Ruth Haines
John F. Kennedy International Airport, more commonly known as JFK Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the United States. While it is not explicitly mentioned that there are tours of the airport, there are numerous things to do during a layover at JFK. The airport is connected to downtown Manhattan through public and private transport options, with many travellers using their layovers to explore the city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport to Manhattan | AirTrain/Subway combination |
| Manhattan attractions | Times Square, Rockefeller Center, NBC studios, Top of the Rock |
| Tour options | NYC bus tours, cruise tours, helicopter tours |
| Museum tours | Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Natural History Museum |
| Observation deck | "The Edge", 1100 feet above ground |
| Food | Hell's Kitchen, Chinatown, Little Italy |
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What You'll Learn
Getting to Manhattan from JFK
There are several ways to get to Manhattan from JFK Airport, including public transportation and private taxi or ride-share services.
Public Transportation
The AirTrain connects all airport terminals to Jamaica Station, where you can transfer to the subway or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The AirTrain costs $8.50, and children under 5 ride for free. You can use OMNY or a MetroCard to pay the AirTrain fare, which you can buy from a ticket machine at Jamaica Station.
Subway
The closest subway station to JFK Airport is Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport. The subway costs $2.90 per ride, and you can transfer to it from the AirTrain at Jamaica Station. The subway goes directly to different parts of Manhattan but takes longer than the LIRR.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
The LIRR is a commuter rail service that goes into Manhattan and is faster but more expensive than the subway. A ticket to Manhattan costs $5 during off-peak periods and $7 during peak periods. To get to Manhattan, take a westbound LIRR train to Penn Station or Grand Central.
Private Transportation
You can also take a taxi, car, or ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft from JFK Airport to Manhattan. There is a flat fare of $70 between Manhattan and JFK Airport, with a $5 extra surcharge for peak PM travel, not including tolls and tip.
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Times Square and Rockefeller Center
If you're looking to tour New York City during a layover at JFK Airport, Times Square and Rockefeller Center are two iconic destinations to consider. Here's a guide to help you plan your visit to these famous landmarks.
Times Square
Times Square is an electric and chaotic hub in the heart of Manhattan. It's known for its bright neon signs, bustling shops, and lively atmosphere. To get to Times Square from JFK Airport, you can take the E train to the 42nd Street Port Authority stop and walk the rest of the way.
Rockefeller Center
Just a short walk from Times Square, Rockefeller Center is an iconic complex of commercial buildings and tourist attractions in Midtown Manhattan. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the 1930s, it spans 89,000 square meters and showcases a stunning fusion of business, art, and entertainment. The center features more than 100 breathtaking works of art, including murals, sculptures, and mosaics. It is also home to NBC, Radio City Music Hall, and the world-famous skating rink. During the winter, you can enjoy ice skating under the picturesque Christmas tree.
Tours and Tickets
You can purchase tickets for the Rockefeller Center Tour online or at the box office. The tour typically lasts 75-90 minutes, but the duration may vary depending on the package and group interests. The tour takes you around the center, showcasing its rich history, architecture, and artistic significance. You'll also have the option to visit the viewing platform, "Top of the Rock," which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
In addition to the Rockefeller Center Tour, there are various other tours available in New York City. You can explore Central Park by horse-drawn carriage or take a helicopter tour for a bird's-eye view of the city. Guided tours are also available at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Natural History Museum. Foodies might enjoy tasting their way through Hell's Kitchen, Chinatown, or Little Italy.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your layover sightseeing, it's important to consider factors such as security wait times and luggage arrangements. Research these aspects in advance to make the most of your time in the city. Additionally, utilizing resources like Tripadvisor can help you find more information on tours, attractions, and traveller reviews to optimize your layover experience in New York City.
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Central Park by helicopter or carriage
There are many ways to explore New York City during a layover at JFK Airport. While there do not appear to be any tours of the airport itself, you can take public or private transport into downtown Manhattan and explore the city.
One must-see destination in NYC is Central Park. You can explore the park by horse-drawn carriage, taking in famous attractions like Wollman Rink and Bethesda Fountain. You can even arrange a custom ride for a romantic proposal or a wedding. Carriage rides can be booked in advance, which guarantees availability and allows for customisation. Walk-up rides without a reservation are also available and last up to 20 minutes, with each additional 10 minutes incurring an extra charge. Please note that there are restrictions on carriage rides during the summer and winter months, and they may be affected by police blockades or visits from political figures.
