John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Also known as: JFK Airport, Kennedy Airport, New York JFK, John F. Kennedy Airport, JFK International Airport. Formerly Idlewild Airport.
Private transfer from JFKSee pricesSee pricesAbout John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), also known as JFK Airport or Kennedy Airport, is the main international airport of New York City in the United States. It opened in 1948 as Idlewild Airport and still turns up under that name in searches.
Nearly 100 airlines fly from JFK, to destinations on every inhabited continent. Delta, JetBlue and American carry around two-thirds of its passengers, with long-haul carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Emirates and Avianca adding flights to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. Busy domestic routes link it with Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami and the Caribbean.
Five passenger terminals are in use, numbered 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8, all linked by the AirTrain. Two new terminals, the New Terminal One and Terminal 6, are being built, so some airlines will change terminals over the next few years.
The airport sits in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, on the edge of Jamaica Bay, about 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Midtown Manhattan. Cars reach it on the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678) and the Belt Parkway, and the AirTrain connects it with the subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica and Howard Beach, for Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, on land owned by the City of New York
- Runways
Four, in two parallel pairs; the longest, 13R/31L, is 14,511 ft (4,423 m)
- Passengers per year
62.6 million in 2025
- Terminals
Five in use: 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8
- Opened
1948, as New York International Airport (Idlewild); renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport in December 1963
Arrival tips for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
International passengers go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection first. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line. Then collect your bags in the baggage claim of your terminal; luggage carts are available, and your airline's baggage office handles delayed or lost bags.
Leaving the arrivals hall, look for the Port Authority Welcome Center or Information Center, where staff in red uniforms help with directions and ground transportation. Follow the green signs for taxis, ride apps, shuttles and the AirTrain. Licensed yellow taxis wait at the official stand outside each terminal; ride-app pickups have their own signposted areas.
Ignore anyone inside the terminal who offers you a ride: soliciting rides is illegal at JFK and those drivers are often unlicensed. Construction around the terminals is slowing traffic at the curb, so allow extra time for your pickup. Free JFK WiFi is available in every terminal if you need to contact your driver.
Ground transportation
A pre-booked private transfer or a taxi suits most travelers with luggage; the AirTrain and subway or LIRR are the cheapest way into the city.
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A driver meets you on arrival and takes you straight to your hotel or address in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island or New Jersey. The most comfortable option for families, groups and heavy luggage, at a higher cost than public transit.
Taxi from JFK Airport
Licensed yellow taxis wait at the official stand outside each terminal, with a regulated flat fare to Manhattan. Lines can be long at peak times, and a cab takes four passengers (five in a minivan).
AirTrain and subway or LIRR
Ride the AirTrain to Jamaica (subway E, J, Z and the Long Island Rail Road) or Howard Beach (subway A). From Jamaica, the LIRR reaches Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in about 20 minutes. The cheapest route and it avoids traffic, but it means carrying bags through stations.
Uber and Lyft
Follow the signs to the ride-app pickup areas at your terminal. Pickups can be slow while construction around the terminals continues.
Rental cars
Most rental companies are at Federal Circle, reached by the AirTrain from any terminal; off-airport companies pick up there too.
Moving between terminals
- 1
AirTrain between terminals
Free between terminals, with trains every 5 to 15 minutes and a ride of under 10 minutes. Stations sit at every terminal, plus Federal Circle for rental cars and hotel shuttles.
- 2
Re-clearing security
Most connections between terminals mean leaving the secure area, riding the AirTrain and going through security again, so leave extra time between flights.
Terminals
Five terminals are in use. The New Terminal One (first phase expected in early 2027) and a new Terminal 6 are under construction, and airlines move into them in stages, so always check the terminal on your booking or boarding pass.
Terminal 1
International airlines only, including SkyTeam and Star Alliance carriers from Europe and Asia. It will be replaced by the New Terminal One.
Terminal 4
Delta's hub at JFK and the airport's busiest terminal, with domestic flights and many international airlines from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America.
Terminal 5
JetBlue's home terminal, with domestic, Caribbean and some transatlantic flights. Connected to the TWA Hotel.
Terminal 7
International and low-cost airlines. It is being retired in phases as its airlines move to the new Terminal 6.
Terminal 8
American Airlines' hub and home to most oneworld partners, with domestic and international flights.
Airlines and destinations
Main airlines at JFK and the terminal each uses. Terminals change as the New Terminal One and Terminal 6 open, so check your booking.
Aer Lingus T7
Aeroméxico T4
Air France T1
Alaska Airlines T8
American Airlines T8
British Airways T8
Cathay Pacific T8
Condor T7
Delta Air Lines T4
El Al T4
Emirates T4
Etihad Airways T4
Finnair T8
Frontier Airlines T7
Iberia T8
Icelandair T7
Japan Airlines T8
JetBlue T5
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines T4
Korean Air T1
LATAM T4
Lufthansa T1
Norse Atlantic Airways T7
Qantas T8
Qatar Airways T8
Singapore Airlines T4
Sun Country Airlines T5
Turkish Airlines T1
Virgin Atlantic T4
WestJet T4
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free JFK WiFi in every terminal: select the "Free JFK WiFi" network. Support is available 24 hours a day.
