Traveling from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to the iconic New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square can seem daunting in a bustling city like New York, but with a bit of planning, it's a breeze! This comprehensive guide will walk you through various transportation options, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to your destination.
So, you've just landed at LGA, bags in hand, and the excitement of New York City is buzzing around you. What's your next move to get to the heart of Times Square, where the Marriott Marquis awaits? Let's dive in!
Your Gateway to Times Square: Getting from LGA to the Marriott Marquis
The New York Marriott Marquis is located at 1535 Broadway, right in the vibrant Theater District of Manhattan. Its central location makes it a highly sought-after hotel, but navigating to it from LGA requires understanding your options.
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| How To Get From Lga To Marriott Marquis |
Step 1: Assess Your Priorities – Time, Cost, and Convenience
Before you even think about which mode of transport to choose, ask yourself a few key questions:
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How much luggage do you have? If you're traveling light, public transportation is a fantastic, budget-friendly option. Heavy luggage might make a taxi or shuttle more appealing.
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What's your budget? From free airport buses to private cars costing over $100, there's a wide range of prices. Knowing your spending limit will help narrow down the choices.
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Are you in a hurry? Traffic in NYC can be unpredictable. While taxis and ride-shares can be fast during off-peak hours, public transport often offers more consistent travel times, especially during rush hour.
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Are you traveling solo or with a group? Shared shuttles or taxis become more cost-effective per person when you have multiple travelers.
Once you have a clear idea of your priorities, you can make an informed decision.
Step 2: Choose Your Adventure – Transportation Options
Here's a breakdown of the most common and efficient ways to get from LGA to the Marriott Marquis:
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Option A: Public Transportation (Bus + Subway) – The Economical NYC Experience
This is often the most budget-friendly option and can be quite efficient, though it involves transfers.
Sub-heading: The LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS (Select Bus Service) + Subway
This is generally considered the best public transport route in terms of speed and directness to a subway hub. The Q70 SBS is a free bus service connecting all LGA terminals to major subway and LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) stations.
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Locate the Q70 SBS Bus Stop:
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Terminal B: The bus stop is on Level 1, two floors below check-in and one floor below baggage claim.
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Terminal C: The bus stop is on Level 1, one floor below check-in and on the same level as baggage claim, outside doors 14.
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Follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Buses."
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The Q70 is easily identifiable; it's often bright blue with "LaGuardia Link" prominently displayed.
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Board the Q70 SBS:
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Remember, this bus is free! Just hop on. It's designed to be quick, with limited stops and luggage racks.
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Ride to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue / 74th Street-Broadway Station:
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This is a major transit hub. The Q70 SBS will take you directly here. The journey typically takes around 10-15 minutes.
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Transfer to the Subway (7 Train):
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From the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue / 74th Street-Broadway station, follow the signs for the subway.
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You'll be looking for the 7 train (purple line).
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You will need to pay for your subway fare. A single ride costs $2.90. You can use an OMNY (One Metro New York) tap-and-go system with your credit/debit card or mobile wallet, or purchase a MetroCard from a vending machine.
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Board a Manhattan-bound 7 train (it will typically be labeled "Times Sq - 42 St" or "34 St-Hudson Yards").
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Ride to Times Square-42nd Street:
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The 7 train will take you directly to the Times Square-42nd Street station. This is one of the busiest and most central stations in Manhattan.
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The subway ride itself is usually around 15-20 minutes.
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Walk to the Marriott Marquis:
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The Marriott Marquis is located just a short walk from the Times Square-42nd Street subway station.
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Exit the station towards Broadway and West 45th Street. The hotel is prominently visible. It's typically a 3-5 minute walk.
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Sub-heading: The M60 SBS + Subway
Another public transport option, the M60 SBS, is suitable if your hotel is further uptown or if you prefer a different subway line. This bus costs $2.90.
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Locate the M60 SBS Bus Stop: Similar to the Q70 SBS, follow signs for buses at your terminal.
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Board the M60 SBS: Pay your fare with OMNY or a MetroCard.
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Ride to 125th Street in Harlem: The M60 SBS travels across the RFK (Triborough) Bridge and into Harlem, making stops along 125th Street.
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Transfer to a Downtown Subway Line: From 125th Street, you can catch various downtown subway lines like the A, C, B, D, 2, or 3 trains to reach Midtown Manhattan.
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Ride to a Midtown Station and Walk: Depending on your chosen subway line, you'll alight at a station close to Times Square (e.g., 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal, 50th Street). Then, walk to the Marriott Marquis.
Option B: Taxi – The Classic NYC Arrival
For many, a traditional New York City yellow cab is the quintessential way to arrive.
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Locate the Taxi Stand:
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At LGA, follow the clear signs for "Taxis" at your terminal's arrival level.
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Only use official taxi stands; avoid anyone approaching you offering a ride inside the terminal.
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Queue for a Taxi:
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There will likely be a designated queue. Wait your turn.
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Inform Your Driver:
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Simply tell the driver your destination: "New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square. 1535 Broadway."
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Fare and Payment:
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Taxis from LGA to Manhattan are metered.
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Estimated cost: $30-$45, excluding tolls (which can add a few dollars, especially if going through the Midtown Tunnel) and tip (15-20% is customary).
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There may be surcharges for peak hours (4 PM - 8 PM weekdays: $1.00) and late-night travel (8 PM - 6 AM daily: $0.50).
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A PANYNJ per-trip Airport Access Fee of $1.75 applies for pickups.
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Taxis accept cash and credit cards.
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Travel Time:
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Travel time can vary significantly based on traffic. It can be as quick as 15-25 minutes during off-peak hours, but easily 45-60+ minutes during heavy traffic.
