Q70 bus to LaGuardia is now free for riders as leaders mull future options
Anyone who has been to New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in recent months has seen just how much it's been transformed. Massive construction projects have led to a greatly-improved passenger experience at the airport. What's still in the works though, are better options for getting to and from the airport.
This past week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a temporary solution of sorts while the city and state work on "longer-term solutions."
Starting today, the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus became free to all riders. The bus service connects LaGuardia's terminals to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
Typically, there have been weekends and holiday weeks where the Q70 fees are waived as part of an effort to encourage public transportation and get cars off congested roads. Last week, Hochul announced that she is directing New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to extend the Q70 fee waiver to the end of the year.
"While we continue working to create a world-class transit option that's worthy of a whole new LaGuardia Airport, we're taking action right now to make it easier to get to the airport by making the Q70 bus service free for all riders," Hochul said.
The LaGuardia Link bus service connects airport passengers within 10 minutes to the 74 Street-Broadway/Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue subway station. The bus also connects to the Long Island Rail Road's Woodside Station at 61 Street and Roosevelt Avenue. The bus fare is traditionally $2.75 one way.
Leaders discussing long-term solutions for public transportation to LaGuardia is something frequent travelers may be glad to hear. TPG recently reported on a rise in taxi fares between the airport and many of Manhattan's most popular tourist destinations.
LaGuardia, despite its terminal improvements, does not have the same public transit options you'll find at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where the AirTrain provides a direct connection to subway and train service.
Related: Which NYC airport should I fly to?
In the meantime, the now-free Q70 service runs 24 hours a day, with a bus expected to arrive every ten minutes during the day. The buses, which bring subway passengers to LaGuardia terminals B, C and D, contain special luggage racks to accommodate airport passengers.
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