John F. Kennedy International Airport [JFK] – Everything Travelers Need To Know

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: June 3, 2019

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
2. Airport Guides

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John F. Kennedy International Airport is the 5th busiest airport in the United States serving 61 million passengers annually.

Although it recently dropped off the world’s 20 busiest airports list, upcoming major developments are expected to increase capacity by an additional 15 million passengers per year.

This expansion plan will replace existing Terminals 1 and 2, and utilize space from the previously demolished Terminal 3 to create a south terminal (that will connect to Terminal 4). The north terminal will be an extension to Terminal 5, replacing Terminal 7 and utilizing space from the previously demolished Terminal 6.

Work is expected to commence in 2020 with phased completion up to 2025, and will feature spacious buildings with high ceilings, and miniature versions of some of New York’s greatest attractions, such as the High Line and Central Park.

Quick Info

Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Terminals: 6 — Terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8

Airport Address: Queens, NY 11430

Distance from Manhattan: Approximately 15 miles (24 km)

Website: jfkairport.com

Phone Number: 718-244-4444

Passengers Served: Over 59 million annually

Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.

Airlines Operating From JFK

Terminal 1
Aeroflot, Air China, Air France, Air Italy, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airlines, China Eastern, Eva Air, Fly Jamaica Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Viva Aerobus

Terminal 2
Delta Air Lines

Terminal 4
Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air India, Air Serbia, Asiana, Avianca, Avianca Brasil, Caribbean Airlines, China Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Egypt Air, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, Thomas Cook Airlines, Uzbekistan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Volaris, WestJet, XiamenAir, XL Airways

Terminal 5
Air Lingus, Cape Air, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, TAP Portugal

Terminal 7
Aerolineas Argentinas, Alaska Airlines, ANA (All Nippon,) British Airways, Eurowings, Iberia, Icelandair, Interjet, LOT, Qatar Airways (AM flights,) Ukraine International Airlines

Terminal 8
American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, LATAM, Qantas, Qatar Airways (PM flights,) Royal Jordanian

JFK Airport Terminals

JFK is a rectangular shape with a spaghetti junction of roads on the inside of the airport, connecting the I-678 and JFK Expressway to the 6 terminals.

Terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 are still active, with Terminals 3 and 6 having been demolished years ago to make way for the major expansion project.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 has 11 gates and 4 areas. The departure level has check-in desks; the mezzanine level has a food court, the concourse level has the security checkpoint, airline lounges, shops, restaurants, and departure gates; and the arrivals level has baggage claim, immigration, access to ground transportation, and an array of other services.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 has 11 gates and 4 areas. The departure level has check-in desks, the security checkpoint, restaurants, shops, and the departure gates; the arrivals level has baggage claim, access to ground transportation, one coffee shop, and various other services such as ATMs and information desks.

Terminal 4

Terminal 4 has 37 gates split across two concourses — concourse A and concourse B. The terminal consists of 4 areas; the departure level, with check-in desks and airline lounges; the concourse level has the security checkpoint, a pet relief area, shops, bars, restaurants, and most departure gates; level 2 has gates B42 to B51; the arrivals level has baggage claim, a restaurant, and takeaway food stall.

Terminal 5

Terminal 5 has 29 gates and 3 areas. The Skywalk connects the AirTrain to the terminal and has 6 moving walkways; the departure level has the security checkpoint, shops, a food court, an outdoor garden, and departure gates; the arrivals level has baggage claim, a couple of takeaway food stalls, and access to ground transportation, and a walkway to the Saarinen Terminal — home to the TWA Hotel.

Terminal 7

Terminal 7 has 13 gates and 3 areas. The departure level has check-in desks and the security checkpoint; the concourse level has a food court, shops, the British Airways Concorde Lounge, pet relief areas, and departure gates; the arrivals level has baggage claim, a Starbucks, Subway, a couple of shops and kiosks, and access to ground transportation.

Terminal 8

Terminal 8 has 29 gates and 2 areas. The departure level has check-in desks, an airline lounge, and the security checkpoint that leads into concourse B. Concourse B connects to concourse C via an underground tunnel with moving walkways. Concourse B and C both have American Airlines Admirals Club Lounges, shops, bars, and restaurants.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Traveling between terminals at JFK is quick and easy; however, very few terminals offer inter-terminal connections without having to re-clear security.

Connecting Between Terminal 2 and Terminal 4

Delta operates the JFK Jitney shuttle bus between these two terminals and is free to ride for passengers.

The official airport website states that passengers changing terminals via the shuttle bus should not have to re-clear security again, but there has been talk on the web from passengers who said they did need to re-clear security, so allow extra time just in case.

