John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest and busiest airport in the New York metro area, handling more than 60 million passengers annually across its five active terminals: Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. The sheer size can be overwhelming to navigate. But armed with these expert tips, you should be able to handle this bear of an airport like a pro.
How to get to and from JFK and New York City
New York City tops the list of US cities with the worst traffic, and road conditions approaching JFK were awful even before construction began on the new Terminal 6 and New Terminal One, both currently underway.
If you’re traveling to or from JFK by car, taxi, or a ride-hailing service, build in plenty of extra time just for getting through the airport roadways, especially during rush hour. On a recent afternoon trip to JFK from Manhattan, my cab spent 40 minutes waiting to exit the expressway at JFK and I vowed to avoid that stress-inducing option in the future if possible.
You can avoid all the traffic hassles and save some serious cash by traveling between JFK and Manhattan via the AirTrain. It’s free to ride between terminals at JFK and connects to subway, rail, and bus lines at the Jamaica and Howard Beach stations for an $8.50 fare.
When I can, I take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to and from JFK instead of the subway. This commuter rail line has nicer seats, room for luggage and connects Jamaica Station with Penn Station on Manhattan’s west side and Grand Central Madison on the east side.
Fares and travel times vary, of course. Even locals can get tripped up by the ground transportation options, so don’t be shy about asking station personnel for advice. I’ve always found them to be knowledgeable and helpful.
Navigating security lines at JFK
JFK offers several ways to skip the worst of the security lines: TSA Precheck, Clear and Global Entry all provide access to expedited screening lanes. I’m always thankful and a bit smug about having invested in these trusted traveler programs, especially since JFK handled 62.5 million passengers in 2023 and long lines at TSA checkpoints are common during peak travel periods.
Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, I urge you to sign up for TSA Precheck before you travel out of JFK. Once you go through the application process and get your Known Traveler Number, your membership is good for five years and works at dozens of other US airports.
No TSA Precheck? No problem if you’re traveling through Terminal 4 (T4). You can get a reservation for an expedited screening lane for free by using the virtual queuing program called RESERVE, operated by CLEAR. You can make reservations up to 72 hours before your flight for slots between 5:00 am to 10:00 am and from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Here’s another free workaround if you don’t have Global Entry and are arriving on an international flight. You can access an expedited lane with the free Mobile Passport Control app. Just take a photo, add your passport info, answer a few customs questions and then you can skip the regular lines and join the faster Mobile Passport Control lane in the customs hall.
Airline lounges and alternatives at JFK Airport
JFK has more than 20 lounges scattered throughout its terminals, with access typically requiring elite status, first-class tickets, or specific credit cards. The exceptions: Terminal 1’s Primeclass Lounge and VIP ONE both sell day passes to any passenger. A few other lounges sell passes on a space-available basis to travelers flying in their network.
There’s no need to tease you with descriptions of swank lounges you can’t get into, but be sure to ask your airline or credit card company about lounge access. Some cards offer credit at airport restaurants or access to partner lounges. And if you do get into the upscale American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 4, be sure to find your way to the secret “speakeasy” bar.
A great lounge alternative is Minute Suites in Terminal 4, which offers short-stay private rooms to nap, work or just relax, with a shower option. You’ll also find spa services like massages and manicures at Be Relax Spa in Terminals 1 and 5 and at XpresSpa in Terminal 4.
For some fresh air, head to the post-security outdoor rooftop terrace in JetBlue’s Terminal 5 (near Gate 28). It has comfy seating, a grassy area, and great views of the airport action. The space doubles as a “Wooftop” pet relief station, so you might get to play with some cute dogs while you’re out there.
Luggage storage and supplies at JFK
Smarte Carte offers luggage storage in Terminals 1 and 4, which can be a lifesaver. The Terminal 4 location is open 24/7 on the arrivals level by baggage claim. The Terminal 1 branch, also on the arrivals level, is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
Both branches accept online reservations. Beyond just storing your bags, these shops can wrap your luggage and sell you last-minute accessories like locks, tape, boxes and extra bags.
Parking at JFK Airport
Parking lots at JFK connect to the airport via the AirTrain. Like everything else in New York, parking here is expensive, with daily drive-up rates reaching a maximum of $80 for short-term and overnight parking. Even when I’m willing to pay for the convenience, it’s not uncommon to find the lots already full.
You can save yourself the time, money and headache by booking your airport parking spot ahead of time on the JFK website. You have to make prepaid reservations at least 24 hours before you arrive, but you can book up to six months in advance. If your plans change, you can cancel up to an hour before your pre-booked time.
TWA Hotel: a gem at JFK
There are a wide variety of hotel accommodations in the JFK vicinity, many of which offer free shuttle service to and from the airport. However, the only on-airport lodging is the TWA Hotel. It’s connected to JetBlue’s Terminal 5 in the landmark Eero Saarinen building that served as the TWA Flight Center for nearly four decades in the 20th century.
This gem of a hotel is an excellent choice if you’ve got an early morning or late night-arriving flight, and there are day rates available which includes access to the hotel’s 10,000-square-foot fitness center and its yoga studio, cycling studio and showers. Day passes to the fitness center are also available, making this a great option for fitting in a refreshing workout and shower between flights.
There’s a cover charge and often a reservation required for both hotel guests and visitors to access the TWA Hotel’s rooftop bar and infinity pool. But here’s a tip: there’s no charge to hang out in the lobby. I often plan my layovers so I can take the AirTrain to Terminal 5 for a mini-vacation during my journey.
The TWA Hotel’s public spaces have several restaurants and bars, a food hall with several 24-hour options, museum exhibits, a Twister room, a photo booth and a gift shop. Note that overnight and day-rate guests get discounts on the rooftop cover charge and while extra fees are charged for early check-in or late checkout, the hotel offers complimentary luggage storage for up to five hours.
Connecting between JFK and Newark Liberty or LaGuardia Airport
It is possible to travel between JFK and either Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Just be prepared for a long journey to Newark (60to90 minutes) or a shorter trip to LaGuardia (about 30 minutes by taxi or 45 to 60 minutes by shuttle), with a hefty bill depending on whether you take a shared shuttle, taxi or a ride-hailing service.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
