🏤 JFK Airport Parking – Tips and Real Experiences

Planning your parking at JFK Airport can make a big difference in your travel experience. Beyond the official rates and parking types, this guide, based on user experiences, helps you choose the best option based on your situation: short or long trip, dropping off someone, reduced mobility, nighttime hours, or a tight budget.

Rates effective as of August 27, 2025 (subject to change).

📍 Available Parking Options

JFK has short-term parking garages near the terminals, a long-term parking lot with access to the AirTrain, and free areas for passenger pick-up or drop-off. In addition, you can book in advance online, which is cheaper and safer if you are traveling on peak dates.

🌊 Cell Phone Lot (free waiting area)

• ✅ Free and very close to the terminals.
• ⚠️ You are not allowed to leave the vehicle unattended.
• ⛽ Charging stations for electric vehicles (10 points available).

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🚗 Free Wait Lot

• ✅ Fast zone for picking up or dropping off passengers on Lefferts Blvd.
• ✈ Direct and free connection with the AirTrain to the terminal.
• ⚠️ Not ideal if you have a lot of luggage or elderly people are traveling.

📆 Short-Term Parking (Garages next to terminals)

• Red: Terminal 8.
• Orange: Terminal 7. (Closed for construction)
• Blue: Terminal 4.
• Yellow: Terminal 5 (with EV charging stations).

Average Rates:

• 1/2 hour: USD 4.00 - 6.00
• Each additional fraction: USD 4.00 - 12.00
• 24 hours with advance booking: USD 60.00 - 74.00
• Without reservation: USD 78.00 - 98.00

Experience-Based Tips:

• ✅ Booking online can save up to USD 20.00 per day.
• ⚠️ High demand and queues to enter during peak hours.
• 🚪 The orange garage has limited access currently.

🚪 Federal Circle Station Lot (prepaid)

• 📆 Requires advance online booking (24 h minimum).
• ✅ Reduced rates: USD 55.00 per 24 h / then USD 27.50 every 12 h.
• ⚠️ Not directly connected to any terminal (you need to take the AirTrain).

⌛ Long-Term Parking

• 🏤 Ideal if you are leaving the car for several days.
• 🚄 Connected to the AirTrain (Howard Beach and Lefferts Blvd).
• ✅ With reservation: USD 45.00 / day. Without reservation: USD 55.00 / day.
• ⚠️ Some reports of poor signage and delays in taking the AirTrain.

🛀 Parking for People with Reduced Mobility

• ✅ Accessible spaces next to terminals and AirTrain stations.
• 💼 Requires displaying a valid disability credential.
• Special rate: 1/2 h USD 4.00 - Max. 24 h: USD 35.00
• ⚠️ Some users report little assistance in locating these spaces.

💳 Accepted Payment Methods

• 💳 Credit and debit cards
• 🌐 Contactless payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
• ✉️ E-ZPass Plus enabled

🔧 Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

• 🚗 5 chargers on level 2 of the yellow garage (T5)
• 🚗 10 charging points in the Cell Phone Lot
• ⛽ Electricity is free, but parking is charged

🚫 Problems Reported by Users

• ❌ Poor lighting in some areas at night.
• ⚠️ Lack of signs to locate the correct garage according to the terminal.
• ❌ On high-traffic dates, even with a reservation, there are delays of up to 20 minutes to enter.

🏦 Off-Airport Parking

Private companies with free shuttle to terminals. They are usually cheaper.

• SmartPark JFK: Fast and reliable service.
• Bolt Parking: Economical, but sometimes slow in transfers.
• AirPark JFK: Efficient online booking, good availability.

🔹 Final Recommendations

• 💼 If you are traveling on weekends or holidays, book at least 48 hours in advance.
• 🚗 To drop someone off: use the Cell Phone Lot or Free Wait Lot, much smoother.
• ✈ The AirTrain is free within the airport grounds.
• 🅿️ Reserve a parking space when booking your flight. Booking online is always cheaper and also guarantees you access to the lot even when it is full. To access a space near the terminals, be sure to make a premium reservation. The reservation must be made online.
• 📆 Rates effective as of August 27, 2025 (subject to change). Check updated rates and make your reservation at: parking.jfkairport.com