Navigating New York City transit doesn't have to mean dealing with expensive taxis or confusing detours, especially when heading between Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport. The M60 bus New York route—officially designated as the M60-SBS (Select Bus Service)—serves as a vital cross-town and inter-borough connector. Running 24 hours a day, it spans from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, cuts straight across 125th Street through Harlem, crosses the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly Triborough Bridge), and loops through Astoria and East Elmhurst in Queens to reach every terminal at LaGuardia Airport.
For budget-conscious travelers and daily commuters alike, this route bridges a major transit gap. It offers direct transfers to nearly a dozen subway lines and the Metro-North Railroad for the price of a standard single-ride MTA fare. Understanding how the Select Bus Service system works, mastering the schedule, and knowing where to catch it will save you time, money, and hassle on your next trip.
Route Overview and Key Stops
The M60-SBS covers roughly 14 miles across two boroughs, linking residential academic hubs with major transit arteries and aviation terminals.
- Western Terminus: Broadway and West 106th Street on the Upper West Side (near Morningside Heights and Columbia University).
- The Harlem Corridor: Travels up Broadway, swings across West and East 125th Street, intersecting key avenues like Amsterdam, St. Nicholas, Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Ave), Fifth Avenue, Lexington Avenue, and Second Avenue.
- The Queens Crossing: Crosses the RFK Bridge to Astoria Boulevard, moving through Queens neighborhoods with stops near Steinway Street and 31st Street.
- Airport Terminals: Services the Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A), Terminal B, and Terminal C.
Because it functions as a Select Bus Service line, the M60 utilizes off-board fare collection to speed up boarding times. You must pay your fare at the curbside machine before stepping onto the bus.
How to Pay and Ride Select Bus Service (SBS)
Riders accustomed to standard local buses might find the SBS format unfamiliar at first. To keep the line moving, the MTA requires passengers to validate fares before boarding.
- Use the Fare Machine: Stand at the designated M60-SBS bus stop shelter where digital or physical ticket machines are installed.
- Get Your Receipt: Swipe your OMNY contactless card, smartphone wallet, or a valid MetroCard at the machine to print a proof-of-payment paper ticket. Keep this slip in your hand or pocket.
- Board Through Any Door: You can enter the articulated bus through the front, middle, or rear doors.
- Keep Proof Handy: While you don't show the ticket to the driver upon entry, MTA transit inspectors occasionally board the bus to check for receipts. Failing to produce a valid proof-of-payment ticket can result in a steep fine.
Connecting Subways and Transit Hubs
One reason the M60 is so popular is its integration with the rest of the MTA network. You can transfer seamlessly to multiple lines without paying an extra fare if you use OMNY or a MetroCard within the standard transfer window. Major connection points include:
- 116th Street & 125th Street Stations (Manhattan): Access to the 1, 2, 3 lines.
- St. Nicholas Avenue / Frederick Douglass Blvd (Manhattan): Access to the A, B, C, D lines.
- Lexington Avenue & 125th Street (Manhattan): Access to the 4, 5, 6 lines.
- Harlem–125th Street Station (Manhattan): Direct connection to Metro-North Railroad commuter trains.
- Astoria Boulevard (Queens): Access to the N, W subway lines.
Tips for Riding to LaGuardia Airport
Using the M60 to catch a flight is a smart alternative to a $50+ cab ride from midtown Manhattan, but it requires a bit of planning.
- Check Terminal Sequencing: The bus loops through the airport sequentially. It typically stops at Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal) first or last depending on direction, followed by Terminal B and Terminal C. Listen closely to the automated announcements or check the driver's marquee sign to ensure you exit at the correct terminal.
- Account for Traffic: While the M60 has dedicated bus lanes along parts of 125th Street, it still shares the road with general traffic when crossing the RFK Bridge and approaching the airport. During peak rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM), build an extra 20 to 30 minutes into your travel time.
- Luggage Space: The buses assigned to this route are high-capacity articulated models with ample room for rolling suitcases, though it can get cramped during morning and evening commuting peaks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers often run into predictable trouble spots when navigating this cross-town route for the first time. Keep these pitfalls in mind to ensure a smooth trip:
- Waiting to Pay on the Bus: You cannot pay your fare with cash or a card directly to the driver upon boarding. Always use the sidewalk ticket kiosk before the bus arrives.
- Ignoring Directional Signage: Because the M60 runs in a continuous loop at the airport and reverses direction at 106th Street, verify the sign on the front of the approaching bus to ensure it reads "West Side" or "LaGuardia Airport" before getting on.
- Assuming it's Non-Stop: While it skips many minor local stops, the M60 still makes roughly 20 distinct stops between Broadway and the airport. It is an express service relative to local cross-town routes, but it is not a direct non-stop shuttle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M60 bus run 24 hours a day?
Yes, the M60-SBS operates around the clock, though headways (the time between buses) stretch out during late-night and early-morning hours, typically dropping to every 20 to 30 minutes between midnight and 5:00 AM. During daytime hours, buses arrive every 7 to 11 minutes.
How much does the M60 bus cost?
The fare is the standard MTA single-ride public transit price. You can pay using OMNY (tapping a contactless credit card, phone, or watch at the roadside machine) or a valid MetroCard. Free transfers to connecting subways apply within the standard two-hour transfer window.
Which LaGuardia terminals does the M60 visit?
The bus serves all active passenger areas, stopping explicitly at Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), Terminal B, and Terminal C.
How long does the full trip take from Manhattan to the airport?
Depending on traffic conditions and where you board in Manhattan, the entire journey takes anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes. Boarding at Lexington Avenue cuts down the travel time significantly compared to starting all the way over on the Upper West Side.
