John F. Kennedy International Airport
New York, US · approximately 26 km (16 mi) SE of Manhattan
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| AirTrain JFK Train · Every 5-15 min | Under 20 min | $8.75 |
| AirTrain JFK Howard Beach Branch Train · Every 7–12 min · 24/7 on the AirTrain segment[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain] | About 8–10 min JFK–Howard Beach AirTrain ride[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain] | $8.25 AirTrain fee plus regular MTA subway fare[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain] |
| AirTrain JFK Jamaica Branch Train · Every 7–12 min · 24/7[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain] | About 8–12 min JFK–Jamaica on AirTrain[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain] | $8.25 AirTrain fee; onward fares (subway or LIRR) extra[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain] |
| Hotel Shuttles to Off‑Airport Hotels Shuttle bus · Many hotel shuttles run every 20–30 min; overnight service may be reduced or suspended[https://www.reddit.com/r/travel/comments/9b00qo/jfk_airport_hotels_and_shuttle_hours/] | Commonly 10–20 min between JFK and off‑airport hotels by shuttle, depending on traffic and hotel location[https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-north-south-american-airports/1692146-jfk-airport-hotels-shuttle-experiences.html] | Often free for guests at chain airport hotels; TWA Hotel does not run its own shuttle and relies on AirTrain access[https://www.mrplaneguy.com/post/twa-hotel-jfk-review] |
Insider notes
Access the TWA Hotel’s Connie Cocktail Lounge via the red-signed elevator and tube from Terminal 5 for a top planespotting spot even without being a hotel guest.
Use an old MetroCard or OMNY card for the AirTrain to avoid the long queues at Jamaica during high-volume flight banks.
Aim for at least a 3-hour buffer when connecting between Terminals 1 and 4 or 8, especially if immigration and baggage re-check are involved.
Welcome
At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the TWA Hotel serves not just as an accommodation option but a destination on its own. This mid-century marvel invites layover travelers and locals alike with its iconic rooftop pool and planespotting bars, particularly the Connie Cocktail Lounge. Meanwhile, the airport's ongoing multi-year redevelopment reflects the juxtaposition of sleek new amenities alongside dated terminals still grappling with construction delays.
At a glance
JFK handles around 62.5 million passengers annually through five active terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Positioned roughly 26 km (16 miles) southeast of Manhattan, it acts as a hub for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways. Despite having 42 dining options, meal facilities like Shake Shack in Terminals 4 and 5 are better bets for late-night travelers than the ghostly offerings post-10 p.m. in older terminals like 1 and 7.
Terminals & layout
Terminal 1 hosts airlines such as Austrian and Turkish, while the expansive Terminal 4 is home to Delta, Emirates, and Etihad. JetBlue firmly operates out of Terminal 5, considered a more modern space, with British Airways primarily in Terminal 7. Terminal 8 is the territory for American Airlines and partners like Cathay Pacific. The terminals aren’t connected airside, requiring re-clearance of security for inter-terminal moves.
Getting to and from the city
The AirTrain network provides intra-airport transfers at no charge, but reaching Jamaica or Howard Beach via AirTrain costs $8.25, with onward subway or LIRR tickets extra. Taxis charge a flat rate of $70 plus tolls to and from Manhattan, which can take anywhere from 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. Budget travelers often choose the LIRR from Jamaica as the cheaper and sometimes time-competitive option.
Traveller essentials
Parking is available in designated garages with options including Green Garage and valet services at Terminals 1 and 4. Consider bringing a power strip—particularly in older terminals like 1 and 7—due to the scarcity of outlets. Security wait times can be significant; aim for a 2.5 to 3-hour arrival in the afternoon for international flights from Terminal 4 or 1.
Dining & shopping highlights
Shake Shack and Buffalo Wild Wings in Terminal 4 are perennial favorites. Artichoke Pizzeria offers slices in Terminal 5, and Irish pub-style bars in Terminals 1 and 7 provide quieter spots for a drink. Shoppers will find alchemy. and BKLYN Shopping Duty Free in Terminal 8, while Chanel and Bvlgari adorn Terminal 1.
Lounges
JFK’s lounge scene is commendable, although scattered: the American Express Centurion Lounge and the new Chase Sapphire Lounge are noteworthy in Terminal 4, while the Admirals Club Lounge graces Terminal 8. Lounge-hopping requires careful planning due to terminal separations; find a lounge aligned with your departure rather than hoping for cross-terminal access.
Insider tips
- Insider: Access the TWA Hotel’s Connie Cocktail Lounge via the red-signed elevator and tube from Terminal 5 for a top planespotting spot even without being a hotel guest.
- Money: Use an old MetroCard or OMNY card for the AirTrain to avoid the long queues at Jamaica during high-volume flight banks.
- Time: Aim for at least a 3-hour buffer when connecting between Terminals 1 and 4 or 8, especially if immigration and baggage re-check are involved.
- Avoid: Rideshare pickups from Terminal 4 can shift to remote lots; during peak times, catching a yellow cab at the B-curb is quicker.
- Quiet: Find solitude in Terminal 5’s far gates for calmer seating and available outlets.
- Local: The pet relief area near T8’s parking offers a quick breath of outdoor air and a handy spot for those traveling with pets.
- Time: Food options in Terminals 1 and 7 are sparse after 11 p.m.; plan to dine in Terminals 4 or 5 instead before heading to your flight.