If you're asking how far JFK airport is to LaGuardia, the short answer is about 10 to 13 miles (16 to 21 km) by road, depending on your route and terminals. The more useful answer is time: the drive can take half an hour on a quiet night and well over an hour when Queens traffic backs up.
Both airports sit in Queens, so on a map they look like neighbors. In practice, you're crossing a busy stretch of highway that carries commuters, delivery trucks and other airport traffic all at once. That gap between mileage and minutes is what catches travelers off guard.
The Distance Between JFK and LaGuardia
Sources vary slightly depending on how they measure. The straight-line distance is roughly 10.7 miles (about 17 km). By road, most estimates land between 11 and 13 miles. That's why you'll see slightly different answers when you search how far New York LaGuardia is from JFK or how far LaGuardia is from JFK.
|
Measurement |
Approximate distance |
|
Straight line (air distance) |
10.7 miles / 17 km |
|
Typical driving distance |
11–13 miles / 18–21 km |
If you're comparing the two airports with Manhattan, LaGuardia is the closer one: roughly 8 miles from Midtown, while JFK is about 15. That's one reason LGA to JFK distance feels short on paper but isn't a quick hop in practice.
The Usual Driving Route
Almost every trip between the airports uses the same corridor. From JFK, you head north on the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678), pass the Kew Gardens interchange area, and then take the Grand Central Parkway toward LaGuardia. The reverse is true if you're going from LGA to JFK.
Both roads handle heavy volume and have little room for expansion, so a single lane closure or crash can slow everything down. If you can, check live traffic before you leave rather than relying on a "normal" estimate.
When you're booking in advance, a JFK airport transfer lets you set the pickup time ahead of landing instead of arranging a ride while you're standing at baggage claim.
How Long Does the Trip Actually Take?
Here's where "how far is JFK from LaGuardia" becomes a planning question. Typical estimates by road run from about 30 minutes in light traffic to 90 minutes or more in the worst conditions. A route planner may show 25 to 30 minutes, but that assumes no delays at either airport.
Quiet hours
Late at night and very early in the morning, the drive can be quick. Plan on the lower end of the range, though terminal roads and pickup areas can still slow you down.
Weekday rush hours
Morning and late-afternoon traffic is where the trip stretches. If your flight lands at 4 p.m. on a weekday, treat the drive as a 60-minute trip at best and allow for more.
Events and bad weather
Holiday weekends, heavy rain and road work can turn a short trip into a long one. Weather delays also bunch up arrivals, which means more people competing for the same cars.
Ways to Get From JFK to LaGuardia
There is no direct train between the two airports, and the planned AirTrain LaGuardia was canceled, so your choices are road-based or a multi-leg transit trip.
Taxi or rideshare
Taxis are the simplest option when you're carrying luggage. Unlike trips from JFK to Manhattan, there's no flat fare between the airports, so the meter runs and the final cost follows traffic. Rideshare prices move with demand, which can be steep at busy times.
Public transit
The budget route is the AirTrain JFK to the subway, then the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus from Jackson Heights. It works, but it means several transfers and stairs, and it's slow with large bags. Many travelers should expect it to take well over an hour.
For anyone going the other way, the LGA to JFK guide compares time, cost and options in more detail.
Shared or private ride
A shared van can lower the price, but it may stop for other passengers, which adds time you can't control. A private car goes straight to your terminal, which matters on a tight connection. If you're weighing the two, the JFK to LGA shuttle comparison walks through the trade-offs.
Planning a Connection Between Airports
Short distance doesn't mean a short connection. A few things add time that mileage never shows:
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Baggage: If your bags aren't checked through, you'll wait at the carousel first.
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Separate tickets: You'll recheck bags and clear security again at the second airport.
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Terminal walks: JFK's terminals are spread out, and LaGuardia's terminals aren't next to each other.
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Pickup areas: Finding your driver can take longer than the ride itself on a busy day.
As a rule of thumb, a connection on separate tickets deserves a generous cushion. International arrivals add immigration and customs, so the margin should be larger still.
"The distance looked tiny on the map. It was the Van Wyck at rush hour that taught us to leave a lot more time."
Choosing What Fits Your Trip
If you're traveling solo with a carry-on and plenty of time, transit can work. If you have kids, heavy luggage or a flight to catch, a pre-booked ride removes most of the guesswork. Transpovia is a ground transportation marketplace, so you can compare private transfer options and book in advance rather than hunting for a car at the curb.
FAQs
How far is JFK airport to LaGuardia in miles?
About 10 to 13 miles by road, depending on the route. The straight-line distance is roughly 10.7 miles.
How far is JFK from LaGuardia in kilometers?
Roughly 16 to 21 km by road, and about 17 km in a straight line.
How long does it take to get from JFK to LaGuardia?
Usually 30 to 90 minutes by car. Public transit often takes longer than an hour because of the transfers.
Is there a direct train between JFK and LaGuardia?
No. The AirTrain LaGuardia project was canceled, so there's no rail link between the two airports.
Is there a flat-rate taxi fare between the airports?
No. Taxi trips between JFK and LaGuardia are metered, so the price depends on traffic and distance.
Is the Q70 bus free?
Yes, the LaGuardia Link Q70 is free. It connects LaGuardia with the subway at Jackson Heights and the Long Island Rail Road at Woodside.
Final Thoughts on the JFK–LaGuardia Distance
The airports are close, but the calendar and the Van Wyck decide how close. Check traffic, build in a buffer for baggage and security, and pick a transfer that matches your luggage and schedule. If you'd rather lock in a ride before you land, you can arrange a private transfer through Transpovia.
