New York City Airports

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, New York, about 15 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. It is the city’s primary international gateway and one of the busiest airports in the United States. JFK is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and handles both international and domestic traffic, serving over 70 airlines across six passenger terminals. JFK is undergoing a $19 billion redevelopment to modernize terminals and infrastructure.

JFK is a major hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, as well as a key base for JetBlue Airways. International carriers such as British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways operate long-haul routes to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Top domestic routes include Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Orlando, while top international routes include London, Paris, Dubai, and Toronto.

JFK serves over 1,000 flights daily. It is busiest in the afternoon and evening, especially for international departures. The airport sees more than 60 million passengers annually.

• Distance to Midtown Manhattan: ~15 miles

• Typical Travel Time: 45–90 minutes depending on traffic and mode of transport

• AirTrain JFK: Connects all terminals to NYC subways at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations.

• Subway: AirTrain + E, J, or A subway lines to Manhattan.

• LIRR (Long Island Rail Road): From Jamaica Station for faster access to Penn Station.

• Ride Shares & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and yellow taxis available at all terminals.

• Buses: MTA buses connect to subway hubs.

• Driving/Parking: On-site terminal parking and long-term economy lots; reservations encouraged.

• AirTrain + Subway: ~$10.75, 60–75 minutes

• AirTrain + LIRR: ~$15–$17, 40–50 minutes

• Taxi: Flat fare to Manhattan: $70 + tolls/tip, ~45–90 minutes

• Ride Shares: ~$65–$100 depending on time of day

• Parking: $20–$70/day depending on lot and proximity

JFK is being completely redeveloped with new terminals, more efficient security, and expanded gate capacity. AirTrain remains free between terminals and paid when exiting to rail stations. Real-time updates are available for taxi wait times, security wait, and gate walking distances. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available. Free Wi-Fi, dining, duty-free shopping, pet areas, and lounges are abundant across terminals.

Terminal 1 (Primarily International)

• Airlines: Lufthansa, Air France, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, others

• Lounges:

• Lufthansa Business & Senator Lounges

• Air France Lounge

• Korean Air Lounge

• Turkish Airlines Lounge

• Access based on airline, alliance status, or business class ticket

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Terminal 4 (Delta’s international hub)

• Airlines: Delta, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, KLM, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, others

• Lounges:

• Delta Sky Club (2 locations)

• Emirates Lounge

• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

• Swiss Lounge

• Wingtips Lounge (accessible via Priority Pass)

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Terminal 5 (JetBlue’s primary terminal)

• Airlines: JetBlue, Aer Lingus, TAP Portugal, Cape Air

• Lounges:

• JetBlue has no traditional lounge; “The Rooftop Terrace” is an open-air space available to all travelers

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Terminal 7

• Airlines: British Airways, Alaska Airlines, Iberia, LOT Polish Airlines

• Lounges:

• British Airways First and Business Lounges

• Alaska Lounge

• Iberia Lounge

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Terminal 8 (American Airlines hub)

• Airlines: American Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, Royal Jordanian, Qatar Airways

• Lounges:

• American Airlines Flagship Lounge

• Admirals Club

• Greenwich Lounge (shared by oneworld partners)

https://www.jfkairport.com/