LaGuardia Airport [LGA] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: July 25, 2020

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) operates domestic flights to the East Coast and central areas of North America due to a longstanding maximum flight radius of up to 1,500 miles for LGA flights, excluding Denver International Airport (DEN) and Saturday flights.

LGA is the busiest U.S. airport (for passenger numbers) without a direct route to Europe, however, it has been heavily criticized for its outdated facilities and is currently going through major redevelopment, due for completion in 2021.

LGA is a domestic hub for Delta Air Lines, which is a significant contributor to the expansion plans for LGA.

Quick Information

Airport: LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Terminals: 4 total, including A, B, C, and D
Airport Address: LaGuardia Road and 94th Street, Queens, NY 11371
Distance from Manhattan: 8 miles (13 km)
Website: laguardiaairport.com
Phone Number: 718-533-3400
Destinations Served: 86
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here

Airlines Operating from LGA

Terminal A

• JetBlue Airways

Terminal B

Terminal C

Terminal D

• Delta Air Lines

LGA Airport Terminals

LGA’s terminals are quite spread out from one another with only Terminals C and D directly connected.

The Grand Central Parkway runs along the south of the airport, so if you’re traveling to LGA by car, you can access your required terminal easily by taking the signposted road system from the parkway.

Each terminal has parking facilities close by, with Terminals C and D sharing a parking lot, and car rental facilities are mostly south of the Grand Central Parkway, accessible by shuttle bus.

Terminal A

Terminal A is also known as the Marine Air Terminal, as it was initially built to manage seaplane operations. Terminal A is located on the west side of the airport and is solely occupied by JetBlue.

Departures is accessible from the circular art deco rotunda that leads through to the check-in area. The departure concourse has 6 gates numbered A1-A6 with arrivals located on the same level as departures.

Terminal B

Terminal B is in the central area of the airport and is the largest of all terminals with 3 concourses — the Eastern Concourse and Concourses C and D.

Terminal B recently underwent a major redevelopment, and its new departure and arrivals areas were unveiled in June 2020. The terminal now consists of 4 levels, including a brand new concessions level with shops and restaurants.

Level 1 — Ground Transportation

Level 1 provides access to ground transportation services. Facilities include a cafe, welcome center, and pet relief area. Courtesy shuttles and public buses operate from outside the terminal.

Level 2 — Baggage Claim

The baggage claim carousels can be found on level 2, along with a welcome center and shop. Passengers can be picked up curbside, and a taxi rank is located on this level for on-demand taxi services.

Level 3 — Ticketing and Check-In

Airline ticketing and check-in desks are located on level 3, and passengers can access the walkway to the Terminal B parking garage.

The security checkpoint is just beyond the ticketing desks, providing access to the departure concourses.

Level 4 — Shops and Restaurants

Post-security, an escalator takes passengers up to level 4, where there are quick- and full-service dining options and shopping.

Other amenities include a meditation room, a nursing room, and a pet relief area.

A new outdoor terrace, restaurant, and Amex Centurion Lounge are due to open in Terminal B by the end of 2021.

Concourses

The Eastern Concourse is a newly developed concourse with 20 gates numbered 40-59; Concourse C has 14 gates numbered C1-C14; Concourse D has 9 gates numbered D2-D10.

There is a selection of lounges available in Terminal B:

• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Eastern Concourse)
• American Airlines Admirals Club (Concourse D)
• United Airlines United Club (Eastern Concourse)

Terminal C

Terminal C is located on the east side of the airport and is connected to Terminal D via a pedestrian walkway within the secure area.

Terminal C has 25 gates numbered C12, C15-C18, C20, C21, C23, C24, C26, C28-C32, C34-C39, and C41-C44.

There are 2 Delta Sky Club lounges in Terminal C — 1 located near gate C28 and the other across from the food court.

Terminal D

Terminal D is located on the east side of the airport, connected to Terminal C via a pedestrian walkway. Delta Air Lines and WestJet operate flights from the Terminal’s 9 gates. These are numbered D1, D2, D4-D8, D10, and D11.

Arrivals are on the ground level with check-in and departures on level 1. When you pass through security, the gates are located to the left along the concourse where there is also a Delta Sky Club lounge.

