Fly into LaGuardia for the Jersey Shore
LaGuardia (LGA) is domestic-only but often has the most flight times to choose from. Like JFK, the drive to the shore crosses New York City - plan around traffic.
Flying to the Jersey Shore?
LaGuardia (LGA) is closest to New York
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LGA is Best For
Shore Towns from LGA
Sandy Hook
1.25 hr drive
Long Branch
1.5 hr drive
Asbury Park
1.5 hr drive
Belmar
1.75 hr drive
Point Pleasant
1.75 hr drive
Rent a Car at LGA
A rental car is recommended for exploring the Jersey Shore. Shore towns spread along the coast, and having a car lets you visit multiple beaches, restaurants, and attractions.
Need a car while you're here?
The beach blocks of LaGuardia are walkable. Getting anywhere else usually means driving.
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Airlines at LGA
Getting to the Shore from LGA
Rental Car
RecommendedRental company shuttles pick up outside each terminal.
Tip: The only practical option for the shore. Summer Saturdays sell out - book ahead.
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare pickup at designated terminal areas.
Tip: Figure $140-220 to Monmouth County beaches. Splitting among four makes it tolerable.
Transit (multi-leg)
Q70 bus to the subway, cross Manhattan to Penn Station, then NJ Transit Coast Line.
Tip: Doable to Long Branch or Asbury Park with light luggage. Budget 3 hours.
Tips for LGA to the Shore
Domestic flights only - LGA has a perimeter rule that keeps out most long-haul routes
The rebuilt terminals are a real improvement; connections inside LGA are painless now
Route to the shore: BQE to the Verrazzano Bridge, then Garden State Parkway south
Same advice as JFK: EWR reaches the same beaches faster if the fares are close
Book Your Shore Stay
Flying into LGA? Book your accommodations in one of these nearby shore towns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is LaGuardia from the Jersey Shore?
About 1.25 to 2 hours by car depending on traffic through New York City. Monmouth County towns like Long Branch and Asbury Park are roughly 1.5 hours.
Is LaGuardia or Newark better for the Jersey Shore?
Newark is closer and skips the city crossing. Fly into LGA when the fare or schedule is clearly better, and expect the drive to take 30-45 minutes longer.
Does LaGuardia have international flights?
Almost none - a perimeter rule limits LGA to flights within about 1,500 miles (plus Denver and Saturday exceptions). For international arrivals use JFK or Newark.