The M60 bus line operates as a critical crosstown and airport link connecting Manhattan's Upper West Side with LaGuardia Airport in Queens. Officially designated as the M60 Select Bus Service (SBS), it cuts across 125th Street and spans major transit hubs, making it a favorite for travelers and daily commuters alike who want to avoid expensive cabs.
Navigating New York City public transportation requires knowing the exact nuances of fare payment, route pacing, and transfer points. Whether you're heading to a flight or crossing the boroughs, understanding how this route functions saves time and frustration.
Understanding the M60 Bus Route and Key Stops
The route runs between Broadway and W 106th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport in Queens, serving terminals B and C, along with the Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A).
After leaving Manhattan's west side, the bus travels up Broadway, cuts across 125th Street through Harlem, crosses the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly Triborough Bridge), and winds through Queens via Astoria Boulevard and 23rd Avenue before reaching the airport.
- Manhattan Origin: Broadway & W 106 St (near Columbia University and Riverside Park)
- Harlem Cross-Streeet Corridor: Major stops along 125th Street including St. Nicholas Avenue, Malcolm X Boulevard, and Lexington Avenue
- Queens Connection: Astoria Blvd & 31 St (connecting to the N/W subways)
- Airport Terminals: Direct stops at Terminal A (Marine Air), Terminal B, and Terminal C
Select Bus Service Rules and Fare Payment
Because the M60 operates as a Select Bus Service (SBS) route, it doesn't use traditional onboard fare boxes upon entry. You've got to pay before you board to keep things moving fast.
You can pay using OMNY (tapping your contactless card, phone, or wearable device) or a MetroCard at the sidewalk ticket machine before the bus pulls up. The machine prints a paper receipt. Keep that receipt with you during the ride. Proof-of-payment inspectors frequently board the bus mid-route to check tickets, and failing to produce one results in a steep fine.
- Tap your OMNY card or device at the curbside terminal, or insert a MetroCard to print a proof-of-payment slip.
- Board through any of the bus doors—rear doors included—since all-door boarding speeds up departures.
- Save your paper slip until your trip ends.
Major Subway Connections and Transfers
One reason commuters rely on this line is its massive web of transit connections. As it crosses Manhattan, it intersects nearly every major subway line running north-south, plus commuter rail.
- 1, 2, 3 Trains: Accessible at 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue or Broadway.
- A, B, C, D Trains: Connect at 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue.
- 2, 3, B, C Trains: Available at various Harlem intersections.
- 4, 5, 6 Trains: Direct transfer at 125th Street and Lexington Avenue in East Harlem.
- Metro-North Railroad: Connects right at the 125th Street Harlem station.
- N, W Trains: Connect in Queens at the Astoria Blvd station.
These touchpoints allow travelers coming from Brooklyn, lower Manhattan, or the Bronx to catch the bus without navigating cross-town traffic blocks away from a station. For official service changes and real-time tracking, check the MTA official website.
Avoiding Common Commuter Mistakes
First-time riders often run into a few predictable traps that slow down their trip. Knowing what to watch out for keeps your commute smooth.
- Trying to pay on the bus: You can't swipe a MetroCard or tap OMNY at the driver's console like a standard local bus. Use the curbside machine or OMNY kiosk first.
- Ignoring bridge traffic: While the bus uses dedicated lanes where possible, the RFK Bridge can experience heavy rush-hour gridlock. Build extra buffer time into your airport schedule during peak morning and evening windows.
- Getting off at the wrong terminal: LaGuardia's layout changes frequently due to construction and modernization projects. Check your airline's specific terminal assignment before you board so you step off at the right stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M60 bus run 24 hours a day?
No. Service typically operates from roughly 5:00 AM to midnight, but exact schedules vary slightly on weekends and holidays. Always check real-time trackers late at night.
How much does the M60 bus cost?
The fare matches standard MTA single-ride pricing. Free transfers apply if you use OMNY or a MetroCard to connect from a subway line within the designated transfer window.
How long does the trip take from Manhattan to LaGuardia?
The full ride from the Upper West Side takes about 50 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, though boarding from Harlem cuts that time down significantly.
Where do I store luggage on the bus?
The M60 features low-floor layouts with open spaces near the middle doors, designed to accommodate suitcases and carry-on bags without blocking the aisles.
