A Guide to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

13.05.21 11:26 AM Comment(s) By Cars Staff

New York City
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one among the busiest airports in the world and the 5th busiest airport in the USA. Every year, it serves more than 61 million passengers. JFK is in the borough of Queens, New York. Out of three airports (LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International) which serve the New York City metro area, JFK is the largest.

Originally JFK was known as Idlewild Airport, renamed in 1963 as a tribute to the country's 35th president John F. Kennedy.

Quick Info about JFK Airport

Terminals

 6 (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, Terminal 8)

Location

Queens, NY 11430

Distance from Manhattan

Approximately 15 miles (24 km)

Distance to Times Square

A taxi to Times Square will take approximately 40 minutes

JFK Important Phone Numbers

Passengers Served

Over 59 million annually

Flight Information

Click here for departures and arrival information

Airport Map

JFK Airport Map

Things to Know Before You Visit

Although JFK's terminal names start from Terminal 1 and end at Terminal 8, there are only 6 terminals. Many years ago, Terminals 3 and 6 were demolished. All other terminals are connected via the complimentary AirTrain and also connect to the New York City subway system. If you're unsure on which terminal you are flying from, it is recommended to look for your airline when you’re about to approach the airport, as  airlines move terminals from time to time at JFK.                   

JFK is a very spacious and clean airport from which you can fly anywhere in the world. For first-time visitors to New York, it's a little difficult to go to Manhattan as there is a lot of traffic, especially at rush hour. However, you can get to the airport via subway, the safest and easiest option if you don't carry heavy luggage.

Airlines Operating From JFK Airport

JFK Airport

Terminal 1

Aeroflot, Air China, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airways, China Eastern Airlines, EVA Air, Interjet, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Viva Aerobus.

Terminal 2

Delta Air Lines (domestic flights except for flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle/Tacoma)

Terminal 4

Delta Air Lines (international flights and flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle/Tacoma)

Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air India, Air Serbia, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Avianca, Caribbean Airlines, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Copa Airlines, Eastern Airlines, EgyptAir, El Al, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hainan Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, LATAM, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, Uzbekistan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Volaris, WestJet, XiamenAir

Terminal 5

Aer Lingus, Cape Air, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, TAP Air Portugal

Terminal 7

Aerolineas Argentinas, Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Eurowings, Iberia, Icelandair, LOT Polish Airlines, Norwegian Air, Ukraine International Airlines

Terminal 8

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ethiopian Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian

Public Transportation and Taxis

New York City

Taxi

When you reach the airport, follow the signs for the taxi stands; an attendant will help you find a cab. Although, taxis are an iconic part of New York City, you can also book your ride from Cars. The drivers are more reliable and even you can get chauffeur service and experience luxury.

Airport Shuttle

Choose from Go Airlink, NYC Airporter shuttles, or any other van company. At the ground transportation area of the airport, you can purchase the tickets from the shuttle desk.

Subway

To connect to the NYC subway system, a visitor needs to take the AirTrain to the Sutphin Boulevard/Archer Avenue JFK Airport station in Jamaica, Queens, to connect to the E, J, or Z trains, also can take the AirTrain to the Howard Beach Station to connect to the A train. If taking the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), connect to the AirTrain at Jamaica Station. 

Bus

You can find 5 bus lines - Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, and B15, which connects the airport to Brooklyn and Queens. From Terminal 5, all of the buses drop off and pick up passengers.

Where to Shop

New York City

Visitors can find ample shopping opportunities in all the terminals, including Books & Magazines, Convenience Shopping, Duty Free, Electronics, Fashion & Accessories, Florist, Gifts & Souvenirs, Spirits & Wine, and Travel Essentials. 

JFK Airport Lounges

Terminal 1

Air France Lounge & Lufthansa Lounge

Terminal 2

Delta Sky Club

Terminal 4

Air India Lounge, Delta Sky Club Lounge, El Al King David Lounge, Emirates Lounge, Etihad Lounge, Swiss Lounge, Virgin Clubhouse, Wing Tips Lounge

Terminal 5

USO Center

Terminal 7

Concorde Lounge

JFK Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

At JFK, free Wi-Fi access is there in all public areas. To connect your device, select the network “_Free JFK WiFi,” and then “Free unlimited wifi.” For your help, 24/7 customer support is available, just call at 800-880-4117.

JFK Airport Hotels

New York City

This airport has various hotels ranges from 2- to 4-star to suit your needs and budgets. We have short-listed some of the best hotels which are located in or between 1.7 miles from the terminals.

On Airport Hotel

TWA Hotel

6 central Terminal Area Jamaica, NY 11430 

Off Airport Hotel

Comfort Inn & Suites

137-30 Redding Street, Ozone Park, NY 11417

Days Inn & Suites

137-08 Redding Street, Ozone Park, NY 11417

Radisson JFK Airport

135-30 140th St., Jamaica, NY 11436

Crowne Plaza

138-10 135th Ave., Queens, NY 11436

Where to Eat and Drink

New York City

Visitors can find all the fast-food staples at each terminal, but to enjoy a longer meal, we have narrowed some of the best restaurants & bars for you by the terminal. 

