Navigating between Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport doesn't require an expensive taxi or rideshare. The M60-SBS (Select Bus Service) provides a direct, budget-friendly transit link connecting the Upper West Side and Harlem directly to all terminals at LaGuardia Airport. Operating 24 hours a day, it spans roughly 9.4 miles across upper Manhattan, over the RFK Bridge, and into Queens. Knowing how the route works, where it stops, and how to pay saves time and prevents transit headaches.
The route starts on the Upper West Side at Broadway and 106th Street, cuts across 125th Street in Harlem—connecting with nearly every major subway line—crosses into Queens via Astoria Boulevard, and services Terminals A, B, and C at LaGuardia. Because it uses Select Bus Service rules, you must pay your fare before boarding using OMNY or a MetroCard at the curbside machine if you aren't tapping directly on the bus, allowing for all-door boarding that speeds up trips considerably.
Route Overview and Key Stops
Understanding the geography of the M60-SBS helps you plan your connection whether you're heading to a flight or coming back into the city. The bus runs frequently, typically every 8 to 12 minutes during peak hours, though traffic across the RFK Bridge can introduce delays.
Manhattan Stops
- Upper West Side: Originates at Broadway and W 106th St, moving up Broadway with key stops at W 116th St (near Columbia University) and W 120th St.
- Harlem (125th Street corridor): The bus transitions onto 125th Street, stopping at major transit hubs including Amsterdam Ave, Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave), St. Nicholas Ave, Park Ave (Metro-North connection), and Lexington Ave.
Queens and Airport Stops
- Astoria, Queens: After crossing the RFK Bridge, the bus travels down Astoria Boulevard, offering convenient transfers to the N and W subway lines at Astoria Blvd.
- LaGuardia Airport: The M60 serves every airport terminal in sequence, stopping at Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), Terminal B, and Terminal C. If you are flying out, check your airline's terminal ahead of time so you know exactly which stop to exit.
Fares, Payment, and Transfer Rules
The standard local bus and Select Bus Service fare applies to the M60.
- Cost: The base fare is $2.90.
- Payment Methods: Tap your contactless credit card, smartphone, smartwatch, or an OMNY card directly at the green OMNY readers on the bus or at the curbside terminal before boarding. Physical MetroCards are also accepted.
- Free Transfers: Using OMNY or a MetroCard gives you a free transfer to the local subway system or another eligible local bus within two hours of your initial tap. For example, if you take the subway to 125th Street and board the M60, your bus connection is completely free as long as you use the same payment device.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Mind the Traffic: While the M60 has dedicated bus lanes in parts of Manhattan, it shares the road and the RFK Bridge with general vehicular traffic. Always build an extra 30 to 45 minutes into your travel window during rush hours (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM).
- Luggage Management: The articulated buses used on this route feature open interior spaces and designated luggage racks near the doors. Keep aisles clear and stow large bags securely to maintain courtesy for fellow commuters.
- Compare with the Q70: If you are traveling from Jackson Heights or connecting via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), the LaGuardia Link Q70-SBS is entirely free and runs nonstop from the subway to Terminals B and C. However, if you are coming from Manhattan or need Terminal A (Marine Air Terminal), the M60 remains your direct choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M60 bus run 24 hours a day?
Yes, the M60-SBS operates 24/7, though frequencies drop significantly during late-night hours (typically every 20 to 30 minutes between midnight and 5:00 AM). Always check real-time trackers like the MTA TripPlanner for late-night schedule adjustments.
Do I need to buy a ticket from the machine before boarding?
No, you don't have to use the curbside machine if you are paying with a contactless credit card, smartphone, or OMNY card—you can simply tap a reader on board the bus. Curbside ticket machines are primarily used if you are paying with cash or a paper MetroCard and need a proof-of-payment receipt.
Where is the best place to catch the M60 toward the airport from Manhattan?
The most popular boarding points with heavy subway connectivity are 125th Street and Lexington Avenue (4, 5, 6 trains) and 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue (A, B, C, D trains). These locations offer seamless underground-to-street transitions.
Is luggage allowed on the M60 bus?
Yes, large suitcases and carry-ons are fully permitted. The buses feature low-floor designs and spacious boarding areas, making it easy to roll bags right on board without climbing steep steps.