Alternatively, you can take a helicopter tour of Central Park, offering stunning aerial views of the park, the Yankee Stadium, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the East River bridges. Helicopter tours depart from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, just outside NYC, and typically last 30 to 45 minutes. You can also opt for a luxury airport transfer between JFK and Manhattan heliports, which includes a scenic tour of Midtown and Lower Manhattan, taking in sights such as the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty.
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Cruise tours of New York City
New York City is a bustling metropolis with a plethora of attractions and activities to offer. While the city is well-known for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine, one unique way to explore the city is through cruise tours. These boat tours provide a different perspective and offer a relaxing escape from the bustling streets.
One of the most popular cruise experiences in New York City is the Statue of Liberty cruise. This tour takes you around Liberty Island, offering breathtaking views of this iconic statue. Along the way, you'll also get a glimpse of Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, two other notable landmarks in the city. Some Statue of Liberty cruises also offer express trips to Midtown Manhattan, providing a quick tour of downtown NYC, Brooklyn, and other nearby attractions.
For those who want to combine dining with sightseeing, dinner cruises are a perfect choice. These cruises allow you to indulge in delicious meals while taking in the city's iconic skyline. You can choose from a variety of dining options, including brunch and dinner cruises, that sail along the Hudson River, offering views of famous landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Some dinner cruises also include live entertainment, creating a memorable night out on the water.
If you're looking for a more intimate and romantic experience, consider a luxury yacht sunset cruise. These cruises offer a sophisticated and comfortable setting, often with impeccable service and elegant interiors. As you sail through the majestic New York City waterways, you'll be treated to stunning sunset views of iconic landmarks, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Another unique cruise experience in New York City is the horse carriage tour of Central Park. This tour combines the charm of a carriage ride with the beauty of Central Park, allowing you to discover the park's landmarks and interesting facts in a relaxing and out-of-the-ordinary way. Whether you're visiting New York City for the first time or looking for a unique way to spend a layover at JFK Airport, cruise tours offer a refreshing perspective on this vibrant city.
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Museum tours: art, history, and culture
JFK Airport offers a wide range of museum tours, art installations, and cultural experiences for travellers to explore and enjoy. The airport itself is undergoing a significant transformation, with Terminal 6 leading the way in showcasing art and culture.
Terminal 6 – Museum Row
Opening in stages from 2026, Terminal 6 will feature a unique "Museum Row" in the international arrivals hall. This space will display art and cultural pieces from four of New York City's most renowned institutions:
- The American Museum of Natural History
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
The "Museum Row" concept aims to provide visitors with an immersive introduction to New York's artistic and cultural history as soon as they arrive at the airport.
TWA Hotel – A Tribute to Aviation History
Steps away from Terminal 5, the TWA Hotel pays homage to the golden age of aviation. It showcases exhibits curated by the New-York Historical Society, featuring vintage TWA uniforms, original mid-century architecture, and a renovated 1958 Lockheed Constellation turned cocktail bar. The hotel also displays over 2,000 artefacts tracing the history of TWA, including vintage furniture, in-flight amenities, and personal items donated by former TWA employees and their families.
Public Art Installations
JFK Airport is also home to various public art installations that enrich the travelling experience. New York-based pop artist Charles Fazzino has contributed colourful and energetic 3D murals in Terminal 8, showcasing the fusion of art, memory, and journey. Additionally, Terminal 1 features "A Journey" by Marielle Plaisir, a terrazzo artwork that reflects on migration, culture, and oceanic journeys.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several things to do during a layover at JFK Airport. You can visit Manhattan, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Observation Deck. You can also take a cruise tour or a helicopter tour of New York City.
You can get to Manhattan from JFK Airport by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then taking the E, J, or Z train. The AirTrain fare is $8.50, and the subway fare is $2.90.
Yes, there are several guided tours of New York City that you can join during your layover at JFK Airport. You can take a bus tour, a cruise tour, or a guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Natural History Museum.
