John F. Kennedy International Airport · JFK
New York JFK Airport Guide: what to know before you fly
Official airport information checked against official sources, plus what real traveler reviews say about lines, construction, getting to Manhattan and connections.
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Photo by Meinzahn - Istockphoto
Updated October 2026
- Active terminals
- 1 · 4 · 5 · 7 · 8
- Airlines
- 90+
- To Manhattan
- 26 km
- AirTrain
- 24 h
- Taxi to Manhattan
- USD 70 + extras
Security: estimated wait time
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From recent reviews
Before you go: 4 things that catch travelers out
Construction traffic
The New Terminal 1 and Terminal 6 works turn the access roads into a bottleneck.
Tip: take the AirTrain with the subway or LIRR, or add 60–90 minutes if you drive.
Departures guidePassport control
From 15 minutes to more than 3 hours on arrival, depending on how many flights land at once.
Tip: use the free Mobile Passport Control app, or Global Entry if you have it.
Arrivals guideRide app pickup moved
At Terminals 5 and 7, Uber and Lyft pick up at the Howard Beach lot, reached by AirTrain.
Tip: open the app as soon as you land and request the ride only once you are at the pickup point.
Taxis guideNo sterile connections
Arriving on an international flight, you always repeat immigration, bags and security, even to another international flight.
Tip: check your airline's minimum connection time and use our layover calculator.
Connections guideQuick questions
What is the best way to Manhattan?
For speed, the LIRR from Jamaica (20–25 minutes). To save, the subway: USD 11.75 in total. Both start with the AirTrain. Subway and LIRR guide
How early should I get to JFK?
3 hours for international flights and 2 for domestic ones, plus 60–90 minutes if you drive at peak times. Departures guide
How much is a taxi to Manhattan?
The USD 70 flat fare becomes USD 90–115 with tolls, surcharges and tip. Only take taxis from the official stand. Taxis guide
Can I use a VIP lounge?
Only in your departure terminal, and access with Priority Pass is often denied at peak times. Some lounges sell day passes. VIP lounges guide
Is there a hotel at the airport?
Yes, the TWA Hotel, connected to Terminal 5, with rooms by the hour. Nearby hotels with free shuttles are cheaper. Hotel guide
What if I am lost or without documents?
Traveller's Aid helps stranded passengers at the welcome centers of each terminal: +1 718 656 4870. See all FAQs
Airport guides
Getting to and from JFK
- AirTrainFree between terminals, 24 hours
- Subway & LIRRFrom USD 11.75 to Manhattan
- Taxis & ride appsFare calculator and pickup points
- Buses & shuttlesMTA buses and shuttles to LGA and EWR
- Car rentalAll companies at Federal Circle
- ParkingBook online and pay up to half
- Door-to-door transfersA driver waiting at arrivals
Inside the airport
- TerminalsWalking times to the gates
- Security & TSA PreCheckLive wait times, PreCheck and CLEAR
- Immigration & connectionsCustoms and layover calculator
- Restaurants & barsBy terminal, with 24-hour options
- Shops & duty freeLargest selection in Terminal 4
- VIP loungesAccess rules and day passes
- ServicesWi-Fi, luggage storage, nursing pods
- Accessible servicesWheelchair assistance and help points
- Hotel & layoversTWA Hotel at Terminal 5
Free tools for your trip
Calculators and finders built by jfkfly.com to plan each step at JFK.
- Airline finderWhich terminal your airline uses
- Food finderWhere to eat, by terminal and food type
- VIP lounge finderLounges in your departure terminal
- Parking calculatorEstimated cost for your dates
- Taxi fare calculatorTaxi vs. Uber and Lyft, with tolls and tip
- Layover calculatorIs your connection time enough?
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Flying on from JFK? Look up transport, parking, services and more at your next airport, from our global guide Airports Data.
Flights: last calls for boarding
Information provided by third parties and subject to change without notice.
How this guide is made
Airport data is checked against official sources (jfkairport.com, TSA, CBP and each operator's website). Passenger experience comes from verified reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, Sleeping in Airports, Google Reviews, Skytrax and Reddit, summarized by topic. Jfkfly.com is an independent guide, not the airport's official site.
Official airport: jfkairport.com · Customer service: +1 718 244 4444 · Nearby hotels on Booking