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 Atlantic Terminal in downtown Brooklyn, in about 20 minutes. Peak hour tickets cost USD11.25, off-peak USD8.25. To reach Jamaica Station from JFK terminals, you must take the AirTrain (USD8.50 fare – 10-minute ride). The subway is a cheaper option (USD2.90 plus the USD8.50 AirTrain fee), but it takes 50–55 minutes.

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

For Terminal 4, the pickup area is located at Lot 66 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am, connected to the terminal via free shuttle buses. At other times, vehicles pick up passengers in front of the terminal. For Terminals 5 and 7, your vehicle will wait at Howard Beach Station, accessible via the AirTrain.

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

The AirTrain JFK runs 24/7 and is the fastest and easiest way to move around the airport. It connects all passenger terminals with parking lots, hotel shuttle stops, the car rental center, and New York City’s public transportation network at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, where you can connect to the subway, trains, and buses. The AirTrain is free unless you start or end your trip at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations, in which case the fare is USD8.50. More information

It depends on the terminal. At JFK, some gates are just a few steps from security, 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 right after passing security and head there without delay, especially if your gate is at the far end of the building.

👉 You can check average walking times by terminal HERE.

From JFK to LaGuardia you can use All County Express (Tel +1 800 914 4223), ETS Air Shuttle (Tel +1 718 221 5341), or NYC Airporter (Tel +1 718 777 5111). 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 minutes.

There are many duty-free shops (in Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 7) and restaurants in all terminals. The airport also offers amenities such as nursing rooms, beauty and spa services, charging stations, animal relief areas, and prayer rooms. There are also several VIP lounges across terminals with drinks, food, and rest areas. The TWA HOTEL, next to Terminal 5, is available if you need to wait several hours.

If you forgot an item on the plane or your checked luggage did not appear, contact your airline.

If you lost an item inside the airport facilities (public or post-security areas), fill out this form.

For items lost at TSA security checkpoints, fill out this form or call +1 718 917 3999.

This service is available in Terminals 1 and 4, provided by SmarteCarte. At Terminal 1 call +1 718 751 1770, and at Terminal 4 call +1 718 916 8963. Terminal 4 also has an office of Accommodations Plus International (Tel +1 718 751 4020) for luggage storage. Reservations

In extreme situations, Traveller's Aid (a non-profit organization) provides professional staff and volunteers to assist passengers who are lost, confused, insecure, or who have lost airline tickets or travel documents (passport, visa, birth certificate, etc.), or with insufficient funds, separated from travel companions, or in case of elderly or disabled travelers. They help anyone unable to continue to their final destination.

You can find Traveller’s Aid volunteers at the welcome center in each terminal. Their office number is +1 718 656 4870.

For those picking up passengers, there is a Cell Phone Lot, located less than 5 minutes from all terminals, providing a convenient place to wait for arriving flights. Alternatively, the Free Wait Lot, located at the AirTrain JFK Lefferts Boulevard station, is also a pickup/drop-off area. It allows travelers to hop on the AirTrain for a quick and free ride to and from 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 rooftop heated pool, 24/7 gym, hourly rooms, and an aviation museum. Many visitors choose it even just to explore.

If your connection is international-domestic or vice versa, we recommend at least 3 hours. You must go through immigration, collect luggage, and recheck it. If the connection is between different terminals, keep in mind you may need to exit security and re-enter. The AirTrain helps with transfers but adds extra time if traveling during peak hours or with luggage.

All rental car companies (such as Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National) are located at Federal Circle station. To get there, you must take the AirTrain. It is recommended to book in advance. Some users suggest avoiding Avis due to delays and poor service, while praising Alamo for efficiency and customer care.

Yes, but restrictions apply depending on the terminal and schedule. For example, the Air India Lounge in Terminal 4 does not allow Priority Pass access before 12:30 pm, even if it’s not full. Policies vary by lounge, so check in advance. In Terminal 1, the Air France Lounge is highly rated when not overcrowded.

The most valued are the Air France Lounge (Terminal 1) and the Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4), although the latter is often very crowded. In Terminal 7, Alaska Lounge stands out for personalized service. In Terminal 1, Korean Air Lounge has received criticism for outdated facilities.

Availability with Priority Pass varies by time and capacity. If you want more quiet, try to access before noon or after 8:00 pm.

In Terminal 5, there is a USO Center, exclusively for active military personnel. However, it is currently closed due to renovations in the terminal. Many users have expressed frustration at not being able to use the service, even during long layovers.

Experiences are mixed. Many passengers complain about hostile attitudes, lack of empathy, or rough treatment at security checkpoints, especially in Terminals 4 and 5. In some cases, humiliation or lack of consideration for elderly passengers or those with medical conditions has been reported. We recommend staying calm and asking for a supervisor if necessary.

In case of long delays or cancellations, you should contact your airline directly. Some, like Delta Air Lines, offer assistance and vouchers in certain situations. If you get stranded, you can use the waiting areas or check availability at the TWA Hotel. Also, there are areas without food access between midnight and 3:00 am, so plan ahead.

JFK offers plenty of options, but quality varies greatly depending on the terminal. At Terminal 5, the TWA Hotel restaurant stands out for its gourmet food (recommended: pumpkin soup and roasted cauliflower). At Terminal 4, Buffalo Wild Wings has good wait times and dishes like burgers and wings. However, always check prices and avoid ordering via QR without reviewing the automatic tip.

Users recommend avoiding Pizza Pub at Terminal 1 due to high prices and poor quality. In general, prices at JFK are high: a basic combo can cost USD 15.00–20.00.

iS Duty Free stores are located in Terminals 1 and 5 and offer perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and luxury items. Note: there are mixed reviews regarding customer service and the authenticity of some products. At Terminal 5, you can find exclusive JetBlue merchandise, and at the TWA Hotel there is a vintage shop ideal for unique aviation-related gifts.

There are several international currency exchange counters located in Terminals 1, 4, and 7. In addition, ATMs can be found in Terminals 1, 4, and 5.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas outside each terminal.