# John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

> New York, US · approximately 26 km (16 mi) SE of Manhattan

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/jfk
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/jfk.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: JFK
- **ICAO**: KJFK
- **Timezone**: America/New_York
- **Runways**: 4
- **Terminals**: 5
- **Passengers**: 62.5M/yr
- **Worldwide rank**: #20
- **Hub for**: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways
- **Official site**: https://www.jfkairport.com/

## Overview

## 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.

## Terminals (5)

- **Terminal 1** — Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France
  Terminal 1 is known for its international airlines and duty-free shopping.
- **Terminal 4** — Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Virgin Atlantic
  Terminal 4 features a wide range of airlines and amenities.
- **Terminal 5** — JetBlue Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Aer Lingus
  Terminal 5 is known for its JetBlue operations and modern design.
- **Terminal 7** — British Airways, Iberia
  Terminal 7 is notable for its international airlines and dining options.
- **Terminal 8** — American Airlines, Cathay Pacific
  Terminal 8 is a major hub for American Airlines and offers extensive amenities.

## Dining (42)

- **5ive Steak** — 5
- **Aeronuova** — 1 · $$
- **Aeroterra Urban Kitchen** — 8
- **Air Bar** — 1 · Bar · Casual
- **Alidoro** — 8 · Italian · Sandwich Shop
- **Apartment 7B Deli & Market** — 7 · Deli · Quick Service
- **Arrivals Eatery** — 1 · Café · Quick Bites
- **Artichoke Pizzeria** — 5 · Pizza · Quick Service · $
- **Aunt Butchie's Bakery Café - CEGM** — 5 · Bakery · Café · $
- **Bagel Boss** — 8 · Deli · Breakfast · $
- **Beacon Bar & Kitchen** — 4 · American · Restaurant & Bar · $$
- **Bento Sushi** — 4 · Japanese · Sushi · $$
- **Bento Sushi** — 7 · Japanese · Sushi · $$
- **BKLYN Beer Garden** — $$
- **BKLYN Blend** — 8 · Juice Bar · Healthy · $$
- **BKLYN Shopping Duty Free** — 8 · Duty Free · Shopping
- **Blue Point Brewery** — 4
- **Blue Smoke on the Road** — 4 · $$
- **Buffalo Wild Wings** — 4 · $$
- **Connie Cocktail Lounge** — $$$
- **Dunkin’** — 1 · $
- **Dunkin’** — 4 · $
- **Dunkin’** — 5 · $
- **Juniors Restaurant and Cheesecake** — 4 · $$
- **Kombu** — 1 · $$
- **La Vie** — 5
- **Le Grand Comptoir** — 4 · $$$
- **Le Grand Comptoir** — 7
- **McDonald’s** — 4 · $
- **New York Sports Bar** — 8
- **Noodle Bar** — 1 · $$
- **Paris Café by Jean‑Georges** — $$$
- **Shake Shack** — 4 · $$
- **Shake Shack** — 5 · $$
- **Starbucks** — 4
- **Starbucks** — 5
- **Starbucks** — 7
- **Starbucks** — 8
- **The Palm Bar & Grille** — 4 · $$$
- **Uptown Brasserie** — 4 · $$$
- **Vino Volo** — 8
- **Wolfgang Puck Express** — 7

