Frequently Asked Questions at John F. Kennedy Airport

The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) is a commuter train that connects Jamaica Station with Manhattan (Penn Station and Grand Central) and Brooklyn (Atlantic Terminal) in about 20 minutes. Fares vary depending on the time (peak/off-peak), costing between USD 13.00 and USD 19.00. To get to Jamaica Station from the JFK Airport terminals, you must take the AirTrain (fare of USD 8.50). The subway is a cheaper option (total cost of USD 11.40), but it takes between 50 and 70 minutes.

The flat rate is USD 70.00. However, this price DOES NOT include tolls (approx. USD 7-12) or tip (15-20% recommended). Taxis also apply a USD 5.00 surcharge during peak hours (4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekdays). Therefore, the actual final cost is usually USD 90.00 to 100.00. More information.

Pick-up areas vary by terminal and have changed recently. Always follow the "Ride App Pick Up" signs:

• Terminals 1, 4, and 8: On the Arrivals level curbside.
• Terminal 5: On Level 3 of the AirTrain Garage Green.
• Terminal 7: On Level 2 of the AirTrain Garage Orange.

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi access in all terminals. To connect, turn on Wi-Fi on your device, look for the "_Free JFK WiFi" network, and select the unlimited free connection option.

The AirTrain JFK operates 24/7 and is the only way to move between terminals. The service is free for trips within the airport (between terminals, parking lots, Federal Circle). A fee of USD 8.50 is only paid if your trip starts or ends outside the airport, at the Jamaica or Howard Beach stations. More information.

It depends heavily on the terminal. In compact terminals like Terminal 7, the gates are only 1-2 minutes away. However, in expansive terminals like Terminal 4 or Terminal 8, walking from the security checkpoint to the farthest gates can take up to 18 minutes at a good pace. It is crucial that you check your boarding gate on the monitors as soon as you pass the security checkpoint. 👉 You can check the average times per terminal here.

The most direct way is via private shuttle services. Keep in mind that travel times depend heavily on traffic.

• To LaGuardia (LGA): Companies like All County Express (+1 800 914 4223) or ETS Air Shuttle (+1 718 221 5341) offer the service. The fare is around USD 30-40 and the journey takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
• To Newark (EWR): ETS Air Shuttle is one of the options. The fare is significantly higher, about USD 50-60, and the trip can last between 60 and 120 minutes.

There are many shops and restaurants in all terminals. The airport also offers amenities such as nursing rooms, spas (in T4), charging stations, and pet relief areas. For a more comfortable rest, there are several VIP lounges (with often restricted access) and the TWA Hotel (next to T5), which offers rooms by the hour ("Day Stay").

If you forgot any belongings on the plane or your checked baggage did not arrive, you must contact your airline directly.

If you left an item inside the airport facilities, complete this form.

For items lost within the TSA security screening area, contact the TSA or call Tel +1 718 917 3999.

Yes, but only in Terminals 1 and 4. The service is offered by SmarteCarte. In Terminal 1, call Tel +1 718 751 1770, and in Terminal 4, Tel +1 718 916 8963. In Terminal 4, there is also an Accommodations Plus International office (Tel +1 718 751 4020). It is advisable to book online.

In emergency situations, Traveller's Aid, a non-profit organization, offers assistance. Its staff and volunteers help lost passengers, those who have lost their documents, are without funds, or need special assistance. You can find their volunteers at the welcome center of each terminal. Their office number is +1 718 656 4870.

Yes. To wait for an arriving passenger, you can use the Cell Phone Lot, located a few minutes from the terminals. You must remain in your vehicle. Alternatively, the Free Wait Lot at the AirTrain's Lefferts Boulevard station also allows for a short wait. See parking details.

Yes, the TWA Hotel is located inside the airport, connected to Terminal 5. It is ideal for long layovers or early flights. In addition, there are dozens of hotels from all chains in the surrounding area, most with free shuttle service from the AirTrain's Federal Circle station.

It's risky. If your connection is international to domestic, you need an absolute minimum of 3-4 hours, as you must go through immigration, collect your baggage, clear customs, re-check your bags, and go through security again. If you also change terminals, add at least another hour. Less than 4 hours is playing with fire.

All rental car companies (Alamo, Avis, Hertz, etc.) are centralized at the Federal Circle station. You will need to take the free AirTrain from your terminal to get there. It is strongly recommended to book in advance.

Yes, but the experience is very frustrating. It's one of the most common complaints. Many lounges at JFK restrict or deny access to Priority Pass members during busy hours, citing "full capacity," even if the lounge appears empty. Do not count on it as a guaranteed option, especially in Terminals 1 and 4.

The most highly rated are in Terminal 4: Delta Sky Club (the most consistent), Centurion Lounge (excellent but very crowded), and Capital One Lounge (new and highly praised). In Terminal 8, the Oneworld lounges (Greenwich, Soho, Chelsea) are excellent if you have the required status. In Terminal 7, the Alaska Lounge is a reliable and quiet refuge.

The USO Center in Terminal 5, which offered this service, is permanently closed. This is a great disappointment for military personnel, as there is currently no dedicated alternative for them within the airport.

The experience is very inconsistent. One of the most recurrent complaints from travelers is the abrupt, impatient, and sometimes hostile attitude of some TSA agents, especially in Terminals 4 and 1. It is advisable to have all your liquids and electronics ready to speed up the process and minimize interactions.

You must contact your airline immediately. They are responsible for rebooking you. If the delay is long or the cancellation forces you to stay overnight, ask for food or hotel vouchers, although they are not always offered. Keep in mind that at JFK, delays and cancellations are common, so having travel insurance is highly recommended.

The quality is very variable. The safest and most consistently well-rated options are well-known chains like Shake Shack (T4, T8) and Dos Toros Taqueria (T8). For a higher quality experience, The Paris Café restaurant in the TWA Hotel is excellent, although it requires leaving the terminal. In general, prices are very high and the quality of generic airport restaurants is often disappointing.

The main Duty Free shops are located in Terminals 1, 4, 7, and 8. However, travelers warn that prices are not always cheaper than outside the airport. For unique gifts, the TWA Hotel shop offers vintage aviation-themed items. Hudson stores are ubiquitous but very expensive for souvenirs or convenience items.

Yes, you will find currency exchange counters in Terminals 1, 4, and 7. However, exchange rates at airports are notoriously unfavorable. It is much more advisable to exchange a small amount for essentials and do the rest at a currency exchange or bank in the city.

Smoking is not allowed once you have passed the security checkpoint. You can only smoke in designated areas outside each terminal. You will have to exit the building completely.