At the end of 2019, LaGuardia added a new concourse to Terminal D, which is the first of 4 new concourses planned for Delta Air Lines.

The new concourse is connected to the terminal via a temporary walkway and has 7 gates numbered D92-D98, along with a small selection of shops and restaurants.

Hot Tip: For more information, see our in-depth guide on how to get between terminals at LGA Airport.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Connecting Outside of the Secure Area

LGA operates courtesy shuttle buses to transport passengers between terminals, and to/from the parking lots and car rental transfer points.

Buses run 24 hours a day, every 10 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes off-peak.

The location of the buses are GPS-tracked, and passengers can use the airport’s tracker to see live bus arrival times.

Security and Customs at LGA

Each terminal has a different layout and number of security checkpoints, depending on its size and volume of passengers that it serves.

All terminals have 1 security checkpoint, apart from Terminal D that has 2.

Passengers can check ahead for estimated security wait times on the airport website.

TSA PreCheck

LGA has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the following security checkpoints:

• Terminal A: standard checkpoint
• Terminal B: standard checkpoint
• Terminal C: checkpoint near the Frontier and Spirit check-in desks
• Terminal D: main checkpoint near the Prime Tavern

Terminal C has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center on the right after you clear the main security checkpoint. As the center is located in the secure area, only ticketed passengers or those with printed proof of an appointment are permitted through after obtaining a gate pass from an airline.

CLEAR

LGA has CLEAR lanes in Terminals C and D for eligible passengers that have enrolled and been accepted. In Terminal C, the CLEAR kiosks are located at both security checkpoints, and in Terminal D, a kiosk is located at the main checkpoint near the Prime Tavern.

LGA Airport Lounges

There are 7 lounges at LGA with some located inside the secure area and some outside.

The Admirals Club and United Club lounges allow passengers to purchase a day pass to enjoy their facilities (subject to capacity allowance,) while the other lounges are exclusively for premium cabin passengers, elite status frequent flyers, or eligible credit cardholders.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Avoid paying lounge entry fees simply by having a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at LGA

LGA has 72 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go options throughout the airport, so there are plenty of choices to grab a bite before your flight. There are only 1 or 2 options outside of the secure area in all terminals, apart from Terminal B, so head there if you’re too early to check-in.

If you want to check out your options before you arrive, head to the airport’s website where you can filter restaurants by terminal and what’s available pre- and post-security.

LGA Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

LGA provides free and unlimited Wi-Fi to passengers and guests in all public areas. To connect, choose “_Free LGA WiFi” from your network options, select “Free Unlimited WiFi” and you’ll be on your way. For any connectivity issues, contact the 24/7 customer support line at 800-880-4117.

Charging Stations: There are charging stations located throughout each terminal and concourse.

Hot Tip: Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, you may want to pick up a mobile hotspot to keep you connected. 

LGA Airport Lost and Found

The process for lost and found property depends on where an item was misplaced.

If you lose something within one of the terminals or on a taxi or bus, then the airport advises to email [email protected] with a detailed description of the item and circumstances (date, location, etc.).

If an item was left on an airplane, then contact the airline directly.

If you lose something while passing through security, then contact TSA lost and found at 718-662-5043 during the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

LGA has a guest services desks in the arrivals halls of Terminals and B and in the eastern concourse of Terminal B.

Travelers Aid

There is no travelers aid center at LGA. The nearest center is located at JFK Airport.

Children’s Play Areas

A children’s play area is located in Terminal B, Eastern Concourse, in the main hall once you clear security. Unfortunately, LGA doesn’t rank as one of the top 10 kid-friendly U.S. airports.

Baby Facilities

LGA has 6 nursing rooms located at:

• Terminal A: just beyond the TSA checkpoint
• Terminal B:
  • Eastern Concourse: Eastern Concourse, between Shake Shack and gate 42
  • Concourse C, near gate C2
  • Concourse D, near gate D4
• Terminal C:
  • near the entrance to gates C28 – C29
  • near gate C14
• Terminal D:
  • near the TSA checkpoint
  • near the Flat Iron Tavern in gate area 92-98

Pet Relief Areas

While LGA doesn’t rank among the top 10 pet-friendly U.S. airports, the airport has 4 dedicated pet relief areas:

• Terminal A: curbside
• Terminal B: in the level 4 food court (inside the secure area)
• Terminal C: in the walkway between Terminals C and D
• Terminal D: at the entrance to gate area 92-98

Duty Free

LGA has 1 duty-free shop located in Terminal B Eastern Concourse, near gate 48.

Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas are located outside of the terminals. LGA is a smoke-free airport inside, including the use of electronic cigarettes.

Prayer

There are no chapel services at LGA, but there is a meditation room located on level 4 in the Terminal B food court.

Money

ATMs can be found throughout all terminals at LGA.

Luggage

There are no luggage storage lockers inside the airport.

Important LGA Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 718-533-3400

Parking: 347-468-3928

Emergency automobile services: 718-533-3850

Reporting a crime, incident, or medical emergency: 718-656-7606

Travel to and From LGA

Transport Options

Train

• Subway: LGA does not have a subway station at the airport, but passengers can ride the M60 bus to 125 Street Station to access subway lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D. The bus transfer is free for passengers using a MetroCard, with buses departing from outside all terminals. A single journey by public bus or subway is $2.75.
• Metro-North Railroad: For connections to the suburban north, ride the Metro-North Railroad from Harlem-125th Street. Take the free transfer bus (as described above), as Harlem-125th Street Station is close to 125th Street Station (subway).
• Long Island Rail Road: This commuter train runs from Manhattan to the end of Suffolk County and is accessible from Woodside station at 61st Street/Roosevelt Avenue. To reach the station, ride the Q70 bus from Terminals B, C, or D.

Bus

• MTA Bus M60: Several public buses can transport passengers around Queens and to Manhattan, Long Island, and beyond. The M60 bus departs from all terminals, stopping at 125th Street for subway lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D.
• Q70 SBS Bus: The Q70 bus departs from Terminals B, C, and D running to 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue for subway lines 7, E, F, M, and R.
• Other Public Buses: The Q47 serves Queens and 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue, departing from Terminal A. The Q72 serves Queens and 63rd Drive/Rego Park, departing from Terminals B, C, and D, and the Q48 serves Queens and Main Street/Roosevelt Avenue, departing from Terminals B, C, and D.

Shuttle

Shared-ride and private ride shuttles are available to pre-book or arrange on arrival. These depart from the Terminal B parking garage level 2, and on arrival, you can visit the Welcome Center in the arrivals hall for more information.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available from outside all terminals. No flat rates are available from LGA but a rough cost from the airport to Times Square is around $40 (not including tips or tolls).

Ride Services

Approved app services such as Uber or Lyft can pick-up and drop-off from the Terminal B parking garage on Level 2.

Directions by Car to LGA

From Manhattan

• Via the Midtown tunnel: Continue on I-495 East. Take exit 17E for I-278 E towards the Bronx. Keep right and take I-278 East, then keep right at the fork to continue on Brooklyn Queens Expressway East. Merge on to the Grand Central Parkway and take exit 7 towards Terminal B/Terminal C/Terminal D/LaGuardia Airport.
• Via the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge: Take I-278 West and keep left to continue on Grand Central Parkway. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 7 towards Terminal B/Terminal C/Terminal D/LaGuardia Airport.
• Via the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge: Continue on Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge Lower Roadway, then keep right to continue on Queens Boulevard. Take the slip road onto I-278 East, then keep right at the fork to stay on Brooklyn Queens Expressway East. Merge on to the Grand Central Parkway and take exit 7 towards Terminal B/Terminal C/Terminal D/LaGuardia Airport.

From Brooklyn

• Via I-278: Take I-278 East and use the right 2 lanes to take exit 7 towards Terminal B/Terminal C/Terminal D/LaGuardia Airport.
• Via the Jackie Robinson Parkway: Follow Atlantic Avenue to the Jackie Robinson Parkway, then take exit 8W for Grand Central Parkway West towards Triboro Bridge. Take exit 6 towards LaGuardia Airport/Terminal B/94th Street.

LGA Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

LGA’s official parking is located close to each terminal, with no separate garages for short or long-term parking.

The following charges apply to the Terminal A Lot and Terminal B Garage:

• First 30 minutes: $5
• Each additional 30 minutes: $5
• 24-hour maximum: $39

The following charges apply to the Terminal C/D Garage:

• First 30 minutes: $5
• Each additional 30 minutes: $5
• 24-hour maximum: $39

Hot Tip: You can save over 10% by pre-booking your parking online.

