Sachin Walls
If you're wondering whether you can leave JFK airport during a layover, the answer is yes, you can. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll need to go through customs and security, which can take a significant amount of time. Additionally, the airport is about an hour away from Manhattan by car or public transport, and even longer if you're travelling during rush hour. If you're thinking of leaving the airport, it's recommended that you have a longer layover to accommodate these time constraints. If you do decide to leave the airport, there are plenty of attractions to visit in New York City, such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial. Alternatively, you can opt for a sightseeing bus tour or a cruise to take in the sights without having to worry about transportation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Possible, but depends on the length of the layover and the time of day. |
| Transportation from JFK | Accessible by taxi, public transport, or helicopter. |
| Things to do near JFK | Times Square, Bryant Park, Grand Central, Madison Square Garden, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, MOMA PS1, and more. |
| Things to do at JFK | Shopping, eating, drinking, spa treatments, massage sessions, plane spotting, visiting lounges, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Things to do at JFK during a layover
JFK Airport offers free Wi-Fi, allowing you to browse the internet, check your social media, or even finish up some work during your layover. If you're travelling with kids, they'll love the designated playgrounds and kids' areas near Gates 12 and 26 in Terminal 5.
JFK Airport also offers a range of dining options to suit all budgets and tastes. For a quick bite, try Shake Shack in Terminal 4 or Deep Blue Sushi in Terminal 5. If you're looking for something more substantial, Blue Smoke on the Road in Terminal 4 serves up ribs, sausages, and sandwiches. Or, for a true New York experience, head to the Croque Madame in Terminal 2, created by famous New York chef Andrew Carmellini.
If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, Terminals 1 and 4 are the places to be, with designer boutiques such as Guess, Kiehl's, Victoria's Secret, and Hermès. And if you need a little rest and relaxation, treat yourself to a beauty treatment or massage at one of the airport's spa facilities.
For those with a longer layover, leaving the airport is a great option. With its convenient location, JFK is well-connected to the city, and a 7-hour layover is plenty of time to explore Manhattan and visit hotspots like Times Square. Brooklyn, Queens, and Rockaway Beach are also within reach and offer a more local flavour of New York. To get into the city, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then hop on the E, J, or Z trains into Manhattan.
If you're looking for a truly memorable experience, book a private helicopter tour and see the Big Apple from above. Or, for a more relaxed approach, try a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Manhattan or a cruise tour to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
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Leaving the airport during a layover
First, consider the length of your layover. If you have a long layover, such as 11 hours or 22 hours, you may have enough time to leave the airport and explore the surrounding area or even Manhattan. However, if your layover is shorter, such as 4 to 7 hours, you may want to stay within the airport or only explore the nearby areas, as travelling to and from Manhattan can take up a significant portion of your time.
Next, consider your transportation options. Travelling to and from JFK Airport can take time, especially during rush hour. If you have access to a car service or taxi, you may find it more convenient to get around. Otherwise, you can use public transportation, such as the subway system, which runs 24/7. Keep in mind that getting to Manhattan from the airport can take at least an hour, except by helicopter.
Now, consider your luggage. If you have checked luggage, you may need to claim it and haul it around with you during your layover. Some hotels near the airport or Penn Station can store your luggage after you check out, which can be convenient. However, this may also require backtracking to the hotel before heading back to the airport.
If you decide to leave the airport, there are plenty of attractions and activities to choose from. You can opt for a sightseeing bus tour, such as a hop-on, hop-off bus, to explore Manhattan and see attractions like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. You can also take a cruise tour to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island from the water. For a more thrilling experience, you can book a private helicopter tour to see the city from above. If you prefer to stay closer to the airport, you can visit the TWA Hotel, which features a rooftop infinity pool, or explore the various lounges, cafes, and shopping options within the airport terminals.
On the other hand, if you decide to stay at the airport during your layover, there are still plenty of things to do. You can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment. If you have children, there are designated playgrounds and kids' areas near Gates 12 and 26 in Terminal 5. You can also treat yourself to beauty treatments or massage sessions at the spa facilities within the airport. Additionally, each terminal offers lounges, some with exclusive amenities like observation decks and infinity pools.
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How long does it take to get through customs?
The time taken to clear customs at JFK Airport depends on several factors, including the efficiency of the process, the number of travellers, and the availability of expedited services.
Firstly, it is important to note that the time taken to clear customs can vary depending on the efficiency of the process at the airport. According to a traveller, the time taken to clear immigration is usually no more than 5-10 minutes, and it may take another 10-15 minutes to collect baggage. However, another traveller mentions that the lines at security can get long, and it is recommended to have sky priority or other premium passes to expedite the process.
