Guide to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the primary airport that serves New York City and its nearby metropolitan area. JFK is around 16.3 miles from Midtown Manhattan. JFK has an annual average passenger traffic of around 62.5 million, making it one of the busiest airports globally and in North America. 

Save up to 60% on JFK Parking

More than 90 airlines offer direct flights from JFK to all the continents. The airport also serves as a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Currently, the airport has five terminals and a total of around 130 gates. The airport also features more than 20 lounges, adding convenience to the passengers.  

JFK Airport History 

Between 1939 and 1952

The plan to build the airport was initiated after the city’s primary airport, LaGuardia Field, started getting overcrowded after its opening in 1939. So, the then New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia zeroed in on land in Jamaica Bay that comprised the Idlewild Golf Course, a landing strip famous as the Jamaica Sea Airport, and a summer hotel to construct a new airfield.  

The construction began in 1943, and the airport was initially famous as the Idlewild Airport (IDL) since it replaced the Idlewild Golf Course. The Port of New York Authority (later renamed as Port Authority of New York and New Jersey) leased the airport property in 1947 and even operates the lease today.  

The City Council changed the name of the airport to New York International Airport, Anderson Field, in March 1948. But the airport used to be famous as “Idelwild.” The first flight from Idlewild took off on July 1, 1948. The opening ceremony was attended by then-U.S. President Harry S. Truman and Thomas E. Dewey, Governor of New York. 

Many foreign airlines’ were forced to move to Idlewild in the next two years as the Port Authority canceled their permits to use LaGuardia Airport. The Idlewild airport started with six runways and a 79,280 sq ft terminal building. In 1949, the building was expanded to 215,501 sq ft, and the airport even added a control tower in 1952.  

After 1954

In 1954, the airport had the biggest volume of international air traffic of any international airport. Then, a plan was made to add more terminals. A new terminal was opened in December 1957 – the International Arrivals Building (IAB). The terminal underwent expansion in 1970. But it was demolished in 2000 and replaced by Terminal 4. 

Also, various airlines opened terminals in Idlewild subsequently. By 1958-59, many carriers started scheduling jets from this airport. LaGuardia didn’t get jets till 1964. Gradually, the airport became the busiest in New York. The airport had more takeoffs and landings than Newark and LaGuardia combined during 1962-67, making it the second-busiest in the country. On December 24, 1963, the Idlewild Airport was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport. 

Where is JFK Airport?  

JFK Airport is located in Queens, NY 11430. The airport is around 19 miles away from New York City.  

JFK Airport Map  

Currently, the airport has five terminals. 

  • Terminal 1 
  • Terminal 4 
  • Terminal 5 
  • Terminal 7 
  • Terminal 8 

Map of JFK Airport

JFK Parking & Transportation  

Seven onsite lots offer parking at JFK Airport – Blue, Yellow, Orange, Red, Long-Term, Federal Circle Station, and JFK Discount Parking. Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Red lots offer hourly and long-term parking spots. But if you’re looking for cheaper JFK Airport parking rates, it is best that you book parking at any of the offsite lots near the airport. GlobalAirportParking.com ensures that you reserve it at the cheapest rates possible.  

How to get to JFK Airport  

Driving

If you’re driving to the airport, follow these directions.  

From Upstate New York 

  • Use the I-95 and take the exit at Junction 14 to the Hutchinson River Parkway. 
  • Continue driving on I-678 and cross the Bronx Whitestone Bridge. 
  • Then, continue straight to the Van Wyck Expressway to reach JFK International Airport.  

From Long Island 

  • Use the Southern State Parkway west till Junction 20 to merge with JFK Expressway. It will connect you to the airport ring roads. 

How to get to JFK Airport from Manhattan 

If you’re driving from Manhattan to the airport, follow these directions.  

  • Use the Queens Midtown Tunnel to get into I-495. 
  • Take the exit at 22A-E junction to Grand Central Parkway.  
  • Continue driving on Van Wyck Expressway/I-678 till you get to the ring roads for access to the airport.  

Public Transportation 

AirTrain: If you’re looking for the easiest and quickest way to commute around the airport, then AirTrain JFK is the apt choice. This train system connects all the airport terminals to the parking lots, rental car center, hotel shuttle pickup area, and New York City’s public transportation network at Howard Beach and Jamaica Stations. At these stations, you can use the public buses, subway, or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The AirTrain system operates 24/7 throughout the year.  

You must pay a fare of $8.50 if you board the AirTrain from the Jamaica or Howard Beach stations. There’s no fare for children aged below five.  

