![John F. Kennedy International Airport [JFK] – Ultimate Terminal Guide](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/JFK-Airport.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
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John F. Kennedy International Airport is the sixth-busiest airport in the U.S., serving 62 million passengers. Construction of the airport’s new international terminal is now underway and is being built on the site that currently accommodates Terminals 1 and 2. With a phased opening between 2026 and 2030, this state-of-the-art terminal will have a total of 23 gates, indoor green spaces, public art, and lots of retail concessions.
Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Terminals: 6 — Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8
Airport Address: Queens, NY 11430
Distance from Manhattan: Approximately 15 miles (24 km)
Website: jfkairport.com
Phone Number: 718-244-4444
Passengers Served: Over 61 million annually
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online
Terminal 1
Aeroflot, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Serbia, Air Senegal, Asiana, Austrian Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Azores Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airlines, China Eastern, Condor, Eastern Airlines, Egypt Air, Eva Air, Flair Airlines, Interjet, ITA Airways, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Neos, Norse Atlantic Airways, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Swoop, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
Terminal 4
Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air India, Avianca Brasil, Caribbean Airlines, China Airlines, China Southern, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Egypt Air, EL AL, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kuwait Airways, LATAM, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, Uzbekistan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, XiamenAir
Terminal 5
Air Lingus, Cape Air, JetBlue
Terminal 7
Aerolineas Argentinas, Alaska Airlines, ANA (All Nippon,) Eurowings, Icelandair, LOT, Qatar Airways (AM flights), Ukraine International Airlines
Terminal 8
American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Ethiopian Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian
Hot Tip: JFK is one of only 5 airports in the U.S. that offers direct routes on China Airlines .
JFK is a rectangular shape with a spaghetti junction of roads on the inside of the airport, connecting I-678 and JFK Expressway to the 5 terminals.
Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 are still active, with Terminals 3 and 6 having been demolished years ago to make way for expansion projects. The upcoming JFK renovation project will create a new Terminal 1, which will combine the current and former sites of Terminal 1, 2, and 3.
Terminal 1 has 14 gates numbered 1 to 4, 5A, 5B, 6, 7A, 7B, 8, 9, and 8 to 12. The terminal has 4 areas: the departure level has check-in desks; the mezzanine level has a food court; the concourse level has the security checkpoint, airline lounges, shops, restaurants, and departure gates; the arrivals level has baggage claim, immigration, access to ground transportation, and an array of other services.
Level 4 – Check-in
Terminal 4 is located at the south side of the airport and has 43 gates split across 2 concourses — Concourse A and Concourse B. The terminal consists of 4 areas: the departure level has check-in desks and airline lounges; the concourse level has a security checkpoint, a pet relief area, shops, bars, restaurants, and most departure gates; the arrivals level has baggage claim, a restaurant, and a takeaway food stall. The terminal has a dedicated Delta One check-in area that leads to a Delta One Lounge (open soon).
Terminal 4 – Concourse A
Concourse A is located on the east side of Terminal 4 and has 16 gates numbered A2 to A7, A9 to A12, A14 to A17, A19, and A21. Gates A9 to A21 are at the end of the concourse on the lower level. There’s a small selection of shops and restaurants with many more located in between Concourses A and B. On the upper level of Concourse A, there’s the Delta Sky Club, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Air India Maharaja Lounge, and Emirates Lounge.
Terminal 4 – Concourse B
Concourse B is on the west side of Terminal 4 and has 27 gates numbered B20, B22 to B39, B41 to B49, and B51. Gates B42 to B51 are located at the end of the concourse on the lower level. Moving walkways run most of the way down Concourse B and a Delta Sky Club is located on the upper level.
Terminal 5 has 28 gates and 3 areas. The Skywalk connects the AirTrain to the terminal and has moving walkways. The departure level has the security checkpoint, shops, a food court, an outdoor garden, and departure gates. The arrivals level has baggage claim, a couple of takeaway food stalls, access to ground transportation, and a walkway to the Saarinen Terminal — home to the TWA Hotel.
