LaGuardia Layover, New York

Oct 02, 2010 | Comments 1

Stuck on a layover at LaGuardia Airport (LGA)? As the hub for American Eagle and a future hub for Delta, the airport is the smallest of the area’s three airports. Located in Queens on Long Island, the airport is roughly 8 miles from downtown Manhattan, which makes the city an accessible destination for those on long layovers. If you’re trying to figure out if you can leave the airport during your layover, click here for useful tips.

If you’re stuck in the LaGuardia airport during your layover, there’s plenty to do while you wait for your connecting flight. Here’s a map of the airport to help you get situated. Food and beverages, shops, ATM and banking as well as additional services are listed here by location. There are Internet Stations post-security at Gate D3, a post office pre-security near baggage claim B, and you can page someone pre-security at the Arrivals Ground Transportation Counter. Wireless Internet (WiFi) is also available at the airport for $4.95 per hour or $.795 for 24 hours. For more information on pricing and connecting, click here.

CLICK HERE for the Layover Guide to JFK Airport, New York

There are a number of hotels by the airport including the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel which is located 3 miles from the airport (connected with a shuttle). There’s many more hotels nearby of varying prices – click here for the full list.

All luggage storage facilities have been suspended at the airport. LayoverGuide.com suggests trying to book your luggage through to your final destination, or in the case that you cannot, you can always get a cheap hotel room to store your bags. Some hotels may offer hourly rates, upon request.

CLICK HERE for the Top Ten Restaurants In New York

If you’re planning on leaving the airport for a long layover, there’s a number of transportation options. Taxis are available in front of all terminals. Sample fares from LaGuardia to upper lower Manhattan costs $24-28 and to see a full sample quote list, click here. Car rental and van service is also available, and there is public transportation (buses and trains) also available – click here for more information.

If you have a long layover and plan on seeing lots of New York sights, we suggest investing in the New York Pass. The New York Pass gives you admission to 40 of New York City’s top attractions, starting at $65 per day.

Layoverguide’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A New York Layover:

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, to visit where roughly 12 million immigrants entered the United States. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Ellis Island. There are security checks, so make sure you don’t have any sharp objects. Don’t miss the audio tour at Ellis Island – it’s full of interesting history. You can check out ferry times and locations here.

Ground Zero Museum Workshop
It’s hard not to visit New York without remembering the tragic attack on September 11, 2001. Head through the Financial District to Ground Zero to visit the location where the twin towers stood. It may surprise you how big the space was — about 12 million square feet. Check out the Ground Zero Museum Workshop.

Broadway Show
Nothing says New York like Broadway. Book ahead online to save time and money at Playbill, Theatermania, and Broadwaybox.

Scott’s Pizza Tours
New York is known for their pizza, and for those who love a slice, there’s no better way to spend your day then trying the best pizza in the city. This tour includes the history of New York pizza, as well as visits to the city’s four top pizzerias. All tours start in Manhattan and visit pizzerias in the outer boroughs, so double check your timing back to the airport for your next flight.

Central Park
Central Park is a great way to enjoy New York’s biggest park. You can enter the park at 59th and check out all the artists. Inside the park you can ride the carousel, skate at Wollman rink, visit the zoo, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, see Strawberry Fields and you can’t miss the ducks at the pond. You can also stop for a bite at the boathouse.

Rockefeller Center & Home Of The Rock Observation Deck
Rockefeller Center is where you’ll find the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, as well as shopping, restaurants, the NBC Studio Tour and the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center. If you need a quick view of New York, the observation deck is much less crowded than the Empire State Building, yet has great views. It is a 3-tiered observation deck on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors and you can enter on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.

Empire State Building

If you have the time to battle the tourists, don’t miss heading to the top of the Empire State Building. It’s quite a sight, from 102 stories high. For those in a rush, a $35 “Express Ticket” gets you on the deck within 20 minutes.

Have a suggestion or advice for LaGuardia layovers? Leave a comment below!

LaGuardia Layover, New York

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