LaGuardia Airport (LGA): code, terminals and NYC travel help
Identify the right New York airport, understand LGA and KLGA, find the correct terminal, plan the free Q70 bus, compare taxi and rideshare pickup, transfer between terminals and open official live airport information.
Check these official live pages before leaving
Static guides cannot reliably show a gate change, security queue, MTA disruption or parking closure. These links are deliberately separated from the evergreen guidance below.
Eight details that prevent the most common LaGuardia mistakes
Terminal A is not a normal passenger terminal right now
The historic Marine Air Terminal remains part of the airport, but the official Terminal A page says it is closed to the public for commercial flights and serves Modern Aviation. Scheduled airline passengers should expect Terminal B or C unless their airline says otherwise.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
There is no subway station inside LGA
The fastest rail-oriented public-transit strategy is usually a bus first. The fare-free Q70 connects Terminals B and C with Jackson Heights/74 St and Woodside-area rail connections.
NYC transit realityUber/Lyft pickup changes by terminal
Terminal B ride-app pickup is on Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage. Terminal C pickup is in the arrivals inner lane. Do not request the car until you are close to the signed pickup zone.
Avoid a cancellation feeTerminal B and C gate walks can be longer than expected
Official published walk times from security reach up to about 9 minutes in Terminal B and about 11 minutes in Terminal C before adding security, concessions or mobility delays.
Gate-time bufferThe Cell Phone Lot is not 24 hours
The free driver waiting lot is on 94th Street between 23rd Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard and is officially listed as open 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. ET.
Late pickup warningSeparate tickets make an LGA connection riskier
If the tickets are separate, you may need to collect checked bags, move terminals, recheck them and clear TSA again. A free airport shuttle does not protect you from a missed onward flight.
Connection protectionThe free airport shuttle runs 24/7
The All Terminals Shuttle is complimentary and operates around the clock. Current official guidance says about every 15 minutes at peak times and every 20 minutes off peak, with live tracking available.
Terminal-transfer backupA rental car can create a cashless-toll surprise
New York uses cashless tolling. Before leaving the rental center, confirm whether the company uses its own E-ZPass program, pay-by-plate billing or administrative fees. If using your own transponder, the airport specifically says not to add the rental vehicle plate to your personal E-ZPass account.
Avoid toll admin feesWhat airport is LGA?
LGA is LaGuardia Airport, one of the major airports serving New York City. The airport is physically in the borough of Queens, New York, in the United States. Travelers see LGA on airline tickets, boarding passes, baggage tags, flight boards, hotel and rental-car reservations.
KLGA is the four-letter ICAO identifier used in aviation systems. The FAA three-letter location identifier is also LGA.
What does LGA mean, and why is LaGuardia abbreviated LGA?
The LaGuardia airport abbreviation LGA is derived from the airport’s LaGuardia name. It is not an abbreviation for New York City. The airport is named for former New York City mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, who pushed for a major commercial airport within New York City.
Airport opened for commercial traffic
The Port Authority’s historical account says the airport opened in 1939 as New York Municipal Airport–LaGuardia Field, with the first scheduled TWA flight arriving from Chicago.
The code follows the LaGuardia name
Unlike airport codes with less obvious historical origins, LGA is a straightforward three-letter identifier tied to LaGuardia’s name. FAA records also identify LaGuardia as LGA with ICAO form KLGA.
LGA vs JFK vs EWR: make sure you booked the right New York airport
| Code | Airport | Location | Typical planning difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGA | LaGuardia Airport | Queens, NYC | No direct subway station; use bus, taxi, rideshare or car |
| JFK | John F. Kennedy International Airport | Queens, NYC | AirTrain connects to rail/subway; major long-haul international gateway |
| EWR | Newark Liberty International Airport | Newark, New Jersey | Different state; ground transfer from NYC can involve tunnels/rail connections |
Build a practical LGA travel plan
Airport-code checker
Confirm which NYC airport code is on the ticket before arranging transportation.
Departure-time planner
Planning aid only; airline cutoffs and live traffic take priority.
Terminal connection-risk checker
Ground-transport chooser
LaGuardia terminal guide: A, B and C
Official LGA navigation still describes three terminals, but current public commercial airline use is not equal across them. Terminal B serves multiple airlines, Terminal C is operated by Delta, and the historic Terminal A / Marine Air Terminal is closed to the public for commercial flights and serves Modern Aviation.
Terminal A: historic Marine Air Terminal
The official terminal page says Terminal A is currently closed to the public for commercial flights and only serves Modern Aviation. Travelers finding an old airline guide that sends them to A should verify directly with the airline before driving there.
Terminal B: American, Air Canada, JetBlue, Southwest and more
Current official terminal guidance lists Air Canada, American Airlines, Frontier, JetBlue, Porter, Southwest and United at Terminal B. Codeshares can still display a marketing airline different from the operating carrier, so check “operated by” on the booking.
Terminal C: Delta’s LaGuardia operation
Terminal C is operated by Delta and consolidates Delta’s LGA operations into a modern terminal complex. Current official walk-time guidance varies considerably by gate area.
How to read the LaGuardia map before you arrive
The official map is more useful when you know what you are looking for. Search the terminal first, then the exact gate or pickup function. LGA’s static overview also shows terminal parking, hotel-shuttle zones, public transportation and car-pickup areas.
Start with Terminal B or C
Confirm the operating airline terminal before searching for the gate. This prevents routing to the wrong garage, bus stop or rideshare area.
Then search the exact function
Use terms such as “ride app pickup,” “Q70,” “taxi,” “lactation,” “pet relief,” “lounge,” “rental car shuttle” or the gate number.
Use walk time, not map distance alone
Large terminal buildings, bridges, elevators and security-side routing can make a short-looking map line take longer than expected.
What the FAA LaGuardia airport diagram tells you — and what it does not
If you search LaGuardia airport code ICAO or see KLGA in aviation weather, flight-planning or tracking systems, you may encounter the FAA airport diagram. It is an operational aviation chart, not the best passenger wayfinding map.
LGA is the IATA/FAA three-letter identifier travelers usually see. KLGA is the ICAO identifier used in international aviation systems.Connecting at LGA: same terminal, B↔C or separate tickets
Same-terminal connection
Check the new gate immediately after landing. If your baggage is checked through and you remain in the same secured terminal, follow signs to the onward gate and use the official map for the walk.
Terminal B to C or C to B
The airport provides a free on-airport bus linking terminals and a pedestrian path between B and C. Do not assume a route preserves secure-side status; follow current airport/airline signs and budget for TSA rescreening when instructed.
Separate-ticket connection
Plan for the possibility of baggage claim, moving terminals, new airline check-in, bag drop and TSA screening. The second airline may not protect you if the first flight arrives late.
Preclearance international arrival
LGA’s official connections guidance includes preclearance international-arrival scenarios. If you complete U.S. immigration/customs before departure at the origin airport, your LGA arrival can operate more like a domestic arrival. Confirm your specific itinerary with the airline.
LaGuardia All Terminals Shuttle: exact stops, frequency and when to use it
The All Terminals Shuttle is the airport’s complimentary bus for moving around LGA. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Current official guidance lists service about every 15 minutes during peak periods and every 20 minutes off peak.
Use it for terminal changes
The shuttle stops at every terminal. It is the practical default when luggage, mobility needs, weather or uncertainty makes the B–C pedestrian path unattractive.
It serves more than terminals
Published stops also include the Prepaid Economy Lot (Parking Lot 7), Hangar 7 South and 94th Street, helping connect parking and other airport facilities.
Track the bus before committing
The airport provides real-time shuttle tracking. During a tight connection, check the live bus location instead of assuming the next shuttle is exactly 15 or 20 minutes away.
LGA security, TSA PreCheck, Touchless ID, B-Fast and realistic arrival planning
Use about two hours before a domestic departure as a general planning baseline and follow any earlier requirement from your airline. Add time for checked baggage, public-transit transfers, parking, special assistance, peak travel and a long gate walk.
Use live wait times
Terminal pages publish current security-wait information. A static “average wait” is less useful than checking shortly before travel.
TSA PreCheck
Terminal B explicitly lists TSA PreCheck and Touchless ID for select participating airlines. Eligibility and lane availability can vary.
TSA Cares
For a Passenger Support Specialist, submit a TSA Cares request at least 72 hours before departure when possible. Inside 72 hours you can still submit the form or call 855-787-2227, but assistance is not guaranteed. Current call-center hours are Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET.
B-Fast is a paid express product
Terminal B promotes B-Fast as a front-of-line security pass with instant or advance purchase. It is separate from TSA PreCheck and does not replace ID, screening eligibility or airline check-in requirements.
