Your Guide to Getting to The Local Hostel from NYC Airports
The Local is in Long Island City (LIC), Queens, which makes us especially convenient to LaGuardia (LGA) and easy to reach from JFK or Newark (EWR) by public transit.
Our address is 13-02 44th Avenue, Long Island City, a few blocks from the subway stop Court Square–23rd Street, where the E, F, G, and 7 trains meet.
Rideshare and taxis
Uber and Lyft both serve New York City’s airports. It is worth checking both before booking since prices can change quickly.
You can also use Curb, Arro, or Myle to book a licensed NYC taxi through an app. Obi compares prices across several ride services, which is useful when airport fares are surging.
UberX Share may be cheaper when available, but it is best for solo travelers with limited luggage. Groups should compare the total cost of public transit against splitting a car.
Only use official taxi lines, airport pickup areas, or licensed apps. Ignore anyone inside the terminal offering a ride. New Yorkers know better than to take those unofficial rides. Your first step in assimilation can be to sigh, roll your eyes at them, and keep on walking!
From LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia is the closest airport to The Local. A taxi or rideshare usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Budget roughly $30 to $50 before tip, although surge pricing can push the fare higher.
Public transit is also surprisingly easy. Take the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, then transfer to a Manhattan-bound E or F train and get off at Court Square–23rd Street. The total cost is the standard subway fare.
Best choice: Rideshare for convenience, or the Q70 and subway when traveling light.
From JFK Airport
JFK has the simplest rail connection to The Local.
Take the Jamaica-bound AirTrain to Jamaica Station. From there, follow signs to the connected subway station, Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport, and take a Manhattan-bound E train directly to Court Square–23rd Street.
The AirTrain and subway cost about $12 combined. Allow roughly 60 to 75 minutes.
The important part: choose the AirTrain marked Jamaica, not Howard Beach.
Best choice: AirTrain and E train for most solo travelers and couples. A car may make more sense for a group splitting the fare.
From Newark Airport
Newark is farther away and requires a trip through Manhattan. The two main public transit options are NJ Transit or the Newark Airport Express bus.
NJ Transit
Take the airport AirTrain to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, then NJ Transit to New York Penn Station. From 34th Street–Penn Station, take a Queens-bound E train to Court Square–23rd Street.
This route is usually the most predictable because it avoids highway traffic, but it involves two transfers and navigating Penn Station.
Newark Airport Express
The airport bus travels from the terminals to Midtown Manhattan. For The Local, the most useful stop is Port Authority Bus Terminal, where you can transfer directly to a Queens-bound E train.
The bus is easier with heavy luggage, but it can be delayed by traffic at the Lincoln Tunnel.
Best choice: NJ Transit during busy traffic periods. The airport bus when you have more luggage and the roads are moving.
Before you leave the airport
Fares, routes, and estimated travel times were checked in July 2026 and may change. The MTA is always keeping New York interesting, so check Google Maps, Citymapper, or the MTA app for live service updates before you travel.
However you get here, drop your bags and settle in. Your easiest New York arrival is complete.
