Two airports, two states, one miserable transfer. EWR sits across the Hudson in New Jersey; LGA is in Queens. Between them lie roughly 26 miles of the most congested highway in America — and if you are connecting, the clock is already running. Here is how to travel between EWR and LGA without missing your flight or emptying your wallet.
The short answer: To travel between EWR and LGA, take a taxi or car service for the fastest door-to-door trip (45–75 minutes depending on traffic), or take public transit — NJ Transit train to Manhattan, then subway or bus to LGA — in about 90 minutes to two hours for a fraction of the price. For tight connections, book the car; for loose schedules and light luggage, transit wins on cost.
By taxi or car service: the fastest way
A taxi or pre-booked car is the fastest way to travel between EWR and LGA: the only option that takes you from one terminal curb to the other with zero transfers. Expect 45 minutes in light traffic and well over an hour at rush hour — the route runs through the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel and across Manhattan, so time of day is everything. Fares are metered (there is no flat rate on this route) plus tolls, so budget roughly $90–$130 all-in before tip and ask for the total estimate up front. With three or four travelers splitting it, the per-person math starts looking very reasonable. If you want the fare picture for the reverse airport pair, see the average taxi travel time from JFK to LGA.
By public transit: the cheapest way
The budget route has two legs. First, the train from EWR’s rail station into New York Penn Station — about half an hour on NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor. Then cross to LGA: the classic combo is the subway to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue and the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus straight to the terminals, or the M60 bus from upper Manhattan. Total travel time runs 90 minutes to two hours, and the whole trip costs a fraction of a taxi. The catch is luggage and stairs — with two heavy bags, every transfer hurts. Riders weighing the general airport-to-airport question should also read the best transportation option between JFK and LGA.
Shuttles and shared rides
Shared-ride shuttles and pre-booked shared vans sit between the two: cheaper than a private car, simpler than trains, but slower than both when they detour for other passengers. They make sense for solo travelers with time to spare. Rideshare apps price similarly to taxis on this route and surge exactly when you need them most — during peak hours and bad weather. If you are considering the bus specifically, check whether shuttle buses run between LGA and EWR for schedules and availability.
Which option should you pick?
To travel between EWR and LGA wisely, decide by layover, luggage, and headcount. Under three hours between flights: book a car service and do not gamble on transfers. Three to five hours with one carry-on: transit saves you $80+ and the trains are immune to tunnel traffic. Four people with checked bags: the private car usually wins on both comfort and per-person cost. And always check traffic before you commit — a 5 PM weekday transfer behaves nothing like a 10 AM one. For the metered-fare details that apply on the taxi version of this trip, flat-rate taxi options for LGA to EWR transfers breaks down what to expect.
