Domestic, carry-on only
Allow for deplaning and the walk through Terminal B or C before the passenger reaches the pickup level.
Free LGA pickup calculator
When should I leave for an LGA airport pickup?
Enter the landing time and where you’re driving from. Get a specific time to leave for this pickup.
What you’ll get
One clear time to leave.
We’ll work backward from the landing, time to reach arrivals, and your drive.
Leave→Land→Meet
The short answer for a LGA pickup
For a LaGuardia pickup, calculate for when the passenger reaches the terminal curb with their bags. The curb is for active pickup only, so use LGA's free off-airport Cell Phone Lot if you arrive early and wait for the passenger to call.
When the passenger may be ready
Domestic, checked bag
Add baggage-claim time and wait for the passenger to confirm they have every bag.
International arrival
For the international arrivals that use LGA, include any required arrival processing before curb-ready time.
Pickup rules
- Terminal curbsides are for active pickup and drop-off only; the passenger and all bags must be ready.
- Parking is not allowed on airport roadways or terminal frontages, and unattended vehicles may be towed.
- Confirm Terminal B or C and the passenger's exact pickup marker before leaving the waiting area.
Where to wait
- LGA's free Cell Phone Lot is off-airport on 94th Street between 23rd Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard.
- The lot is less than ten minutes from all terminals and is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Terminal details
- The terminal matters because the airport roadway and pickup approach differ between Terminals B and C.
- The All Terminals Shuttle links terminals, parking, rental cars and car-pickup areas when the passenger needs an airport transfer.
Road access
- Grand Central Parkway and local Queens traffic can make a short geographic trip take longer than expected.
- If the pickup is outside the Cell Phone Lot's operating hours, check current airport guidance before choosing where to wait.
LGA pickup questions
Where is the LaGuardia Cell Phone Lot?
It is on 94th Street between 23rd Avenue and Ditmars Boulevard, less than ten minutes from LGA terminals. The airport lists daily hours of 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Can I wait at the curb at LGA?
No. The terminal curb is for active pickup only, and the passenger must already be present with their bags.
Should I navigate to the airline or the terminal?
Use the confirmed arrival terminal and the passenger's pickup marker. Airline operations can use different terminals, so verify the flight before leaving.
Official airport sources
Reviewed September 20, 2026. Airport rules and flight operations can change, so confirm current guidance before leaving.