John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York, United States · Since 1948
Last updated:
About JFK
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the primary international airport serving New York City, located in the borough of Queens. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major gateway for transatlantic flights. The airport has six active terminals (T1, T2, T4, T5, T7, T8) and serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines (T4) and JetBlue Airways (T5). A massive $19 billion redevelopment is underway to modernize the airport with a new Terminal One and improvements across all facilities.
Why "JFK"?
Originally coded IDL for "Idlewild" (the airport's former name). Renamed to JFK in 1963 after President John F. Kennedy's assassination.
Hub For
Airlines Operating
Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, El Al, Aer Lingus, Iberia, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, TAP Air Portugal, LOT Polish Airlines, Icelandair, Norwegian, JetBlue Mint
Terminals
Terminal 1
Recently rebuilt and reopened as the New Terminal One. Serves international carriers including Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Lufthansa. Features modern design with expansive retail and dining.
Terminal 2
Currently closed and undergoing demolition as part of the New Terminal One expansion project.
Terminal 4
Operated by JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT). One of the busiest terminals, serving Delta Air Lines and many international carriers. Features extensive shopping and dining options.
Terminal 5
Home terminal for JetBlue Airways. Iconic Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Flight Center (now TWA Hotel) is connected. Features a rooftop terrace and modern amenities.
Terminal 7
Currently operated by British Airways, though scheduled for demolition as part of expansion plans. Serves select international flights.
Terminal 8
Primary terminal for American Airlines and oneworld alliance partners. Recently expanded with a new arrivals hall and connections to Terminal 7.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at JFK
American Airlines
Terminal 8 Hub
Delta Air Lines
Terminal 4 Hub
JetBlue
Terminal 5 Hub
Aer Lingus
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Air China
Air Europa
Showing 8 of 72 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
AirTrain JFK connects all terminals to Jamaica Station (LIRR/subway) and Howard Beach (A train). LIRR to Penn Station takes 35 minutes from Jamaica. NYC subway via A train takes about 60 minutes to Midtown. NYC Airporter and other buses serve Manhattan. Yellow taxi flat rate to Manhattan is $70 (+ tolls and tip). Uber and Lyft available at all terminals.
Taxi
$70 flat rate to Manhattan (+ tolls and tip)
45-75 minutes to city center
Public Transport
$8.25-10.75 (AirTrain + subway)
60-75 minutes to Midtown to city center
Popular Destinations
35-45 minutes
Midtown Manhattan
45-60 minutes
Downtown Brooklyn
60-90 minutes
Newark Airport (EWR)
30-40 minutes
Long Island City
Parking at JFK
Short-term from $6/30min, long-term lots from $20/day. Cell phone lot available for free pickup waiting....
Terminal Parking (Short-Term)
Terminal Parking (Long-Term)
Lefferts Blvd Economy Lot
Federal Circle Economy Lot
Airport Lounges
Emirates Lounge
Terminal 4
Luxurious lounge exclusively for Emirates premium passengers. Features a la carte dining, champagne bar, Timeless Spa treatments, and shower suites.
Admirals Club & Flagship Lounge
Terminal 8
American Airlines flagship facility combining the Admirals Club with the premium Flagship Lounge. The Flagship section offers a la carte dining, Flagship First Dining, and luxury amenities.
The Centurion Lounge
Terminal 5
Award-winning lounge with chef-crafted menus, handcrafted cocktails, and a relaxation room. Complimentary for eligible Amex cardholders.
Delta Sky Club
Terminal 4
Large two-level lounge with an outdoor Sky Deck offering runway views. Premium bar, seasonal menus, and shower facilities available.
Lufthansa Business Lounge
Terminal 1
Spacious lounge in the new Terminal 1 with panoramic runway views, full bar, hot buffet, and shower suites. One of the best airline lounges at JFK.
JetBlue Mint Lounge
Terminal 5
Newly opened premium lounge for Mint customers with curated food and cocktail program, quiet work areas, and views of the iconic TWA Hotel.
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Terminal 1
Elegant lounge featuring Turkish cuisine, a wide selection of beverages, and comfortable seating areas. Known for excellent food offerings.
British Airways Galleries Lounge
Terminal 7
Classic British Airways lounge with warm ambiance. Offers a deli bar, full bar with wines and spirits, and work stations.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
TWA Hotel
Inside the iconic 1962 TWA Flight Center, connected to Terminal 5 via a pedestrian walkway
A retro-chic hotel inside the landmarked Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal. Features a rooftop infinity pool with runway views, the Sunken Lounge bar, Paris Cafe, and 512 midcentury-modern rooms.
Nearby Hotels
JFK Inn
Located on the JFK Airport grounds along the Van Wyck Expressway, 5 minutes from terminals
Budget-friendly hotel just outside the airport perimeter. Free 24-hour shuttle to all terminals. Basic rooms ideal for overnight layovers.
Hampton Inn New York - JFK Airport
144-10 135th Avenue, Jamaica, Queens
Reliable Hampton Inn with complimentary hot breakfast, free airport shuttle, and clean modern rooms. Consistently well-reviewed by travelers on layovers.
