Frequently Asked Questions at John F. Kennedy Airport

The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) is a commuter train that connects Jamaica Station with Penn and Grand Central Stations in Manhattan, and with Atlantic Terminal in downtown Brooklyn, in approximately 20 minutes. Tickets during peak hours cost USD11.25, and USD8.25 the rest of the day. To get to Jamaica Station from JFK Airport terminals, you must take the AirTrain (USD8.50 fare - 10-minute trip). The subway is a more economical option (USD2.90 plus the USD8.50 for the AirTrain), but it takes between 50 and 55 minutes.

The flat rate is USD70.00 to the first destination (plus tolls and tips). The taximeter and receipt must reflect that this trip is a flat rate. Taxis impose a surcharge of USD5.00 during peak hours (4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekdays, excluding holidays), which means a fare of USD75.00. More information

Lyft is available in the Cell Phone Lot areas, while the Uber pick-up area is located outside the arrival halls of Terminals 1 and 4, and on the roof of the orange parking garage of Terminal 7, with access from the AirTrain station.

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi access in all terminals. To connect, turn on Wi-Fi on your device, set the wireless network to "_Free JFK WiFi," and select Free Unlimited WiFi.

The AirTrain JFK operates 24 hours a day and is the fastest and easiest way to get around the airport. The system connects all passenger terminals with parking lots, the hotel transportation stop, the car rental center, and the New York public transportation network at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, where you can connect to subways, trains, and public buses. The AirTrain is free unless you start or end your trip at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations. There, the fare is USD8.50. More information

It depends on the terminal. At JFK, some gates are just steps away from the security checkpoint, but in others—such as Terminal 4 or Terminal 8—walking to the gate can take up to 18 minutes.

It's very important to check your gate as soon as you clear security and head there without delay, especially if it's at one end of the building.

👉 You can check the average times per terminal on the JFK Terminals page.

From JFK Airport to LaGuardia, you can use the services of All County Express (Tel +1 800 914 4223) or ETS Air Shuttle (Tel +1 718 221 5341). Fare: USD24.00 - Travel time: 45-60 minutes.

From JFK to Newark Airport, ETS Air Shuttle operates (Tel +1 718 221 5341). Fare: USD52.00 - Time: 60-90 min.

There are many duty-free shops (in terminals 1, 4, 5, and 7) and restaurants in all terminals. The airport also offers a number of other amenities including areas for mothers with babies, beauty and spa, outlets for electronic devices, hygiene areas for service animals and pets, a prayer room. In turn, there are several VIP lounges in all terminals with drinks, food, rest areas. The TWA HOTEL, next to Terminal 5, is available in case you have to wait several hours.

If you forgot any belongings on the plane or your checked luggage did not appear, you should contact your airline.

If you left an item inside the airport facilities (public and post-security areas), complete this form.

For items lost within the TSA security checkpoint area, complete this form or call Tel +1 718 917 3999.

You will find this service in Terminals 1 and 4, offered by SmarteCarte. In Terminal 1, call Tel +1 718 751 1770, and in Terminal 4, call Tel +1 718 916 8963. In Terminal 4, there is also an office of Accommodations Plus International (Tel +1 718 751 4020) to store your luggage. Reservations

It is also offered in Terminal 8, by Meehgan Services (Tel +1 718 995 9292), in the arrivals hall.

In case of an extreme situation, Traveller's Aid (a non-profit organization) provides professional and volunteer staff who provide emergency assistance to customers who are lost, confused, insecure, or have lost airline tickets or travel documents (passport, visa, birth certificate, etc.), or with insufficient funds, separated from travel companions. Also in the case of disabled or elderly people traveling alone, or who incur other circumstances that prevent them from continuing to their final destination.

You can find traveler's aid volunteers at the welcome center in each terminal. Their office number is +1 718 656 4870.

For those picking up a passenger, there are areas called Cell Phone Lot located less than 5 minutes from all terminals and providing a convenient place to wait for arriving flights. Alternatively, the Kiss & Fly free zone, located at the AirTrain JFK Lefferts Boulevard station, is also an area for passenger drop-off. It allows travelers to simply hop on the AirTrain for a quick and free ride to their terminal. See parking details

Yes, the TWA Hotel is located inside the airport, next to Terminal 5. It is ideal for long layovers or early flights. It offers direct access via the AirTrain, a heated rooftop pool, a 24/7 gym, hourly rooms, and an aviation museum. Many visitors choose it even just to tour it.

If your connection is international-domestic or vice versa, we recommend a minimum of 3 hours. You must go through immigration, collect luggage, and check it in again. If the connection is between different terminals, consider that you may have to exit security and re-enter. The AirTrain facilitates the transfer, but add extra time if you are traveling during peak hours or with luggage.

All car rental companies (such as Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National) are located in Federal Circle. To get there, take the AirTrain JFK to that station. It is recommended to book in advance. Some users suggest avoiding Avis due to delays and customer service problems, and highlight Alamo for its efficiency and good service.

Yes, but there are restrictions depending on the terminal and time. For example, the Air India lounge in Terminal 4 does not allow entry with Priority Pass before 12:30 pm, even if it is not full. Policies vary by room and it is recommended to check in advance. In Terminal 1, the Air France lounge is highly valued when it is not saturated.

The most valued are the Air France Lounge (Terminal 1) and the American Express Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4), although the latter is often very full. In Terminal 7, the Alaska Lounge stands out for its personalized attention. In Terminal 1, there are also criticisms of the Korean Air lounge for outdated facilities.

Availability with Priority Pass varies by time and quota. If you are looking for more tranquility, try to access before noon or after 8:00 pm.

In Terminal 5 is the USO Center, exclusive to active military personnel. However, its schedule is very limited (9 am to 2 pm) and is frequently closed without notice. Several users expressed their frustration at not being able to use the service, even on long layovers.

Experiences are mixed. Several passengers complain of hostile attitudes, lack of empathy, or rude treatment at security checkpoints, especially in Terminals 4 and 5. In specific cases, humiliation or lack of consideration towards the elderly or those with medical conditions has been reported. We recommend staying calm and requesting supervision if necessary.

In case of long delays or cancellations, you must contact your airline directly. Some airlines such as Delta offer assistance and vouchers in certain situations. If you are stranded, you can use the waiting areas or check for availability at the TWA Hotel. There are also areas without access to food between midnight and 3:00 am, so plan ahead.

At JFK there are many options, but the quality varies greatly depending on the terminal. In Terminal 5, the restaurant at the TWA Hotel stands out for its gourmet food (recommended: pumpkin soup and roasted cauliflower). In Terminal 4, Buffalo Wild Wings has good waiting times and dishes such as burgers and wings. That said, check the prices and avoid ordering by QR without checking the automatic tip.

Users recommend avoiding Pizza Pub in Terminal 1 due to its high prices and low quality. In general, prices at JFK are high: a simple combo can cost USD15-20.

iS Duty Free stores are in Terminals 1, 4 and 8 and offer perfumes, cosmetics, beverages and luxury items. Attention: there are mixed comments about customer service and the authenticity of some products. In Terminal 5, you can find exclusive JetBlue merchandise, and at the TWA Hotel there is a vintage store ideal for unique aviation-related gifts.

There are several international currency exchange counters located in terminals 1, 4 and 7. In addition, you can find ATMs in terminals 1, 4 and 5.

Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside of each terminal.