- Confirm operating airline and terminal.
- Check airline check-in and bag-drop cutoff.
- Open current LGA security wait time.
- Allow the published gate-walk range.
- Review TSA battery/liquid rules.
- Arrange wheelchair or guided assistance early.
Public transportation from LGA: Q70, M60, subway and LIRR
Q70 LaGuardia Link: the fare-free rail connector
The Q70 is the airport’s highlighted fastest public-transit connection. It is fare-free and serves Terminals B and C, connecting with Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue / 74 St–Broadway subway stations and the Woodside rail area.
For Midtown, a common strategy is Q70 first, then the appropriate subway or LIRR based on your destination and current service.
M60-SBS: useful for Harlem and Manhattan connections
The M60 Select Bus Service connects LaGuardia with 125th Street and Manhattan’s West Side corridor. It can be more direct than Q70 when your destination is in Upper Manhattan or near its subway connections.
Other bus routes: plan by destination, not by memorized route number
The airport says five MTA bus routes serve LaGuardia, with stops and usefulness varying by terminal and destination. Use the current MTA trip planner on travel day rather than relying on a static list that can become stale after service changes.
How to pay
NYC transit supports contactless OMNY payment with eligible cards and mobile wallets. The Q70 itself is fare-free, but the connecting subway, LIRR or other bus may require payment.
Exact LGA pickup logic by terminal
| Service | Terminal A | Terminal B | Terminal C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride apps | Across the street; follow Ride App Pick Up signs | Parking garage Level 2 | Arrivals inner lane |
| Prearranged car / van | Across the street | Parking garage Level 2 | Arrivals inner lane |
| Yellow taxi | Official taxi stand | Official signed taxi pickup | Official signed taxi pickup |
Current taxi fare examples
Official LGA estimates currently show approximately $30–$52 to Times Square/Theater District, before tip, tolls and congestion-related or time-of-day surcharges. The airport also lists about $60 to JFK and $110 to EWR.
Taxi fares are metered and variable. These are planning estimates, not fixed quotes.
Avoid illegal ride solicitation
Do not accept transportation from people soliciting inside the terminal. Use an official taxi dispatcher, the ride-app’s assigned vehicle, or an authorized car/shuttle provider. Match the license plate before entering.
Know the current taxi add-ons
Official LGA guidance lists a $1 weekday peak surcharge from 4:00–8:00 p.m. ET, a $0.50 nightly surcharge from 8:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m., a $0.50 New York State tax for trips within New York, and a $2 Port Authority airport access fee for pickups. Tolls, tips and congestion-related charges can add more.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi dispatch
Accessible Dispatch can be reached by phone at 646-599-9999 or text at 646-400-0789. The airport says accessible taxis are priced the same as regular taxis.
Uber Shuttle is another app-based option
The airport currently lists Uber Shuttle routes between LGA and several Manhattan points including 33rd Street, Times Square, 42nd Street, the West Village and World Trade Center. Up to five seats can be reserved in the Uber app. Routes and pricing can change, so verify in-app.
Passenger pickup, drop-off and the LGA Cell Phone Lot
Dropping someone off
- Confirm Terminal B or C with the operating airline.
- Follow terminal Departures signage.
- Unload only while the driver remains with the vehicle.
- Use curbside airline bag check only when the airline currently offers it.
- Leave the curb promptly.
Picking someone up
- Track the flight before entering airport roads.
- Wait until the passenger has all bags.
- Ask for terminal and exact door/zone.
- Use the Cell Phone Lot while waiting when it is open.
- Enter the terminal frontage only for active pickup.
LGA parking: terminal garages, economy, ADA discount, EV charging and long stays
Because ordinary drive-up rates and availability change, this guide avoids a stale price table. Use the official booking page for live rates, and use the stable rules below to avoid payment, ADA, EV and long-stay mistakes.
Terminal B parking
Best for Terminal B convenience. Level II EV charging has 4 ports on Level 4. Ride-app pickup is also on Level 2 of this garage, so do not confuse the rideshare level with your parking level.
Terminal C parking
Best for Delta Terminal C convenience. Official parking information lists 6 Level II ports on Level 2 and 5 on Level 1.
Prepaid Economy
Reservation-only economy parking appears in the airport’s current parking availability system. Compare the live booked rate and shuttle/transfer time with terminal-garage convenience.
