John F. Kennedy International Airport is New York's main international hub: in 2024 it handled 63.3 million passengers.
Access point to the city that never sleeps, with its skyscrapers, world-renowned museums, and the most diverse neighborhoods on the planet.
How to get to John F Kennedy International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to JFK
Parking near John F Kennedy International Airport
Terminal parking garage (walk-up) costs 70-80 USD/day; advance reservations reduce to 36-48 USD/day; Economy Lot 9 costs 29 USD for the first 24 hours then 10 USD/hour; affiliated external parking starts at 10.62 USD/day.
How to get to New York from JFK
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Private Transfer JFK airport to/from Manhattan – Up to 6 pax
Private Transfer: NYC Airports to/from Manhattan – Up to 6
NYC: JFK Airport Private Transfer 105-Min FREE Wait Included
Private SUV Transfer: JFK/EWR/LGA ↔ Manhattan – Up to 3
From JFK to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend less | AirTrain + E line metro (from Jamaica Station) | ~$11.75 USD |
| Arrive at Penn Station with just one transfer | AirTrain + LIRR train to Moynihan Train Hall | ~$17-22 USD |
| Reach Brooklyn instead of Manhattan | AirTrain + A line metro, or Uber/taxi | 45-60 min by car |
| Have heavy luggage or a late flight | Yellow taxi at flat rate or Uber/Lyft | ~$90-120 USD total |
JFK → Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall)
From Jamaica Station the LIRR reaches the new Moynihan Train Hall in about 20 additional minutes compared to the metro alone: convenient for those who need to continue with a regional train or Amtrak instead of staying in Manhattan.
JFK → Times Square and Midtown
The E line subway, taken from Jamaica Station, goes directly to Times Square-42nd Street after about 35-40 minutes: it's the most direct route for those staying in the heart of Midtown.
JFK → Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO)
The A line subway connects the airport to several Brooklyn stations; alternatively a private car takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic on the highways surrounding the area.
JFK → Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Red Hook)
There is no direct rail connection: for those departing on a cruise from here the only practical solution is a taxi or private car, about 25-30 minutes without traffic but up to double during rush hour.
Car rental at John F Kennedy International Airport
A shuttle is required to reach the car rental company desks.
You'll need a driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; for a short stay, those with a license in Latin characters do not require the IDP.
Hotels near John F Kennedy International Airport
At the airport, Terminal 5
The TWA Hotel is connected to Terminal 5 by the tubes of the former TWA Flight Center; from the other terminals the free AirTrain inside the airport takes 5 minutes.
Best for: One-night layovers, dawn departures and stops of a few hours between two flights.
- From Terminal 5 you walk to the hotel, from the others it is a 5-minute AirTrain ride
- Rooms with soundproof windows and runway views
- Reviews are mixed on cleanliness, service and the cost of the bar and restaurants
- Manhattan still takes 60-75 minutes, between AirTrain and subway
Jamaica and the airport surroundings
The Fairfield Inn New York JFK Airport has a free shuttle every hour, from 4:00 until midnight: you take the AirTrain to Federal Circle station, where you follow the signs.
Best for: Those after a lower price than the terminal who don't mind a shuttle on a fixed schedule.
- Free shuttle with runs from 4:00, useful for morning flights
- Rooms at lower prices than in the terminal, in a chain property
- The shuttle comes once an hour: it has to be fitted to the flight time
- Residential district of streets, with no attractions around
Midtown and Theater District
AirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train to Times Square-42nd Street, 60-75 minutes in all; or the LIRR to Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall).
Best for: Those staying several nights who want theatres, Times Square and the main attractions on foot or by subway.
- The E train reaches Times Square with no change after Jamaica
- Theatres, restaurants and several subway lines a few steps away
- Long transfer with suitcases between AirTrain, stairs and subway car
- Noise and crowds at night, and high prices for the location
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 24
- with Priority Pass
- 10
- open 24 hours
- 2
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The 6 terminals are connected by the AirTrain, which runs continuously within the airport premises.
Given the scale of the airport, for international flights it's advisable to arrive with at least 3 hours' advance notice.
Map of John F Kennedy International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does it cost to get from JFK to Manhattan by public transport?
Roughly 11.75 USD in total: 8.75 USD for the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, plus 3 USD for the subway into Manhattan.
Q. Does the yellow taxi from JFK have a flat fare?
Yes, it applies a flat rate of 70 USD for Manhattan, but with mandatory surcharges (state congestion surcharge, MTA pass-through) and tolls, the actual cost often approaches 90-115 USD; Uber/Lyft, on the other hand, vary with traffic.
Q. Does the AirTrain go directly to Manhattan?
No, the AirTrain only connects the terminals to Jamaica Station, from which you must change to the subway or the Long Island Rail Road.
Q. How many terminals does JFK have?
6 terminals, connected by the AirTrain, which runs continuously within the airport grounds.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
10 lounges, including Be Relax Spa (T1), Primeclass Lounge (T1), VIP ONE Lounge (T1), HelloSky (T4), Air France Lounge (T1) and Korean Air Lounge (T1).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: HelloSky (T4) and Capital One Lounge (T4).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
