New York Airport Guide

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York City's main international gateway. The practical challenge is not the airport's size so much as its five separate passenger terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Check the terminal used by your operating airline before you travel, especially on a codeshare or connection.

Each terminal has its own check-in, security, shops, and gates. If your next flight leaves from another terminal, the AirTrain is free within the airport, but you will need to clear TSA security again at the departure terminal. That extra security step is the catch: a short train ride does not always mean a short connection.

New York Area Airports

New York City is served by three major airports. Always compare fares across all three—price differences of $100+ are common on the same route.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) — 17 km from JFK

• Primarily domestic flights (limited Canada/Caribbean)
• Closest to Manhattan (20-40 min by car)
• Major hub for Delta and American domestic operations
• Recently renovated terminals
• Best for: Domestic travel, Manhattan-based trips

Newark Liberty (EWR) — 33 km from JFK

• Major United Airlines hub
• Strong international network (Star Alliance)
• NJ Transit + AirTrain to Penn Station (30-45 min, ~$16)
• Often cheaper than JFK for same routes
• Best for: United flyers, travelers to New Jersey, budget international

Comparison:

	JFK	LaGuardia (LGA)	Newark (EWR)
Main carriers	Delta, JetBlue, intl	Delta, American	United
To Midtown	45-90 min	20-40 min	40-60 min
Transit fare	$11.75	Bus only	~$16
International	Extensive	Minimal	Strong (United)
Best for	Intl travel	Domestic	United/Star Alliance

Pro tip: For Manhattan, LaGuardia is usually fastest. For Brooklyn, JFK is often most convenient. For Newark, stay in Manhattan or NJ—transit to Brooklyn is tedious.

Start by checking the terminal for the operating carrier, not just the airline named on your booking. Codeshare partners may use different terminals.

• Same terminal: Follow signs for your onward gate and confirm with your airline whether your checked bag is tagged through.
• Different terminal: Take the free AirTrain. The airport says terminal-to-terminal trips take under 10 minutes and trains generally run every 5-15 minutes. After changing terminals, allow time to clear TSA security again.
• Arriving internationally: Follow the immigration, baggage, and customs process shown for your itinerary, then continue to your departure terminal. Precleared arrivals follow a different flow.
• Separate tickets: Treat this as a new departure. Collect your bag, go to the correct terminal, check in again, and clear security. Build in substantially more time because the onward airline is not normally responsible for protecting the connection.

The useful rule: Do not judge a JFK connection by flight times alone. Check the terminals and ticket arrangement first; those two details determine how much work the transfer involves.

JFK is in Queens, southeast of Manhattan. If you are headed to Midtown, public transport is usually the most predictable choice while airport construction continues. Driving times can swing sharply with traffic:

• Midtown Manhattan: 45-90 minutes by car
• Brooklyn: 30-60 minutes
• Queens neighborhoods: 20-40 minutes

Take the AirTrain to Jamaica for the E, J, and Z subway lines or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Take it to Howard Beach for the A subway line. Use Jamaica and the LIRR when speed to Penn Station or Grand Central matters; use the subway when price matters more.

Uber and Lyft are available at JFK. Follow the official signs for your terminal's app-based ride pickup area rather than accepting an unsolicited ride in the arrivals hall.

Yellow taxis charge a $70 base flat fare between JFK and Manhattan. Airport, state, congestion, and rush-hour surcharges may apply, and tolls and tip are extra. A taxi becomes more competitive when you can split the cost; for one traveler, compare the full taxi total with AirTrain and rail.

The AirTrain + Subway combination is the lower-cost rail option at $11.75 total for one adult before any discounts:

1. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica for the E, J, or Z, or to Howard Beach for the A ($8.75)
2. Tap separately to enter the subway ($3.00)
3. Allow extra time for the station transfer and any service changes

The LIRR + AirTrain usually costs more but gives you a faster rail leg to Midtown:

1. AirTrain to Jamaica Station
2. LIRR from Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison
3. Buy the LIRR ticket before boarding in the TrainTime app or at the station; the rail fare is separate from AirTrain

Schedules and service changes matter more late at night, so check the MTA trip planner before choosing between subway and LIRR.

JFK offers both short-term and long-term parking. Economy parking in the Yellow or Blue Lots offers the best daily rates at around $18/day with free AirTrain service to terminals.

Terminal parking costs $8/hour with a $39/day maximum. For trips longer than 3 days, off-airport parking at services like The Parking Spot or Park Ride Fly offer competitive rates with shuttle service.

JFK's dining has improved significantly. Top recommendations:

• Terminal 4: Shake Shack, Deep Blue Sushi, Uptown Brasserie
• Terminal 5 (JetBlue): Blue Potato, Deep Blue Sushi, Cibo Express
• Terminal 7: British Airways Galleries lounge (for BA passengers)
• Terminal 8: Bobby Van's Steakhouse, Cotto

For the best variety, Terminal 4's retail hall offers numerous options before and after security.

Free WiFi is available throughout JFK. Connect to "JFK Free Wi-Fi" and accept terms. The connection is adequate for basic browsing but can be slow during peak hours.

Premium travelers can access faster connections in airline lounges. The Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4) is available to Amex Platinum cardholders.

Purchase SIM cards at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7)
• Best Buy Express kiosks (various terminals)
• T-Mobile stores near arrivals

Pre-ordering a SIM for pickup (services like SimOptions or Amazon lockers) can save time and money.

ATMs are plentiful throughout all terminals, typically operated by major banks like Chase, Citibank, and Bank of America. Most charge $3-5 for out-of-network withdrawals.

Travelex currency exchange operates in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Exchange rates include significant markups - using your bank's ATM or a service like Wise is usually more economical.

Duty-free shopping is available for international departures:

• DFS (Terminal 1, 4): Luxury goods, spirits, cosmetics
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (all terminals)
• Brookstone: Electronics and gadgets
• FAO Schwarz (Terminal 4): Toys and novelties

Terminal 4 offers the best shopping selection overall.

Hotels near JFK range from budget chains to premium options. The TWA Hotel is a standout—this iconic mid-century modern property is located inside Terminal 5 and is a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts or those with early morning flights. Other reliable options include the Hilton JFK and Courtyard by Marriott, both offering free shuttle service.

New York City offers world-class attractions within reach:

• Times Square & Broadway: 45-60 minutes via AirTrain + subway
• Central Park & Upper East Side: About 1 hour
• Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO): 40-50 minutes
• The Rockaways Beach: 30-40 minutes via A train

New York's subway runs 24/7, making late-night arrivals manageable. Consider purchasing an unlimited MetroCard if staying multiple days.