Airtrain train at New York JFK Airport
Image by Markus Mainka

NYC Subway System: The AirTrain connects all the airport terminals with the NYC Subway System at the Howard Beach and Jamaica stations. From Howard Beach, you must take the A-line. From Jamaica Station, you should take the E line or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). 

Long Island Railroad (LIRR): If you’re looking to reach the airport quickly from Jamaica Station, then use the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). This rail connects Jamaica Station with Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, Downtown Brooklyn, and also Long Island destinations. The travel time to the airport will be less when compared to the NYC Subway System. The rates and schedules can change depending on the day and time.  

MTA Bus: The buses operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) are another option for you to reach the airport. It is also one of the cheapest ways to commute to the airport, but the travel time may be longer. You can locate these buses outside Terminal 5. Buses Q3, Q5, and B10 serve JFK from various places like Brooklyn, Long Island, etc.  

Car Service and Rideshares   

Taxi: A ride from JFK International Airport to Manhattan charges a flat fare of $70. At the same time, the estimated rate for a ride to Downtown Brooklyn will cost between $73 and $78. A ride to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) may cost between $48 and $53, and to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) may cost between $157 and $180. 

Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are the main rideshare services that serve JFK International Airport. On average, an Uber from Manhattan to the airport costs around $90. The cost for rideshare services can vary by the ride type, time of journey, traffic conditions, etc. 

Amenities  

These are the amenities that you can find at the airport.  

  • ATM 
  • Airport Information 
  • Currency exchange 
  • Restrooms 
  • Nursing suites 
  • Lounges 
  • Charging station 
  • Baggage storage 
  • Worship spaces 
  • Service Animal & Pet Relief areas 

JFK Airport Hotel 

The airport features an onsite hotel.  

TWA Hotel 

Address: 6 Central Terminal Area Jamaica, NY 11430 

TWA Hotel at JFK Airport
Image by Nate Hovee

Hotels near JFK Airport   

These are some of the hotels near JFK International Airport.  

Radisson Hotel JFK Airport 

Address: 135-30 140th St, Queens, NY 11436 

Quality Inn JFK Airport Rockaway Blvd 

Address: 153-95 Rockaway Blvd, Queens, NY 11434 

Comfort Inn & Suites 

Address: 137-30 Redding Street Ozone Park, NY 11417 

Crowne Plaza 

Address: 138-10 135th Avenue Jamaica, NY, 11436 

Days Inn & Suites 

Address: 137-08 Redding Street Ozone Park, NY 11417 

Best Western JFK Airport Hotel 

14425 153rd Ln, Jamaica, NY 11434 

Hampton Inn NY-JFK 

144-10 135th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11436 

Holiday Inn Express Jamaica – Jfk Airtrain – Nyc 

97-18 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435 

Days Inn by Wyndham Jamaica / JFK Airport 

144-26 153rd Ct, Queens, NY 11434 

Hyatt Regency Jfk Airport At Resorts World New York 

110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11420 

JFK Airport Lounges  

These are the lounges that you can find at the airport.  

Air France Lounge 

Location: Terminal 1, close to Gate 1 

Korean Air KAL Lounge 

Location: Terminal 1, close to Gate 3 

Lufthansa Business Class Lounge 

Location: Terminal 1, to the left after security 

Lufthansa Senator Class Lounge 

Location: Terminal 1, close to Gate 1 

Air India Maharajah Lounge 

Location: Terminal 4, close to Gate A5 

Delta One Lounge 

Location: Terminal 4 

Delta Sky Club 

Location: Terminal 4, Concourse B, close to Gate 32 

Delta Sky Club Express 

Location: Terminal 4, Concourse A, close to Gate A8 

Emirates Lounge 

Location: Terminal 4, close to Gate A5 

Chase Sapphire Lounge  

Location: Terminal 4, Upstairs, after security 

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse 

Location: Terminal 4, close to Gate A5 

Centurion Lounge 

Location: Terminal 4, Level 4, after TSA checkpoint 

USO Lounge 

Location: Terminal 5, Level 4, after TSA checkpoint 

Alaska Lounge 

Location: Terminal 7, Mezzanine level above security 

Aer Lingus Lounge 

Location: Terminal 7, Level 4, close to Gate 1 

American Airlines Admirals Club 

Location: Terminal 8, Across from Gate 42, Concourse C 

Chelsea Lounge 

Location: Terminal 8, Level 4, after security 

Soho Lounge 

Location: Terminal 8, Level 4, after security 

JFK Airport Shops and Stores  

These are some of the shops and stores you can see in various terminals. You can check out the complete list of shops and stores on JFK’s official website 

Terminal 1 

  • Arrivals Eatery 
  • Eat & Go Istanbul 
  • Soy & Cake 
  • Pizza Pub 
  • Wurst Sausages 
  • Downtown Market 
  • Hudson News 
  • New York Gifts 

