Sleeping in Airports

New York City LaGuardia Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our New York City LaGuardia Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I really think I heard the announcement in my head for days afterward. -a traveller

There have been multiple news reports of up to 50 homeless people and squatters taking over the terminals at night and even bathing (naked) in the public restrooms. Do not attempt to sleep here alone. We recommend you to get a hotel room or find an alternative overnight option until the situation improves!

LGA Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport.

What to Expect

New York LaGuardia Airport (Code: LGA) is large, with three terminals (A, B, C). Terminal B recently unveiled a new wing featuring 11 Gates; seeing as it is brand new, it may be a good option for amenities. WiFi here is free and unlimited. You’ll find a fairly standard range of dining and shopping outlets, though none are open 24 hours. Willing to pay for some creature comforts? A few lounges here are open to economy-class travellers.

New York City LaGuardia Airport Guide
Landside, Photo by SleepingInAirports.net / 04Jun2012

Sleeping in LaGuardia Airport

This old airport is undergoing a major overhaul; March 2019 saw some renovations being completed (a portion of Terminal B, for instance). In the meantime, travellers agree that the terminals remain dirty and lack amenities, including decent seating. The seating that exists is old and has armrests. The ongoing construction only adds to the issue of finding a clean, comfortable sitting spot. If you can find a decent patch of clean-ish floor to spread out on, a sleeping mat or even an air mattress will provide the necessary cushion and warmth.

The most common sleep spots are the two food courts in Terminal B. You may be able to push together chairs and tables for makeshift beds. You certainly won’t be alone.

Several hotels are near the airport, offering free shuttle service for guests. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more info.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our LaGuardia Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

Terminal B is closed from 12:00 AM – 3:00 AM, according to a traveller review in October 2021.

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

airport hotelsLaGuardia Airport Hotels

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Within 10 minutes from the airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: No
  • Day Rooms: No
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there are nearby hotels for those of you who are looking to sleep in comfort. While there are no hotels directly at LaGuardia Airport, many hotels are within a 10-minute drive and provide a free shuttle.

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near LaGuardia Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Location – Terminal B, Airside. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of America Airlines ticket • Lounge membership program.
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Terminal B, Concourse B, Level 3. Lounge Access: Lounge membership program.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal B, Airside. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • United Club – Location: Terminal B, Level 3, near the entrance to Gates 40-59. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.

Airline Lounges (members only)

Delta Sky Club – Multiple Locations – (2) Terminal C and (1) Terminal D. Lounge Access: Elite Status  • Lounge membership program.

Related Pages: LaGuardia Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Thirsty? Hydration stations are available free of charge. Locations: various locations Landside and Airside.

foodFood & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Vending machines are available.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

You can power up your mobile devices, free of charge, at mobile charging stations located landside and airside throughout the airport.

showersShowers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

wifiWiFi / Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available at LaGuardia Airport.  Connect to the “_Free LGA WiFi” network.

alertSecurity & Safety

Many travellers have commented on the number of homeless people camping out here, especially overnight – it has been such a problem that many news outlets have covered the situation. Between this and the lack of amenities and sleep spots, shelling out for a hotel may be worth your peace of mind.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain risk level, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Baby Care Facilities – Need a comfortable and private place to nurse and care for your baby? Mamava nursing pods can be found in the following locations: Terminal A (Airside, Departure Gates • Near TSA office) • Terminal B (Airside, Pier B • Airside, Pier D, Gate D6 • Airside, Pier D/Concourse A walkway) • Terminal C (Airside, Gates 28/29 • Airside, Gate C14 • Airside, near TSA office).

Dental Services – There is a dentist’s office in Terminal B, on the 3rd floor.

Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the Information Desks or Welcome Centers for assistance. Locations: Terminal A, Arrivals • Terminal B, Gates 40-59 • Terminal B, Level 2 • Terminal B, Level 3.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Terminal B.  (There were no ATMs elsewhere at the time of this update; click here to update this guide.)
  • Currency Exchange – Travelex is located in Terminal A, Arrivals (Airside).

Pet Relief Area – Take your pet for a potty break in these areas: Terminal B – Landside, Level 1 • Airside, Gates 40-59.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is offered only in Terminal B, but a limited variety of retail shops is scattered throughout the airport.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in designated areas outside the airport.

