JFK Airport Guide – NerdWallet

Located in Queens, New York City, New York-John F. Kennedy International (JFK) is one of the busiest U.S. airports. More than 60 million passengers traveled through JFK in 2023, according to the most recent data available from The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

• Terminals: Five terminals (1, 4, 5, 7 and 8) and about 130 gates.

• Destinations served: 194.

• Airlines: Serves more than 70 airlines.

• Airport address: Queens, NY 11430.

• Phone number: 718-244-4444.

• Distance from New York City: 17 miles.

• Ground transportation options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshare and AirTrain.

Airlines with service to JFK airport

Travelers can choose from more than 70 airlines when flying to or from JFK. Depending on which carrier you select, JFK departures and arrivals occur at one of the terminals below.

Two other airlines — Envoy Air and Hainan Airlines — don’t have designated terminals.

This JFK airport map provides an overview of where each terminal is located, as well as parking lots, the AirTrain route and nearby roads.

New York-John F. Kennedy is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Its five terminals aren’t numbered sequentially because some have closed over the years.

A completely new $19 billion JFK airport is under construction, which can cause travel delays for passengers entering or leaving the airport. Travelers are advised to factor in extra commute time for their trip to the airport.

Terminal 8 at JFK does not offer any lounges.

Wait times at JFK airport security can vary widely depending on when you’re traveling. The JFK website shares wait times for the general and TSA PreCheck lines for each terminal. TSA PreCheck is available at terminals 1, 4, 5 and 8. Terminal 7 does not offer TSA PreCheck security lanes.

Travelers departing from Terminal 4 are eligible to receive expedited screening for free, even if they don’t have TSA PreCheck. Using the airport’s RESERVE virtual queue line program, you can book your spot up to 72 hours in advance.

Customs inspections are performed in terminal 4. Wait times are also listed on the airport’s website. If you have Global Entry or the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, your wait times are typically shorter.

The only hotel at JFK is the TWA Hotel. This hotel is at Terminal 5 and has a retro airplane cocktail lounge and a rooftop pool overlooking the runway. This hotel is not part of a major hotel loyalty program.

Transportation at JFK airport

Whether you’re traveling to another destination or arriving on a flight, there are many transportation options available to you.

Short-term JFK airport parking is available at multiple terminals. Passengers can use the free AirTrain transit system to reach any terminal. The JFK parking lots are color-coded to make it easier to remember where you parked.

For longer trips, consider JFK long-term parking instead. Long-term parking lots are near the Lefferts Boulevard Station. Reach the airport terminal by using the Howard Beach AirTrain line. If you plan to park for more than 30 days, you must register with AMB at 718-244-4168 to avoid having your car towed. While long-term parking lots may be farther from the terminal, the daily rates are typically lower.

Since availability can vary among lots, the JFK website features a live look at capacity to help travelers choose the best option. Travelers also can book parking right from the JFK website. When you book at least 24 hours in advance, you’ll secure a lower rate.

Rates for short-term parking are $4 to $6 for the first half-hour and range from a maximum of $40 to $80 for the first 24 hours. Long-term rates are $40 for the first 24 hours and $20 for each subsequent 12 hours (or fraction thereof). Pre-booking your parking at least 24 hours in advance can provide a discount.

New York City is a public transit and walking-friendly city, and parking can be challenging. For these reasons, many travelers avoid renting cars. If you need to rent a car, you’ll find the car rental counters on the arrivals level of each terminal. JFK offers rentals from numerous companies, including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and National. To pick up your vehicle, take the AirTrain to the Federal Circle Station.

AirTrain provides free access to terminals, adjacent parking lots, hotel shuttle areas and rental car facilities. It stops at every terminal, and it connects with local public transportation options when you want to travel beyond the airport.

When you want to transit to another airport or head into the city, the subway or LIRR (Long Island Railroad) are your best public transit options.

Taxis charge a flat $70 for trips between the airport and Manhattan. However, there is a $5 surcharge when traveling during peak hours. In New York City, there is a limit of four passengers in a cab and five people in a minivan.

Rideshare pickups from Uber, Lyft and other companies are available at terminals 4 and 5. During peak hours, Terminal 4 travelers must take the free shuttle bus to the Remote Ride App & Car Services Lot to reduce traffic congestion at the airport. Terminal 5 pickups have been moved to Terminal 7 Orange Garage roof due to construction at Terminal 6.

Travelers taking rideshares to the airport will still be dropped off at the terminal that matches their JFK airport departures gate.