Additionally, the number of travellers arriving or departing can impact the time taken to clear customs. For example, one traveller mentions that using the CBP Mobile Passport Control app can help bypass long lines in the entry hall, especially for US citizens or Canadian visitors. This app stores passport information and streamlines the immigration process.
Moreover, certain membership programs can expedite the customs process. For example, Global Entry members and GOES members can expect quicker processing times. Having these memberships can save time, especially if you are one of the first passengers off the plane.
In conclusion, the time taken to get through customs at JFK Airport can vary depending on various factors. It is recommended to allow for potential delays and arrive at the airport with sufficient time to spare. Additionally, utilizing available tools such as mobile apps and membership programs can help streamline the process and reduce the time spent at customs.
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Where to stay during a layover
If you're looking for a place to stay during a layover at JFK Airport, there are a few options to consider.
Firstly, if you don't want to leave the airport, you can book a private suite at Minute Suites, located in Terminal 4 and Terminal 8. Each suite offers a daybed, workstation, charging station, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa. The rates are $65 per hour or $215 for an overnight stay.
Another option is to stay at the TWA Hotel, which is located near Terminal 4. The hotel features a rooftop pool, a vast fitness centre, and the "Connie Cocktail Lounge," which is housed inside a vintage plane. The executive lounge offers additional amenities such as free food and drinks, bathrooms, showers, and couches for a fee of $59.
If you prefer to explore the city during your layover, New York City offers a variety of attractions and experiences. It is recommended to have at least 6 hours for a layover to leave the airport. You can opt for a sightseeing bus tour on an open-top hop-on, hop-off bus to see popular destinations such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan. You can also take a cruise tour to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island from the water.
For a more thrilling experience, you can book a private helicopter tour to see the city from above. If you're looking for a relaxing outdoor experience, Central Park is a great option to get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
Additionally, New York City is home to world-renowned museums such as MoMA, the Met, Whitney, and the Guggenheim, offering exceptional art collections. For a touching historical experience, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a must-visit destination.
When it comes to dining options, JFK Airport has a variety of choices for all budgets. Shake Shack, located in Terminal 4, offers breakfast sandwiches and excellent coffee. Blue Smoke in Terminal 4 serves meat lovers with ribs, sausages, and sandwiches. Celebrity chef Andrew Carmellini's Croque Madame in Terminal 2 offers open-faced sandwiches, crepes, and made-to-order salads. Deep Blue Sushi in Terminal 5 is known for its exceptional sushi and grab-and-go meals.
Remember to leave plenty of time to return to the airport, as traffic and security lines can be lengthy.
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Transport options from JFK
If you're looking to leave JFK Airport during a layover, there are several transport options available to you.
Public Transport
To get to Midtown Manhattan or Downtown Brooklyn quickly, take the Long Island Rail Road and the AirTrain. The AirTrain connects to all airport terminals, and the fare is $4.25 on top of your subway or railroad fare. Outside of Midtown Manhattan or Downtown Brooklyn, you can take the subway and the AirTrain to save on fares. You can also take the Metro-North to Grand Central and then transfer to an LIRR train stopping at Jamaica, before taking the AirTrain.
Shared Shuttles
GO Airlink NYC offers a shared ride shuttle service from JFK to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and select areas of the Bronx and Staten Island. Fares start at $35 per person, with curbside pickup at the terminal. You can also book a private shuttle or van for a more direct, non-stop ride.
Uber
You can also use the Uber app to get shared shuttle rides between John F. Kennedy International Airport and Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. This is a budget-friendly option with spacious seating and a temperature-controlled environment.
Helicopter
If you're feeling adventurous and have a long layover, you can book a private helicopter tour to see the Big Apple from above.
Remember, when leaving JFK Airport during a layover, keep in mind the time required for transportation, security checks, and ensuring you return to the airport in time for your connecting flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave JFK airport during a layover. However, it is recommended that you give yourself plenty of time as it can take an hour or more to get to Manhattan from the airport, and you will need to go through customs and security.
It depends on how long it takes to get through customs, but you can save time by enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR.
JFK airport has free Wi-Fi, designated playgrounds and kids' areas, shopping, eating, drinking, and spa facilities. You can also go plane-spotting or relax in one of the airport lounges.
You can take a sightseeing bus tour, a cruise tour, or even a helicopter tour. You can also visit Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, and more.
It is recommended that you stay in Manhattan or a better-located Queens hotel as there are limited transportation options near the airport.
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