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It is a metered fare, so it depends on traffic and where in Manhattan you go. The Port Authority's LaGuardia taxi page estimated $24–$45 to Morningside Heights, $30–$52 to Times Square and $34–$57 to Tribeca on October 12, 2026. Those estimates leave out tips, tolls and congestion charges. On top of the meter, TLC rules add between $8.50 and $14.25 in fixed charges, depending on the destination and the time, plus a bridge or tunnel toll if you use one, plus the tip.
All rates below are TLC's as of October 12, 2026 (TLC Taxi Fare). This page helps drivers explain a fare. It is not legal advice.
The Port Authority estimates
| Manhattan area | Port Authority estimate (meter range) |
|---|---|
| Morningside Heights | $24–$45 |
| Times Square and Theater District | $30–$52 |
| Tribeca and Civic Center | $34–$57 |
The page says these "do not include tips, tolls, or Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) congestion pricing." The same page also lists surcharge amounts that are out of date; see why the LaGuardia website shows different surcharges.
What TLC adds to the meter
The meter starts at $3.00 and adds 70 cents per 1/5 mile (at 12 mph or more) or per 60 seconds (slower). Then these charges apply:
So the add-ons run from $8.50 (Morningside, off-peak) to $14.25 (Midtown or downtown, weekday rush), before tolls and tip. The LaGuardia surcharge is in Rule 58-26(a)(2)(iii): "$5.00 for all trips to and from LaGuardia Airport." The congestion lines follow the drop-off address and the route. Times Square (around 42nd–47th Streets) and Tribeca are both south of 60th Street, so they get the $2.50 state surcharge and the 75-cent MTA toll. A Morningside Heights trip pays neither if the route stays north of 96th Street, but a trip that passes through those areas pays.
Tolls
Most routes from LaGuardia to Manhattan use a bridge or tunnel: the RFK (Triborough) Bridge or the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Both were $7.46 for a car with a NYCSC E-ZPass on October 12, 2026 (MTA). Some routes use no tolled crossing. TLC's fare page says drivers must use E-ZPass, and "discounted E-ZPass tolls will be added to the passenger fare at the end of the trip." Unless the passenger asks for a route, Rule 80-16(a) says to take "the shortest reasonable route." Route-by-route: LaGuardia to Manhattan tolls by route.
What the trip data says
In TLC's records, the average metered fare on yellow taxi trips starting at LaGuardia was $45.42 before any add-ons, for an average trip of about 9.7 miles and 33 minutes. That covers every destination, not only Manhattan.
Estimate a fare
Pick LaGuardia, your vehicle type and the direction to see the charges that apply:
Related rules and exceptions
- E-hail upfront prices don't happen at the curb. TLC's fare page says the Port Authority "does not currently allow taxis to be E-Hailed at the airport."
- Green cabs can't pick up at LaGuardia. A green cab to LaGuardia adds the $5.00 surcharge; see can green cabs charge the LaGuardia surcharge?
- Overcharging carries mandatory penalties from $350, and revocation for $10 or more (80-02(e)). Charge what the meter and TLC's add-ons say.
- App drivers have their own airport rule: 80-19(f).
How the taxi line works: LaGuardia taxi line and dispatch. App drivers: LaGuardia for app drivers. When pickups peak: airport pickups by hour. Where riders come from: where airport trips start. Yearly totals: NYC airport trip statistics.
More: LaGuardia Airport and the airports topic.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a flat fare from LaGuardia to Manhattan?
No. LaGuardia trips use the meter. The $70 flat fare is only for trips between JFK and Manhattan.
What does the Port Authority estimate for LaGuardia to Manhattan?
On October 12, 2026 its LaGuardia taxi page estimated Tribeca and Civic Center $34–57, Times Square and Theater District $30–52, and Morningside Heights $24–45, not including tips, tolls or MTA congestion pricing.
What is added to the meter from LaGuardia?
The $1.00 improvement surcharge, 50-cent MTA tax, $5.00 LaGuardia surcharge and $2.00 airport access fee on every pickup; $2.50 weekday rush or $1.00 overnight when it applies; $2.50 congestion surcharge south of 96th Street; 75 cents at or below 60th Street; tolls and tip.
Does the passenger pay the bridge or tunnel toll?
Yes. TLC's fare page says drivers must use E-ZPass and the discounted E-ZPass toll is added to the passenger's fare. The RFK Bridge and Queens-Midtown Tunnel were $7.46 for a car with NYCSC E-ZPass on Oct 12, 2026.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- LaGuardia Airport (Port Authority): Taxi service and estimated fares (read Oct 12, 2026) laguardiaairport.com
- NYC TLC: Taxi Fare (checked Oct 12, 2026) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 58: Medallion Taxicabs, §58-26 (PDF dated Feb 27, 2026) nyc.gov
- MTA Bridges & Tunnels: Tolls by vehicle type (checked Oct 12, 2026) mta.info
- NYC TLC: Trip Record Data (Sep 2025 – Aug 2026) nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.