LaGuardia to Newark Airport (EWR): Distance, Options & Transfer Time

How Far Is LaGuardia from Newark Airport?

LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty (EWR) are on opposite sides of Manhattan — LGA is in Queens to the east, EWR is in New Jersey to the west. The driving distance from LaGuardia to Newark Airport is approximately 25 to 30 miles, routing through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel (or the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel) and the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel into New Jersey. Travel time by car ranges from 45 minutes off-peak to 75 minutes or more during rush hour.

LGA to EWR: Quick Facts

• Driving distance: ~25–30 miles
• Travel time by car: 45–75 minutes depending on traffic
• No direct public transit — must go through Manhattan
• Taxi or rideshare: $60–110 plus tolls
• Private car service: Flat rate, all tolls included, door-to-terminal

Transfer Options: LaGuardia to Newark

Option 1: Private Car Service (Recommended)

A direct, flat-rate black car service from LGA to EWR (or EWR to LGA) is the fastest and most reliable option. Eagle Eye Chauffeur meets you at your LGA terminal arrivals level, handles luggage, and drives directly through Manhattan to Newark Airport. All tolls — Lincoln Tunnel, NJ Turnpike — are included in your flat rate. For EWR to LGA, your driver meets you at Newark arrivals and drives you to the correct LGA terminal.

Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis and rideshare apps are available at both LGA and EWR, but the metered or surging fare plus tolls makes this an expensive option without a price guarantee. Expect $60–90 for the ride, plus $15–25 in tolls. Rideshare surge pricing during peak hours can push the total to $120–160 or more. There is also no meet-and-greet or guaranteed luggage handling.

Option 3: Public Transit (Very Slow)

There is no direct transit between LGA and EWR. The journey requires a bus from LGA to a subway station, subway to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, NJ Transit train to Newark Penn Station, then Newark AirTrain to the terminal. Total journey time: 2 to 3 hours. Total cost: approximately $20–30 per person. Only practical for budget travelers with no checked luggage and a very long layover.

How Long Does LGA to Newark Take by Car?

Off-peak (late morning or early afternoon): approximately 45 to 55 minutes. During rush hour (7–10 AM and 4–7 PM weekdays): allow 65 to 90 minutes, as the route passes through Manhattan and crosses the Hudson River — both of which experience significant congestion. The best travel windows are before 7 AM, between 10 AM and 3 PM, or after 8 PM on weekdays. On weekends, traffic is lighter but still variable.

From Newark to LaGuardia — Is It the Same Route?

Yes, the EWR to LGA direction follows essentially the same route in reverse. EWR to LGA is typically slightly faster than LGA to EWR because departing New Jersey during morning hours avoids the worst inbound Manhattan traffic. All the same options apply — private car service, taxi, rideshare, or public transit.

Tips for Transferring Between LGA and EWR

• Allow at least 3.5 hours between flights for this transfer — the ground journey alone is 45–75 minutes without counting check-in and security
• Book ground transportation before you arrive at the airport — do not wait until you land
• Confirm your EWR terminal in advance: Terminal A (United domestic), Terminal B (United international, British Airways, Lufthansa), or Terminal C (United Express, regional)
• For LGA, confirm Terminal B (American, United, Southwest) or Terminal C (Delta)