10–15 minutes from LGA to the subway is hard to beat
The MTA Q70 SBS LaGuardia Link is the default budget hop from LaGuardia’s Terminals B and C to rail at Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av or Woodside–61 St. Ride time runs about 10–15 minutes to Jackson Heights and roughly 10–12 minutes to Woodside in normal traffic. Buses run every 7–10 minutes most of the day, with service thinning out late at night but still running 24/7.
Fare is the standard MTA price: $2.90, paid with OMNY tap or a MetroCard. If you’re transferring to or from the subway or another bus on OMNY within the normal 2‑hour window, the Q70 leg prices out as free. That’s why regulars call it “absolutely the move from LGA” when they’re heading for Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, or the LIRR at Woodside.
The Q70 runs as Select Bus Service, so board through any door and tap at the onboard OMNY readers; there are no more blue sidewalk SBS ticket machines. At LaGuardia, follow signs for “Q70 SBS LaGuardia Link” outside Terminals B and C; from Terminal A you’ll need the free airport shuttle bus to B first, which can add 10–15 minutes during busy times.
Step-by-step: LGA to the subway or LIRR
- 1. From Terminal B or C, follow the “Q70 SBS” signs to the curbside bus stop; at A, take the inter-terminal shuttle to B and then walk to the Q70 stop.
- 2. Have OMNY ready (phone, watch, or card) or a MetroCard; you’ll pay $2.90 once on board if this isn’t part of a free OMNY transfer.
- 3. When the bus arrives, board through any door and tap at the onboard reader; there’s no paper ticket step on this route anymore.
- 4. For most Manhattan trips, ride about 10–15 minutes to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av and transfer to the E, F, M, R, or 7 trains using the entrances right by the bus stop.
- 5. For LIRR or some Queens/Long Island trips, stay on to Woodside–61 St (about 10–12 minutes from LGA) and walk a short block to the LIRR platforms and the 7 train.
What regulars do and watch outs
Locals heading to Long Island usually aim for Woodside instead of Jackson Heights because Woodside’s LIRR connection is less chaotic during rush hour. Riders also tend to stand near the rear doors when boarding at LGA so they can step straight off at Roosevelt Av and beat the crush up the stairs to the E/F/M/R/7 platforms.
Peak times get rough: Reddit threads call the Q70 “jam‑packed” with airport workers and fliers, and buses often run standing room only. There are no luggage racks, so you’ll be juggling bags in the aisle. If you land during the 4–7 p.m. rush, add 15 minutes of buffer for waiting and boarding.
One last tip: if you’re waffling between Q70+subway and an Uber during heavy traffic, note that the bus uses the same roads; the difference is the fixed $2.90 fare and free OMNY transfer. Check a maps app for traffic between LGA and Roosevelt Av; if it shows under 20 minutes, Q70 usually wins.