How to Get From LaGuardia to Coney Island (& Coney Island to LaGuardia)

Trying to find the best way to get from LaGuardia to Coney Island or Coney Island to LaGuardia? Our guide has got you covered as well as all the different options from trains, buses, private cars, rideshare apps, and taxis.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located in Queens and there are multiple public transportation options or quicker options involving a car service or taxi. We will help you decide what the best mode of transportation is for you and your trip to Coney Island.

The total journey from LaGuardia to Coney Island or Coney Island to LaGuardia is around 22 miles and can take anywhere from 30 minutes (on a REALLY good day) to 60-90 minutes typically – traffic, route, and other circumstances can vary times drastically.

Looking for where to stay in Brooklyn during your visit? See our entire guide by neighborhood and budget to help you pick the best area to stay in.

LaGuardia Travel Tips

We don’t recommend ordering a car on a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft until you have your luggage and are ready to leave the airport.

The fastest way from Coney Island to LaGuardia or LaGuardia to Coney Island is a private airport transfer or using a private car via a rideshare app.

The most inexpensive route is via subway and train.

The airport has four terminals: A, B, C, and D. Terminal B has 4 concourses and it is the largest terminal at LaGuardia Airport.

There is construction going on at the airport until 2022.

Subway

This will always be the cheapest way to get from Coney Island to LaGuardia or LaGuardia to Coney Island.

LaGuardia Airport runs the Q70 LaGuardia Link SBS (select bus service) which provides transportation between the main terminals B, C, & D with transit hubs in Jackson Heights and Woodside where you can find the subway, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and Metro-North Railroad.

If you need to get between terminals at LaGuardia Airport or to/from the parking lots, there are 3 shuttle bus routes available, depending on your journey.

Purple Route: Terminals B, C, and D; daily parking, and 102nd Street.
Red Route: Terminals A, C, and D; Terminal A daily parking, rental car transfer point, and 102nd Street (drop-off only).
Blue Route: Terminals A and B, Terminal A daily parking, rental car transfer point, and Hanger 5 employees.

You will have to take a bus to reach the subway lines. This is operated by the MTA and can be paid for using a MetroCard, which MetroCard machines are located throughout the LaGuardia Airport terminals.

*MetroCards provide a free transfer from bus to the subway so you don’t have to pay twice when transferring!

If you’re leaving or going to Terminal A you can take the Q47 bus that has connections to the 74 St/Roosevelt Ave Subway Station servicing the 7, E, F, M, and R lines also known as Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights Subway Station.

The F line will take you directly to 74 St/Roosevelt Ave Subway Station, you can access the F train in Coney Island at Coney Island-Stillwell Av Station and at Neptune Avenue Station, other routes will require you to take a bus before getting on the subway system. If you’re not familiar with the riding the bus in the city, we recommend using the route that takes you directly to the F train for minimal transfers.

There are four main stops surrounding the perimeter of Coney Island including the main station Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station, Neptune Avenue Station, Ocean Parkway Station, and a short walk to Brighton Beach Station.

- - Coney Island-Stillwell Av Station runs the D, F, N & Q lines.
  - Neptune Avenue Station runs the F line.
  - Ocean Parkway Station runs the Q line.
  - Brighton Beach Station runs the B & Q lines.

Getting a MetroCard at the Subway

If you plan on taking the train from Coney Island to LaGuardia and do not have a MetroCard you simply need to go into the station and use a credit card at the kiosk to buy a MetroCard.

When you get to a kiosk to buy a MetroCard you have two options, to buy a MetroCard with a preloaded amount of money to spend for example $20 worth of rides that you can add value you to when you run out OR you can buy an unlimited MetroCard for x amount of days where you can ride multiple times a day.

If you’re going from Coney Island to LaGuardia since you’re leaving, the best choice would be to get a preloaded amount, a single ride is $2.90, and don’t forget that when you transfer between the bus and subway it’s no additional cost.

