Flying into LaGuardia Airport? From geographical location to airport layout, food and drink options, hidden gems, how to kill time and more, here’s what you need to know.
**Do note that LGA is currently undergoing an $8 billion renovation and reconstruction project that began in 2016 and will be underway until 2021. Because of this, we highly recommend allotting yourself buffer time when exiting and entering the airport grounds as it can be jammed and chaotic. As a result, it may also take you longer to leave the airport than to actually commute to Manhattan. Additionally, we also recommend making advance reservations via shuttle services or other transportation methods to mitigate the amount of time you spend idling, and so that you can get to your destination as efficiently and as quickly as possible.**
Where Is It?
The airport is located in the borough of Queens, which is approximately 4 miles north of Manhattan. Transportation options include: bus lines, taxis, rental cars and shuttle services. Cab fare from LaGuardia to Manhattan is a metered fare and may experience frequent increases due to tolls, tips, surcharges or peak traffic times; shuttle services can be a cost-friendly alternative.
Layout Information
LaGuardia Airport is a hub for Delta Airlines and has 4 terminals: A, which is also known as the Marine Air Terminal; B, which is also known as the Central Terminal; Terminal C & Terminal D. The terminals are easy to navigate and are either connected by buses or walkways.
- Terminal A: Separated from the rest and serves Delta Airlines and the Delta Shuttle to Chicago, Boston and D.C.
- Terminal B: Divided into 4 concourses and serves 40 airlines, including most of LaGuardia’s domestic airlines.
- Terminal C: Serves Delta Connection, Delta Shuttle, American Airlines and American Airlines Shuttle.
- Terminal D: Known as the Delta terminal and serves Delta and WestJet flights.
Eating & Drinking at LaGuardia
From sit-down restaurants and quick bites to convenience markets and more, below is a restaurant roundup of eatery expectations in the various LaGuardia terminals.
In Terminal A, you can grab grub near departure gates, post security, pre-security and in the Marine Air Rotunda:
- Salotto is an Italian stand offering sandwiches, pizza, and antipasti as well as beer, wine and cocktails. It’s located post-security by the gates and provides a decent sit-down or quick bite option for those looking to grab something easy before or after a flight.
- Post-security convenience options include: Dunkin’ & CIBO Express Gourmet Market.
- Yankee Clipper is a deli and restaurant in the Marine Air Terminal Rotunda and located pre-security. You can look forward to breakfast, burgers and Boar’s Head sandwiches – a quality selection of tasty eats.
Terminal B was recently upgraded with some delicious new additions:
- Julian Medina’s taqueria La Chula serves breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items, including: tortas, tacos, enchiladas and burritos. Plus, it features a wraparound bar with a modern look that offers wine, beer, margaritas and tequila!
- In the mood for Italian? Italian chef and Chopped judge Scott Conant has brought Osteria Fusco to LaGuardia. Look forward to pasta entrees and other Italian fare in this post-security, sit-down restaurant.
- For quick bites, check out the highly anticipated Shake Shack addition, Metro Burger Bar featuring Pat LaFreida beef, or Six Blocks Cafe.
- There’s no shortage of convenience options either – pop into Dunkin’, Au Bon Pain, Five Guys or a whole slew of other spots.
If you find yourself in Terminal C, you can experience everything from cold beer and German fare to baked treats and late night eats:
- For sit-down spots, check out Biergarten which features a hand-selected beer list by Brooklyn brewmaster Garrett Oliver as well as German-influenced cuisine. If you’re more intrigued by a modern bistro menu, indulge in what Empire Tavern has to offer.
- From lobster rolls and local seafood at Anglers to sandwiches inspired by many global cuisines at Interwich and Japanse fare at Kombu, there’s a wide variety of international options to choose from for quick bites in Terminal C.
Last but not least, the star-studded Delta Terminal features some globally-inspired sit-down spots and a satiating selection of quick bite options:
- Feeling French food? Bisoux is a Provencal-inspired bistro offering delicacies like duck confit and croque monsieurs. If you don’t have time to enjoy the atmosphere, you can order to-go.
- If you’re a pizza lover, you’re in the right spot. Choose between the Neapolitan-style pies at Crust and the De Marco family recipe at Tagliare – or don’t & enjoy a slice from both!
- For a quick bite, pop into Bar Brace for classic Italian with a modern twist, Minnow for fresh seafood, Prime Tavern for steak or Wibar if you’re in the mood for a liquid diet (there are 101 wines from around the world to sample while you wait!).
Hidden Gems & How To Spend Waiting Time
If you consider yourself an art enthusiast, then color yourself lucky in now knowing that Queens-based Holger Keifel has started his residency in Marine Terminal A as part of his photography project “A Portrait of Contemporary Travel”. The project intends to explore what it means to travel today and what the contemporary traveler looks like, and will be there through the end of July.
If you didn’t make it to the Met or did but failed to purchase that souvenir you really deserved, there’s still time! Terminal B houses the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store by the food court near concourse D. Find distinct, unique gifts that range from enjoyable and inspirational to educational and motivational. Consider yourself a fashionista? Pop into Afaze, also in the Central Terminal on the first floor in between concourses B and C. This budget-friendly shop features all of the latest trends from jewelry and accessories to sportswear, handbags and more. Traveling with kids and have a long layover or need ideas for what to do during a flight delay? Get excited. There’s a 16-foot interactive display where kids can design their own aircraft on a tablet and watch it come to life on a giant digital wall. Additionally, there’s an indoor green space with greenery, benches and plenty of natural light right next to the kids’ area so you can relax, too. If the energy exertion method doesn’t work, there’s always a trip to FAO Schwarz that you can keep in your back pocket!
In search of some pampering and tranquility before or after you embark upon your journey? Terminal C is home to two xPresSpa locations. From reflexology and massage therapy to facials, manicures and pedicures, take some time to rejuvenate before rejoining society. Speaking of relief, you can also find a designated pet relief area post-security between Terminals C and D; there are pre-security pet relief areas in each terminal.
If you have any important tips or tricks you’ve acquired throughout your travels to, through and from LaGuardia Airport, please share as we’re sure our community would love to hear!