About New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of three airports serving New York City and the New York metropolitan area, alongside LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). JFK features five active terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Terminals 2, 3, and 6 are not in operation.

This guide to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport provides a concise overview of terminal facilities and public transport options, ideal for travellers.

Information:

Every terminal has an information desk. In addition, information kiosks are strategically placed at various points throughout the airport. Volunteers in official uniforms are also available to assist.

Website:

Driving directions:

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport is easily accessible from Interstate 678 and the Belt Parkway.

Visitors travelling from Manhattan typically use Interstate 495 East before merging onto Interstate 678 South. The drive time may take 50 minutes due to traffic congestion.

Transfer between terminals:

AirTrain JFK provides seamless connections to all passenger terminals, airport parking lots, the hotel shuttle pick-up area, the rental car center, and NYC's public transportation network at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations, where one can access the subway (metro), the Long Island Rail Road, and public buses. AirTrain JFK runs 24/7, every day.

AirTrain JFK notes:
• AirTrain JFK is free within the airport; however, a fare is required to enter or exit at Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station.
• AirTrain JFK operates outside the airport's secure zone, meaning passengers must exit the arrival terminal before proceeding to another terminal.

Passengers unsure of their terminal should contact their airline to confirm. Additionally, international flights arriving late at night may clear customs at Terminal 4, rather than their arrival terminal.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Shared-ride Shuttle: Shared-ride shuttles offer a cost-effective transport option by grouping passengers headed to the same destination. The shared-ride providers at New York JFK International Airport are ETS Airport Shuttle and Go Air Links.

Taxi: Taxis are available outside each terminal. A flat charge is applied for trips between the airport and Manhattan. A surcharge is added during peak hours, between 16:00 and 18:00 on weekdays, excluding holidays. Passengers should not accept offers from individuals who solicit business. For assistance, contact the Port Authority Welcome Center, located in the arrivals area of each terminal.

E-hailing or ride-hailing: Lyft and Uber operate in New York City and can pick up passengers from JFK International Airport. The pick-up areas are indicated in the respective apps.

Public transport rail:

Rail: AirTrain JFK links all passenger terminals with New York City's subway at Jamaica Station and Howard Beach Station.
• At Jamaica Station, passengers can take Line E (to Queens and Midtown Manhattan), Lines J and Z (to Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan), and Long Island Rail Road (to Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan).
• At Howard Beach Station, passengers can take Line A (to Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan).
• Tickets are required to enter or exit at Jamaica Station or Howard Beach Station.

Terminal facilities

Money:

ATMs are available in Terminals 1, 4, 5 and 7.

Currency exchange counters are in Terminals 1, 4 and 7.

Food:

Each terminal at JFK International Airport offers a good range of food options, including bars, restaurants, and grab-and-go choices. Terminal 4 has the most options, as it tends to be busier than the others.

Shopping:

Bookstores, gift shops, and shops selling travel essentials are available throughout the terminals.

Duty-free shops are located in Terminals 1 (central concourse), 4 (retail hall), 5 (central concourse), and 7 (departures).

Luggage:

Luggage storage facilities are available in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

If you have misplaced items within the confines of New York JFK International Airport (except at TSA checkpoints), fill up this form.

If you have lost items on an airplane, contact the airline you flew with for help.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

TWA Hotel, New York JFK International Airport's on-site hotel, located at 1 Idlewild Drive next to Terminal 5, has 50,000 square feet of event space.

The airport also has many lounges, including those that accept fee-paying guests. Some of these lounges have basic meeting facilities.

Communication Facilities:

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available.

Disabled facilities:

New York John F. Kennedy International Airport has standard features such as ramps, elevators, accessible toilets, and relief areas for service animals. The airport also provides sunflower lanyards to passengers with hidden disabilities, which can be requested at the Welcome Center in the Arrivals Hall of every terminal. Additionally, accessible parking spaces are available in every parking lot near the terminal entrance.

Travellers who require special arrangements should contact the airline at least 48 hours before travelling.

Car parking:

Terminals 4, 5, 7 and 8 have a car park next to the terminal building.

Budget parking is at 149th Ave and Aqueduct Rd.

Car rental:

Car rental companies at JFK Airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, SIXT, and Thrifty. Their counters or courtesy telephones (with instructions on how to contact your preferred company) are available in the Arrivals area of each terminal. Rental cars can be picked up at the Federal Circle Station, which is reachable via AirTrain.