Getting from LaGuardia to JFK is a roughly 10–12 mile trip that takes 45–75 minutes by car in normal traffic and 1.5–2 hours by transit. There is no direct train between the two airports, so every option is either a car or a bus-plus-train chain. The honest choice depends on how much time you have between flights.
Your Options from LaGuardia to JFK
- Metered taxi: $50–$70 before tolls and tip. Taxis at both LaGuardia and JFK are metered for this trip — there is no flat rate between the two airports. This is the fastest option when traffic is light, and the only sensible one on a tight connection.
- Transit chain: $11.75 in total — the Q70 bus is free, the subway is $3.00, and the AirTrain to JFK is $8.75. Allow 1.5–2 hours and mind the steps: this chain involves bus, subway, and AirTrain with luggage.
- Shared vans: typically $20–$45 per person, with pickup windows rather than a fixed departure. Cheaper than a taxi, slower because of shared stops.
- JetBlack private car: a per-trip written quote agreed before travel — the price does not change with traffic. Published hourly rates run from $45 per hour for an economy sedan (three-hour minimum) through $144 per hour for a stretch limousine (four-hour minimum), with a standard Sprinter at $130 per hour.
Which Option for Which Connection
Under three hours between flights, take a taxi or a private car — the transit chain leaves no margin for a delay. With three or more hours, the $11.75 transit chain is the cheapest honest option and usually reliable. Note that JFK has five active terminals — Terminal 2 closed permanently in January 2023 — so confirm your departure terminal before you leave LaGuardia, not after you arrive at JFK.
What to Confirm Before Booking
- For a private car: the all-in total in writing, including tolls and the suggested 20% gratuity, and the pickup point at LaGuardia.
- For a taxi: confirm the meter is running and get a receipt.
- Child seats at about $35 per seat, confirmed at booking, if children are traveling. Gratuity is not included in JetBlack rates, and cancellation is $31 in total: a $25 fee plus $5 in fees plus a $1 technology fee.
JetBlack has offered private car service in New York since 2010, with 24/7 dispatch and flight tracking on airport pickups. Book online at jetblacktransportation.com/p/reservation/ or call +1-646-214-4828. JetBlack, 34 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001.
