John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Guide
Quick summary
JFK has six terminals connected by the AirTrain, which also links to the subway and Long Island Rail Road. The cheapest way into Manhattan is AirTrain + subway; parking is expensive, so most locals use transit or rideshare.
The bottom line on JFK
JFK's terminals are not all connected airside, and that is where self-transfer travelers get burned: switching airlines usually means exiting, riding the AirTrain, and re-clearing security from scratch. Give yourself at least 2.5 to 3 hours for that kind of connection, and check your terminal the day before, because JFK's ongoing rebuild keeps shuffling airline assignments.
For the trip into town, AirTrain plus subway is far and away the cheapest option β the AirTrain leg out to Jamaica or Howard Beach is $8.75 one-way, then a subway swipe on top, well below any taxi or rideshare. If you are driving, skip the terminal garage (up to about $75 a day) and use long-term Lot 9 at roughly $30 a day, which connects back by AirTrain.
AirportScore
Our own 1β5 rating of the JFK traveler experience, scored from the verified data on this page. See airport rankings β Β· How we score β
Traps most travelers fall for at JFK
- JFK's terminals aren't all connected airside, so switching airlines usually means exiting, riding the AirTrain, and re-clearing security β allow at least 2.5β3 hours.
- Check your terminal the day before you fly: JFK's ongoing rebuild keeps shuffling airline assignments.
- Skip the terminal garage at up to about $75/day for long trips β long-term Lot 9 is roughly $30/day and connects back by AirTrain.
Terminals at JFK
JFK operates terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 (Terminals 2, 3, and 6 have been retired or are under redevelopment as part of a major rebuild). Terminal 4 is the largest international hub (Delta and many foreign carriers), Terminal 8 is American Airlines and Oneworld, Terminal 5 is JetBlue, Terminal 7 is British Airways and others, and Terminal 1 hosts many international airlines. The terminals are not all connected airside, so transferring between them usually means taking the AirTrain and re-clearing security. Ongoing construction means terminal assignments are shifting β always check your airline.
JFK parking rates & options
| Terminal garage β first 30 min | About $6 |
| Terminal garage β daily max | About $75 per day |
| Long-term Lot 9 β daily | About $30 per day |
| AirTrain to Jamaica / Howard Beach | $8.75 one-way (free between terminals) |
| Cell Phone Lot (Lefferts Blvd) | Free |
Where the money actually goes at JFK
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $69 a day β $6 at the terminal garage β first 30 min versus $75 at the terminal garage β daily max. Over a week that is $483, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
The AirTrain connects all terminals (free to ride between terminals) and runs to two transit hubs: Jamaica Station (E/J/Z subway + Long Island Rail Road) and Howard Beach (A subway). Riding the AirTrain out to Jamaica or Howard Beach costs $8.75 one-way, paid on exit with OMNY or a MetroCard. AirTrain + subway is the cheapest route to Manhattan. Taxis charge a flat metered structure to Manhattan plus tolls and surcharges. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) picks up at designated terminal areas. Express bus and shared-van services also serve the airport.
JFK vs EWR vs LGA: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
JFK has a strong lounge lineup: Delta Sky Clubs and the Delta One Lounge in T4, the American Flagship Lounge in T8, JetBlue's areas in T5, and the British Airways/Oneworld lounges in T7 and T8. Priority Pass, Amex Centurion (T4), and Chase Sapphire Lounge (T4) options are available for eligible travelers. Lounge access is terminal-specific β you generally can't reach a lounge in another terminal.
πΆ Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available across JFK terminals β connect to the '_Free JFK WiFi' network and accept the terms.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
Because JFK terminals aren't connected airside, a self-transfer between airlines in different terminals means exiting, taking the AirTrain, and re-clearing security β allow at least 2β3 hours. For long international layovers, Terminal 4 has the most amenities. The TWA Hotel at Terminal 5 is connected airside-adjacent and is a popular option for overnight layovers, with day-room rates available.
Insider tips
- Allow 2.5β3 hours for self-transfers between terminals β the AirTrain plus re-clearing security eats time.
- AirTrain + subway (via Jamaica or Howard Beach) is by far the cheapest way to/from Manhattan β the AirTrain leg is $8.75 one-way, then a subway swipe on top.
- The TWA Hotel at T5 is worth it for long or overnight layovers β you can book a day room.
- Skip the terminal garage for long trips; Lot 9 long-term parking is far cheaper and AirTrain-connected.
- Check your terminal the day before β JFK's ongoing rebuild keeps moving airline assignments.
JFK airport β FAQ
οΌ β What is the cheapest way to get from JFK to Manhattan?
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station or Howard Beach ($8.75 one-way, paid on exit) and transfer to the subway (LIRR is faster from Jamaica but costs more). AirTrain plus subway is the cheapest option, far below taxi or rideshare fares.
οΌ β How much is parking at JFK?
Terminal garages run up to about $75 per day. Long-term Lot 9 is around $30 per day with free AirTrain access to the terminals. The Cell Phone Lot on Lefferts Boulevard is free for short waits.
οΌ β How do I transfer between terminals at JFK?
Use the free AirTrain, which loops all terminals. Because terminals aren't connected airside, transferring airlines usually means exiting, riding the AirTrain, and re-clearing security β allow 2.5β3 hours.
οΌ β Is there a hotel inside JFK?
Yes β the TWA Hotel at Terminal 5 is on-airport and connected to the AirTrain, making it convenient for overnight or long layovers. Day rooms are available.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at JFK?
Yes. Connect to '_Free JFK WiFi' and accept the terms for free, unlimited Wi-Fi across the terminals.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with John F. Kennedy International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.