Your Comprehensive Guide to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York

Much like its bustling city, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport—often known by its code JFK—is always evolving. The airport is still experiencing some residual effects from the pandemic, but many of the businesses and services that were on hold have returned (though you may find that some familiar eateries have, unfortunately, closed for good).

A modern JFK is on the horizon

JFK has undergone numerous transformations over the years, but one of the most significant is on the horizon. The airport is set for a complete transformation, with plans to redesign and rebuild a new terminal complex that aims to modernize the airfield for the 21st century. This ambitious project, likely costing over $14 billion, involves tearing down existing Terminals 2 and 7 (used by Delta and British Airways) and constructing two expansive complexes, each featuring major airline tenants.

On the southern side of JFK, New Terminal 1 will serve key airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, JAL, and Korean Air, and will connect to an expanded Terminal 4, which houses Delta and numerous other international carriers.

At the opposite end of the airfield, JetBlue plans to enhance its Terminal 5 with a new Terminal 6, located next to its partner American Airlines, which will soon have an upgraded facility accommodating British Airways and its exclusive lounges.

While the vision for the revitalized JFK is incredibly ambitious and thrilling, it remains several years away from fruition. Some new facilities are set to debut in 2025, but the entire transformation won’t be finalized until 2030. Currently, the airport features a somewhat bewildering arrangement of six terminals, numbered 1 through 8—Terminals 3 and 6, originally built by Pan Am and National Airlines, were demolished a decade ago.

The Evolution of JFK

JFK originally opened in 1948 as “Idlewild,” named after the now-closed golf course that was cleared to create what was then the largest international airport in the world. By the 1960s, the airfield—renamed after the late president—had become a hotspot for celebrities, attracting stars from the Beatles to Liz Taylor and keeping local paparazzi on their toes, even warranting a dedicated press room at the airport. Although it has been outstripped in size by massive hubs like those in Beijing and Dubai, JFK is serviced by 70 international and domestic airlines, maintaining its status as a key gateway for travelers around the globe.

A standout feature of the airport is the iconic TWA Flight Center, designed by Eero Saarinen, which has been preserved and now forms part of a hotel complex adjacent to JetBlue’s Terminal 5. Fully restored, the TWA Hotel serves as a nostalgic tribute to the glamour of the Sixties and is a compelling reason to include this airport in your travel itinerary.

JFK is undoubtedly a dynamic and eclectic mix of terminals, each offering its own distinct venues and atmosphere. While navigating the complex can be challenging, there’s much to appreciate and enjoy while waiting for your flight, especially with some planning. Here’s our comprehensive guide to mastering this bustling New York airport.

Getting There

JFK is not as distant from Manhattan as many believe; it’s approximately 16 miles to Times Square. However, without a direct public transportation option like London’s efficient Heathrow Express, the journey can take between one to two hours by road or rail—unless you opt for a helicopter, which can make the trip in just five minutes for around $200.

By Rail

The quickest rail route is on the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station on Manhattan’s west side to Jamaica, Queens. From there, you can transfer to the JFK AirTrain, a light-rail service that stops at every terminal; the fare is $15 for the rail ticket plus $7.75 for the airport link. Total travel time: just under an hour.

Alternatively, you can take the New York City subway to the closest stations at Jamaica and Howard Beach, where you can catch the AirTrain. This option saves you $5 but significantly increases travel time due to the many local stops. Depending on your starting point, this journey can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour.

By Road

Taxi and rideshare fares to JFK can vary, but as a general guideline, yellow cabs have a fixed fare of $52, plus tip and tolls, for trips between Manhattan and JFK; for other neighborhoods, the metered rate applies.

Rideshares like Uber, Lyft, and other smaller services may offer lower rates during off-peak hours, but they are also subject to surge pricing, which can drive costs above $100. If you choose to drive, there are ample long-term parking options with a maximum daily fee of $20, compared to up to $42 per day for short-term parking closer to the terminals. You can check lot availability online or reserve parking in advance. All on-airport parking facilities, including long-term, are linked to the terminals via the free JFK AirTrain.

Each terminal has service kiosks in the arrivals area where you can book bus or van services. Airlink and ETS Air Shuttle are two primary van services authorized to operate at the airport. One-way fares start at $20 from JFK to the Grand Central train station in midtown Manhattan.

