LaGuardia has an unofficial curfew — no scheduled departures or arrivals between midnight and 6 AM. But flight delays regularly push arrivals past 11 PM, and occasionally past midnight. Here is what you face.
What is still running after 11 PM
| Service | Status after 11 PM |
|---|---|
| Yellow taxis | Available but shorter queue |
| Uber/Lyft | Available, longer wait times |
| Q70 SBS bus | Last bus around 1:00 AM |
| NYC subway | Runs 24/7, reduced frequency |
| Pre-booked transfer | Available — driver tracks your flight |
Taxis at night
The taxi stand still has cabs waiting for late arrivals, but the supply drops sharply after the last wave of flights. You may wait 10–15 minutes instead of the usual 5. The night surcharge of USD 1.00 applies between 8 PM and 6 AM. On the plus side, traffic is light — you can reach Midtown Manhattan in 20–25 minutes, significantly faster than daytime.
A metered fare to Midtown at night typically runs USD 28–40 on the meter, plus surcharges, tolls, and tip — totalling about USD 38–50.
Uber and Lyft at night
Ride-hail apps work at night but wait times can stretch to 15–20 minutes as driver supply drops. Surge pricing is less common late at night (demand is also lower), so prices are often reasonable: USD 25–45 to Midtown.
Why a transfer works well for late arrivals
A pre-booked transfer removes all uncertainty. Your driver monitors your flight in real time and adjusts for delays. Even if your flight lands at midnight, someone is waiting. The price stays fixed at USD 55–70 to Midtown regardless of the hour.
Can you sleep at LaGuardia?
The terminals are not designed for overnight stays. After the last flights, most areas close and there is no airside hotel. If you are stuck, the closest hotels are in East Elmhurst and Astoria — a USD 15–20 taxi ride away.