John F. Kennedy International Airport Guide (JFK) – New York

Airport Overview

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York City's largest and primary international airport, serving approximately 62 million passengers annually. Located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, approximately 15 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, JFK is one of the most important aviation hubs in the Americas and a critical transatlantic gateway for flights between North America and Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. JFK serves as a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways, and hosts operations from virtually every major international carrier.

JFK is undergoing a transformative $19 billion renovation program — the largest airport project in U.S. history — that will replace aging terminals with two new mega-terminals, consolidate facilities, and dramatically improve the passenger experience. The iconic TWA Hotel, housed in the original 1962 Eero Saarinen-designed Trans World Airlines terminal, was converted into a boutique hotel and remains one of New York's most architecturally significant landmarks.

Terminals

JFK currently operates six active terminals numbered 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, connected airside by the AirTrain automated people mover system.

• Terminal 1: International carriers including Lufthansa, Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and many others; international arrivals and departures
• Terminal 2: Currently used by Delta Air Lines for select domestic operations; being redeveloped as part of the major renovation
• Terminal 4: Delta Air Lines primary international and domestic hub; Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and several other international carriers; largest terminal at JFK
• Terminal 5 (T5): JetBlue Airways dedicated terminal, domestic and Caribbean routes; connected to T6 via an airside walkway
• Terminal 7: British Airways primary JFK terminal; also serves various international carriers; being consolidated as part of the renovation
• Terminal 8: American Airlines primary terminal for domestic and international flights; Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Finnair, and other oneworld partners

WiFi Availability

JFK provides free WiFi throughout all terminals via the "JFK Free WiFi" network. Connect by selecting the network and accepting the terms of service — no registration required. Coverage is available in all gate areas, baggage claim, and common spaces. Signal quality varies by terminal, with Terminal 4 and Terminal 8 offering the most consistently fast speeds following recent renovations. Boingo Wireless premium plans are available for faster, dedicated connectivity.

Transport to City Center

AirTrain + Subway/LIRR

The most cost-effective way to reach Manhattan is the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the A subway or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The AirTrain fare is $8.25; subway fare is $2.90, and LIRR tickets range from $4–$12 depending on destination. The total journey to Midtown Manhattan via Jamaica and the A train takes 60–75 minutes. The LIRR is faster at 30–40 minutes to Penn Station. The AirTrain also connects to Howard Beach for A train service to Brooklyn, but this is typically slower to Manhattan.

Bus Services

Several express bus services connect JFK to Manhattan, including the NYC Airporter express bus which runs to Port Authority Bus Terminal and Grand Central. The fare is approximately $18–$20 one-way. NYC MTA Q3 and Q6 buses also serve the airport, though at slower speeds.

Taxi and Rideshare

NYC yellow taxis operate on a flat rate of $70 (plus tolls and tip) between JFK and any Manhattan destination. This flat rate applies regardless of traffic. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) costs vary but typically run $45–$80 before tip. Shared ride services can reduce costs further. Be aware that outer-borough and bridge/tunnel tolls add $5–$15 to road-based fares.

Airport Lounges

JFK is one of the best airports in North America for lounge options, given its international status and the numerous global airlines operating there.

• Delta Sky Club – Terminal 4: Two locations in T4; large, modern lounges with hot food, cocktails, and shower suites
• American Airlines Admirals Club – Terminal 8: Full-service lounge for AAdvantage status holders and Admirals Club members
• American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Terminal 8: Premium international lounge for Flagship Business/First passengers
• The Centurion Lounge – Terminal 4: American Express's flagship New York lounge with a full restaurant and cocktail bar
• British Airways Galleries Club – Terminal 7: Excellent lounge for BA Business Class and oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members
• Korean Air Lounge – Terminal 1: Elegant lounge with Korean-inspired cuisine and spa amenities for Korean Air First/Business and SkyTeam Elite Plus members
• JetBlue Mint Lounge – Terminal 5: Stylish boutique lounge for JetBlue Mint business class passengers

Hotels Near the Airport

JFK has fewer on-campus hotel options than comparable hubs, but the iconic TWA Hotel is steps away and numerous hotels are within minutes via free shuttles.

• TWA Hotel: The architecturally famous Eero Saarinen terminal converted into a retro-luxe hotel; connected to Terminal 5 via a walkway — the most unique airport hotel in North America
• JFK Airport Marriott: Connected to Terminal 8 via a walkway; full-service hotel with rooftop pool and multiple dining options
• Hilton JFK Airport Hotel: Complimentary shuttle to all terminals; 2 miles from the airport with indoor pool
• Courtyard by Marriott JFK Airport: Affordable option 2 miles from JFK with free shuttle service
• Sheraton JFK Airport Hotel: On Van Wyck Expressway, complimentary shuttle, 3 miles from the airport

Food and Restaurants

JFK's food scene has improved dramatically, particularly in Terminal 4 and Terminal 8, which have undergone significant dining renovations.

• Deep Blue Sushi (Terminal 4): Fresh sushi and Japanese-inspired cuisine with a full sake and cocktail program
• Two Boots Pizza (Multiple terminals): New York-style pizza with Louisiana-influenced toppings, a New York institution
• La Guardia Airport Kitchen (Terminal 8): New York–inspired diner fare with classic NYC sandwiches, bagels, and egg dishes
• Five Boroughs Food Hall (Terminal 5): JetBlue's multi-vendor food hall featuring New York favorites including Shake Shack
• Shake Shack (Terminal 4): The New York-born burger chain at its best, with classic ShackBurgers and custard
• Starbucks (Multiple terminals): Available in all active terminals

Travel Tips

• Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2.5 hours for domestic — JFK's security lines at Terminal 4 and Terminal 8 can be extremely long during morning peaks.
• The flat-rate taxi fare to Manhattan ($70 + tolls) means there's no benefit to traffic-gaming your cab route — the metered taxi fare is replaced by the flat rate regardless of conditions.
• TSA PreCheck is available at all terminals; CLEAR is available at Terminals 4 and 8.
• The AirTrain is free to use within the airport (terminal to terminal); you only pay when exiting at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations.
• For the LIRR to Manhattan, purchase your ticket before boarding — onboard purchases are significantly more expensive.
• Terminal 7 is set for demolition as part of the renovation — confirm your terminal well before your travel date as airline assignments may change.
• The TWA Hotel bar and 1960s-themed Connie cocktail lounge (inside a retired Lockheed Constellation aircraft) are worth visiting even if you're not a hotel guest.