Getting from Manhattan to LaGuardia Airport doesn't have to mean paying for a pricey cab or getting stuck in highway gridlock. The M60 Select Bus Service bridges the gap, running 24 hours a day from the Upper West Side across Harlem, over the Triborough Bridge, and directly into the airport terminals. For everyday commuters and travelers alike, this crosstown and airport route functions as a lifeline across upper Manhattan and Queens.
Many riders struggle with the quirks of Select Bus Service (SBS) routes, from off-board fare collection to all-door boarding rules. Knowing how the line operates saves time, prevents confusion with payment, and ensures smooth transfers to the New York City subway system.
Route Overview and Key Stops
The route spans roughly fourteen miles, connecting Manhattan's West Side to LaGuardia Airport's primary terminals.
- Western Terminus: Broadway and West 106th Street in Morningside Heights.
- Manhattan Corridor: Travels up Broadway, cuts across West and East 125th Street through Harlem, and intersects multiple major subway lines (including the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Metro-North at 125th).
- The Crossing: Crosses the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Triborough Bridge), offering sweeping views of the East River.
- Queens Terminus: Serves Astoria Boulevard before looping into LaGuardia Airport, stopping at Terminal B and Terminal C.
Because it operates as an SBS route, it skips minor local stops to maintain a faster average speed than standard crosstown buses.
How to Pay Your Fare and Board
Unlike standard local buses where you tap upon entering the front door, the M60 uses off-board fare collection principles designed to speed up passenger boarding.
You must pay your fare before you step onto the bus. Platforms feature OMNY contactless readers and ticket machines. You can tap your credit card, smartphone, wearable device, or OMNY card at the curbside reader, or use a MetroCard. If you pay at the machine, keep the printed receipt.
Proof-of-payment inspectors occasionally board mid-trip to check tickets or verify OMNY card taps. Failing to produce valid proof can result in a summons. Once you've paid at the curb, you can board through any door, which drastically cuts down dwell time at crowded stops along 125th Street.
Connecting to the Subway and Metro-North
The 125th Street corridor acts as a massive transit hub, making the route useful even for people who aren't catching a flight.
- Columbia University Area: The western end connects students and residents to the 1 train at 116th and 125th streets.
- Central Harlem: Stops at St. Nicholas Avenue, Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Ave), and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard provide direct links to the A, B, C, D, 2, and 3 subway lines.
- East Harlem: Stops near Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue connect directly to the 4, 5, and 6 trains, alongside the Metro-North commuter railroad station.
Free transfers apply when using OMNY or a MetroCard, allowing seamless movement between the subway and the bus within the standard transfer window. For official service updates and real-time tracking, consult the MTA official site or transit apps like Transit App.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Riders unfamiliar with SBS lines frequently make a few avoidable errors:
- Waiting for the front door: Queuing up solely at the front door wastes time. You can board through the middle and rear doors as long as you paid at the curbside terminal first.
- Throwing away the receipt: If you buy a paper ticket from a curbside machine, don't discard it immediately. Keep it in your hand until you exit.
- Expecting luggage racks: While artics (articulated buses) offer decent floor space, they are standard city buses, not coach buses. Large suitcases take up aisle room, so try to keep bags tucked close during peak commuting hours.
- Ignoring traffic delays: Although dedicated bus lanes help on 125th Street and across the bridge, the bus still shares traffic on major approaches, meaning unexpected delays can happen during rush hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M60 run 24 hours a day?
Yes, the route operates 24/7, though frequency drops significantly during the overnight hours, usually shifting to departures every 30 minutes between midnight and early morning.
How much does the ride cost?
The standard MTA fare applies to the route. You can check current pricing guidelines directly on the MTA fare guide.
Which LaGuardia terminals does it stop at?
The bus serves Terminal B and Terminal C, as well as the Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A) depending on the exact direction and time of day. Check the bus front sign or use real-time tracking to confirm the terminal loop.
Can I use my OMNY card or phone to pay?
Yes, contactless payment via OMNY is fully supported at the curbside readers and onboard validators.