Courtyard by Marriott JFK Airport
145-11 North Conduit Avenue, Jamaica, Queens
Modern Marriott property with recently renovated rooms, lobby bistro, and complimentary airport shuttle. Good option for early morning departures.
Hilton New York JFK Airport
144-02 135th Avenue, Jamaica, Queens. Free shuttle to terminals.
Full-service Hilton hotel near the airport with 356 rooms, on-site restaurant, fitness center, and business center. Free airport shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes.
Food & Dining
The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
Californian
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck airport restaurant serving wood-fired pizzas, rotisserie chicken, and seasonal dishes. Full bar available.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Bisoux
French Bistro
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Upscale French bistro in the new Terminal One with classic dishes like steak frites and croque monsieur, paired with French wines and champagne.
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Shake Shack
American Burgers
Terminal 4 (Airside)
Popular NYC burger chain serving ShackBurgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard. One of the most popular spots at JFK with consistently long lines.
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tigin Irish Pub
Irish Pub
Terminal 4 (Airside)
Authentic Irish pub atmosphere with Guinness on tap, shepherds pie, and fish and chips. A popular spot for a pre-flight pint.
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Aroma Espresso Bar
Mediterranean Cafe
Terminal 4 (Landside)
Israeli-style cafe serving espresso, fresh-baked goods, shakshuka, sandwiches, and salads. Available on the arrivals level.
5:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Uptown Brasserie
French-American
Terminal 4 (Airside)
Marcus Samuelsson upscale dining concept offering elevated comfort food with Harlem-inspired flair. Full bar with craft cocktails and wine selection.
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Federal Circle Car Rental Center, accessible via AirTrain
Avis
Federal Circle Car Rental Center, accessible via AirTrain
Enterprise
Federal Circle Car Rental Center, accessible via AirTrain
Budget
Federal Circle Car Rental Center, accessible via AirTrain
National
Federal Circle Car Rental Center, accessible via AirTrain
Dollar
Federal Circle Car Rental Center, accessible via AirTrain
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Terminal 5 Rooftop Terrace
JetBlue Terminal 5 features an outdoor rooftop terrace where you can watch planes take off and land. Open to all T5 passengers past security. Great for aviation enthusiasts.
JFK Airport Art Exhibits
JFK features rotating art installations and permanent exhibits throughout its terminals. Terminal 4 has the JFK ART program showcasing contemporary works by local and international artists.
Spa & Wellness at XpresSpa
XpresSpa locations in Terminals 1, 4, and 8 offer chair massages, facials, manicures, and other wellness treatments without leaving the secure area.
Shopping at Terminal 4 Retail Hall
Terminal 4 extensive retail hall features duty-free shopping, luxury brands like Michael Kors and MAC, electronics at InMotion, and unique NYC souvenirs.
TWA Hotel & Rooftop Pool
Visit the iconic TWA Hotel connected to Terminal 5. Non-guests can enjoy the Sunken Lounge bar, the retro-themed lobby, and purchase a day pass for the rooftop infinity pool with runway views.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
A hidden gem near JFK - this National Park Service wildlife refuge is a short taxi ride from the airport. Walk nature trails, spot over 300 bird species, and enjoy fresh air between flights.
Explore Flushing Chinatown
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train to Flushing. Explore one of Americas largest and most authentic Chinatowns with incredible dim sum, street food, and Asian grocery markets.
Visit Times Square & Broadway
With a longer layover (6+ hours), take the AirTrain and LIRR to Penn Station, then walk to Times Square and the Theater District. Perfect for experiencing the energy of NYC.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type A/B (US), USB at some gates
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $10-20 per item per day
- Showers: Free in select lounges only
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: USD (US Dollar)
- Exchange: Travelex counters in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
- Hours: Generally 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM, varies by terminal
- Tipping: Tipping is expected. 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters, 15-20% for taxis.
Airport exchange rates are terrible. Use ATMs or exchange money in Manhattan for much better rates.
Smoking Areas
No indoor smoking anywhere. Designated outdoor smoking areas outside each terminal before security.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +1-718-244-4225
Each terminal has its own lost and found. Contact the terminal operator or the Port Authority.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries ($21). Others need a pre-approved visa. No visa on arrival.
Valid passport and ESTA or visa. ESTA must be applied for online at least 72 hours before travel. Customs declaration form required.
When to Fly
Best time: September-November for mild weather and fewer crowds. April-June also pleasant.
Peak seasons: June-August (summer), Thanksgiving week, December holidays
Insider Tips
Allow extra time — JFK is notorious for traffic delays on the Van Wyck Expressway. There is no free inter-terminal transfer without exiting security (AirTrain connects them outside). The flat taxi rate to Manhattan is a lifesaver — refuse any driver who won't use the meter/flat rate. T5 (JetBlue) has the best food options. The TWA Hotel is worth visiting even if you're not staying.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi in all terminals. Pet relief areas in multiple terminals. Nursing rooms and family restrooms. Medical clinics. Currency exchange. Left luggage facilities. Multiple lounges including the famous TWA Hotel in the restored 1962 TWA Flight Center.
Official Website
Phone
+1 718-244-4444
Traveler Reviews
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