Hot Tip: The new 10-gate, 1.2 million square foot Terminal 6 is scheduled to partially open in 2026, with full completion scheduled for 2028.
Terminal 7 has 10 gates and 3 areas. The departure level has check-in desks and the security checkpoint; the concourse level has a food court, shops, the Alaska Lounge, pet relief areas, and departure gates; the arrivals level has baggage claim, a couple of shops and kiosks, and access to ground transportation.
Terminal 8 has 31 gates numbered 1 to 10, 12, 14, 16, 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, and 35 to 37. The departure level has check-in desks and the security checkpoint that leads into Concourse B. Once you’ve cleared security, you’ll find the British Airways and American Airlines joint lounges on the upper level, named Chelsea, Soho, and Greenwich.
Concourse C is accessible via an underground tunnel with moving walkways. An Admirals Club lounge is located on the upper level and both concourses have shops, bars, and restaurants.
Traveling between terminals at JFK is quick and easy by riding the AirTrain.
AirTrain (Outside the Secure Area)
Previously, JFK’s AirTrain had 3 different lines, but due to the construction work taking place at Terminal 1, this station is currently shut. In place, a shuttle bus is running between Terminals 1 and 8 and Terminals 1 and 4 for passenger connections.
During the closures, only the Red and Green lines are operational. The Red line starts and finishes at Jamaica Station, stopping at Terminals 4, 5, 7, and 8. The Green line starts and finishes at Howard Beach Station, stopping at a couple of other stations before Terminals 4, 5, 7, and 8.
The AirTrain is free to ride for all passengers connecting between airport terminals, Federal Circle, or Lefferts Boulevard stations (fees for travel outside of this area are detailed in the transport section below).
JFK has separate security checkpoints for all 5 terminals, and passengers are recommended to check in 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight to allow suitable time to check in and clear security.
Security wait times are shown on the home page of the airport website.
TSA PreCheck
JFK has dedicated TSA PreCheck lines within each terminal. Eligible passengers are those who have applied online, paid the fee, and have attended an appointment at an enrollment center.
JFK has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center in Terminal 4 on level 4, so if you’re traveling through the airport, you can arrange your enrollment meeting.
Global Entry Program
For expedited clearance of passengers, there are Global Entry kiosks at JFK for passengers who have been approved. Applicants must apply online and arrange an interview at an enrollment center or participating airports with Enrollment on Arrival.
JFK has a Global Entry enrollment center in Terminal 4 arrivals next to baggage claim and participates in Enrollment on Arrival at Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
Mobile Passport
JFK has dedicated Mobile Passport Control lines for speedier U.S. Customs and Border clearance.
Eligible participants must submit their details on arrival at JFK and obtain an instant receipt that can be presented to a CBP agent, along with a passport.
CLEAR
There are CLEAR lanes and enrollment centers at JFK in Terminals 4 and 7 (although 7 is temporarily closed). To be eligible for this expedited security clearance, a passenger must enroll and attend an interview for eye and fingertip scanning, which can be done in just a few minutes before you go through security.
There are 20+ lounges at JFK, with some offering day passes (for a fee) to all passengers, regardless of travel class.
Most airline lounges are open exclusively to their premium cabin passengers or frequent flyers, although some are also part of the Priority Pass lounge network.
SCROLL FOR MORELounge
Location
Opening Hours*
Day Pass Fee per Person**
Aer Lingus Lounge
Terminal 5, across from gate 26
Daily: 12:45 p.m. to the last departure
Air France-KLM Lounge
Terminal 1, near gate 1
Daily: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Air India Maharajah Lounge
Terminal 4, near gate A5
Daily: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Terminal 7, mezzanine level above security
Daily: 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Terminal 8, Concourse C across from gate 42 (domestic departures)
Daily from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Terminal 4, level 4, just past the TSA checkpoint to the left of the escalators
Daily: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Terminal 4, upstairs, just after security
Daily: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Terminal 8, after security on level 4
Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Delta One LoungeTerminal 4, Concourse B, near gate 31
Daily: 4:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Delta Sky Club ExpressTerminal 4, Concourse A, near gate A8
Daily: 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Terminal 4, near gate A5
Daily: 6.40 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. and 6:10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Terminal 8, after security on level 4
Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
KAL Business Class Lounge
Terminal 1, near gate 3
Daily: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to 12:50 a.m.
