LaGuardia Airport (LGA), located in East Elmhurst, Queens, serves as New York City’s primary domestic hub, handling over 33.5 million passengers annually across its three terminals. Situated eight miles from Midtown Manhattan, LGA is a key base for Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, offering flights to 86 destinations, primarily within the United States, Canada, and select Caribbean locations.
The passenger experience at LGA has been transformed by an £6.4 billion redevelopment completed in 2025, replacing outdated facilities with modern, spacious terminals. Clear signage and digital flight information screens guide travellers through check-in, security, and boarding. Welcome Centres in each terminal provide assistance, and accessibility features like hands-free bag drops and Digital ID screening streamline processes. Terminal B, recognised globally for its design, offers airy concourses and ample seating, creating a calm environment for travellers.
Accessing LGA is straightforward, with multiple transport options from Manhattan. The free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus connects the airport to subway lines (E, F, M, R, 7) at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Woodside in 15-20 minutes. Subway fares are £2.30, while LIRR CityTickets cost £4-£5.50 depending on peak hours. The M60-SBS bus, at £2.30, links to Manhattan’s 125th Street or Astoria, Queens.
Taxis to Times Square cost £24-£35 plus tolls, while Uber’s shared shuttle service, launched in 2024, offers £14 rides to four Manhattan stops. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate from designated pick-up zones, though surge pricing can apply during rush hours. Drivers reach LGA via the Grand Central Parkway, with new parking garages offering 3,000 spaces. Off-site parking with shuttle services provides a budget-friendly alternative.
LGA’s layout includes three terminals—A, B, and C—not physically linked, requiring a free shuttle bus for transfers. Terminal A, the historic Marine Air Terminal, serves Spirit and Frontier Airlines with a small, art deco-inspired concourse. Terminal B, the largest, hosts American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and Air Canada across two concourses (gates 11-31 and 40-59) with a central security checkpoint. Terminal C, Delta’s hub, features 37 gates across four concourses, all connected post-security for efficient transfers. Baggage claim and ground transport are on Level 1 of each terminal, with clear signage aiding navigation. International arrivals from pre-cleared airports like Toronto process through domestic channels, avoiding customs delays.
Delays can occur during peak hours (6-9 AM and 4-7 PM) or holidays, with security wait times reaching 20-30 minutes. Weather, particularly thunderstorms or snow, and a complex airspace with over 30 nearby airports contribute to disruptions. A 71-flight-per-hour limit, extended to 2026, manages congestion, but travellers should arrive two hours early for domestic flights and monitor status via the LGA website or apps like FlightView. CLEAR Plus lanes in Terminals B and C expedite security for enrolled passengers.
Dining options reflect New York’s culinary scene, with over 35 eateries in Terminal B alone. Travellers can enjoy Shake Shack, Junior’s Cheesecake, or Dos Toros Taqueria in Terminal B’s central concourse, while Terminal C offers Bubby’s for comfort food and Talde for noodle dishes. Terminal A has limited options, like a café and newsstand. Retail includes McNally Jackson bookstore and FAO Schwarz for toys in Terminal B, alongside CIBO Express for travel essentials across all terminals. Duty-free is absent due to LGA’s domestic focus.
Facilities are modern, with free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and six lounges, including the 34,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club in Terminal C and American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal B. Family-friendly spaces include a children’s play area in Terminal B and nursing suites in Terminals B and C. Pet relief areas are available indoors and near Terminal B’s parking garage. The Atrium Business & Conference Center in Terminal B offers meeting spaces, and the nearby New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott provides shuttle-equipped lodging.
On-time performance has improved with upgraded runways and taxiways, though 23% of flights faced delays in 2024 due to weather and airspace constraints. Connections are efficient within Terminal C’s linked concourses, with a 60-minute minimum for domestic transfers. Terminal changes via shuttle can add 15-20 minutes, so checking gate assignments is advised. Real-time updates are available on digital screens or apps like KAYAK.Potential delays stem from weather, air traffic control staffing shortages, and peak-hour congestion. The FAA’s transfer of Newark airspace to Philadelphia has strained New York’s system, and travellers should avoid Monday mornings or Thursday evenings.