Information Centers
Every terminal has an Information Center staffed by Airport Customer Experience Specialists in red uniforms, who help with directions, transportation and accessibility.
ATMs and currency exchange
ATMs and currency exchange counters are located in the terminals; the airport's interactive map shows the nearest one.
Baggage storage and wrapping
Baggage storage, baggage wrapping and an oversized-baggage service are available; check the interactive map for the location in your terminal.
Lactation rooms and pods
Lactation rooms and pods are provided across the terminals, with family restrooms.
Prayer and meditation rooms
Prayer and meditation rooms are available in the terminals, and the airport has three chapels.
Charging and water refill
Phone charging stations and water refill stations are located throughout the terminals.
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
The enrollment center for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR is in Terminal 4; pre-enroll online before you go.
Pet care
ARK Pet Oasis provides pet care, animal shipping and veterinary services for animals traveling as cargo.
Airport lounges
Terminal 4 Centurion Lounge
American Express Centurion Lounge between the control tower and gate A2, with dining and bars. Access for eligible American Express card members.
Terminal 4 Delta Sky Club
Delta's Sky Club lounges in Terminal 4. Access for Delta Sky Club members and eligible premium passengers.
Terminal 8 Admirals Club
American Airlines' Admirals Club. Access for members and eligible oneworld premium passengers.
Terminal 8 Greenwich, Soho and Chelsea lounges
Three premium lounges for first and business class passengers and oneworld frequent flyers in Terminal 8.
Terminal 7 Aer Lingus Lounge
For Aer Lingus premium passengers and eligible status holders; it moves to the new Terminal 6 with the airline.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline or travel agent for wheelchair service, guided assistance or oxygen before you travel. For help at the security checkpoint, submit a TSA Cares request at least 72 hours before your flight.
Reduced mobility
All AirTrain trains and stations are accessible, with elevators and wheelchair spaces, and the Jamaica and Howard Beach connections are step-free. Accessible parking spaces are in every lot, and wheelchair-accessible taxis can be requested through Accessible Dispatch or the Curb and ARRO apps.
Hearing and visual support
The AirTrain has visual signs for deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers and on-board announcements, tactile platform edges and Braille signs for blind and low-vision travelers. Live help is available by phone, WhatsApp or video call.
Service animals
Service Animal Relief Areas are available in all terminals, indoors and outdoors, and service animals are welcome on the AirTrain.
Accessible restrooms
All restrooms and water fountains in the terminals are accessible, and family restrooms are available.
Parking
Parking is limited during construction; the airport recommends booking at least three hours ahead, which also guarantees a space.
Terminal 4 Blue Lot
Short-term parking next to Terminal 4, a short walk from the terminal.
Terminal 5 Yellow Lot
Short-term parking next to Terminal 5, with free Level 2 EV chargers (parking fee applies).
Terminal 8 Red Lot
Short-term parking next to Terminal 8; also the lot to use for Terminal 7.
Federal Circle Station Lot
Lot at the Federal Circle AirTrain station, a short AirTrain ride from all terminals.
Long-Term Parking Lot
Long-stay lot near the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain station, linked to the terminals by the AirTrain. Stays over 30 days must be registered with the parking operator.
Frequently asked questions
Is JFK the same as Kennedy Airport or Idlewild Airport?
Yes. JFK, JFK Airport, Kennedy Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport are all the same airport in Queens, New York City. It opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, commonly called Idlewild, and was renamed after President John F. Kennedy in December 1963. Its airport code has been JFK since 1968.
How many terminals does JFK Airport have?
JFK has five passenger terminals in use: Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8, all linked by the free AirTrain. Terminals 2 and 3 have been demolished. The New Terminal One and a new Terminal 6 are being built, and airlines move into them in stages, so check the terminal on your booking.
Which terminal does my airline use at JFK?
Delta flies from Terminal 4, JetBlue from Terminal 5 and American Airlines from Terminal 8, alongside most of its oneworld partners such as British Airways and Iberia. Many European and Asian airlines use Terminal 1 or Terminal 4, and Aer Lingus, Air Canada and Frontier use Terminal 7. Terminals are changing during construction, so confirm on your boarding pass.
How far is JFK Airport from Manhattan?
JFK is about 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Midtown Manhattan, in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens. By road the drive follows the Van Wyck Expressway and depends heavily on traffic. By rail, the AirTrain connects to the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica, which reaches Penn Station or Grand Central Madison in about 20 minutes.
Is the AirTrain free at JFK?
Yes, between terminals. The AirTrain is free for moving between terminals, parking lots and Federal Circle, where the rental cars and hotel shuttles are. You only pay a fare when you enter or leave at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations to connect with the subway or the Long Island Rail Road.
Is there a flat taxi fare from JFK to Manhattan?
Yes. Licensed yellow taxis charge a regulated flat fare from JFK to any one stop in Manhattan, plus tolls, tip and surcharges, and the meter and receipt show the fixed price. Take taxis only from the official stand outside your terminal, and ignore drivers who approach you inside the building.
When does the New Terminal One at JFK open?
The first phase of the New Terminal One is now expected to open in the first quarter of 2027, after delays to its original 2026 date. It will serve international airlines such as Air France, Korean Air, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, and replaces today's Terminal 1, with full completion planned for 2030.