Is a 1½ hr layover in New York long enough?

LGA · La Guardia · New York, United States
Probably Enough

Yes, 1½ hours is probably enough for a layover at LGA (New York).

Ample time even during peak hours for a full terminal change including re-screening.
Concourses
4
Max Transit
30m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
Delta Air Lines
Domestic → Domestic
45min
Domestic → International
60min
International → Domestic
60min
International → International
75min
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Check your terminal assignment carefully — a same-airline connection can still require a terminal change, especially between Delta's Terminal C and American/United flights in Terminal B.
If you must switch terminals, budget at least 45-60 minutes for the shuttle bus ride plus re-screening, more during peak traffic hours.
Delta-to-Delta connections within Terminal C are the easiest at LGA since gates are close together post-security.
Avoid tight connections through LGA during morning (7-9am) and evening (4-8pm) rush hours when both airport traffic and security lines peak.
If your connection involves the Marine Air Terminal (Delta Shuttle), allow extra time since it's a separate, older building slightly removed from the main terminal complex.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
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.
Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at La Guardia (LGA)?

Ample time even during peak hours for a full terminal change including re-screening.

What is the minimum connection time at LGA?

Minimum connection times at La Guardia: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 75 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 1½ hours connection at LGA on an international flight?

1½ hours clears the 75-minute international minimum connection time at La Guardia, but you should still head directly to your gate. 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.

How much time do I need for a layover at LGA?

We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at La Guardia. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 20 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 30 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at LGA?

If you miss a connection, head to your airline's customer service desk in the terminal you land in — Delta, American, and United all have rebooking counters — since LGA's fragmented terminal layout means you won't easily reach another airline's counter without exiting security again.

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