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QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Option C: Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft) – Convenience at Your Fingertips
Ride-sharing apps offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
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Download the App:
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Ensure you have the Uber or Lyft app downloaded on your smartphone and an active account.
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Request Your Ride:
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Open the app, enter "New York Marriott Marquis" as your destination.
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Select your preferred ride type (e.g., UberX, Lyft Standard, Uber Black for a premium vehicle).
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Follow In-App Instructions for Pickup:
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LGA has designated pickup zones for ride-sharing services. The app will direct you to the exact location (e.g., "Ground Transportation" or a specific garage level).
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It's crucial to confirm your driver's car model and license plate number before getting in.
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Fare and Payment:
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The app will provide an estimated fare upfront, but this can fluctuate based on demand (surge pricing) and traffic.
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Estimated cost: Generally in the range of $55-$85 for a standard ride, but can be higher with surge pricing.
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Payment is handled directly through the app. Don't forget to tip your driver!
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Travel Time:
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Similar to taxis, travel time is dependent on traffic, ranging from 15 minutes to over an hour.
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Option D: Shared-Ride Shuttles – A Balanced Approach
Shared-ride shuttles offer a middle ground between public transport and private cars, often at a set per-person fare. Companies like GO Airlink NYC are popular choices.
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Pre-Book or Book on Arrival:
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You can often book these services in advance online, or find their kiosks/representatives at the airport's Welcome Center on the arrivals level.
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Locate Pickup Area:
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The shuttle company will provide instructions on where to meet your shuttle. This is typically at a designated shared-ride pickup zone.
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Wait for Your Shuttle:
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Since it's a shared ride, you might have to wait for other passengers or for the shuttle to fill up. This can add to your overall travel time.
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Fare:
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Estimated cost: $35-$70 per person, depending on the company and whether it's a shared or private shuttle.
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Travel Time:
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Due to multiple stops, shared shuttles can take longer than a direct taxi or ride-share, often 45-90 minutes or more, depending on the route and number of drop-offs.
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Option E: Private Car Service / Limo – The Premium Experience
For ultimate comfort, convenience, and a fixed price, a private car service is an excellent choice.
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Pre-Book:
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This option requires advance booking with a car service company. Many reputable companies operate in NYC.
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Provide your flight details so they can track your arrival.
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Meet Your Driver:
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Your driver will typically meet you inside the terminal (often at baggage claim with a sign) or at a designated curbside pickup area.
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Direct Transfer:
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Enjoy a direct, non-stop ride to the Marriott Marquis.
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Fare:
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Estimated cost: $100-$200+, depending on the vehicle type and company. This usually includes tolls and sometimes a gratuity.
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Travel Time:
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Similar to taxis and ride-shares, traffic will dictate the time, but the ride itself will be direct and efficient.
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Step 3: Arrival at New York Marriott Marquis
Regardless of your chosen transport, you'll arrive directly at the hotel's entrance at 1535 Broadway. The hotel is a towering presence in Times Square, so you won't miss it! Head inside to check in and begin your New York adventure.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Remember to account for New York City traffic, especially during peak hours (morning and evening commutes, and Friday afternoons). Factor in extra time for your journey, particularly if you have a flight to catch!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to choose the best transportation option from LGA to Marriott Marquis?
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Consider your budget, luggage amount, time constraints, and group size. Public transport is cheapest for solo travelers with light luggage. Taxis/ride-shares offer speed and convenience for a higher price. Shuttles are a good mid-range option for small groups. Private cars are for luxury and ultimate convenience.
How to pay for public transportation in New York City?
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You can pay with OMNY (tap-and-go with a credit/debit card or mobile wallet) or purchase a MetroCard from vending machines at subway stations and some bus stops. A single ride is $2.90. The Q70 SBS from LGA is free.
How to find a taxi at LaGuardia Airport?
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Follow the "Taxi" signs outside your terminal on the arrivals level. Only use the official taxi stands to ensure you get a licensed yellow cab.
How to estimate the cost of a taxi from LGA to Marriott Marquis?
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
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A taxi ride typically costs between $30-$45, plus tolls (Midtown Tunnel is common) and a 15-20% tip. Be aware of potential peak-time ($1.00) and late-night ($0.50) surcharges, and a $1.75 airport access fee.
How to book a shared-ride shuttle service from LGA?
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You can pre-book online with companies like GO Airlink NYC or find their representatives at the airport's Welcome Center upon arrival.
How to use Uber or Lyft from LaGuardia Airport?
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Download the app, enter your destination, and follow the in-app instructions to find the designated ride-share pickup zone at your terminal. Confirm your driver's vehicle and license plate.
How to avoid traffic delays when traveling from LGA to Marriott Marquis?
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Travel during off-peak hours (mid-morning, early afternoon, late evening). Public transportation, especially the subway, can be less affected by traffic than road-based options.
How to get to the 7 train from LGA using public transport?
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Take the free LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS from your terminal directly to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue / 74th Street-Broadway subway station, where you can connect to the Manhattan-bound 7 train.
How to get from LGA to Times Square if I have a lot of luggage?
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For heavy luggage, taxis, ride-shares, or private car services are generally more comfortable and convenient than navigating public transportation with multiple bags. Shared shuttles can also work but may involve more waiting.
How to find the Marriott Marquis once I arrive in Times Square?
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The New York Marriott Marquis is a prominent skyscraper located at 1535 Broadway. It's easily visible in Times Square, typically between 45th and 46th Streets. Many subway exits at Times Square-42nd Street will put you within a short walking distance of the hotel.
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