Terminal 1

  • Martini Bar - Departures Level -S Concourse Gate 9
  • Soy & Sake - Departures Level - Gate 6
  • The LOCAL - Departures Level- Gate 4

Terminal 2

  • BKLYN Beer Garden - Opposite Gate 67
  • Croque Madame - Gates 62-63
  • Due Amici - Opposite Gate 62
  • Shiso - Opposite Gate 64
  • Tagliare - Gate 68

Terminal 4

  • Buffalo Wild Wings - Gate B26
  • The Palm Bar & Grille - Retail Hall - West
  • Tigin's Irish Pub & Restaurant - Gate A7
  • Uptown Brasserie - Gate B32
  • Urban Crave - Gate B46
  • Blue Smoke on the Road (Temporarily Closed) - Gate B37
  • Canal St. Noodle House (Temporarily Closed) - Gate A3
  • Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar (Temporarily Closed) - Retail Hall - East
  • Central Diner (Temporarily Closed) - Arrivals Hall - West
  • Five Borough Food Hall (Temporarily Closed) - Retail Hall - West
  • Le Grand Comptoir (Temporarily Closed) - Retail Hall - West
  • Mi Casa Cantina and Restaurant (Temporarily Closed) - Gate B23
  • Pizza Vino (Temporarily Closed) - Gate B28

Terminal 5

  • AeroNuova - Marketplace
  • Artichoke Pizza - Food Hall
  • Custom Burger / Eggy Weggy - Food Hall
  • H&H Bagel - Food Hall
  • New York Sports Grill - Gates 9-10
  • Re:Vive Bars - Gate 18
  • Re:Vive Bars - Gate 6
  • Re:Vive Bars - Gates 24-25
  • Re:Vive Bars - Outside Food Hall
  • Re:Vive Bars - Gates 14-15
  • 5ive Steak (Temporarily Closed) - Marketplace
  • Away Café (Temporarily Closed) - Opposite Security
  • Caribbean Kitchen (Temporarily Closed) - Food Hall
  • Deep Blue Sushi (Temporarily Closed) - Marketplace
  • Loft (Temporarily Closed) - Opposite Gate 26
  • Lucy's Asian Kitchen (Temporarily Closed) - Food Hall
  • Market Table & Feature Entrees Bar (Temporarily Closed) - Food Hall
  • La Vie (Temporarily Closed) - Gate 22 Concourse Entrance
  • Piquillo (Temporarily Closed) - Marketplace
  • Revolucion (Temporarily Closed) - Gates 11-12

Terminal 7

  • Le Grand Comptoir - Food Court
  • Brooklyn Rebel (Temporarily Closed) - Food Court
  • Burger Joint (Temporarily Closed) - Food Court
  • Kobeyaki (Temporarily Closed) - Food Court
  • Long Island Brew House (Temporarily Closed) - Food Court

Terminal 8

  • Bobby Van's Steakhouse (Temporarily Closed) - Across from Gate 14
  • Cascata (Temporarily Closed) - Gate 34
  • Drink Martini Bar (Temporarily Closed) - Gate 4
  • New York Sports Bar (Temporarily Closed) - Gate 10
  • O'Neal's Restaurant (Temporarily Closed) - Gate 6
  • SoHo Bistro (Temporarily Closed) - Gate 43
  • Also, you can find Children’s Special Food, Coffee & Tea, Grab & Go stops at every terminal. Click hereto have a look at various numbers of eateries.

Additional Airport Information

  • Visitors can find amenities including nursing suites, pet relief stations, baggage storage, currency exchange, medical office, and ATMs throughout JFK.
  • If you want to switch to another terminal, visitors have to first pass through security one more time.
  • In Terminal 5, visitors can relax and enjoy some fresh air at the open-air deck.
  • In Terminal 5 and 8, there are children’s play areas, designed with a pirate-themed playground near gate 12, a JetBlue aviation-themed play area near gate 26, and in Terminal 8, you can find children play area near the American Airlines Admirals Club.
  • JFK has 6 nursing suites located in Terminal 4, 5, and 8.
  • Visitors can also find the space for pet relief inside JFK airport at Terminal 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
  • Visitors won't find any indoor smoking areas at JFK, including electronic cigarettes. 
  • A spiritual place - interfaith chapel, is located in the departure area of Terminal 4 and near the check-in area of Terminal 1.
  • Duty-free spots can be found in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

Final Thoughts

Due to the convenience of AirTrain and the NYC subway system, connecting each terminal, JFK Airport is designed with all modernization and facilities to make your visit to NYC easy and relaxed. There are chances of further developments for Terminal 4 by 2023. 60PX
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