A Comprehensive Guide to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Quick insights

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has five operating passenger terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
• Passengers receive complimentary access to the AirTrain when traveling between terminals, parking lots or other buildings on the airport grounds.
• JFK has 10 lounges in the Priority Pass™ network, two Be Relax Spa locations and one Minute Suites location.

JFK is New York City’s primary international airport, with five terminals housing over 70 airlines. It’s located in Queens, about 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan.

Find out how to get to and from JFK, where to park, how to navigate between terminals, what lounges are available to Priority Pass members and more.

Navigating to and from JFK Airport

There are plenty of ways to get to and from JFK, including multiple public transit options:

• Taxi: Taxi stands are outside each terminal, with a flat fare to your first destination (plus fees for tolls and tip).
• Rideshare: Rideshare pickup locations vary depending on the terminal. After baggage claim, follow signs for “Ride App Pick Up.”
• Bus: Travelers can take the NYC Airporter express bus service, which operates between JFK, Grand Central Station, Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Station. Buy tickets online, at the Ground Transportation Welcome Center or outside baggage claim.
• Train: JFK’s AirTrain elevated railway links all of JFK’s terminals and parking lots with both the Long Island Rail Road and the subway lines in Queens. Travel within the airport grounds is free of charge; further stops require payment.
• Hotel shuttle: If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, you may be able to access complimentary shuttle service from JFK. Take the AirTrain to Federal Circle station to call a courtesy shuttle for pickup.
• Car rental: Car rental phones or desks are available near baggage claim in all terminals. When you’re ready to pick up your vehicle, take the AirTrain to Federal Circle Station (at no additional charge).

Parking at JFK Airport

JFK has parking lots at each terminal, plus a long-term parking lot. Each lot is accessible by AirTrain. Note that drivers picking up or dropping off other passengers cannot wait outside terminals; head to the AirTrain JFK Lefferts Boulevard Station, or “Kiss & Fly.”

Travelers may book parking up to a year in advance. There are multiple accepted payment methods for each parking lot, but cash payments are not accepted.

Visit JFK’s website for up-to-date parking information and to book parking in advance.

Time required at JFK Airport

Many airport officials recommend that passengers arrive at the airport for domestic flights two hours prior to departure. Travelers may want to set aside additional time for international flights or flights that occur on holidays or other peak travel times.

Visit JFK’s website for real-time security and customs wait times.

Airport map of JFK Airport

Refer to JFK’s airport for an airport map, detailed list of shops and dining options, and information on airport hotels and bus services.

JFK Airport terminal information

There are five active passenger terminals at JFK: 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8. Each terminal is connected via the AirTrain system, which can also transport passengers to:

• All airport parking lots
• The hotel shuttle pick-up area
• The rental car center
• Public transportation via Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations

AirTran operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. If you have an inter-terminal connection, you’ll likely need to exit security and walk, take a shuttle bus or ride the AirTrain to the other terminal. Then, you may re-enter security.

Visit JFK’s website for a full list of airlines in each terminal.

JFK Airport Priority Pass lounges

If you’re a Priority Pass member, you can access over 1,300 participating airport lounges worldwide—10 of which are at JFK (as of May 2024):

• Lufthansa Business Lounge: In Terminal 1 after the security checkpoint on the left-hand side. International and in-transit flights only.
• Primeclass Lounge: In Terminal 1 after security, next to gates 8 and 9. International flights only.
• Turkish Airlines Lounge: In Terminal 1 after security, located between gates 2 and 3. International flights only.
• Air France Lounge: In Terminal 1 near the Air France boarding area by gate 1. Access may be limited during certain times due to space constraints.
• KAL Business Class Lounge: In Terminal 1 after security, on the right-hand side across from gate 3. All guests must have a boarding pass departing from Terminal 1.
• VIP One Lounge: In Terminal 1, behind counters E and F next to the TSA check point. (landside). International flights only.
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: In Terminal 4, above boarding gates A4 and A5. Access may be limited during busy periods due to seating constraints.
• Air India Maharaja Lounge: In Terminal 4, next to gate 5.
• Primeclass Lounge: In Terminal 4, next to gate A2.
• Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways: In Terminal 4, left after security. Chase Sapphire Reserve^® cardmembers are eligible for complimentary access.

Amenities vary between lounges, but guests can typically find complimentary food, beverages and Wi-Fi. Refer to each lounge’s official website to find out if day passes are available to airport guests without a Priority Pass membership.

Considering a Priority Pass membership for future trips? Learn more about the different Priority Pass membership levels.

Additional JFK Airport Priority Pass amenities

Priority Pass membership provides additional benefits, including access to Minute Suites and Be Relax Spa locations in select airports.

Minute Suites

Minutes Suites are private suites in airports where travelers may work, relax or sleep before departing flights, during layovers or in the event of delays/cancellations. The JFK Minute Suites location is in Terminal 4 near gate B39 and is open 24 hours a day (hours subject to change).

Amenities include a daybed sofa (sleeps two), pillows, fresh blankets, a workstation, Amazon Alexa (for music, white noise, alarms, flight tracking, weather and more), a smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and showers. Refer to the Priority Pass website for up-to-date hours and membership information.

Access to Minute Suites is an additional airport-related Priority Pass benefit. Members may use one lounge entitlement toward a complimentary first hour at a Minute Suites location. There are also savings after your first hour; for details on discounts, please visit Priority Pass Benefits – Minute Suites.

To reserve a suite in advance, visit the Minute Suites website. A minimum stay of at least 1-hour and 15 minutes must be booked in order to reserve online and guarantee suite availability prior to your arrival. Reservations are recommended as private suites may be in high demand, especially during peak travel times, in the event of mass cancellations and/or delays, etc.

Please note that the complimentary one-hour reservations using a lounge entitlement are not available to be booked online and may only be booked in person, at time of arrival, and are based upon availability.

Be Relax Spa

Looking to relax before takeoff? Priority Pass members may also use a lounge entitlement toward select services at Be Relax Spas.

There are two spa locations at JFK:

• Terminal 1: Near gate 5; international and in-transit flights only
• Terminal 5: After security checks, across from gates 6 and 7

In summary

JFK has plenty to offer travelers, from airport lounges and eateries to spas. If you’re a Priority Pass member, be sure to visit a participating airport lounge or use a lounge entitlement for another amenity.

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.