Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

LGAUnited StatesTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

LaGuardia Airport

New York, United States

Drop-off

Midtown Manhattan

Pin before customs

Fastest

LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS + NYC Subway (E/F/M/R/7)

bus+metro · 8-10m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS + NYC Subway (E/F/M/R/7)
Headway: 8-10
Backup: LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS + LIRR to Penn Station · 8-10m

Note

Free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus from Terminals B and C to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av / 74 St–Broadway, then transfer to E/F/M/R/7 trains toward Midtown Manhattan (e.g. Penn Station, Times Sq, Grand Central). Q70 runs about every 8–10 minutes and operates 24/7; allow extra time late at night and for subway waits.

Budget focus

New York: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likenew york airport busandlga to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: M60-SBS Select Bus Service
Mode: bus
Freq: 8-12m
Note: M60-SBS runs 24/7 from all LGA terminals to Upper Manhattan via Astoria, stopping along 125th St near multiple subway lines and the Harlem–125th St Metro‑North station. From 125th St you can connect by subway downtown to Midtown Manhattan using free transfers within two hours when using the same payment method.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS + NYC Subway (E/F/M/R/7)
Mode: bus+metro
Freq: 8-10m
Note: Free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus from Terminals B and C to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av / 74 St–Broadway, then transfer to E/F/M/R/7 trains toward Midtown Manhattan (e.g. Penn Station, Times Sq, Grand Central). Q70 runs about every 8–10 minutes and operates 24/7; allow extra time late at night and for subway waits.

eSIMComing Soon

Stay connected from landing

Skip the airport SIM queue. We're partnering with eSIM providers to get you online before you even leave the gate.

✓Instant activation✓Local rates✓No SIM swap

FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.