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John F. Kennedy International Airport

New York · United States · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
JFK
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
62.6M / year
Terminals
5
To downtown
26 km
To the cruise port
32 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the busiest international airport in North America, located in Queens, New York City, serving the New York metropolitan area. It handles the most international passengers and air cargo entering or leaving the United States. Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, it is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and the base for JetBlue Airways.

JFK Airport spans 5,200 acres on the southwestern shore of Long Island in Queens, bordering Jamaica Bay, and is about 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. It features five passenger terminals and four runways, accommodating nearly 100 airlines with nonstop flights to all six inhabited continents. As the largest airport in the New York area and sixth-busiest in the US, it processed 62.6 million passengers in 2019. The airport is undergoing major redevelopment, including new terminals like New Terminal One and Terminal 6. It connects via AirTrain JFK, a driverless people mover system.

Getting to and from the airport

  • AirTrain + Subway/LIRR

    Free AirTrain to Jamaica/Howard Beach, then subway or train to Manhattan.

    60-90 minutes · $8-15

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Official yellow taxis or Uber/Lyft from designated stands.

    45-90 minutes · $70-100 to Manhattan

  • Shuttle/Bus

    NYC Airporter or SuperShuttle to hotels/Manhattan.

    60-120 minutes · $20-40

Taxis queue at official stands with metered fares (avoid unsolicited offers); rideshares at Lefferts Blvd or Federal Circle. Rental cars available via AirTrain to Federal Circle; reserve ahead. Public transit via AirTrain is cheapest but involves transfers; parking garages fill quickly, use off-site lots with shuttles.

Security wait: 30-60 minutes average, longer during peaks

Terminals and airlines

  • Terminal 4

    International carriers

    Major international terminal with customs; enhanced operations system.

  • Terminal 5

    JetBlue

    JetBlue's primary base; connects to planned Terminal 6.

  • Terminal 8

    American Airlines, Delta Air Lines

    Largest terminal with 55 gates; handles domestic and international.

Airlines: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways

Tips for travellers

  • Use AirTrain JFK for free intra-airport transfers and connections to Jamaica or Howard Beach stations for subway or LIRR access.
  • Allow extra time for security; Terminal 4 and 5 often have dedicated international lanes.
  • Pre-book ground transport or use official taxi stands to avoid scams; rideshares like Uber/Lyft pick up at designated areas.
  • Dining and retail are abundant in Terminals 4, 5, and 8; JetBlue's Terminal 5 offers New York-inspired options.
  • For connections, check airline lounges in Terminals 4 (international) and 8 (American/Delta).
  • Download the JFK app for real-time flight info, maps, and parking.

Good to know

  • JFK is the primary U.S. gateway for international passengers and air cargo, making it busier for these than any other American airport.
  • The iconic TWA Flight Center, designed by Eero Saarinen and opened in 1962, operated as a terminal for decades and is now a historic landmark at the airport.
  • The airport covers 5,200 acres, the largest in the New York metropolitan area, with ongoing $13 billion redevelopment adding new terminals and security enhancements.
  • AirTrain JFK, an 8.1-mile elevated rail link, operates 24/7 connecting terminals to NYC subway, LIRR, and parking.
  • Terminal 8, built by American Airlines starting in 1999, is the largest passenger terminal at JFK with 55 gates and capacity for over 13 million passengers annually.

Amenities: Lounges, WiFi, Dining/Retail, Hotels nearby, Prayer rooms, Spa services

Climate, customs and advisory

New York has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (average high 85°F/29°C) and cold winters (average low 27°F/-3°C). Expect variable weather year-round, with potential snow in winter and thunderstorms in summer.

Customs: International arrivals use Terminals 4 and 8; use Mobile Passport app or Global Entry for faster processing. Expect questions on length of stay and goods; declare food/agricultural items.

Sources (10)

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