## Lounges (25)

- **Aer Lingus Lounge** — 7 · Aer Lingus, Priority Pass
- **AirFrance Lounge** — 1 · Air France, Priority Pass
- **Alaska Lounge Partner Area** — 7 · Terminal 7, BA/oneworld access
- **American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge** — 8 · American Airlines, Admirals Club members
- **American Express Centurion Lounge** — 4 · American Express Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Centurion Card members
- **Be Relax** — 1 · All travelers
- **BlueHouse** — 5 · JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic, JetBlue Premier Cardmembers, JetBlue Mint customers
- **Bobby Van’s Sky Lounge** — 8 · Terminal 8, Priority Pass/bar access
- **Capital One Lounge** — 4 · Capital One cardholders
- **Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways** — 4 · Chase Sapphire cardholders, Etihad Airways travelers · $100
- **Chelsea Lounge** — 8 · All travelers
- **Delta One Lounge** — 4 · Delta One travelers
- **Delta Sky Club** — 4 · Delta Sky Club members, eligible travelers
- **Emirates Lounge** — 4 · Terminal 4, business/first + elite
- **Greenwich Lounge** — 8 · Terminal 8, oneworld business/elite
- **Korean Air Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, SkyTeam/partners
- **Lufthansa Business Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, Star Alliance
- **Lufthansa Senator Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, Star Alliance Gold
- **Primeclass Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, independent/priority pass · $68
- **Primeclass Lounge** — 4 · Terminal 4, independent/priority pass · $59
- **Qantas Lounge** — 8 · Terminal 8, oneworld business/first
- **Soho Lounge** — 8 · Terminal 8, oneworld high‑tier
- **Turkish Airlines Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, Star Alliance/partners
- **United Club** — 7 · Terminal 7, Star Alliance
- **Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse** — 4 · Terminal 4, Upper Class + elites

## Shops (37)

- **alchemy.** — 8 · Fashion & Accessories
- **America!** — 7
- **Bally** — 1 · Fashion & Accessories
- **Beauty on 5th Duty Free** — 8 · Duty Free
- **Better+** — 7 · Travel Essentials
- **BKLYN Shopping Duty Free** — 8 · Duty Free
- **Blue Sky Traders** — 5 · Gifts & Souvenirs
- **Boss** — 8 · Fashion & Accessories
- **Bottega Veneta** — 1
- **Breitling** — 8 · Fashion & Accessories
- **Brooks Brothers** — 4
- **Brookstone** — 1 · Electronics
- **Bryant Park Market** — 5 · Gifts & Souvenirs
- **Bvlgari** — 1 · Fashion & Accessories
- **Chanel** — 1 · Fashion & Accessories
- **Coach** — 4
- **DFS Duty Free** — 4
- **Duty Free Americas** — 1
- **Heritage Books** — 8
- **Hermès** — 1
- **Hudson** — 1
- **Hudson** — 4
- **Hudson** — 5
- **Hudson** — 7
- **Hudson** — 8
- **InMotion** — 4
- **InMotion** — 5
- **L’Occitane** — 4
- **Lacoste** — 1
- **Michael Kors** — 4
- **Montblanc** — 4
- **Muji to Go** — 5
- **Pandora** — 4
- **Ron Jon Surf Shop** — 5
- **Swarovski** — 4
- **Tech on the Go** — 5
- **Victoria’s Secret** — 4

## Parking (11)

- **Blue Garage** — Short‑term Terminal 4
- **Electric Vehicle Charging Stations** — Various garages
- **Green Garage** — Short‑term Terminal 1 and 2
- **Long Term Parking Lot 9** — Economy · 20/day
- **Park JFK** — Off‑site economy
- **Red Garage** — Short‑term Terminal 7 and 8
- **SmartPark JFK** — Off‑site economy
- **The Parking Spot JFK** — Off‑site covered/economy
- **Valet Parking Terminal 1** — Valet
- **Valet Parking Terminal 4** — Valet
- **Yellow Garage** — Short‑term Terminal 5 and 6 area

