LaGuardia Airport

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the true "gateway" to New York and the closest aviation hub to the city centre, located in the borough of Queens. If you want to see the famous Manhattan skyline in all its glory before landing, choose a flight here: the views during approach are simply fantastic. For a long time, the airport was considered cramped and outdated, but a recent massive reconstruction has turned it into a modern, bright, and high-tech space that now rightfully prides itself on its comfort and design.

Airport Features and Advantages:

LaGuardia has a reputation as the most convenient airport for those rushing to Manhattan: a taxi ride to Times Square or Central Park can take as little as 20–30 minutes without traffic. This makes it an ideal choice for business travellers and tourists visiting for a short period.

Following the renovation of Terminals B and C, the airport is now filled with light and art. Passengers are welcomed by spacious halls with panoramic glazing, installations by modern artists, and shops featuring New York brands. There is also an excellent selection of restaurants where you can taste local cuisine before even heading into the city.

Despite the lack of a direct subway station right in the terminal, transport accessibility is well organised. The free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus quickly delivers passengers to a major transport hub in Jackson Heights, from where you can easily transfer to several subway lines or LIRR commuter trains.

Below you will find current contact information for LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any questions that may arise.

• Official Website: You will always find the most complete and up-to-date information on the official website: www.laguardiaairport.com.
• Help Desk Phone: For general questions about airport services, you can call +1 (718) 533-3400.
• Airport Address: LaGuardia Airport, Queens, NY 11371, USA.
• Email: The airport generally does not provide a direct email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the contact forms on their official website for communication.
• Social Media: Follow news and operational updates on the airport's official social media pages, such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
• Lost & Found Information: If you have lost an item in the terminal or parking lot, you should fill out the form on the Lost & Found page of the airport website. If the item was lost on board the aircraft or at the boarding gate, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions regarding your flight (status, delay, cancellation, check-in), you must contact your airline. Airline contacts are available on the airport website.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of the key air hubs of New York, located in the borough of Queens. Due to its proximity to Manhattan, it can be reached in many ways suitable for any budget and preference. The choice of the best option depends on your location, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly method. There is no direct subway line to the airport, but there is an effective system of bus routes connecting LaGuardia with the subway. The key route is the Q70-SBS "LaGuardia Link" bus. It runs 24/7 and, importantly, is free of charge. The bus quickly takes you to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave subway stations (lines E, F, M, R, 7) and 61st St-Woodside (line 7 and LIRR rail station). Another popular route is the M60-SBS, which goes through Harlem to Upper Manhattan, intersecting with several subway lines. The fare for the M60 is standard for the MTA (about $2.90). A trip by public transport from central Manhattan will take approximately 45-75 minutes.

Taxis and Ride-hailing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are the most comfortable option. Yellow taxis can be found at the terminal exits. A metered trip to Midtown (central Manhattan) will cost approximately $35-50 plus tips and tolls. Travel time depends heavily on traffic and can range from 30 to 60 minutes. For Uber and Lyft, there are designated waiting and pick-up zones clearly marked at the airport. Prices are dynamic and may change depending on demand.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to travel outside of New York City, renting a car might be a good solution. All major rental companies are represented at the airport, and free shuttles run to their offices. For those arriving in their own vehicle, LaGuardia has several parking options — from short-term to long-term. It is recommended to book a parking space online in advance to get a more favourable rate.

Overall, for travellers with light luggage and a limited budget, the Q70-SBS bus is the ideal choice. For those who value comfort, travel with family, or have a lot of luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer would be preferable. Always allow extra time for the journey, as traffic in New York is unpredictable. It is also worth noting that LaGuardia mainly serves domestic flights, while international flights more often use John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has undergone a massive reconstruction, transforming into a modern and convenient aviation hub. Today it consists of three main terminals: A, B, and C. It is important to check in advance which terminal your flight departs from, as they serve different airlines and are located at some distance from each other.

Terminal B is the airport's new central hub, serving most major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, and Air Canada. It is an ultra-modern building with two separate satellite concourses (Eastern and Western), reached by passengers via scenic pedestrian bridges. The terminal is famous for its thoughtful navigation, abundance of shops, restaurants, and impressive art installations.

Terminal C is the newest terminal, dedicated entirely to Delta Air Lines flights. Like Terminal B, it features modern design, spacious waiting areas, and high efficiency. All conditions have been created here for Delta passengers: from fast check-in to comfortable relaxation zones before departure.

Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, is a historic Art Deco building that serves as an architectural monument. It is significantly smaller in size and serves a limited number of flights, mainly by JetBlue. This terminal is located separately from the main complex.

A free shuttle bus operates for movement between terminals. It follows a circular route, stopping at each terminal (A, B, C), parking lots, and taxi stations. Walking between Terminals B and C is not practical due to the distance and layout. Departure areas with check-in and security screening are traditionally located on the upper levels of the terminals, while arrival and baggage claim areas are on the lower levels. Despite the modern organisation, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure to complete all procedures calmly.

The history of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is a vivid chronicle of the aviation development of New York. The idea for its creation was born from the dissatisfaction of Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who in 1934 refused to get off a plane that had landed in Newark (New Jersey), even though his ticket said New York. This incident became the impetus for building a modern airport within the city limits.