Getting a MetroCard at LaGuardia

If you plan on taking the subway from LaGuardia to Coney Island or Coney Island to LaGuardia you will need to pay with a MetroCard.

There will be several MetroCard kiosks at the Terminals in LaGuardia where you can purchase or reload your MetroCard.

The best choice would depend on how often you plan on using the subway during your trip, if you’re going to use it a lot then the unlimited card is a better option, if you don’t plan on riding many times then put a set value on the card is the better economic option.

Helpful Metrocard Tips:

A single ride on the subway is $2.90, after swiping you can transfer freely between subways and buses.
Children under 44 inches tall can travel for free.
You can pay for busses with exact change if you don’t have a MetroCard, but its easiest to just have a preloaded MetroCard.
If you plan on riding on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) a separate ticket is needed and you can purchase at a kiosk, ticket office, or on your smartphone using the MTA eTix app. Prices vary between $5-10 one way depending on time of day.

LaGuardia to Coney Island: Subway

This is the cheapest option for you to get from LaGuardia to Coney Island, and depending on traffic it could be the same amount of time as getting a ride in a car.

While there is no direct train from LaGuardia to Coney Island, you can take one of the LGA buses to Terminal A where you can take the Q47 bus to the 74 St/Roosevelt Ave Subway Station servicing the 7, E, F, M, and R lines also known as Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights Subway Station.

*You will need to have a preloaded Metrocard or LGA Link bus ticket before getting on the LGA bus! You can do this in LGA outside the bus stop at the machines before boarding the bus. If you buy the LGA bus ticket at the machine the receipt is your ticket, but we recommend just getting a Metrocard and loading it or reloading one you own so you have it the rest of your trip!

The F line will take you directly to two stops in Coney Island, Coney Island-Stillwell Av Station and at Neptune Avenue Station, this is your most direct route, others will require transfers.

This route will take around 2 hours total depending on your route, time of day, etc.

We do recommend plugging in your directions in Google Maps as well so that you can see which route you need to get on as it varies depending on the next departing subway.

Coney Island to LaGuardia: Subway

This will be the cheapest and most economical option for you to get from Coney Island to LaGuardia. Depending on traffic, going by subway could be the same amount of time as taking a car.

While there is no direct train from Coney Island to LaGuardia, you can take the subway to the 74 St/Roosevelt Ave Subway Station servicing the 7, E, F, M, and R lines also known as Roosevelt Av-Jackson Heights Subway Station where you can transfer to the buses that go from this subway station to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) terminals.

The F line that will take you to 74 St/Roosevelt Ave Subway Station is available at two Coney Island subway stations, Coney Island-Stillwell Av Station and at Neptune Avenue Station.

This is going to be your most direct route as there are not additional transfers needed to get to 74 St/Roosevelt Ave Subway Station where you will transfer to the bus that will take you to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) terminals.

Once you get to 74 St/Roosevelt Ave Subway Station you will have to transfer to a bus to get to LaGuardia Airport.

The main buses are the Q33, Q70-SBS, and Q48. Most buses will take you to Terminal B, if this is not your terminal, you will have to get off at Terminal B and get on Q70 LaGuardia Link SBS (select bus service) which provides transportation between the main terminals B, C, & D.

If you’re leaving from Terminal A, you will have to get off at a different Terminal and take either the Blue or Red Airport Shuttles to Terminal A.

This route takes around 2 hours, give or take. We recommend giving yourself extra time in case of any delays so you’re not running late for your flight.

We do recommend plugging in your directions in Google Maps as well so that you can see which route you need to get on as it varies depending on the next departing subway.

Express Bus & Subway

Another option for getting from Coney Island to LaGuardia or LaGuardia to Coney Island is the NYC Express Bus and subway combo.

Note that this option is ONLY AVAILABLE between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm as that’s the only time the Express Bus runs.

The NYC Express Bus has buses leaving every 30 minutes from LaGuardia heading to either Port Authority Bus Terminal or Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan where you can transfer to the subway to complete your LaGuardia to Coney Island journey to Brooklyn.

