LaGuardia taxis are metered — unlike JFK's flat rate — so your final bill depends on traffic, distance, and the various surcharges NYC piles on.
Full cost breakdown for taxis
The meter starts at USD 3.00, then adds USD 0.70 per 1/5 mile (or per 60 seconds in slow traffic). On top of the meter, expect:
- Rush hour surcharge: USD 1.00 (Mon–Fri, 4–8 PM)
- Night surcharge: USD 1.00 (8 PM–6 AM)
- MTA state surcharge: USD 0.50
- Improvement surcharge: USD 1.00
- Congestion surcharge: USD 2.50 (for trips entering Manhattan south of 96th St)
- Tolls: USD 6.94–10.17 depending on bridge/tunnel
- Tip: 15–20% expected
Price comparison by destination
| Destination | Taxi (meter + extras) | Uber/Lyft | Pre-booked transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown Manhattan | USD 40–55 total | USD 30–65 | USD 55–70 |
| Times Square | USD 40–55 total | USD 30–60 | USD 55–70 |
| Downtown / FiDi | USD 50–65 total | USD 40–70 | USD 60–75 |
| Upper East/West Side | USD 35–45 total | USD 25–50 | USD 50–65 |
| Brooklyn (DUMBO) | USD 50–65 total | USD 40–65 | USD 60–80 |
| Astoria, Queens | USD 18–28 total | USD 15–30 | USD 35–50 |
| JFK Airport | USD 45–60 total | USD 40–65 | USD 65–85 |
The budget option: Q70 + subway
The Q70 SBS bus is free when transferring to the subway. A single subway ride is USD 2.90 (EUR 2.65). Total cost to anywhere in Manhattan: USD 2.90. The trade-off is time — expect 50–80 minutes total — and it is not practical with heavy luggage.
Hidden costs people miss
The biggest surprise for visitors is how much a "USD 30 taxi" actually costs after surcharges, tolls, and tip. Budget USD 40–55 for a realistic Midtown trip. Uber/Lyft can be cheaper during off-peak times but surge pricing during rush hour or rain can push prices above taxis.