A long layover in New York is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at La Guardia Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 100 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Before heading into New York, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: New York is roughly 100 minutes from LGA via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into New York
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| local transport | ~100 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~120 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the local transport is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for New York:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What to See and Do in New York
Two recommendations for your time in New York:
Start with Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. Then, if time allows, make your way to Gantry Plaza State Park. Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
If you’d rather stay inside LGA — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- The Centurion Lounge
- LGA Observation Deck
Where to Eat
- In the city: Joe’s Shanghai (Flushing) and Astoria Seafood are both worth a visit if you’re exploring New York.
- At the airport: Shake Shack (Terminal B) and Sunday Supper Trattoria will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at LGA aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in New York itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at LGA, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in New York itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at LGA, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in New York doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 100 minutes from LGA, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.