You can pick up the shuttle bus from Terminal 2 near gate C60 and Terminal 4 near gates B54 and B18.

Connecting Between All Other Terminals

JFK’s AirTrain has 3 different lines; yellow that operates in a continuous clockwise loop, stopping at all passenger terminals; red that starts and finishes at Jamaica Station, calling counterclockwise at all terminals; and green that starts and finishes at Howard Beach Station, calling at a couple of other stops before all terminals in a counterclockwise loop.

The AirTrain is free to ride for all passengers connecting between airport terminals, Federal Circle, or Lefferts Boulevard stations (fees for travel outside of this area are detailed in the transport section below).

Security and Customs at JFK

JFK has separate security checkpoints for all 6 terminals, and passengers are recommended to check-in 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight, to allow suitable time to check-in and clear security.

The developments for the new Terminal 1 (south terminal) and Terminal 6 (north terminal) will launch state-of-the-art security screening with 24 security lanes planned for Terminal 1.

Security wait times are shown on the home page of the airport website.

TSA PreCheck

JFK has dedicated TSA PreCheck lines within each terminal. Eligible passengers are those who have applied online, paid the $85 fee, and have attended an appointment at an enrollment center.

JFK has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center in Terminal 4, on level 4, so if you’re traveling through the airport, you can arrange your enrollment meeting.

Global Entry Program

For expedited clearance of passengers, there are Global Entry kiosks at JFK for passengers who have been approved. Applicants must apply online and arrange an interview at an Enrollment Center, or participating airports with Enrollment on Arrival.

JFK has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in Terminal 4 arrivals next to baggage claim and participates in Enrollment on Arrival at Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

Mobile Passport

JFK has dedicated Mobile Passport Control lines for speedier U.S. Customs and Border clearance.

Eligible participants must submit their details on arrival at JFK and obtain an instant receipt that can be presented to a CBP agent, along with your passport.

Clear

There are Clear lanes at JFK in Terminals 2 and 4. To be eligible for this expedited security clearance, a passenger must enroll and attend an interview for eye and fingertip scanning. JFK also has a Clear Enrollment Center at both terminals.

JFK Airport Lounges

There are 10 lounges at JFK with some offering day pass access  (for a fee) to all passengers, regardless of travel class.

Most airline lounges are open exclusively to their premium cabin passengers or frequent flyers.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as n/a only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Find out how to avoid lounge entry fees by reading our article: The Best Personal and Business Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access.

Priority Pass Access

You can gain entry into the following lounges with Priority Pass, subject to capacity allowances:

• Air France Lounge
• KAL Business Class Lounge
• Wingtips Lounge
• Alaska Lounge

Priority Pass holders can also receive money off their restaurant bill using their lounge entitlement at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse.

Find out more information on becoming a Priority Pass member by reading our dedicated Priority Pass article, as well as cards that’ll pay for your membership fee.

Dining and Drinks at JFK Airport

JFK has over 140 restaurants, bars, and cafes with the number of eateries varying considerably between the terminals and pre- or post-security. Terminals 2 and 7 have very few options pre-security, so if you arrive early and can’t check-in, then you’ll need to head to another terminal.

If you want to plan ahead, then you can see what restaurants are available in each terminal on the airport website.

JFK Wi-Fi and Internet

There’s free Wi-Fi access in all public areas at JFK. To connect, select the network “_Free JFK WiFi,” and then “Free unlimited wifi.” 24/7 customer support is available by calling (800) 880-4117.

JFK Airport Lost and Found

JFK’s lost and found process depends on where you lost your property. If a luggage item had an airline tag and was left in the terminal, at curbside, or on an airplane, then you need to contact the relevant airline’s baggage service.

If you left your property at a security checkpoint, then you can contact TSA lost and found on 718-917-3999. For any other items or circumstances within the airport, you’ll need to submit a report on the lost and found custodian website.

For any lost items outside of the terminal areas, these are handled by the Port Authority Police, contactable at the JFK Police Desk, located in Building 269 or on 718-244-4225. Terminal 4 is the only terminal that has a dedicated lost and found service, you can reach them at 718-751-4001.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services: There’s an information desk in the retail hall of Terminal 4 and a Welcome Center in the arrivals hall of all terminals, with information for onward travel, accommodation, and more. There are also customer care agents located in each terminal identifiable by their red jackets.

Travelers Aid: Travelers Aid desks can be found in all terminals of JFK, apart from Terminal 2. These are located in the Welcome Center on the arrivals level. There’s also a desk in the retail hall of Terminal 4 and on the departures level of Terminal 8.

