Everything you need to know about traveling to JFK and getting around the airport.
In this guide:
- Getting to JFK Airport
- Arriving at the airport
- JFK Airport Check-In
- JFK Airport Security
- Boarding & Connecting Flights at JFK
Arriving & Checking In
Address: John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, NY 11430
Getting to JFK Airport
How to get to JFK Airport largely depends on the trip you have planned, where your starting point is, and the costs involved for each option. Group size and the time of your flight can also influence your decision.
Getting to JFK is easy whether you choose to drive or opt for public transport. The subway (which connects to the AirTrain) is one of the easiest choices but there are other rail routes, too.
Driving directions to JFK Airport can be found by entering the destination into your satnav, but you’ll most likely want to drive to your parking lot. Offsite JFK Airport parking can prove much cheaper than onsite options, and shuttle services ensure you reach your terminal on time, making these lots worth considering.
Arriving at the airport
How early to get to JFK is decided by the time of your flight and the airline you’ve booked to fly with:
- Passengers for domestic flights should arrive at the airport two hours before departure.
- Travelers on international flights should aim to get to the airport three hours before departure.
If you plan to travel during busy periods or peak seasons, it’s best to give yourself extra time to account for any long waits or disruptions.
JFK Airport Check-In
JFK check in desks and operating hours vary by airline, and the time of your flight will matter, too. For a confirmed JFK check in time, confirm with your airline in advance so you know where to be and when.
JFK online check in is available if your airline allows it, so you should check with them to see if it’s an option for you.
JFK Airport Security
JFK Airport screening at security can be busy depending on how many flights are departing, which is influence by the time or day and whether it’s holiday season. Make sure you plan ahead to account for JFK security wait times and give yourself plenty of time to get to your flight.
Boarding & Connecting Flights at JFK
Use the screens and boards in the departure lounge to check JFK flight status information so you know what gate your flight is boarding from and when you need to be there. As boarding times vary by airline and flight, you can also use an online tracker to stay updated wherever you are in the terminal.
JFK Connecting flights require rechecking your luggage and obtaining a new boarding pass. If arriving from an international destination, you’ll typically get your new boarding pass after clearing customs.
Facilities & Services
JFK Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?
JFK Airport restaurants offer travelers a huge choice to make sure you’re fully refreshed and charged for the flight, whether you want to try some new and adventurous or settle on an old favourite.
Restaurants in JFK range from fast food to sit down meals, and bars to cafes. Find something delicious in options such as Le Grand Comptoir, Wok & Roll, Mi Casa, Cascata, Blue Point Brewery, and many more.
JFK restaurants can be found before and after security in all five terminals, so there’s always something close by.
JFK Airport Shops
JFK Airport shops are a great way to relax and pass the time before your flight, and there’s plenty of choice in every terminal before and after security.
JFK Airport stores include boutiques such as Hermes, Coach, and Bvlgari in Terminal 1, Pandora, Hugo Boss, and Victoria’s Secret in Terminal 4, and InMotion in Terminal 5 with many more to browse and explore.
JFK Airport Duty Free
JFK duty free shops can be found after security in Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 7, where you’ll be able to find amazing deals on some of you favourite brands and products.
JFK duty free stores include iS Duty Free in Terminals 1 and 5, DFS Duty Free in Terminal 4, and Duty Free Americas in Terminal 7.
JFK Airport WiFi
JFK WiFi is free and unlimited for travelers in all terminals, meaning you can keep working or stay in touch with friends and family while waiting for your flight.
If you’ve got time on your hands between flights check out these things to do at JFK Airport to while away the hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is JFK from downtown New York?
JFK is about 20 miles from downtown New York if traveling by car, or about 16 miles by using public transportation. Consider cost, congestion, and the time each journey takes when choosing how to get to and from the airport.
Can you walk between terminals at JFK?
It is possible to walk between terminals at JFK, but we wouldn’t advise it. All the walkways border busy roads and crossings can be difficult. A simpler and safer option is to use the AirTrain, which is free for journeys between terminals and runs regularly throughout the day.
Which terminal is international at JFK?
There is no dedicated international terminal at JFK Airport, as airlines are split across all five terminals and offer a range of domestic and international destinations.
What airlines are at each terminal at JFK?
The following airlines can be found at each terminal:
Terminal 1: Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Serbia, Air Senegal, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Azores Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Eastern Airlines, EgyptAir, EVA Air, Flair Airlines, ITA Airways, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Neos, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris.
Terminal 4: Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air India, Avianca, Caribbean Airlines, China Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, Hawaiian Airlines, Kenya Airways. KLM, LATAM, Singapore Airlines, Uzbekistan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, XiamenAir.
Terminal 5: Cape Air, JetBlue.
Terminal 7: Aer Lingus, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, ANA, Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Frontier Airlines, HiSky Europe, Icelandair, Kuwait Airways, LOT, Norse Atlantic Airways, Sun Country Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines.
Terminal 8: American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Level, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian.
Do I need to recheck my luggage at JFK?
International arriving passengers must claim all checked backs and recheck with the airline of your connection. This is true if your bags and cases are checked to the final destination and your flights were booked together and with the same airline.
Is CLEAR available at JFK?
CLEAR is available in Terminal 4 at JFK, which can drastically cut down the time spent waiting to get through security.
Is JFK open 24 hours?
JFK Airport is open 24-hours a day, but you may have to return to landside areas once security closes if you plan to stay in a terminal overnight. Different services, facilities, and amenities have their own opening hours, which can influence how busy or noisy the terminal is.
What time does TSA open at JFK?
TSA at JFK is open for as long as flights are operating from the terminals. It usually opens 3 hours before the first flight of the day and until the last departure of the day.
What lounges are at JFK?
There are a range of lounges across the different terminals at JFK Airport. Some are linked to an airline and others are available to book. Lounges include:
Terminal 1: Air France Lounge, Lufthansa Lounge, Korean Air Lounge, Primeclass Lounge, Turkish Airlines Lounge, VIP ONE Lounge.
Terminal 4: Air India Lounge, American Express Centurion Lounge, Delta One Lounge, Delta Sky Club Lounge, Emirates Lounge, Etihad Lounge, Primeclass Lounge, Virgin Clubhouse.
Terminal 5: USO Lounge.
Terminal 7: Aer Lingus Lounge, Alaska Lounge, Lounge @ T7.
Terminal 8: AA/BA Lounge, American Admirals Club, Chelsea Lounge, Greenwich Lounge, Soho Lounge.
Is there a smoking area in JFK Airport?
Designated smoking areas can be found outside Terminals 4, 5, and 8, outside of the buildings. There are no smoking areas inside the terminals or beyond security.
Does JFK Airport have currency exchange?
Currency exchange services at JFK can be found in Terminals 1, 4, and 7 with CXI, ICE, and SDI stations. There are also some ATMs which can provide local currency.
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