About a 10–15 minute AirTrain ride from Terminal 4
Long Term Parking Lot 9 is JFK’s on-airport economy option at about $20 per day. It sits out by Lefferts Boulevard, so you’re trading proximity to Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 for a lower daily rate than most private garages near the Van Wyck. You park your own car, keep your keys, and then use the free AirTrain within the airport system to reach your terminal.
The lot is open 24/7 and priced as a daily economy product, not hourly short-term. Figure the AirTrain ride from Lefferts Station to your terminal adds about 10–20 minutes depending on waits and intermediate stops. Flyers on forums often compare this $20/day rate directly to off-airport options around Federal Circle that charge similar money, with the deciding factor being whether you prefer a private shuttle or the AirTrain.
Regulars point out that the same AirTrain you use from Lot 9 is what you’ll also use for terminal changes, so build in a 30–45 minute buffer from locking your car to clearing security at Terminal 4 or 5. If you’re comparing costs with street parking in Howard Beach plus AirTrain, remember that’s roughly $5 per person each way, which only beats Lot 9 if you’re solo or on a shorter trip.
Watch out for: people complain about multiple transfers with luggage and kids, especially if they land in Terminal 8 and parked days earlier after coming through Terminal 1. The lot is big, and JFK veterans say to photograph your row sign and pole number, then put the paper ticket straight into your wallet to avoid a “lost car” walk at 11 p.m. after a long-haul.
Quick tip: on departure day, set a reminder 60 minutes before boarding time to leave the car; that comfortably covers parking, AirTrain, and a normal TSA line at most JFK terminals.
Pricing
| Stay | Per day | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $20.00/day | $20.00 |
| 3 days | $20.00/day | $60.00 |
| 7 days | $20.00/day | $140.00 |