Pro tip: If you’re driving, aim to time your departure to avoid peak rush hour traffic—typically from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Health and Wellness at JFK

Travel can be quite stressful, and the pandemic has only added to that.

For those in need of COVID testing, there are testing centers on-site that accept both appointments and walk-ins based on availability, located at Terminals 1, 4, and 5. One of these providers, XpresCheck, offers PCR and rapid antigen tests on the arrivals level of Terminal 4.

This provider has also launched its first airport health and wellness clinic, named Treat, in Terminal 4, staffed by healthcare professionals. Beyond COVID testing, the clinic provides services like flu shots and IV drip therapy, along with private rooms available for yoga or meditation.

The company is likely better known to travelers for its massages and manicures offered at XpresSpa locations within airports. Fortunately, these locations are reopening after a pandemic pause, including one in Terminal 4 at JFK.

If you have a longer layover and wish to exercise or unwind, visit the TWA Hotel, which features a rooftop pool with views of the runway and a gym. Access to these facilities can be obtained by booking a day room, and the pool is open to non-guests for a fee of $25 per adult ($20 per child) Monday through Thursday, and $50 per adult on weekends ($20 per child). Additionally, the hotel offers a unique outdoor roller skating rink, open from Friday to Sunday, April 15 to November 1, with a cost of $20 for adults and $16 for children for a 50-minute session.

Top Spots to Eat, Shop, and Unwind in Each JFK Terminal

Terminal 1

The primary airline tenants in Terminal 1 include Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. Consequently, the duty-free shopping experience is exceptional, featuring luxury brands like Bulgari and Cartier.

For those with access, the T1 airline lounges offer a luxurious retreat for business and first-class travelers. If not, there’s also a Primeclass lounge available for Priority Pass members, providing complimentary food and drinks along with a peaceful space away from the hustle and bustle.

Dining Options in Terminal 1

While most dining choices lean towards fast food, here are some dependable picks:

• Starbucks: your go-to for a caffeine boost
• The Local: offering American classics like burgers and pizza
• Martini Bar: ideal for enjoying a cocktail before your flight

Terminal 2

Delta is the sole airline operating in this terminal, and since it plans to relocate all its services to the larger Terminal 4 next door in mid-2023, the amenities here are quite limited—featuring only a few fast food options, a Starbucks, and convenience stores. At least there’s a Delta Sky Club available.

Terminal 4

The previously functional International Arrivals Building was completely overhauled and renovated in the early 2000s, transforming it into the spacious and bright Terminal 4. This terminal features dozens of upscale shops and dining options, lounges, and even a notable private art collection. It accommodates a range of international airlines from Air India to Emirates and Virgin Atlantic, alongside Delta, which operates both domestic and international flights from this location.

Dining Options in Terminal 4

• Shake Shack: a beloved fast-casual chain known for its burgers, fries, and shakes
• The Palm Bar & Grille: offering robust steakhouse dishes
• Le Grand Comptoir: a wine bar featuring cheese and charcuterie selections

Terminal 5

JetBlue’s main hub, Terminal 5, is one of the airport's newest terminals, evident in its wide array of shopping and dining options. For shopping, you can find Ron Jon Surf Shop (specializing in swimwear and resort wear), sports merchandise at WFAN 66, and two bookstores—Heritage Books and WhereTraveler.

Dining Options in Terminal 5

The impressive food court in the spacious central plaza is an excellent choice for quick grab-and-go meals. The terminal also features several sit-down dining options, including:

• 5ivesteak: serving steaks, burgers, and sandwiches, opening at 5 a.m. for breakfast and offering lunch and dinner as well.
• Deep Blue Sushi: a favored spot for Japanese cuisine
• AeroNuova: known for its Italian pastas and meatball sandwiches

Terminal 7

Terminal 7, the first at JFK to be primarily associated with a foreign airline—British Airways—also accommodates Iberia, Alaska Airlines, and United. Its lounges include BA’s exclusive first-class Concorde Room featuring a champagne bar, along with a business-class lounge. Additionally, there’s Alaska’s chic lounge inspired by the culinary traditions of the Pacific Northwest. However, the terminal's food options are rather underwhelming, offering just a Dunkin’ and a burger joint for a quick preflight meal.

