The M60 bus route serves as Manhattan's vital public transit link to LaGuardia Airport, cutting across 125th Street and bridging upper Manhattan with Queens. Operating as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Select Bus Service (SBS) network, it carries thousands of commuters, local residents, and air travelers daily. Unlike many specialized airport shuttles, it functions as both an everyday crosstown route and a direct airport connector.
Understanding how this line evolved, how to navigate its stops, and how its off-board fare system works saves time on any trip through New York City.
Origins and Evolution of the M60 Route
The route was established on September 13, 1992, designed specifically to provide a direct public transportation option between Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport. For decades, getting to LaGuardia via public transit meant navigating confusing combinations of local buses and subways without a seamless terminal loop. The introduction of the M60 addressed this gap, providing a single seat from upper Manhattan across the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Triborough Bridge) directly into Queens.
As ridership grew, the physical demands on the line increased. In August 2011, the MTA introduced 60-foot articulated buses to handle heavy luggage and large crowds. These larger vehicles became permanent fixtures by September 2012, replacing the standard 40-foot buses.
The biggest operational shift occurred on May 25, 2014, when the route officially converted into the M60 Select Bus Service (SBS). This upgrade introduced dedicated offset bus lanes, off-board ticket machines, and transit signal priority to combat chronic crosstown traffic delays on 125th Street.
Route Geography and Key Connections
The corridor stretches from Manhattan's West Side at Broadway and 106th Street through Harlem, crosses the East River via the RFK Bridge, and loops through Astoria before servicing all active terminals at LaGuardia Airport.
Major Subway and Rail Interchanges
- Broadway / 106th Street & 116th Street: Connects directly with the IRT Broadway – Seventh Avenue Line (1 train) near Columbia University.
- St. Nicholas Avenue & 125th Street: Links to the IND Eighth Avenue Line (A, B, C, D trains).
- Malcolm X Boulevard & 125th Street: Connects with the IRT Lenox Avenue Line (2, 3 trains).
- Park Avenue & 125th Street: Connects to the Metro-North Railroad Harlem-125th Street station.
- Lexington Avenue & 125th Street: Links to the IRT Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5, 6 trains).
- Astoria Boulevard & 31st Street (Queens): Connects to the BMT Astoria Line (N, W trains).
Mastering Select Bus Service (SBS) Mechanics
Riding an SBS route like the M60 requires a different procedure than standard local buses. To minimize dwell times at busy stops, the MTA uses off-board fare collection.
How to Pay and Board
- Find the machine: Before boarding, locate the green and grey SBS ticket machine on the sidewalk platform.
- Validate your fare: Insert a MetroCard, OMNY card, or tap to get a paper receipt proving payment. Hold onto this ticket for proof of purchase, as MTA inspectors occasionally check passengers mid-ride.
- Board through any door: Because fares are paid on the sidewalk, you can enter through the front, middle, or rear doors of the three-door articulated buses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting for a local bus on 125th Street thinking it goes to the airport: Only the M60 SBS crosses the bridge to LaGuardia. Standard local buses like the M100 or Bx15 do not travel to Queens.
- Throwing away your SBS paper receipt: Always keep your ticket accessible after stepping onto the bus. Discarding it immediately can result in a fine if fare enforcement officers board.
- Assuming late-night schedules are identical: While the M60 runs frequently during daytime hours, schedule intervals space out during late-night hours. Always verify real-time arrivals using apps like MTA Bus Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M60 bus go to all LaGuardia Airport terminals?
Yes. The bus loops through the airport grounds, serving Terminal B, Terminal C, and the Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A) depending on the direction of travel. Check the digital sign on the front of the bus before boarding to confirm its immediate terminal direction.
How long does the trip take from Manhattan to LaGuardia?
An end-to-end trip from Morningside Heights or Harlem to the airport typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. However, traffic congestion on 125th Street or the RFK Bridge during peak rush hours can alter travel times.
Can I use OMNY or a MetroCard on the M60 SBS?
Yes, both payment methods are fully supported. If paying with a physical MetroCard at the street kiosk, follow the machine prompts to print your boarding receipt before stepping onto the bus.
Is luggage space available on the bus?
The articulated buses deployed on this route feature low floors and designated open areas near the middle doors to accommodate suitcases and large travel bags.
