New York LaGuardia Layover Guide (LGA)

What are you looking for in LGA?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

New York Airport (LGA) is an international airport located in Queens, New York City. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from Midtown Manhattan. The airport first opened officially in 1939. New York City is the most populous city in the United States and a global hub for finance, culture, and entertainment. It’s known for its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and an endless variety of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Can you leave New York Airport (LGA) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can exit LaGuardia (LGA) Airport during a layover if you allow a minimum of two to three hours for customs and security. U.S. entry requires proper documentation: a valid visa or ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Confirm requirements well in advance. Check secondary inspection wait times online. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Take a scenic ferry cruise to Liberty Island for iconic statue views and Ellis Island’s immigrant museum. Book tickets in advance at https://www.statuecitycruises.com. Marvel the skyline views back towards Manhattan. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Take JFK AirTrain to Howard Beach then Subway A to South Ferry, ~1 hour.)
• Times Square Experience dazzling digital billboards, street performers, Broadway theater vibe, and flagship stores at the heart of Manhattan. Snap unforgettable photos under neon lights amidst the bustling pedestrian plazas. Visit http://www.timessquarenyc.org (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: JFK AirTrain to Jamaica then LIRR to Penn Station, short walk, ~1 h 15 m.)
• Central Park Stroll or bike along winding paths, lush lawns, and scenic bridges in this 843-acre urban oasis. Admire landmarks like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields while escaping Manhattan’s bustle. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: JFK AirTrain to Howard Beach then Subway A to 59 St–Columbus Circle, ~1 hour.)
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art Explore over two million artworks spanning five millennia, including Egyptian antiquities, European masters, and modern masterpieces. Don’t miss the rooftop garden views of Manhattan’s skyline in warmer months. tickets https://www.metmuseum.org (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: JFK AirTrain to Sutphin Blvd then Subway E to 86 St, ~1 h 15 m.)
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum Pay respects at reflecting pools honoring victims of September 11 attacks, then explore museum exhibits detailing personal stories, artifacts, and multimedia presentations documenting that pivotal day. Guided tours available onsite. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: JFK AirTrain to Jamaica then Subway E to World Trade Center, ~1 hour.)
• Brooklyn Bridge Walk Traverse the iconic 1.3-mile suspension bridge on historic pedestrian walkway, enjoying panoramic views of Manhattan skyline and East River. Learn about its 1883 completion through informational plaques along the path. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: JFK AirTrain to Howard Beach then Subway A/C to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall, ~1 h 15 m.)
• Chelsea Market & High Line Browse artisan food vendors, shops, and eateries under a former biscuit factory at Chelsea Market, then stroll the elevated High Line park for art installations and Hudson River vistas. Year-round. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: JFK AirTrain to Jamaica then Subway E to 14 St, short walk, ~1 hour.)
• Grand Central Terminal & Bryant Park Admire the celestial ceiling mural and Beaux-Arts architecture inside Grand Central Terminal, then relax with coffee and lawn games at nearby Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library. Officially. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: JFK AirTrain to Jamaica then Subway 7 to Grand Central–42 St, ~1 hour.)

Things to Do in New York Airport (LGA)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
LaGuardia features several airline lounges: Delta Sky Club (Terminal C), United Club (Terminal B) and American Admirals Club (Terminal B). These spaces offer reclining seats, complimentary snacks, Wi-Fi and showers. The Air France–KLM Lounge accepts Priority Pass. Quiet areas are limited—arrive early to secure a spot. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-airport hotels at LGA. Nearby options include the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Queens, both reachable by short taxi or rideshare. They offer soundproof rooms, fitness centers and on-site dining. Day-use rates may be available for passengers with long layovers—book in advance. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
LGA lacks dedicated rest zones or sleeping pods. Scattered benches in Terminals B and C have minimal recline; a few cushioned chairs are available near gates. The airport closes overnight, so plan accordingly. For a quieter spot, consider purchasing a lounge day pass or using a nearby airport hotel for proper rest.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals. Connect to the “LaGuardia-Free-WiFi” network and agree to the terms—no password required. Speeds support web browsing, streaming and video calls. Power outlets and USB ports are located near most gate seating areas; portable chargers and power banks can also be purchased at terminal newsstands.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIMs and eSIM data plans can be purchased from vending machines and kiosks in Terminals B and C baggage claim. Major carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) offer tourist packages with data, local calls and texts. eSIM activation is usually instant once your unlocked device scans the QR code. Compare plans for best rates. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Yellow cabs queue outside each terminal; flat fare to Manhattan (approximately US $40 plus tolls and tip) applies. Fares to other boroughs are metered, with a US $1 surcharge per passenger and US $1 per bag. Ride-hail pickups (Uber/Lyft) occur at designated zones outside arrivals. Payment by cash, card or app is accepted.

Train: No direct rail service to LaGuardia. Travelers take the subway (E, F, M, R or 7 lines) to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av or 74 St–Broadway and transfer to the Q70-SBS bus shuttle. This connects you quickly to LGA terminals. more info

Bus: Multiple MTA routes serve LGA. The Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link offers nonstop service to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av (subway/LIRR interchange). The M60-SBS runs to Manhattan’s Upper West and East Sides via Harlem. Regular Q47, Q48 and M60 local buses also stop at terminals. more info

Shuttle: Shared-ride shuttles (e.g., NYC Airporter, SuperShuttle) connect LGA with Manhattan and other boroughs. Book in advance to reserve pickup/drop-off points; group shuttles may make multiple stops, so allow extra travel time. Paratransit vans are also available for eligible passengers. Confirm terminal curbside locations with your provider.

Car rentals: Rental car companies (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, National) have desks in the Central Terminal Building. Free shuttle buses run curbside at all terminals and deliver you to the rental center. Reservations are strongly recommended. One-way rentals may incur additional drop-off fees; check terms when booking. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: LGA offers short-term and long-term parking in the Central and East Garages, both adjacent to the terminals. Short-stay is billed by the hour; long-term has daily maximum rates. Covered walkways and moving sidewalks connect to all terminals. Pay via credit card at exit gates or use the ParkMobile app to reserve and pay in advance.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no official luggage storage inside LGA terminals. Nearby private providers (e.g., Schwartz Luggage Storage) offer day-rate lockers and bag holding services within a few miles. Some local hotels may store luggage for registered guests. Reservations are recommended to guarantee availability. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- New York Airport (LGA) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks