We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at La Guardia. The minimum connection time is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 75 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 30 minutes.

Domestic-to-Domestic: 45 min. Domestic-to-International: 60 min. International-to-Domestic: 60 min. International-to-International: 75 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at La Guardia.

LaGuardia is a notoriously tough connection because it lacks any secure people-mover between terminals — passengers switching terminals must exit security, take a shuttle bus, and clear screening again. Same-airline, same-terminal connections (especially within Delta's Terminal C) are smooth and fast, but cross-terminal connections eat up far more time than the flight distance suggests. There is no AirTrain or sterile inter-terminal walkway at LGA; the free Port Authority shuttle bus loops between terminals landside, typically taking 10-20 minutes depending on traffic and stops. Because the connection happens outside the secure zone, anyone changing terminals must go through security screening again, which is the single biggest time sink at this airport.

Too tight given LGA's re-screening requirement for any terminal change and walk times within larger terminals. See full 30 min guide →

Meets the domestic-domestic MCT floor but leaves zero buffer for delays or a terminal shuttle. See full 45 min guide →

Comfortable for same-terminal transfers and adequate for a terminal change if the shuttle and security lines cooperate. See full 1 hr guide →

Solid buffer to handle the shuttle bus and re-screening process between terminals. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Ample time even during peak hours for a full terminal change including re-screening. See full 1½ hr guide →

Well beyond what's needed even for the most complex Marine Air Terminal to Terminal B connection. See full 2 hr guide →

Excess time for any LGA connection scenario, including bad traffic or weather delays. See full 2½ hr guide →

More than sufficient; consider grabbing food since LGA's newly renovated terminals have decent dining options. See full 3 hr guide →

Long layover — plenty of time to explore Terminal C's shops or step outside via the shuttle if needed. See full 4 hr guide →