How to get from Penn Station to LaGuardia Airport (fastest routes in 2026)

Traveling from Penn Station to LaGuardia Airport requires choosing between public transit, taxi or rideshare, shuttle services, or a helicopter transfer via Manhattan. The best option depends on your budget, luggage, and how predictable your arrival time needs to be.

For most travelers, buses or subway connections are cheapest. Taxis are convenient but vulnerable to traffic. For travelers prioritizing speed and schedule certainty, a short transfer to Manhattan’s heliport followed by a Blade helicopter flight provides the fastest and most reliable route.

Quick comparison: Penn Station to LaGuardia Airport

Fastest way to get from Penn Station to LaGuardia

The fastest transfer involves a short car ride from Penn Station to Manhattan’s West 30th Street Heliport, followed by a Blade helicopter flight to LaGuardia Airport.

The helicopter flight itself takes only minutes and avoids NYC road congestion entirely. This option is especially useful for travelers:

• departing during rush hour
  
• catching tight flight connections
  
• traveling with business schedules
  
• prioritizing reliable arrival time over price
  

Helicopters do not depart directly from Penn Station because it is underground, so a brief surface transfer to the heliport is required.

Cheapest way to get from Penn Station to LaGuardia

The cheapest route combines subway and airport bus connections.

A common method:

1. Take the subway from Penn Station to Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue
   
2. Transfer to the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus
   
3. Ride directly to your terminal
   

This route usually costs only a standard transit fare and runs frequently throughout the day.

Travelers should allow extra time during peak periods or if carrying heavy luggage.

Taking the bus from Penn Station to LaGuardia

Several bus routes connect Midtown or nearby transit hubs to LaGuardia.

The Q70 LaGuardia Link is one of the most popular airport routes. It runs frequently, stops at all terminals, and is designed for airport passengers.

Bus travel times vary depending on traffic conditions but usually fall between 45 and 60 minutes.

Buses are affordable and simple to use, though they can become crowded during peak travel times.

Taking a taxi or rideshare from Penn Station to LaGuardia

Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft provide the simplest door-to-door transfer.

Typical travel time ranges from:

• about 25 to 35 minutes in light traffic
  
• up to 60 minutes or longer during rush hour
  

Costs usually fall within a mid-range price but may increase with surge pricing, tolls, or heavy congestion.

This option works best when traveling outside peak commuting hours.

Using a shared airport shuttle

Shared shuttle services operate between Midtown Manhattan and LaGuardia.

These services:

• can be booked in advance
  
• cost more than public transit but less than private cars
  
• may stop at multiple terminals or hotels
  

Because they carry multiple passengers, travel time can vary depending on the number of pickups.

Can you take a helicopter from Penn Station to LaGuardia?

Yes, but not directly from the station itself.

Penn Station is underground, so helicopter transfers require a short car ride to Manhattan’s heliport. From there, Blade operates scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and LaGuardia.

The flight takes only a few minutes and bypasses road traffic completely, making it the most time-predictable airport transfer from the Penn Station area.

This option is typically chosen by travelers who value schedule reliability, speed, and a smoother airport arrival experience.

Typical travel times from Penn Station to LaGuardia

Helicopter transfers remain consistent regardless of traffic conditions.

Important tips for the Penn Station to LaGuardia journey

Allow extra time during rush hour

NYC traffic can change quickly. Morning and evening commuting periods often add significant delays to taxis and buses.

Consider luggage before choosing transit

Subways and buses can be challenging with large suitcases. Travelers with multiple bags may prefer taxi or helicopter transfers.

Check terminal information before leaving

LaGuardia terminals are spread across the airport, so confirm your airline terminal before choosing your route.

Best time of day to travel to LaGuardia from Penn Station

Early mornings and late evenings usually offer the fastest road journeys.

Midday traffic is moderate, while weekday evening rush hour often causes the longest delays.

Travelers who need guaranteed timing often select helicopter transfers because flight duration is not affected by highway congestion.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get from Penn Station to LaGuardia?

Most ground routes take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on traffic. Public transit can take slightly longer. Helicopter transfers take only minutes once airborne.

What is the cheapest way to travel?

Subway plus airport bus is usually the lowest-cost option.

What is the most reliable option for arriving on time?

Helicopter transfers from Manhattan provide the most predictable arrival time because they avoid NYC road traffic entirely.

Can I go directly from Penn Station to a helicopter?

No. You must first take a short taxi or car ride to the Manhattan heliport before boarding.

Choosing the right Penn Station to LaGuardia transfer

If your priority is budget, public transit remains the best option.

If convenience matters most, taxis and rideshares provide simple door-to-door service.

If timing certainty and speed are critical, the Manhattan heliport plus Blade helicopter transfer provides the quickest and most predictable airport connection available from the Penn Station area.

Selecting the right option depends on how much time flexibility you have before your flight.