You can buy your ticket for the NYC Express Bus in advance. They are currently $16 for a one-way trip or $30 for roundtrip. If you purchase your ticket in advance you will have to present your online confirmation to one of their Golden Touch Transportation agents who will provide your actual bus tickets.

LaGuardia to Coney Island: Express Bus & Subway

There are two options for routes from LaGuardia to Coney Island via Express Bus and subway.

NYC Express Bus picks up at LaGuardia Airport from Terminals B, C, and D. You can find the agents and podium past the ground transportation and welcome center by the baggage claim spotting the red signs.

For Terminal A, you will need to hop on the Blue or Red Airport Shuttles to either Terminal B, C, or D.

Via LaGuardia to Port Authority in Manhattan

The bus ride from LaGuardia to Port Authority Terminal is approximately 60 minutes give or take depending on the traffic.

From here you will walk approximately one minute to the 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station. This subway station operates the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, and S subway lines.

The easiest route is taking the Q train at 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station to Ocean Parkway Station. This is a direct route that requires no additional transfers and is a 60-minute journey from 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station to Ocean Parkway Station depending on which subway station in Coney Island is close to your final point since the Q runs at a few of the stops.

We do recommend plugging in your directions in Google Maps as well so that you can see which route via 42 St- Port Authority Subway Station you need to get on as it varies depending on the next departing train and your final point in Coney Island and there are a few routes.

This route has a discounted rate, you can purchase those tickets here.

Via LaGuardia to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan

The bus ride from LaGuardia to Grand Central Terminal is approximately 60 minutes give or take depending on the traffic.

From here you will walk approximately two to three minutes to 42 St – Grand Central Subway Station. This subway station operates the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines.

You’ll want to get on either the 4 or 5 train towards Brooklyn to Atlantic Terminal where you can either transfer to the Q line to Ocean Parkway Station in Coney Island.

This route takes 60 minutes, give or take depending on which subway station in Coney Island is close to your final point since the Q runs at a few of the stops.

We do recommend plugging in your directions in Google Maps as well so that you can see which route via 42 St – Grand Central Subway Station you need to get on as it varies depending on the next departing train and your final point in Coney Island.

This route has a discounted rate, you can purchase those tickets here.

Coney Island to LaGuardia: Express Bus & Subway

There are two options from taking the NYC Express Bus from Manhattan to the airport for your Coney Island to LaGuardia journey.

You’ll either need to take the subway in Coney Island to 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station to get to Port Authority Bus Terminal or 42 St – Grand Central Subway Station to get to Grand Central Terminal.

The pickup locations are under each route below. We recommend giving yourself extra time to get from Coney Island to LGA if you choose this option as traffic can wildly vary your time and you don’t want to miss your flight.

Via Port Authority Terminal to LaGuardia

First, you will need to get to Port Authority Terminal in Manhattan. The nearest subway, approximately a one minute walk is the 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station. This subway station operates the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, and S subway lines.

The most direct route is taking the Q subway from Coney Island directly to 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station. This entire journey is around 60 minutes (give or take a few minutes depending on which Q subway stop you use in Coney Island) from Coney Island to 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station.

The bus pick up location is on 42 St between 8th & 9th Avenues in the middle of the block by the steps.

You will want to keep an eye out for red signs and the agent. Their buses are black or white with Golden Touch written on them.

Bring your online confirmation to the Golden Touch Transportation agents to redeem for bus tickets.

The bus runs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 60 minutes, however, if there is bad traffic there could be significant delays. We recommend giving yourself some extra time if you choose this route in case of traffic.

Via Grand Central Terminal to LaGuardia

First, you will need to get to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The nearest subway, approximately a two to three-minute walk is 42 St – Grand Central Subway Station. This subway station operates the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines.

You will want to get on the Q subway line in Coney Island and take the subway all the way to Atlantic Terminal. At Atlantic Terminal you will transfer towards Manhattan on the 4 or 5 subway lines which will take you to Grand Central Terminal.