Terminal 1, on the left after security
Daily from 8 a.m. to 1:45 a.m.
Lufthansa Senator Class Lounge
Terminal 1, on the left after security
Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Terminal 1, near gate 8
Monday: 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Terminal 8, after security on level 4
Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
USO Lounge (active military)
Terminal 5, baggage claim across from carousel 3
Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Terminal 1, next to TSA PreCheck
Daily 8 a.m. to midnight
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
Terminal 4, near gate A5
Daily: 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as n/a only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.
Hot Tip: Find out how to avoid lounge entry fees by reading our article on the best credit cards for lounge access.
You can gain entry into the following lounges with Priority Pass, subject to capacity allowances:
Priority Pass members can also receive money off their restaurant bill using their membership at Bobby Van’s Steakhouse (in Terminal 8) and get complimentary spa services at Be Relax Spa (in Terminals 1 and 5).
Find out more information on becoming a Priority Pass member by reading our dedicated Priority Pass article, as well as a guide to credit cards with Priority Pass.
JFK has over 135 restaurants, bars, and cafes with the number of eateries varying considerably between the terminals, as well as pre- or post-security. Terminal 7 has very few options pre-security, so if you arrive early and can’t check in, you’ll need to head to another terminal.
If you want to plan ahead, you can see what restaurants are available in each terminal on the airport website.
There’s free Wi-Fi access in all public areas at JFK. To connect, select the network “_Free JFK WiFi,” and then “Free unlimited wifi.” 24/7 customer support is available by calling 800-880-4117.
JFK’s lost and found process depends on where you lost your property. If a luggage item had an airline tag and was left in the terminal, at curbside, or on an airplane, then you need to contact the relevant airline’s baggage service.
If you left your property at a security checkpoint, you can contact TSA lost and found at 718-917-3999. For any other items or circumstances within the airport, you’ll need to submit a report on the lost and found custodian website.
For any lost items outside of the terminal areas, these are handled by the Port Authority Police, contactable at the JFK Police Desk located in Building 269 or at 718-244-4225. Terminal 4 is the only terminal that has a dedicated lost and found service — you can reach them at 561-408-0101.
Information Services: There’s an information desk in the retail hall of Terminal 4 and a welcome center in the arrivals hall of all terminals, with information for onward travel, accommodation, and more. There are also customer care agents located in each terminal identifiable by their red jackets.
Travelers Aid: Travelers aid desks can be found in all terminals of JFK. These are located in the welcome center on the arrivals level. There’s also a desk in the retail hall of Terminal 4 and on the departures level of Terminal 8.
Children’s Play Areas: There’s a designated children’s play area in Terminal 5 with a pirate-themed playground near gate 12. There’s also a JetBlue aviation-themed play area near gate 26 for children ages 2 to 12 and another play area in Terminal 8, near the American Airlines Admirals Club.
JFK ranks one of the top on our list of the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S.
Baby Facilities: JFK has 13 nursing suites that are located at:
Pet Relief Areas: There are many pet relief areas inside JFK airport. You can find these at:
Duty-Free: Duty-free shops can be found in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
Smoking Areas: There are no indoor smoking areas at JFK (this includes electronic cigarettes). There are designated smoking areas outside of the terminals.
Prayer: An interfaith chapel is located in the departure area of Terminal 4 and near the check-in area of Terminal 1.
Money: Standalone ATMs are located in Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 7. Other terminals have Travelex foreign currency ATMs. All terminals offer currency exchange services.
Luggage: Bags can be stored with Accommodations Plus International in the arrivals hall of Terminals 1 and 4. Terminal 5 offers luggage wrapping services on the departure level, and Terminal 8 offers bag storage with Meegan Services in the arrivals area.
