Navigating the trip between Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport doesn't have to mean paying for a costly taxi or wrestling bags through a complex subway transfer. The M60 Select Bus Service links the Upper West Side and Harlem directly with all major terminals at LaGuardia. Whether you're catching an early morning flight or returning late at night, knowing how the schedule works saves you time and prevents missed connections.
Unlike standard local routes, the M60 operates as a Select Bus Service, meaning fare collection happens before you board. Frequencies hover around 8 to 12 minutes during peak hours, but weekend gaps and late-night adjustments can catch unwary travelers off guard. Here is how to master the route, avoid common fare mistakes, and keep your airport transit running smoothly.
Understanding the M60 Route and Key Stops
The M60 travels across Manhattan via 125th Street, crosses the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (formerly the Triborough Bridge), and snakes through Astoria before terminating at LaGuardia Airport.
Westbound buses start at LaGuardia Airport, stopping sequentially at Terminal B, Terminal C, and the Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A) before heading into Queens and Manhattan. Eastbound buses start on the Upper West Side at Broadway and West 106th Street, winding east past Columbia University and down 125th Street.
- Upper West Side Terminus: Broadway and W 106th St (near Riverside Park).
- Major Harlem Hubs: St. Nicholas Ave, Malcolm X Blvd, and Lexington Ave (direct connection to the 4, 5, and 6 trains).
- Queens Crossings: Hoyt Ave / 31 St (connection to the N and W subway lines at Astoria Boulevard).
- Airport Terminals: Serves Terminal B, Terminal C, and the Marine Air Terminal.
If you're transferring from the subway in Manhattan, the Lexington Avenue-125th Street stop is the busiest and most convenient interchange.
M60 Bus Time Schedule and Frequency
The M60 runs 24 hours a day, making it one of the most reliable late-night options for airport travelers. However, exact timetables shift depending on the hour and day of the week.
- Peak Hours (Weekdays 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM): Buses arrive every 8 to 12 minutes. Traffic on 125th Street and the RFK Bridge can create bunching, where two buses show up together followed by a gap.
- Evening and Early Morning: Frequency drops to every 15 to 20 minutes between midnight and 5:00 AM.
- Weekends: Expect slightly wider gaps, usually every 10 to 15 minutes during daytime hours.
Because street traffic heavily impacts buses, don't rely solely on static timetables found online. Use real-time tracking tools like the official MTA Bus Time tracker or third-party apps like Transit to see exactly where your bus is before heading to the stop.
How to Pay on Select Bus Service
The biggest trap for first-time riders is boarding through the front door and trying to pay the driver. The M60 uses off-board fare collection to speed up boarding times.
- Using OMNY: Tap your contactless credit card, smartphone, or OMNY card at the green sidewalk kiosks located right at the bus stop before the vehicle arrives.
- Using Cash or MetroCard: The sidewalk machines accept exact coin change or valid cards. The machine prints a paper receipt.
- Boarding: Once you pay at the kiosk, you can board through any door of the bus.
Keep your paper receipt or digital payment confirmation handy. MTA fare inspectors occasionally board the bus mid-route to check for proof of payment, and riding without validation results in a steep fine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers often make avoidable errors when taking the M60 to catch a flight. Keep these pitfalls in mind to ensure a stress-free trip.
- Forgetting airport terminal layouts: Make sure you know which terminal your airline uses. Getting off at Terminal B when you need Terminal C adds an unnecessary walk through the airport loop.
- Underestimating traffic delays: The RFK Bridge and 125th Street are notorious for congestion during rush hour. Always add 20 to 30 minutes of buffer time to your travel schedule if you're heading to a flight during peak hours.
- Trying to pay the driver: Remember that SBS buses don't use the standard front-door farebox for regular boarding. Trying to pay on board slows down everyone behind you and causes confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the M60 bus cost?
The standard local bus fare applies. You can check current pricing directly through the MTA Fare Guide.
How long does the entire trip take?
A full ride from the Upper West Side to LaGuardia Airport takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes, depending heavily on traffic conditions across Manhattan and the bridge.
Can I transfer to the subway for free?
Yes. If you pay using OMNY or a MetroCard, your transfer to connecting subways or eligible local buses within a two-hour window is completely automatic and free.
Does the M60 run overnight?
Yes, the route operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though frequencies decrease during the overnight hours.