Terminal 4 

  • Bento Sushi 
  • Camden Foods Zippin 
  • Five Borough Food Hall 
  • La Brea Bakery 
  • Tigin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 
  • Vino Kitchen & Bar 
  • The Palm Bar & Grille 
  • Hudson 

Terminal 5 

  • AeroNuova / Piazza breakfast 
  • Cibo Express Gourmet Market 
  • Deep Blue Sushi 
  • Re:Vive Bars 
  • Lucy’s Asian Kitchen 
  • New York Sports Grill 
  • WhereTraveler Books and More 
  • Heritage Books 

Terminal 7 

  • Apartment 7B Deli & Restaurant 
  • Brindle Room 
  • Dunkin Donuts 
  • Irving Farm Coffee Roasters 
  • Johnnie Walker 
  • Le Grand Comptoir 
  • True Burger 
  • Hudson News 

Terminal 8 

  • Bobby Van’s Steakhouse 
  • Drink Martini Bar 
  • Mezze Café & Bar 
  • New York Deli 
  • SoHo Bistro 
  • Cascata 
  • Villa Pizza 
  • Hudson 

Accessible Services  

These are the accessibility services that you can find at JFK International Airport.  

TSA Cares 

It is an exclusive helping set up for passengers to request help while passing through the TSA security screening checkpoint and offers info on the screening processes to passengers with restricted mobility, medical conditions, or other circumstances. 

Wheelchair services 

If you need wheelchair services or have oxygen requirements, you must arrange it via the airline before your flight. Though you can tip the attendants, they aren’t allowed to ask for tips on the services they offer. You can complain to the concerned authorities if your attendant pressurizes you for a tip.  

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard 

The airport provides a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards program to passengers with hearing loss, autism, or PTSD. As participation in the program is voluntary, you can request it for free at every pre-security Welcome Center area in all terminals. Terminal 4 center remains staffed throughout the day, whereas the centers in other terminals will have staff from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.  

Artificial Intelligence Remote Assistance (AIRA) 

It is a mobile app made for low-vision or blind passengers to help them navigate the airport with the aid of a Live Remote ‘Agent.’ Download the app, and the ‘Agent’ will help you know what is near or in front of you by using your phone’s camera. 

Departing passengers 

Curbside unloading areas for passengers and luggage are available at every terminal. For JFK Airport departures, you must make arrangements with your carrier at least 24 hours prior to getting help with luggage check-in, ticketing, and commuting to the gate area. If you’re using a motorized wheelchair, consult with your airline officials about their policies concerning battery-operated wheelchairs when buying the ticket. 

Lost and Found   

The airport’s ‘Lost and Found’ policy depends on where you actually lost your belongings. For instance, if you lost your property at the TSA security checkpoint, then you must contact the TSA department.  

But if you lost your baggage with an airline tag, then contact the concerned airline’s baggage service. If you lost your belongings outside the terminal areas, then you must contact the JFK Police Desk. Only Terminal 4 offers an exclusive Lost and Found service. You can file a claim via JFK Airport’s official website. 

TSA PreCheck  

The airport offers an exclusive TSA PreCheck security lane in every terminal. All passengers who have enrolled online or have an appointment with the enrollment center can use these lanes. The enrollment center is at Level 4 in Terminal 4. 

CLEAR  

You can find CLEAR security lanes and enrollment centers in Terminals 4 and 7 of the John F Kennedy Airport.  

Attractions Near JFK Airport  

These are some of the attractions near John F Kennedy Airport.  

  • Idlewild Park 
  • Charles Memorial Park 
  • Rockaway Beach 
  • Baisley Pond Park 
  • Unisphere 
  • Rock Hall Museum 
  • New York Hall of Science 
  • Tribute Park 
  • Canarsie Pier 
  • Queens Museum 

JFK Airport FAQs  

What time does JFK Airport open? 

John F Kennedy Airport is open 24/7. However, the check-in and TSA screening hours may vary based on the flight schedule.  

Is there a hotel at JFK Airport? 

Yes, the TWA Hotel is located inside JFK International Airport. The hotel is at 6 Central Terminal Area Jamaica, NY 11430. 

How big is JFK Airport?  

John F Kennedy Airport spans an area of around 5,200 acres, making it the biggest in the New York metropolitan area. 

How many terminals are at JFK Airport? 

The airport has five terminals – 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. There are around 130 gates across all the terminals.  

Who is the owner of JFK Airport? 

The City of New York owns JFK Airport. However, the airport is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. 

What airline has the most flights from JFK? 

Delta Air Lines operates the most flights from JFK International Airport, followed by JetBlue. 

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