Premium parking is available in the Terminal C/D parking garage and guarantees you a space closest to the terminal.

Covered parking is available at all parking garages, and shuttle buses transport passengers to their required terminal.

Terminal B parking has electric vehicle charging stations available on the third floor and the Terminal C/D parking garage has these on the second floor.

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

The B Wait Area parking lot is located near Terminal A and offers 3 hours of free parking to friends/family waiting to pick-up passengers. Vehicles must not be left unattended, and once the passenger has called for a pick-up, the driver can make their way to the curbside pick-up area of the terminal.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Daily parking at LGA is quite expensive, as there are no long-term or economy parking options. A cheaper alternative is to book off-site parking at a hotel or parking facility.

Daily parking starts at $13, with parking lots offering courtesy shuttle services to/from LGA. Many third-party websites offer the ability to pre-book parking, and airportparkingreservations.com is 1 such website that has excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

For customers with restricted mobility, designated parking spaces are available in each official airport parking garage, and are located closest to the terminal entrance.

Parking is at a reduced rate:

• First 30 minutes: $4
• Each additional 30 minutes: $4
• 24-hour maximum: $18

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 347-468-3928

Request a parking extension over 30 days: 718-533-3850

Car Rental at LGA Airport

Car rental companies are based on airport property, a little distance from the terminals.

Shuttle buses depart regularly to transport passengers to/from Terminal A (Rental Car Shuttle Transport Point) to the rental car facility.

These rental car companies are based at LGA:

Advantage: 800-777-5500
Alamo: 888-233-8749
Avis: 800-230-4898
Budget: 718-639-6400
Dollar: 800-800-4000
Enterprise: 800-736-8222
Hertz: 800-654-3131
National Car Rental: 888-826-6890
Payless: 800-729-5377
Thrifty: 800-331-3550

Hot Tip: Find out which credit cards include car rental insurance as standard and avoid unnecessary fees for purchasing expensive insurance from your rental agency. 

LGA Airport Hotels

There are no hotels on airport property, however, many hotels offer courtesy shuttle services to/from the airport.

The closest hotels are located just south of the Grand Central Parkway and range from 1-3 stars.

We’ve listed some of the most popular hotels below, featured in order of distance from the airport.

LGA Airport Hotels – Sorted by Distance

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The 173-room all-suite SpringHill Suites hotel offers free Wi-Fi and airport shuttle. Amenities include a bar, 24-hour front desk, business center, and a fitness center. A full breakfast is available featuring coffee and a selection of pastries and fruit. The hotel is a category 4 property in the Marriott Bonvoy program, charging 20,000 points per night for off-peak nights, 25,000 points for standard nights, and 30,000 for peak nights.

While small at just 50 rooms, the Wyndham Garden LaGuardia South features free Wi-Fi and a modern fitness facility. The hotel has a Starbucks on-site for those that need a quality caffeine option. The hotel is located near major shopping centers like the Queens Center Mall. Their on-site restaurant, BLVD Bistro & Bar, serves up hearty and light meal options as well as a full cocktail menu. Wyndham Rewards members can use their points for a free night starting at just 30,000 points per room.

Hyatt Place Flushing LaGuardia Airport hotel is conveniently located atop a retail center. The center features a choice of great restaurants and shopping options. Guests can also enjoy the free airport shuttle, rooftop outdoor garden, and indoor swimming pool. For food and drink, the on-site restaurant and lounge offer views of the Manhattan skyline. World of Hyatt loyalty members can book a free night at just 12,000 points per night and receive a complimentary breakfast to boot!

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy, Wyndham Rewards points, or World of Hyatt points.

Final Thoughts

Having been publicly criticized by passengers and politicians, it’s a welcome relief that LaGuardia is finally getting the face-lift it so desperately needs.

June 2020 unveiled the redevelopment of Terminal B, including new departures and arrivals areas, and concessions level.

This is just 1 completed phase of the $8 billion project that will see the airport gain 72 new gates, 2 new arrival and departure halls, and rail improvements from the airport to Manhattan.

With its proximity to Manhattan compared to John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LGA could become the primary choice for passengers looking to fly domestically once the renovations are complete.