Terminal 8

This terminal is primarily occupied by American Airlines and its Oneworld partners, such as Finnair. Travelers can access American Airlines’ Flagship Lounge and the Admirals Club, available to club members and premium ticket holders.

Dining Options in Terminal 8

For a fast breakfast, there’s Dunkin’; for quick grab-and-go lunch or dinner, pizza is available. For a more substantial meal, visit Bobby Van’s, a New York-style steakhouse with rich wood paneling that offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and is considered the best sit-down dining option in the terminal.

The ultimate way to enjoy a layover at JFK

• Discover the art. You can admire works like Alexander Calder’s large Flight mobile at Terminal 4 without leaving security. Beyond that, JFK features rotating art displays across the terminals. Notably, the TWA Hotel showcases exhibits honoring Eero Saarinen, the architect behind the building, as well as a collection of vintage TWA posters by artist David Klein.
• Dine at one of the TWA Hotel’s full-service restaurants. Choices include the Paris Café by Jean-Georges, inspired by 1960s inflight cuisine and crafted by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or the casual Food Hall, offering a variety from bagels to tacos. Enjoy cocktails in the cozy Sunken Lounge or aboard the vintage Lockheed Constellation, affectionately called “Connie,” now a gathering spot for aviation fans.
• Explore nearby. If your layover isn’t long enough for a trip to Manhattan (you’ll need at least 6 to 8 hours), consider visiting a few waterfront restaurants about five miles from the airport, such as Bayhouse and Vetro Restaurant and Lounge, both offering outdoor dining with Italian and seafood specialties.

The top airport lounges at JFK

• The luxurious multi-level clubs of Air France and Lufthansa in Terminal 1 feature lavish buffets, shower facilities, and spa services.
• Delta’s SkyClub in Terminal 4 boasts a spacious outdoor deck, providing excellent views of runway activities. Additionally, this terminal houses the Virgin Clubhouse and the modern clubs of Emirates and Etihad, complete with full bars, buffets, fine dining options, and showers.
• The lounges of British Airways and American Airlines (located in terminals 7 and 8, respectively) provide the usual high-end amenities along with kids’ play areas. British Airways has three clubs, including the exclusive Concorde Room for first-class passengers, which offers vintage champagne, premium wines, and luxurious touches reminiscent of the glory days of supersonic travel.

The top spots for work

Like many modern airports, JFK offers fast and free Wi-Fi along with charging stations scattered throughout the terminals. If you’re seeking a quiet place to work before your flight and aren’t traveling first or business class, consider purchasing a day pass for a lounge in your terminal. The Wingtips lounge in Terminal 4 and the Priority Pass lounge in Terminal 1 offer affordable memberships (starting at $75 and $99 per year, respectively) that provide access to their lounges, perfect for getting some work done.

While few airlines offer day passes, if you’re flying with Alaska Airlines from Terminal 7, you can gain entry to its well-appointed lounge for just $60 for the day.

Fun for the family

Alongside the play areas in the British Airways and American lounges, JetBlue’s Terminal 5 features an interactive aviation-themed play area where children can pretend to be pilots, located near Gate 26. For parents looking to keep their kids entertained, the TWA Hotel offers a Twister Room—an oversized version of the classic game—and other activities. Additionally, families can enjoy a ride on the free AirTrain, which provides a fun way to observe all the aircraft and travelers at the airport.

Plane watching

For aviation enthusiasts, the observation deck at Terminal 5 offers a great vantage point for watching planes take off and land (accessible if flying JetBlue). This deck also serves as a pet relief area, affectionately named the “Wooftop.” Alternatively, the adjacent TWA Hotel features a rooftop pool (now open to non-guests for $20–$25 per adult and $20 per child) with stunning runway views. Delta’s Sky Deck at Terminal 4 also provides excellent close-up sights of departures and arrivals.

Accommodations at JFK

The TWA Hotel is the only on-airport lodging option, and while its rates begin at $279 per night, the stunning midcentury architecture makes it worth the expense. For a memorable experience, consider reserving a room with a view of the runway.

There are several respectable airport hotels located just a few miles from the terminals, including the Crowne Plaza and the Radisson Hotel.