This route takes 60 minutes, give or take a few depending on which Q subway stop in Coney Island you use. We recommend scheduling in a little extra time if you’re not familiar with the NYC subway system.

The NYC Express Bus pick up location is on the corner of 41 Street and Lexington Avenue. The closest address for this location is 140 East 41st Street or The Public House.

You will want to keep an eye out for red signs and the agent. Their buses are black or white with Golden Touch written on them.

Bring your online confirmation to the Golden Touch Transportation agents to redeem for bus tickets.

Read Next: Best Beaches in Brooklyn

Taxi or Rideshare Apps

The driving distance between LaGuardia to Coney Island is 22 miles depending on the route your driver takes as well as traffic conditions. Sometimes taking the longer route by miles is the quickest because of the traffic.

The total journey from LaGuardia to Coney Island or Coney Island to LaGuardia is around 13-16 miles and can take anywhere from 35 minutes (on a REALLY good day) to 60-90 minutes typically – traffic, and other circumstances can vary times drastically.

You really need to plan accordingly by the time of day, especially if you’re going from Coney Island to LaGuardia so you’re not late for your flight.

LaGuardia to Coney Island: Taxi or Rideshare Apps

Taxis at LaGuardia

You can find taxi stands with taxis ready to take you from LaGuardia to Coney Island. However, due to construction, it is a bit more difficult than other airports to get to the taxi stand.

A shuttle bus will take you from the regular taxi stand to the temporary one closer to Manhattan, which is approximately 5 to 10 minutes away from Terminal B and approximately 15 minutes from Terminal C/D depending on airport conditions.

When you get to the taxi stand, you’ll find a line, or if you’re lucky you can walk right up to the front of the line.

Reservations are not necessary for a taxi, the cabs are waiting to pick up passengers who need them. If there is a line, don’t worry they move pretty quickly. Also, double-check with the driver that someone hasn’t claimed the taxi before hopping in.

Taxi rides can range anywhere between $120-150.

Don’t take transportation offers from LaGuardia to Coney Island from solicitors that aren’t the licensed NYC taxis in the taxi stand or an Uber or Lyft that you have ordered. Solicitors that are not licensed is not only dangerous but it’s illegal.

Rideshare App Pickup at LaGuardia

Another great, direct way to get from LaGuardia to Coney Island is via a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. We like to check rates between the two before ordering our ride as sometimes our account has discount codes activated.

Ride costs can fluctuate depending on various factors like time of day and demand, whether or not you want to carpool with other riders, or if you need a larger car.

For pool rides or regular cars, nonpeak hours fluctuate from $70-$120.*

For luxury cars and larger cars that can fit more people, they can range during nonpeak hours between $80-$150 depending on availability.

These rates do not include tip either!

We recommend ordering your rideshare car once you have your luggage and you’re headed to the designated pick up area.

Terminal A pick up area for rideshare apps is located from arrivals or baggage claim.
Terminal B pick up area for rideshare apps is located at the exit from the upper level. Follow the green “Car Services” signs to the blue-covered walkway. On Level 2, is where you can wait for your driver in the designated lane.
Terminals C and D pick up area for rideshare apps is outside on the departures level.

Always double check your location after you order your car not to cause confusion and never get in a car that doesn’t match the license plate and car matched on your rideshare app.

Coney Island to LaGuardia: Taxi or Rideshare Apps

Taxis typically run from $40-$90 depending on a few factors not including tolls or tips. You should be able to find a taxi easily along the busier streets.

Taxis in Coney Island

Taxis typically run from $120-$150 depending on a few factors not including tolls or tips. You should be able to find a taxi easily along the busier streets, if you’re close to Stillwell Avenue then that is where a lot of taxis are typically.

Rideshare App Pickup in Coney Island

What’s nice about rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft is that it will pick you up at your exact location. When you order your car make sure you know which terminal you need to go to as they will take you directly to the correct departing terminal.