## Ground transport (23)

- **AirTrain JFK** — Train · Under 20 min · $8.75 · Every 5-15 min
  Children under five ride for free.
- **AirTrain JFK Howard Beach Branch** — Train · 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] · Every 7–12 min · 24/7 on the AirTrain segment[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain]
- **AirTrain JFK Jamaica Branch** — Train · 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] · Every 7–12 min · 24/7[https://new.mta.info/fares/jfk-airtrain]
- **Hotel Shuttles to Off‑Airport Hotels** — Shuttle bus · 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] · 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/]
- **Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica** — Train · Advertised around 20–22 min Jamaica–Penn Station for many trains[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · Varies by time and ticket type; CityTicket and off‑peak prices are lower but not a single fixed amount[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · Trains generally every 10–20 min to Manhattan during much of the day; sparser late nights[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/]
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · . or null
- **MTA Bus B15** — Local bus · Standard MTA local bus fare[https://new.mta.info/] · . or null
- **MTA Bus Q10** — Local bus · Standard MTA local bus fare[https://new.mta.info/] · Local and Limited service; typical daytime headways under 15 min according to MTA schedules[https://new.mta.info/]
- **MTA Bus Q3** — Local bus · Local riders report around 25–35 min Jamaica–JFK depending on traffic and stops[https://www.reddit.com/r/nyc/comments/egk3yw/mta_bus_to_jfk_q3_q10_b15/] · Standard MTA local bus fare[https://new.mta.info/] · Daytime headways roughly every 10–20 min; less frequent late nights[https://new.mta.info/]
- **MTA Bus Q6** — Local bus · Standard MTA local bus fare[https://new.mta.info/] · . or null
- **Nassau Inter‑County Express n4** — Regional bus · NICE Bus local fare applies; lower than typical commuter rail but no single fixed amount cited in forums[https://www.nicebus.com/Routes-Schedules] · NICE schedules show n4 buses running roughly every 10–20 min daytime, less evenings[https://www.nicebus.com/Routes-Schedules]
- **NYC Airporter style express buses** — Coach bus · 60-90 min · . or null
- **NYC Subway A Line at Howard Beach** — Subway · Commonly cited around 60–75 min Howard Beach–Midtown/Lower Manhattan including AirTrain[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · Standard MTA subway fare in addition to AirTrain fee[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · A train typically every 8–12 min daytime, less frequent late nights[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/]
- **NYC Subway E Line at Jamaica** — Subway · Roughly 50–60 min JFK–Midtown via AirTrain + E line per multiple transit guides[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · Standard MTA subway fare plus AirTrain fee from JFK[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · E trains generally every 4–10 min daytime, less frequent late nights[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/]
- **NYC Subway J/Z Lines at Jamaica** — Subway · Typically longer than E line; guides put AirTrain + J/Z around 60–70 min to Lower Manhattan[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · Standard MTA subway fare plus AirTrain fee[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/] · J/Z less frequent than E and A, especially outside peak; headways often 8–12+ min[https://thepointsguy.com/guide/getting-to-and-from-jfk-airport/]
- **Taxi Service at Terminal 1** — Taxi · 1 min · $70 flat fare plus tolls and tip between JFK and Manhattan[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page] · Taxis available whenever flights are operating; no fixed headway (continuous queue system)[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page]
  Taxis available curbside at arrivals level.
- **Taxi Service at Terminal 4** — Taxi · 45–75 min to Midtown depending on traffic[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page] · $70 flat fare plus tolls and tip between JFK and Manhattan[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page] · Continuous taxi supply aligned with flight arrivals; no scheduled frequency[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page]
  Follow signage to the indoor queuing area.
- **Taxi Service at Terminal 5** — Taxi · 2 min · $70 flat fare plus tolls and tip to Manhattan; metered elsewhere[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page] · Taxis queued throughout the day in sync with JetBlue banks; no fixed schedule[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page]
  Located near the AirTrain station.
- **Taxi Service at Terminal 7** — Taxi · 1 min · $70 flat fare plus tolls and tip to Manhattan[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page] · Taxis available whenever international flights arrive; no timetable[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page]
  Curbside at departures level roadway.
- **Taxi Service at Terminal 8** — Taxi · 1 min · $70 flat fare plus tolls and tip to Manhattan; metered otherwise[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page] · 24/7 availability via holding lot; no set frequency[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page]
  Curbside at arrivals level roadway.
- **Uber** — Rideshare · . or null
- **Via** — Rideshare/van · . or null
- **Yellow Cab JFK Flat Fare** — Taxi · Commonly cited 45–75 min JFK–Midtown depending on traffic[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page] · $70 flat fare plus tolls and tip between JFK and Manhattan[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page][https://viewfromthewing.com/new-york-taxis-now-have-a-70-flat-fare-from-jfk-to-manhattan/] · Available 24/7 via airport taxi ranks; no set schedule[https://www.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/taxi-fare.page]

## 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.