LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of New York City’s main domestic airports, serving millions of travelers each year. Licensed taxis provide a convenient and regulated way to travel between LaGuardia and destinations across New York City.
Both Yellow Cabs and Green Cabs are part of the official NYC taxi system. However, their pickup rights and fare structures differ. This guide explains how taxi service works at LaGuardia and what passengers should expect.
Licensed taxis are available at official taxi stands outside each terminal at LaGuardia Airport.
To take a taxi:
Follow signs for “Taxi” or “Ground Transportation.”
Proceed to the official taxi stand.
An airport attendant will direct you to the next available taxi.
Enter the taxi and begin your trip.
Passengers should avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers inside the terminal.
Yellow Cabs are the primary taxis available at official taxi stands at LaGuardia.
Official airport taxi service
No pre-booking required
Licensed and regulated by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission
Accept cash and card payments
Citywide drop-off permitted
Yellow Cabs are commonly used for trips to:
Manhattan
Brooklyn
Queens
Bronx
Staten Island
Green Cabs also provide airport transportation, but with different rules.
May take passengers to LaGuardia Airport
Cannot pick up passengers at airport taxi stands
Use metered fares for all trips
Accept cash and card payments
Green Cabs are often used for trips to LaGuardia from:
Brooklyn
Queens
Bronx
Staten Island
Upper Manhattan
Unlike JFK, there is no flat fare between LaGuardia and Manhattan.
All taxi trips to and from LaGuardia use the TLC-regulated metered fare system.
The total fare depends on:
Distance traveled
Time spent in traffic
Night or peak-hour surcharges
Tolls where applicable
Passengers can monitor the fare on the taximeter during the ride.
All licensed taxis at LaGuardia must accept:
Cash
Credit cards
Debit cards
Contactless payments
Drivers may not require cash-only payment.
Receipts are available upon request.
Approximate travel times (depending on traffic):
Midtown Manhattan: 20–40 minutes
Downtown Manhattan: 30–50 minutes
Brooklyn: 30–60 minutes
Queens: 15–35 minutes
Bronx: 20–40 minutes
Staten Island: 60–90 minutes
Travel times can vary significantly during peak traffic hours.
Taxi rules at LaGuardia include:
Standard luggage included in the fare
No extra charge for typical suitcases
Passenger limits based on vehicle size
If you have oversized luggage or a large group, request a larger taxi at the stand.
Passengers using taxis at LaGuardia have the right to:
A regulated, metered fare
A licensed driver and vehicle
Card or cash payment options
A receipt upon request
Service without discrimination
All drivers must follow NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission regulations.
Are at the airport taxi stand
Need a citywide drop-off
Want a traditional NYC taxi experience
Prefer immediate airport pickup
Are traveling to LaGuardia from a borough or Upper Manhattan
Need a neighborhood street-hail taxi
Do not require airport-stand pickup
For more information:
Airport Taxis in NYC (Hub Page)
JFK Airport Taxis
Newark Airport Taxis
Yellow Cabs vs Green Cabs
Taxi Fares & Pricing
LaGuardia Airport offers a straightforward and regulated taxi system:
Yellow Cabs are available at official taxi stands
All trips use metered fares
Green Cabs may take passengers to the airport
All taxis are licensed, insured, and regulated
For many travelers, taxis remain one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between LaGuardia and New York City.