airports takes about 60 to 90 minutes. However, heavy traffic during morning and evening rush hours can easily double your travel time. If you enjoy planning complex journeys, you can learn about avoiding beginner travel errors to keep your itinerary stress-free.
What is the cheapest way to travel between the airports?
The cheapest way to travel between EWR and LaGuardia is by using public transit, which costs under $20 per person. This route involves taking the airport AirTrain, riding a commuter train into Manhattan, and transferring to a local subway and bus.
One common myth is that public transit is too difficult to navigate with suitcases. In reality, the stations feature elevators and wide escalators to accommodate travelers. Based on fare data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, your journey begins by taking the EWR AirTrain to the Newark Airport station. From there, you ride NJ Transit to Penn Station in Manhattan, hop on the E subway train to Queens, and take the free Q70 bus directly to your LaGuardia terminal.
Here are the step-by-step connections for the budget route:
- EWR AirTrain: Ride from your terminal to the airport train station.
- NJ Transit: Board a train heading to New York Penn Station in Manhattan.
- Subway: Take the E train from Penn Station to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station in Queens.
- Q70 Bus: Board the free LGA Link bus directly to the airport terminals.
One mistake we see beginners make is attempting this public route with more than two bags. This usually leads to exhaustion on busy subway stairs. Instead, try booking a rideshare if you have heavy luggage.
How much connection time do you need for this transfer?
We recommend allowing at least four hours of connection time if you must transfer between EWR and LaGuardia for a connecting flight. This buffer accommodates traffic delays, baggage retrieval, and airport security check lines at your next stop.
Imagine you land at Newark at 1:00 PM and your next flight departs from LaGuardia at 5:00 PM. It will take you 45 minutes to get off the plane and retrieve your bags, 90 minutes to travel across the city, and another 45 minutes to check in and clear security at LaGuardia. We prefer booking flights that land in the same airport, but if you must swap, spending extra on a taxi is safer than risking public transit delays.
We’ve noticed that travel times are longest on Friday afternoons when weekend traffic peaks. If you are packing gear for adventure trips, checking our guide on outdoor packing suggestions can help keep your bags light. Similarly, if your travel includes tough hikes, reading about high altitude trekking safety will keep you prepared for physical challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct shuttle bus between EWR and LaGuardia?
No, there is no direct shuttle bus service running between the two airports, so you must use private taxis, rideshares, or public trains.
Do NYC yellow cabs travel to Newark Airport?
Yes, yellow cabs can take you to Newark, but you will pay extra tolls and an interstate surcharge because the airport is in New Jersey.
How much does a rideshare cost between EWR and LGA?
A standard rideshare trip usually costs between $90 and $130, depending on the time of day, demand spikes, and toll road fees.
Which public train goes from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
The NJ Transit train line runs directly from the Newark Airport Train Station to New York Penn Station in midtown Manhattan.
Does the Q70 bus to LaGuardia cost money?
No, the Q70 LGA Link bus is completely free and runs every 10 minutes from the Jackson Heights subway station in Queens.
Written by Rosella
Rosella is a self-taught digital creator with a passion for breaking down tech, lifestyle, and everyday topics into simple, easy-to-understand content. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, she brings a curious, multi-disciplinary approach to writing, covering everything from the latest tech trends to practical life hacks and personal growth insights.
Her goal is straightforward: take complicated ideas and explain them in a way that actually makes sense, so every reader, whether a total beginner or someone more experienced, walks away having learned something useful. When she’s not writing, you’ll usually find her exploring new tools, sharpening her skills, or spending time with family.
Through this blog, Rosella aims to build a community centered on real, actionable insights rather than fluff, jargon, or filler content.
