How To Get Between Terminals at LaGuardia Airport [LGA]

Key Takeaways

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has 3 terminals (A, B, C) that are not connected. A free shuttle bus operates pre-security to transport passengers between terminals.
• Each terminal has a central security checkpoint so you can walk between concourses for connecting flights without clearing security again.
• If your connecting flight is at a different terminal, leaving plenty of time to catch the shuttle bus is advisable.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has undergone a complete rebuild over the last several years which has seen the old, outdated facility of yesteryear replaced with a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility with modern terminals and facilities.

With a cost of about $8 billion, this massive project has transformed one of the country’s most-loathed airports into one of the very best. The new airport also brings with it more capacity for air service, faster security screening times for passengers, and enhanced bus service to and from the airport (though the city recently killed off the proposed AirTrain link).

So, now that the airport’s totally new, let’s review how you can get between the various terminals at LaGuardia.

LaGuardia Airport Layout

There are 3 terminals at LaGuardia Airport — A, B, and C. They’re not connected to each other, so passengers must ride the airport shuttle bus if they have flights in different terminals.

Terminals B and C are located near each other, while Terminal A is around a mile away from both B and C. The terminal shuttle bus (covered later in this article) is the best way to get between terminals at LGA. It also stops at the parking lots and the car rental transfer point.

Pre-security (Landside) Ground Transportation at LGA

Terminal Shuttle Bus

LaGuardia Link buses operate 24 hours a day, arriving every 8 to 10 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes during off-peak times.

The shuttle buses are GPS monitored, so you can use LaGuardia’s handy tracker to see live bus arrival times. Select your stop to check when the next bus is scheduled to arrive.

Post-security (Airside) Ground Transportation at LGA

Walkways

None of the terminals at LaGuardia are connected to each other, so it’s not possible to walk between them if you have to connect to a flight in another terminal. However, with central security checkpoints in all of the terminals, passengers can walk between the various concourses inside the terminals without needing to clear security again.

LGA Terminal Layout

LGA Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal)

Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, was LGA’s original terminal for seaplane flights during the 1930s and 1940s. The original building — including the Art Deco rotunda — still stands, now with a connecting concourse area for flight departures.

The terminal has 6 gates numbered A1 to A6 with arrivals and departures on the same level and just a few shops and restaurants. JetBlue is the only airline to operate flights from Terminal A.

Ground transportation services are located outside of the rotunda, along with the only pick-up and drop-off point for shuttle buses to the car rental lots.

LGA Terminal B

Terminal B is centrally located on airport property and is home to Air Canada, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and United Airlines. Facilities in the main terminal span 4 levels.

Level 1: Ground Transportation

Passengers may access ground transportation services on level 1, including the MTA bus and car rental shuttles.

Level 2: Baggage Claim

Baggage claim is located on level 2, along with the lost and found office and a welcome center. Taxis are available at the east side of the arrivals curb.

Level 3: Check-in and Security

Check-in and the security checkpoint are located on level 3.

Level 4: Restaurants and Shops

Level 4 has a good selection of shops and restaurants that are located after clearing the security checkpoint. There’s also a large water feature in the center of the concessions area and an American Express Centurion Lounge.

Concourse A

Concourse A has 19 gates numbered 11, 12, 14 to 20, and 22-31. The upper level also features an American Airlines Admirals Club. There’s a good choice of shops and restaurants, including W.H. Smith and Mi Casa, and a children’s play area near gate 24.

Concourse B

Concourse B has 19 gates numbered 40 to 59 as well as a good selection of shops and restaurants, including Shake Shack and Hudson Booksellers. There’s a children’s play area in the central area of the concourse and a United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge on the upper level.

Hot Tip:You don’t have to fly in business or first class to have the chance to relax in a lounge. Many credit cards offer you lounge access just for having the card. Here’s a great guide on the best credit cards that give you complimentary airport lounge access.

LGA Terminal C

Terminal C is LaGuardia’s newest terminal, home to Delta Air Lines and WestJet. The main terminal building is bright and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and impressive architectural features. Facilities are located across 4 floors before passengers move through to the departures area with 4 interlinked concourses.

Level 1: Baggage Claim

Baggage claim is located on level 1, with a welcome center, Starbucks, and a small convenience store.

Level 2: Check-in

The ticketing and check-in desks for Delta Air Lines and WestJet are located on level 2.

Level 3: Security Checkpoint

The security checkpoint is located on level 3, along with a small selection of shops, a Starbucks, and a pet relief area.

Level 4: Delta Sky Club

There’s a large Delta Sky Club on Level 4 after clearing security.

Concourse A

Concourse A has 11 gates numbered 60, 60A, and 61 to 69. Once clearing security, turn left and walk along the corridor (with moving walkways), take the escalator down, and continue to follow the corridor into the concourse. From security, the furthest gate is around a 10-minute walk. There’s a food court at the entrance to the concourse and several shops.

Concourse B

Concourse B has 9 gates numbered 70 and 72 to 78 and is a short walk turning left out of the security checkpoint. The concourse has a good choice of restaurants and cafes, a service center, and a pet relief area.

Concourse C

Concourse C has 10 gates numbered 81 to 84, 85A, 85B, 86, 88A, 88B, and 89B. Turning right out of security, walk down the corridor and take the elevator down 1 level to access the concourse. It’s around a 10-minute walk from security with gates 86, 88A, 88B, and 89B to the right as you enter the concourse and gates 81 to 84, 85A, and 85B straight ahead in a separate area.

Most of the concessions are located in the furthest area of the concourse, including a Crust and Cibo Express.

Concourse D

Concourse D is located at the south end of Terminal C and has 7 gates numbered 92 to 98. It’s easy to reach Concourse D from the security checkpoint by walking for 5 minutes and then taking the escalator down 1 level. Walking to the furthest gate takes an additional 5 minutes.

A small food court is located at the entrance of the concourse, and there are a couple of convenience stores.

Estimated Walking Times Between Terminals

It’s not possible to walk between any of the terminals at LaGuardia Airport, so passengers must ride the terminal shuttle bus.

Estimated Walking Times to Gates

• Terminal A: 2 minutes to all gates
• Terminal B:
  • Gates 11 to 31: 4 to 6 minutes
  • Gates 40 to 59: 6 to 10 minutes
• Terminal C:
  • Gates 60 to 69: 9 to 11 minutes
  • Gates 70 to 79: 5 to 7 minutes
  • Gates 80 to 89: 8 to 10 minutes
  • Gates 90 to 99: 5 to 10 minutes

Flight Connections at LGA

If you have a connection on a different airline, you’ll need to allow plenty of time to ride the terminal shuttle bus in case traffic is heavy.

But, if your connection is operated by the same airline, you won’t need to exit the terminal you arrived in to make your connection.

Regardless of the terminal, if checked luggage isn’t tagged through to the final destination, passengers will need to reclaim their bags, check-in, and re-clear security anyway.

Accessibility

LGA’s terminals are all accessible to passengers with disabilities or mobility concerns. The terminal shuttle buses are accessible to wheelchair users and the airport parking lots have dedicated parking spaces close to the terminal entrances.

Final Thoughts

LaGuardia Airport has notched a dramatic turnaround in recent years. From being one of the worse to being one of the best in the country, travelers have been raving about the new facilities and faster security process. The redevelopment of the airport will continue to make the travel experience better for the 30 million or so passengers that pass through LGA each year.

However, if you find yourself needing to move between terminals at LGA, make sure you leave yourself plenty of time because the airport still lacks a train system for getting between terminals as well as a direct connection to New York’s transit system.