Prebook at least 3 hours ahead
The airport says booking at least three hours before arrival can guarantee a space and save money. Prebookers currently receive a two-hour early-entry allowance; arriving earlier than that changes the entry procedure.
Level III fast charging is outside the terminal garages
In addition to Level II garage chargers, the airport lists 12 Level III ports along Runway Drive just past 94th Street heading west, on the Electrify America / NYPA EVolve NY network.
Parking supports cards, E-ZPass and mobile wallets
Current official options include major credit/debit cards, E-ZPass Plus in participating lanes, and Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay. E-ZPass Plus is not accepted in Terminal A parking.
| Situation | Current official rule | Traveler action |
|---|---|---|
| Parking more than 30 days | Register the vehicle with ABM on arrival | Call 718-533-3850; unregistered vehicles over 30 days can be towed |
| ADA courtesy discount | After at least 4.5 hours; $35 current 24-hour max | Use ticket lane, not E-ZPass; discount cannot combine with prebook/E-ZPass |
| Motorcycle | 10 free motorcycle spaces near Terminal A / P7 | Follow P7 signs and confirm access before relying on it |
| E-ZPass Plus | Accepted in participating parking lanes; not Terminal A lot | Use purple E-ZPass lane and do not pull a ticket |
| Flat tire / vehicle help | Free emergency vehicle assistance listed | Call 718-533-3850 |
Where to get the rental-car shuttle at LGA
Most rental-car companies are off-airport and provide frequent complimentary shuttles. The terminal pickup point differs:
| Terminal | Published shuttle direction |
|---|---|
| A | Follow Rental Car Shuttles signs outside the terminal |
| B | Ground transportation level, Zone 4 |
| C | Near the transportation center |
Wheelchair, low-vision, hearing and hidden-disability support
Wheelchair and guided assistance
Arrange flight-related wheelchair, oxygen or guided assistance with the airline before travel. Terminal B also has a wheelchair-assistance call button at Departures.
Terminal C electric carts
Continuous-loop electric carts serve designated points in Terminal C’s 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s gate areas for customers needing mobility support.
Free Aira service
Blind and low-vision travelers can use Aira Explorer at LGA for live visual interpretation through a phone camera.
On-demand ASL
Airport Customer Experience Specialists can connect Deaf or hard-of-hearing travelers to live Convo Now ASL video interpretation.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Free lanyards are available at specified information/guest-service desks. Mail requests should be submitted at least 14 days before travel and are limited to domestic addresses.
Sensory room and bags
Terminal C has a post-security sensory room on Level 3. Terminal B offers sensory bags with noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses and communication aids.
Sunflower pickup locations and current published hours
| Location | Published hours |
|---|---|
| Terminal A Information Center, arrivals | 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. ET |
| Terminal B Guest Experience desk | 4:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET |
| Terminal B Information Center, Level 1 | 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. ET |
| Terminal C Information Center, arrivals | 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. ET |
Adult-size changing tables and service-animal relief
All terminal restrooms and water fountains are described as accessible. The airport specifically lists adult-size changing tables in all-gender/family restrooms at Terminal A post-security near Gate 1 and Terminal C post-security near Gate 61. All terminals also provide service-animal/pet relief areas; use the map for the current nearest location.
Family facilities, Wi-Fi, lounges, food, pet relief and quiet spaces
Free Wi-Fi and charging
LGA lists free passenger Wi-Fi, charging stations and 24/7 Boingo support at 800-880-4117. Use the official map for the nearest charging point.
Lactation and family facilities
Lactation rooms/pods, family restrooms and play areas vary by terminal. Search the official map before walking to another concourse.
Pet and service-animal relief
Every terminal offers relief areas, including indoor locations with artificial grass, sinks and waste stations; some areas also include outdoor relief options.
Meditation and sensory breaks
Terminal B lists a meditation room; Terminal C offers a sensory room. These are better low-stimulation options than sitting near a busy food hall.
Food and shops
Concession hours change. Search the live terminal directory by location and opening status instead of relying on a static restaurant-hours table.
Lounges
Terminal B and C have airline/card/member lounge options. Access rules change by airline status, fare class, credit card and capacity; verify before switching terminals just for a lounge.
TSA PreCheck enrollment at LGA
The airport currently offers TSA PreCheck enrollment through CLEAR. Pre-enroll online, then use the Terminal B enrollment center to complete the in-person step. Enrollment is different from using a PreCheck lane for a flight.