Children’s Play Areas: There’s a designated children’s play area in Terminal 5 with a pirate-themed playground near gate 12. There’s also a JetBlue aviation-themed play area near gate 26 for children 2-12.

Baby Facilities: JFK has 11 nursing suites that are located at gate 1 of Terminal 1, gate C70 of Terminal 2, gate A3 of Terminal 4; gates 1, 12, and 28 of Terminal 5; gates 3, 4, and 10 of Terminal 7; and gates 14, 16, and 44 of Terminal 8.

Pet Relief Areas: There are many pet relief areas inside JFK airport. You can find these at:

• Terminal 1 on the east side of the arrivals area, near gate C60
• Terminal 2 at the west end of the arrivals area
• Terminal 4 near gate 31 and at the east end of the arrivals area near gate 28 (The Rooftop & Wooftop Lounge)
• Terminal 5 at the north end of the arrivals area near gates 9 and 10
• Terminal 7 at the west end of the arrivals area
• Terminal 8 near gate 38 and at the middle island of the departures area

Duty-Free: Duty-free shops can be found in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

Smoking Areas: There are no indoor smoking areas at JFK, this includes electronic cigarettes. There are designated smoking areas outside of the terminals.

Prayer: An interfaith chapel is located in the departure area of Terminal 4.

Money: Standalone ATMs are located in Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 7. Other terminals have Travelex foreign currency ATMs. All terminals offer currency exchange services.

Luggage: Bags can be stored with Accommodations Plus International in the arrivals hall of Terminal 4. Terminal 5 offers luggage wrapping services on the departure level, and Terminal 8 offers bag storage with Meegan Services in the arrivals area.

Medical Office: Medical services can be found at Building 22A with a free shuttle service to and from each terminal.

JFK Important Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 718-244-4444

Car Parking: 347-238-3231

Travel to and From JFK Airport

Transport Options

There’s a wide range of transportation options available for passengers traveling to and from JFK airport, with most transportation available outside of each terminal.

• Train:
  – AirTrain: As well as stopping at all terminals, the AirTrain also serves Howard Beach (green line) and Jamaica Station (red line) for onward connections to New York and beyond. If starting or finishing your AirTrain journey at either of these stations, then there’s a $5 fee payable by MetroCard. Travel between all of stops is free of charge.
  – Subway: From the start/end of the AirTrain lines you can pick-up the NYC subway system. From Howard Beach you can take the A line and from Jamaica the E, J, or Z lines, all connecting to Manhattan. From Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan) the journey to JFK takes around 50 minutes and costs $7.75.
  – Long Island Railroad: Pick-up the Long Island Railroad from Jamaica to Manhattan, Brooklyn or various Long Island stations.
• Bus:
  – MTA Bus: Public buses are one of the cheapest ways of getting to and from the airport and are available from outside Terminal 5. The B15, Q3, and Q10 buses serve the airport from various destinations such as Brooklyn and Long Island. Buses accept Metrocard payment or cash, with a single route costing $2.75.
• Shuttle: Private ride and shared ride shuttles are available to and from JFK to various areas of New York and other airports. If arriving at the airport, then reservations can be made at the Welcome Center of each terminal. Shuttles may also be available from your airport hotel or car parking lot so be sure to check before booking alternative transportation. These usually depart from the Federal Circle Station on the AirTrain.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside of each terminal and charge a flat rate of $52 from the airport to Manhattan. There is also a surcharge of $4.50 for journeys between 4 and 8 p.m. on weekdays.

Directions by Car

Arriving From Manhattan

From Manhattan, take the Queens Midtown Tunnel to the I-495 and exit at junction 22A-E onto the Grand Central Parkway. Continue onto the I-678/Van Wyck Expressway until you reach the ring roads for airport access.

Arriving From Long Island

Take the Southern State Parkway west until junction 20, to connect with the JFK Expressway that takes you to the airport ring roads.

Arriving From Upstate New York

Take the I-95 and exit at junction 14 onto the Hutchinson River Parkway. Continue onto the I-678 and cross the Bronx Whitestone Bridge, continuing straight onto the Van Wyck Expressway all the way to the airport.

JFK Car Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

JFK has 6 parking lots with 5 located outside of the terminals and best-suited for short-term trips or those passengers with a bigger budget. The Long Term Parking Lot 9 is located 4 miles away from the terminals, connected via the AirTrain. Passengers can view parking lot capacities on the airport website.