We like to check rates between the two before ordering our ride as sometimes our account has discount codes activated. For pool rides or regular cars, nonpeak hours fluctuate from $40-$70.*

For luxury cars and larger cars that can fit more people, they can range during nonpeak hours between $70-$120 depending on availability.

These rates do not include tip either!

Always double check your location after you order your car not to cause confusion and never get in a car that doesn’t match the license plate and car matched on your rideshare app.

Private Airport Transfer

The driving distance between LaGuardia to Coney Island and Coney Island to LaGuardia is only 22 miles. It takes approximately 35 min to drive from LaGuardia to Coney Island or Coney Island to LaGuardia on a perfect day.

Honestly, you’ll only get these times if you’re coming in the middle of the night. Most other times of the day there’s a considerable amount of traffic.

What’s nice about a private airport transfer is that your driver will deal with everything. If you’re going from LaGuardia to Coney Island you just have to tell them your flight information is and they will be waiting for you with a sign with your name just like in the movies.

Plus, there’s no lugging around your luggage!

From Coney Island to LaGuardia you can let the driver know what time your flight is and they will know what time to pick you up with variables like traffic in mind and get you to LaGuardia airport on time for your flight.

Book your private car transfer to ease stress and confusion over public transportation as well as have more of a white-glove service during your travels with comfort.

The price you pay includes tolls, taxes, and tip!

The private transfers can also accommodate for accessibility.

What to Pack

Whether you’re going from Coney Island to LaGuardia or LaGuardia to Coney Island these are essential items to pack for any city trip or trip to the airport. See our full guide for what to pack for Brooklyn for more ideas.

This Pacsafe Shoulder Bag slings over your body and is the perfect size to carry your day essentials while exploring Brooklyn. This lightweight bag has anti-theft features so you can enjoy Brooklyn with ease of mind with Pacsafe’s anti-theft patent products whether you’re in a crowded area or on the subway.

This Pacsafe Anti-theft Backpack is another essential for Brooklyn or any city trip. This backpack has a patented anti-theft design with lockable zippers and slash-proof material in this sleek and comfortable designed backpack.

Avoid high tech thieves with this 15 pack of RFID blocking sleeves that doesn’t require you to buy a special travel wallet, you can carry your favorite purse, wallet, or backpack by simply putting your credit cards and sensitive information in these RFID blocking sleeves.

Upgrade your wallet with this RFID Blocking Wallet by Pacsafe is the perfect pick. Always have your identification, bank cards, and credit cards protected from high tech thieves with this RFID blocking wallet in this sleek and slim design.

One of the best ways to keep valuables safe when you travel is this Portable Safe by Pacsafe. This is ideal when you’re hotel has a safe that is too small for your belongings, with it’s sleek and compact design so it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage offering maximum security with its stainless steel wire mesh covered in a piece of cut-resistant canvas fabric. You simply lock this portable safe to a secure fixture in your hotel room when you leave.

This iPhone crossbody case is perfect for sightseeing as you can easily grab your phone for that perfect photo moment on the fly as well as keep your phone secured to your body and safe from pickpockets!

We recommend Allbirds Women’s Wool Runner as well as the Allbirds Men’s Wool Runner for an everyday walking shoe that’s breathable, comfortable, and feels like you’re walking on clouds. Your back and feet will thank us later, plus they are all the rage in the city at the moment.

A good reusable water bottle is one of the best things you can have in your day bag or on you at all times, plus New York City has some of the best drinking water in the country, cut back on single-use plastic and have a good reusable water bottle for your trip.

Don’t leave the house without a good power bank. Don’t spoil your fun exploring all the fun neighborhoods and things to see in Brooklyn by having your battery die on you. If you’re anything like me you’ll be using your phone to take photos, navigate, and post to social media while you’re exploring.

When it comes to the city, this weather is not forgiving and you don’t want to get caught out and about in the rain without an umbrella. That’s why we recommend this compact wind resistant travel umbrella for what to pack for Brooklyn.

Are you a sensitive sleeper? A good pair of earplugs are essential for your Brooklyn or city trip, especially if you’re not from a big city.