Lost baggage vs lost property at LaGuardia
| Where the problem happened | Who usually handles it | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Checked bag delayed/damaged | Operating airline baggage service | Bag tag, flight number, receipt and delivery address |
| Item left on aircraft / gate area controlled by airline | Operating airline | Seat, flight, date, item description |
| Item lost in public airport area | LGA virtual lost-and-found process | Terminal, level, time, exact location, unique identifying detail |
| Item left in taxi | NYC TLC / taxi company | Taxi receipt, medallion/license info if available |
| Item left in ride app vehicle | Uber/Lyft app support | Trip record and driver/vehicle details from the app |
LGA to JFK or Newark: plan it as a separate ground journey
LaGuardia to JFK
Official LGA guidance lists taxi travel at roughly 30–60 minutes with an estimated fare around $60, before applicable tolls/surcharges. A lower-cost public-transit route can use Q70 to Jackson Heights, subway to Jamaica and JFK AirTrain.
LaGuardia to Newark (EWR)
Official guidance lists taxi travel at roughly 60–90 minutes with an estimated fare around $110. Public transit typically requires multiple steps via Manhattan/Penn Station, NJ Transit and Newark AirTrain.
Hotels near LGA and what to do during a long delay
LGA lists nearby hotels rather than an on-site terminal hotel. Hotel shuttle pickup areas are shown in the airport map/transportation system, and service can vary by property and hour.
Before booking
Confirm the hotel’s shuttle hours, terminal pickup instructions, early check-in/late arrival policy and whether the shuttle is actually running when you land.
Airline disruption
Ask the operating airline whether rebooking, meal or hotel assistance applies before paying for a nonrefundable room.
Early flight
Do not assume every terminal service, lounge or airline counter is open overnight. Confirm the airline’s morning check-in opening time separately from airport building access.
Video: see the rebuilt Terminal C at LaGuardia
This New York State video documents the opening of Delta’s rebuilt Terminal C and shows the scale and design of the modern LGA complex. It is useful for first-time travelers who still picture the older LaGuardia terminals.
LaGuardia travel-day checklist
Check items are saved locally in this browser; no account or personal data is sent to Airport-Guides.org by this tool.
LaGuardia Airport contact information
United States
Frequently asked questions about the LGA airport code
What airport is LGA?
What is the LGA airport code country?
What city is the LGA airport code for?
What is the full LGA airport code name?
What does the LGA airport code mean?
What is LaGuardia Airport’s ICAO code?
Where is LaGuardia Airport located?
Is LGA the same as JFK?
Is LaGuardia Airport in New York City?
How many terminals does LaGuardia have in 2026?
Which airlines use Terminal B at LGA?
Which airline uses Terminal C at LGA?
Can I walk between Terminal B and Terminal C at LGA?
Does LaGuardia have a subway station?
Is the Q70 bus from LGA free?
Where is Uber or Lyft pickup at LGA Terminal B?
Where is Uber or Lyft pickup at LGA Terminal C?
How much is a taxi from LGA to Times Square?
Where can a driver wait for an arriving passenger?
Can I park at the terminal curb while waiting?
How early should I arrive at LGA?
Does LGA have accessible taxi service?
Does LaGuardia offer a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard?
How do I transfer from LGA to JFK?
How do I transfer from LGA to Newark Airport?
Does the free LGA terminal shuttle run 24 hours?
What stops does the LGA All Terminals Shuttle serve?
What is B-Fast at LaGuardia Terminal B?
Can I use my own E-ZPass in an LGA rental car?
Where are fast EV chargers at LaGuardia?
What does KLGA mean on an FAA airport diagram?
How early should I request TSA Cares help at LGA?
What Wi-Fi network should I use at LaGuardia?
Official sources and update policy
This guide prioritizes current first-party sources: LaGuardia Airport / Port Authority for terminal operations, maps, parking and ground transportation; MTA for transit routes and service; FAA for airport identifier/status information; TSA for screening guidance; and New York State/Delta/Port Authority material for the visible Terminal C video.
What is intentionally not hardcoded
Live gate numbers, current security waits, ride-app fares, ordinary parking drive-up rates, restaurant hours and transit arrival times are not presented as permanent facts because these change frequently.
Internal-link verification status
During this refresh, live web search did not return a verifiable airport-guides.org sitemap entry for a related published airport-code post. No internal URL is guessed. Add contextual internal links only after the exact published URL appears in the site sitemap.