Short-Term Terminal Parking

Terminal parking is in the blue, green, red, orange, and yellow parking lots. Green parking connects to Terminals 1 and 2, blue parking to Terminal 4, yellow parking to Terminal 5, orange parking to Terminal 7, and red parking to Terminal 8, although passengers can use any parking lot, regardless of which terminal they’re flying from.

Parking lots green, orange, and red cost $4 for the first half hour, or $8 for the first hour, with each additional 30 mins or part thereof costing $4 up to a maximum of $35 for every 24 hours.

Blue and yellow parking costs $5 for the first half hour, or $10 for the first hour, with each additional 30 mins or part thereof costing $5 up to a maximum of $39 for every 24 hours.

Long-Term Parking Lot 9

Long-term parking is available at Lefferts Boulevard, around 4 miles from the airport and has its own AirTrain Station for easy transportation to and from the airport. Fees are $18 for the first 24 hours with each additional 8 hours or part thereof costing $6.

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

There’s no parking or waiting permitted outside of the airport terminals, so drivers must use one of the short-term parking lots. To avoid parking costs, there are 2 free cell phone parking lots that drivers can use until they receive a call from the passenger.

One is located off the Van Wyck Expressway and the other from the JFK Expressway, and drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times.

Kiss and Fly

Avoid getting stuck in airport traffic by dropping off or picking up at the Kiss & Fly area located at the Long Term Parking Lot 9. Passengers can then ride the AirTrain for free to their terminal from Lefferts Boulevard Station.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots and hotel parking can typically offer the best rates if you’re happy to travel a little further out from the airport.

Daily parking for JFK starts from $6.99 with free shuttle services to and from the airport. Airportparkingreservations.com is a handy website to compare prices, check parking locations, and customer reviews.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

All short-term and long-term airport parking lots have several spaces reserved for passengers with restricted mobility. Rates are $4 for the first half hour, or $8 for the first hour, with each additional 30 minutes or part thereof costing $4 up to a maximum of $18 for every 24 hours.

The AirTrain is accessible for wheelchair users with elevators at each station and 2 designated wheelchair areas on each train.

Car Rentals at JFK

To rent a car at JFK you can visit one of the car rental desks in the arrivals level of each terminal or use one of the courtesy telephones available. The rental cars are situated at the Federal Circle Station on the free AirTrain.

Advantage: 800-777-5500
Alamo: 888-233-8749
Avis: 800-230-4898
Budget: 800-527-0700
Dollar: 800-800-4000
Enterprise: 800-736-8222
Hertz: 800-654-3131
National Car Rental: 888-826-6890
Payless: 800-729-5377
Thrifty: 800-331-3550

Hot Tip: Make sure you’re using a credit card that has car rental insurance as a benefit! Some of these cards offer primary insurance coverage which saves you from paying the rental companies for their (expensive) insurance!

JFK Airport Hotels

JFK has a range of 2-4 star hotels to suit most budgets, with hotels located from one and a half miles away from the terminals. We’ve included contact details for each hotel, distance from the airport, and star rating to help you choose where to stay.

Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Hotels in New York City can easily be some of the most expensive in the world, and travelers looking to stay close to the airport often pay a premium for doing so. So using your points for a free night can really save you some serious cash!

Here are our top 3 award booking options near the John F. Kennedy International airport.

The Hilton New York JFK Airport hotel is easily one of the nicer airport hotel options in the area.

Situated just a 5-minute drive from JFK, the hotel features a pool, a complimentary airport shuttle, along with free breakfast for Hilton Honors Gold members and Executive Lounge access for Diamond members. 50,000 points for a free night may seem steep, but we’ve got you covered on how to earn lots of Hilton Honors points.

The Holiday Inn Express New York JFK Airport offers travelers a convenient location, a hot breakfast for all guests, and a complimentary airport shuttle. A perfect combination for travelers with an early morning flight out of JFK. At 40,000 IHG points per night, the hotel is a solid value for both your IHG points or an Anniversary night certificate.

If you’re looking for a quality Marriott hotel close to the airport, the Courtyard New York JFK is your best option. The hotel offers a convenient location, coupled with a complimentary airport shuttle and an on-site restaurant offering fresh food, Starbucks coffee, and evening cocktails.

As a category 5 Marriott hotel, you’ll need 35,000 Marriott points for a free night or a free night certificate from one of your Marriott credit cards.

Final Thoughts

JFK is an easy airport to get around, due to the convenient AirTrain connecting each terminal. Also linking to the NYC subway system, the Air Train also makes transportation to and from the airport fairly simple.

As the existing terminals have been individually renovated over time, passengers will experience different levels of modernization and facilities, which will all change once the planned renovations are completed in 2025.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.com