The airport was built on the site of the former Gala Amusement Park and opened for commercial flights on December 2, 1939. Initially, it bore the name New York Municipal Airport-LaGuardia Field, immortalising the name of its visionary. One of its first and most iconic buildings was the Marine Air Terminal (today Terminal A), a masterpiece of Art Deco style, which originally served Pan American Clippers amphibious aircraft making transatlantic flights.

In the post-war years, LaGuardia quickly became one of the busiest airports in the world. Its popularity and proximity to Manhattan led to the need for constant modernisation and expansion in the 1950s and 1960s. However, by the end of the 20th century, the airport had acquired a reputation for being outdated and congested. This led to the launch of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the history of the USA — the complete reconstruction of the airport in the 2010s.

The massive modernisation, largely completed by 2022, has completely transformed LaGuardia. Old terminals were demolished and replaced by a unified, modern, and spacious building with advanced technologies and improved transport accessibility. Today, LaGuardia Airport is not just an air gateway, but a symbol of rebirth and innovation, continuing to play a key role in the life of the metropolis, just as its founder intended over 80 years ago.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Following the recent massive reconstruction, many modern restaurants, cafes, and dining spots have appeared here to suit every taste — from fast food establishments to à la carte restaurants. Travellers can also visit numerous shops, including Duty Free, where they can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, electronics, and goods from famous brands.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for mobile devices allow you to always stay connected. For a more comfortable rest, you can use the premium lounges. LaGuardia hosts lounges for major airlines such as American Airlines (Admirals Club), Delta (Sky Club), and United (United Club), as well as VIP lounges accessible for a fee or through loyalty programmes.

For the convenience of passengers, ATMs and currency exchange points are located in the terminals. In case of illness, you can visit first aid stations.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with children: there are special nursing rooms for infant care. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps, elevators, specially equipped restrooms, and escort services are provided, which are recommended to be booked in advance through your airline.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, there are many hotels in the immediate vicinity, most of which offer free shuttle transfers for their guests. For business travellers, business centres and conference rooms are available in some lounges and nearby hotels, where you can work or hold a meeting.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has transformed in recent years, and this includes its gastronomic options. Today you can find many options here for every taste and budget, from a quick snack to a full dinner in a restaurant. Most establishments are located after passing security control (`airside`), so it is better to plan your meal once you are in the secure zone.

Terminal B, the newest and largest, offers the greatest variety. Here you will find the iconic New York burger joint Shake Shack, which, in addition to classic burgers, has vegetarian options. For connoisseurs of Italian cuisine, Osteria Fusco is open, and for Mexican food, it is worth visiting Dos Toros Taqueria. If you have time, you can relax at Wibar. For a quick and healthy snack, the CIBO Express Gourmet Market outlets are ideal, featuring a wide selection of sandwiches, salads, and beverages.

In Terminal C (predominantly Delta), you won't be bored either. Here you can try the famous pizza at Artichoke Basille's Pizza or enjoy American classics at Bubby's restaurant. For those looking for something special, Poppy's Bagels offers fresh bagels with various fillings. As in other terminals, there are many coffee shops, including Starbucks.

Terminal A, being the smallest, offers a more modest selection, yet you can find everything necessary here. Usually, there are standard cafes where you can grab coffee and pastries, as well as kiosks with sandwiches and snacks.

Useful Information for Travellers:

• For a quick snack: CIBO Express Gourmet Market, Shake Shack, or any of the pizzerias are ideal.
• For a full lunch: Choose full-service restaurants such as Osteria Fusco or Bubby's.
• Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes are easiest to find in large establishments and the CIBO Express chain. It is recommended to check the ingredients with staff in advance.
• Prices: Be prepared for prices at the airport to be significantly higher than in the city. The average bill for lunch in a restaurant can be $30-50 per person, while a snack will cost $15-25.
• Opening Hours: Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the last flight. 24-hour cafes are rare, so do not put off dinner until late at night.

To ensure your journey through LaGuardia Airport in New York goes as smoothly as possible, use these tips. The airport is known for being busy, but good preparation will help avoid stress and save time.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Given the heavy traffic around New York, it is recommended to arrive at LaGuardia Airport at least 2.5-3 hours before a domestic flight departure and 3-4 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing.

Check-in and Security. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight and save your boarding pass on your phone. If you travel frequently around the USA, consider joining the TSA PreCheck programme, which allows you to pass screening via an expedited procedure. Be prepared for queues at standard control to be long, especially during peak hours.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check your airline's rules, as they may differ slightly.

Transfers and Customs Control. If you have a connecting flight at LaGuardia, study the airport map in advance. Terminals can be located at a significant distance from each other, and a special shuttle bus may be required to move between them. Customs control at LGA is mainly undergone by passengers arriving from Canada and Caribbean countries. The procedure is standard: presentation of a passport and completion of a customs declaration if necessary.

Saving Time and Money. Book parking online in advance if you plan to leave your car at the airport — this is often cheaper. To avoid spending money on water, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it after passing security control. You can also bring non-liquid snacks with you to avoid buying them at inflated prices in the terminal.

In Case of Flight Delay. LaGuardia Airport is, unfortunately, prone to flight delays, especially in bad weather. Install your airline's app to receive instant notifications about schedule changes. In the event of a long delay, do not hesitate to contact airline representatives to ask about the possibility of providing vouchers for food or drinks.