Cheapest way to get from LGA to Grand Central

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:15pm

Hi,

There is a chance I will be flying home for Thanksgiving. I am looking to get from LGA to Grand Central in order to transfer to a train. Are there any subways/buses I could take? I was a bit confused by the LGA website. Also, it doesn't have to be something that takes me directly to Grand Central, but perhaps something around Times Square, Madison Square, or that transfers me to another subway line. How are buses and such? I am looking for something cheap, probably under $10. I also don't want to end up in some shady neighborhood. I've never done this before, and I tried looking for a thread with no luck. Just seeing what you guys do.

Thanks!

P.S. I don't want to take a cab, either...I'll probably have only one bag.

Updated On: 10/27/08 at 07:15 PM

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:22pm

You can buy a metrocard at any Hudson News store in the airport. Take the M60 bus to Hoyt Ave. & 31st. Get a transfer. Take the N and W trains to Queensboro Plaza. Switch to the 7 train and take to grand Central.

If someone knows a faster/safer way let me know. (I'm not a good judge of NYC neighborhoods.)

Updated On: 10/27/08 at 07:22 PM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:28pm

Is it easy to navigate the buses from the airport?

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:32pm

The M60 only heads west from the terminals. Finding the actual bus stop for the terminal might be slightly confusing, but just look for the green signs just outside of baggage claim. If you don't have a metrocard be sure to have exact change on hand. (There are change machines in baggage claim.) What time of day are you flying in?

((Edit: You could take the M60 to 125th and Lexington. You can board the 4, 5, or 6 train to grand central from there.)

Updated On: 10/28/08 at 07:32 PM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:36pm

I am not sure yet, whatever is cheapest. Perhaps sometime midday the week of Thanksgiving.

[son_of_a_gunn_25]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:40pm

Can't beat $2 bucks! (If you do it with change $2.25. Be sure to tell the driver when you get on you want a transfer.)

[PalJoey]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 9:47pm

The 4, 5 and 6 don't go to Columbia.

I would take the $12 New York Airport Service bus directly from La Guardia to Grand Central.

[nealb1]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 11:23pm

LGA is the closest of the 3 NYC Airports to Manhattan. Take the $12 bus from the terminal. I've done it many times and it's very easy.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/28/08 at 6:00am

Thanks! If I take the M60 to Columbia, is there any easily accessible subway line near?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 10/28/08 at 9:44am

You don't have to go all the way to Columbia. The M60 travels along 125th Street and you can transfer to a subway. At Lexington Avenue you can transfer to a 5 or 6 Downtown train to Grand Central or at Malcolm X Boulevard you can change to a 2 or 3 Downtown train which will take you to Times Square or Penn Station.

Updated On: 10/28/08 at 09:44 AM

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/28/08 at 11:05am

BTW, if you pay for the bus with cash, make sure it is in quarters. The driver will not take dollar bills. I think there are change machines somewhere in the airport.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/28/08 at 12:12pm

The cheapest way is to walk.