General Inquiries: 718-244-4444
Car Parking: 347-238-3231
There is a wide range of transportation options available for passengers traveling to and from JFK airport, with most transportation available outside of each terminal.
Arriving From Manhattan
From Manhattan, take the Queens Midtown Tunnel to I-495 and exit at junction 22A-E onto the Grand Central Parkway. Continue onto I-678/Van Wyck Expressway until you reach the ring roads for airport access.
Arriving From Long Island
Take the Southern State Parkway west until Junction 20 to connect with the JFK Expressway that takes you to the airport ring roads.
Arriving From Upstate New York
Take the I-95 and exit at Junction 14 onto the Hutchinson River Parkway. Continue onto I-678 and cross the Bronx Whitestone Bridge, continuing straight onto the Van Wyck Expressway all the way to the airport.
JFK currently has 5 open parking lots with 4 located outside of the terminals which are best suited for short-term trips or those passengers with a bigger budget. The Long Term Parking Lot is located 4 miles away from the terminals, connected via the AirTrain. Passengers can view parking lot capacities on the airport website.
Short-term Terminal Parking
Short-term parking is in the Blue, Red, Orange, and Yellow parking lots as the Green parking lot is currently closed due to the Terminal 1 renovations. Blue parking is adjacent to Terminal 4, Yellow parking to Terminal 5, Orange parking to Terminal 7, and Red parking to Terminal 8, although passengers can use any parking lot, regardless of which terminal they’re flying from.
Parking lots Orange and Red cost $4 for the first half hour, or $8 for the first hour, with each additional 30 minutes or part thereof costing $4 up to a maximum of $65 for every 24 hours. Pre-booked daily rates are available for $36.
Blue and Yellow parking costs $6 for the first half hour, or $12 for the first hour, with each additional 30 minutes or part thereof costing $6 up to a maximum of $70 for every 24 hours. Pre-booked daily rates are available for $42.
Long-term Parking Lot
Long-term parking is available at Lefferts Boulevard, around 4 miles from the airport, and has its own AirTrain station for easy transportation to and from the airport. Fees are $29 for the first 24 hours with each additional 8 hours or part thereof costing $14.50. Pre-booked daily rates are available for $20.
Pick-up or Drop-off Parking
There’s no parking or waiting permitted outside of the airport terminals, so drivers must use one of the short-term parking lots. To avoid parking costs, there are 2 free cell phone parking lots that drivers can use until they receive a call from the passenger.
One is located off the Van Wyck Expressway and the other from the JFK Expressway — drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times.
Kiss and Fly
Avoid getting stuck in airport traffic by dropping off or picking up at the Kiss & Fly area located at the Long Term Parking Lot 9. Passengers can then ride the AirTrain for free to their terminal from Lefferts Boulevard Station.
All short-term and long-term airport parking lots have several spaces reserved for passengers with restricted mobility. Rates are $4 for the first half-hour, or $8 for the first hour, with each additional 30 minutes or part thereof costing $4, up to a maximum of $29 for every 24 hours.
The AirTrain is accessible for wheelchair users with elevators at each station and 2 designated wheelchair areas on each train.
Off-site parking lots and hotel parking can typically offer the best rates if you’re happy to travel a little further out from the airport.
Daily parking for JFK starts from $10.99 with free shuttle services to and from the airport. Airportparkingreservations.com is a handy website to compare prices, check parking locations, and customer reviews.
To rent a car at JFK you can visit one of the car rental desks in the arrivals level of each terminal or use one of the courtesy telephones available. The rental cars are situated at the Federal Circle Station on the free AirTrain.
Hot Tip: Check out our guide to finding cheap car rentals in New York City to save some money on your next trip!
JFK has a range of 2- to 4-star hotels that suit most budgets, with 1 on-site property and additional hotels located starting from 1.4 miles away from the terminals. We’ve included contact details for each hotel, distance from the airport, and star rating to help you choose where to stay.
Airport Hotels
SCROLL FOR MOREHotel
Address/Phone Number
Star Rating
Distance From Airport (Miles)
John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Access Rd., One Idlewild Dr. 11430
