Navigating New York City transit doesn't have to drain your wallet or your patience. If you're heading between Manhattan's Upper West Side and LaGuardia Airport, the M60 Select Bus Service (SBS) is your direct link. It cuts straight across Harlem and Queens, bypassing the heavy costs of cabs and rideshares.
The route runs continuously between West 106th Street and Broadway in Manhattan and terminals at LaGuardia Airport, stopping at major transit hubs along 125th Street and Astoria Boulevard. Whether you're catching a flight or commuting across boroughs, understanding how this line works saves you time and missed connections.
M60 Bus Route Overview and Key Stops
The M60 SBS operates as a crucial crosstown and airport link, stretching roughly across a 14-mile path. It bridges upper Manhattan with Queens via the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (RFK Bridge, formerly the Triborough Bridge).
The line functions as a Select Bus Service, meaning it features fewer stops than local buses, dedicated bus lanes during peak hours, and off-board fare payment to speed up boarding times.
Westbound vs. Eastbound Flow
- Eastbound (To LaGuardia Airport): Starts at West 106th Street and Broadway, heads north up Broadway, cuts across 125th Street through Harlem, crosses the RFK Bridge, and loops through Astoria before hitting Terminal B and Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal).
- Westbound (To Manhattan): Departs LaGuardia Airport terminals, runs through Astoria, crosses the RFK Bridge into Harlem, travels west along 125th Street, and loops down to Morningside Heights and the Upper West Side at 106th Street.
Major Transfer Points
The M60 intersects with nearly every major subway line running through upper Manhattan, making it easy to connect from anywhere in the city:
- Broadway & 106th St / 116th St: Access to the 1 train.
- 125th St & St. Nicholas Ave: Access to the A, B, C, and D trains.
- 125th St & Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave): Access to the 2 and 3 trains.
- 125th St & Lexington Ave: Access to the 4, 5, and 6 trains, plus the Metro-North Railroad.
- Astoria Blvd & 31st St (Queens): Access to the N and W subway lines.
Fares, Payment, and OMNY Integration
Paying for the M60 SBS requires attention because you don't pay the driver upon boarding. To maintain fast service times, the MTA uses off-board fare collection.
You can tap your contactless credit card, smartphone, wearable device, or OMNY card at the curbside OMNY readers or platform ticket machines before stepping onto the bus. If you use a traditional MetroCard, you must swipe it at the curbside machine to print a proof-of-payment paper receipt. Keep this receipt handy during your ride, as MTA inspectors occasionally check for proof of payment.
Familiarize yourself with the current MTA fare structure to ensure you have valid payment ready. Using the same OMNY card or contactless device for both your subway ride and the M60 bus automatically triggers a free transfer if completed within the designated transfer window.
Practical Tips for Airport Travelers
Riding the M60 to catch a flight requires a bit of strategy, especially during rush hour traffic across the RFK Bridge.
- Check terminal stops: The bus serves LaGuardia's Terminal B and Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal) directly. If you are flying out of Terminal C, check current airport shuttle or walkway configurations upon arrival, as terminal layouts shift during ongoing airport reconstructions.
- Track real-time arrivals: Avoid waiting blindly on a street corner. Use apps like MTA Bus Time to see live vehicle locations and spacing.
- Allow extra travel time: While dedicated bus lanes help, crossing the bridge during morning or afternoon rush hours can introduce unexpected delays. Give yourself at least 45 to 60 minutes of buffer time when heading to the airport from midtown or upper Manhattan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Attempting to pay the driver: Boarding through the rear or middle doors is standard on Select Bus Service. Trying to pay at the fare box inside causes delays and confusion; always pay at the curbside terminal or OMNY reader before the bus arrives.
- Ignoring weekend service changes: Weekend construction projects frequently alter MTA routes or cause temporary detours. Always check for active service advisories on official channels before leaving.
- Assuming luggage isn't allowed: The articulated buses used on this route feature open floor plans with ample room for bags and backpacks, making it ideal for travelers compared to packed subway cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M60 bus run 24 hours a day?
Yes, the M60 SBS provides round-the-clock service, though frequencies drop significantly during overnight hours (typically between midnight and 5:00 AM).
How much does the M60 bus cost?
The standard fare matches the MTA local bus and subway rate. Free transfers apply if you connect from a subway or another eligible bus using OMNY or a MetroCard within the transfer window.
Which LaGuardia terminals does the M60 stop at?
The bus stops directly at Terminal B and Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal).
Can I bring large suitcases on the M60 bus?
Yes. Because this route heavily serves airport travelers, large rolling suitcases and backpacks are entirely normal. The high-capacity articulated buses offer plenty of standing room and open space near the doors.