Spa & Salon Services – If you want to relax and pamper yourself before your flight, the airport offers a variety of spa services:

  • BeRelax – Location: Terminal B, near the food court.
Airlines
New York City La Guardia Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • American Airlines • American Shuttle • Delta Air Lines • Delta Shuttle • Frontier Airlines • JetBlue • Southwest Airlines • Spirit • United Airlines • WestJet.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Airport Shuttles

Go Airlink provides a ride-share airport shuttle between the airport and New York City. Service is available 24 hours per day. Head to the ground transportation desk and present the desk agent with your shuttle voucher. The agent will direct you to your scheduled shuttle. Your shuttle driver will know when your flight is expected to arrive. For more information, visit the Go Airlink website.

Bus

These New York City bus lines serve LaGuardia Airport:

  • Q70 SBS LaGuardia Link – serves Queens (except Astoria, Elmhurst, Rego Park, Corona and Flushing), Manhattan (Midtown or South of 59 St) and Long Island. Direct, nonstop to 7, E, F, M, R subway lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Av & LIRR Woodside Station. Pick-up/Drop-off Terminal: B, C.  Fare: FREE of charge.
  • M60 SBS – serves Queens (Astoria), Bronx, Upper Manhattan (north of 59th Street), Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess Counties and Connecticut. Connects to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, D subway lines at 125 St and 1 subway line at 116 St and the Metro-North Railroad at Harlem 125 St.  Pick-up/Drop-off: Terminals A, B, C. Fare: $2.75 paid by ONMY or MetroCard or coins BEFORE boarding.
  • Q47 – serves Queens (Glendale, Jackson Heights). Connects to 7, E, F, M, R subway lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Av. Pick-up/Drop-off: Terminal A. Fare: $2.75 paid by ONMY, MetroCard or coins on the bus.
  • Q72 – serves Queens (Elmhurst, Rego Park). Connects to M, R subway lines at 63 Dr/Rego Park. Pick-up/Drop-off:  Terminals B, C.  Fare: $2.75 paid by ONMY, MetroCard or coins on the bus.
  • Q48 – serves Queens (Corona, Flushing). Connects to 7 subway line at 111 St/Roosevelt Av. Pick-up/Drop-off:  Terminals A, B, C.  Fare: $2.75 paid by ONMY, MetroCard or coins on the bus.

For schedules, fares and route information, visit the MTA website.

Car Rentals

Rental agencies provide frequent free shuttle bus service between the terminals and the car rental facility. Car rental companies at LaGuardia Airport include: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty.

Hotel Shuttles

Some area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Airway Inn at LaGuardia   • Aloft  New York LaGuardia Airport Avion Inn Near LGA Airport /  Comfort Inn At LaGuardia Airport   •  Fairfield Inn New York LaGuardia Airport / Astoria   •   Fairfield Inn New York LaGuardia Airport/Flushing   •   Hampton Inn New York LaGuardia Airport   •   Holiday Inn LaGuardia Airport   •   LaGuardia Plaza Hotel – New York   •   New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott   •   SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport / The LaGuardia Hotel.

Hotel shuttles pick up outside each terminal.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Airport Transfers

ETS Air Shuttles provide service between JFK and LaGuardia or Newark Liberty Airport.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

LaGuardia’s free shuttle service transports passengers throughout the airport premises (terminals, parking lots, car rental facility and car service pick-up areas). The buses operate 24 hours and depart every 8-10 minutes (peak) or 15 minutes (non-peak).

Ride Apps

If you have booked a ride through a Ride App such as Uber or Lyft, here are the pick-up locations:

  • Terminal A – directly across the street from the terminal.
  • Terminal B – Terminal B parking garage, Level 2.
  • Terminal C – outside the Arrivals area, Ground Level on the inner lane

Effective November 2020, seatbelts are mandatory in taxis and shared-ride vehicles.

Shared Ride and Private Car Service

Shared ride vans and private cars and limousines can be booked upon arrival at the Port Authority Welcome Center, located at the arrivals level of each terminal. Self-service kiosks are available nearby for use when the Welcome Centers are closed.

Subway

There is no subway or train service to LaGuardia Airport. MTA buses can connect you to subways. See Bus section above.

Taxis

Taxis are available in front of all terminals. Ignore transportation offers from solicitors in the terminal as this is illegal, and they may be unlicensed and uninsured. To obtain ground transportation information, visit the Port Authority Welcome Center in the arrivals area of each terminal, where uniformed staff will assist you. Effective November 2020, seatbelts are mandatory in taxis and shared-ride vehicles.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.