
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a bustling airport, serving over 60 million passengers annually. With 5 terminals numbered 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8, the airport does not encourage walking between terminals due to busy internal roads and a lack of interconnecting airside walkways. While sidewalks are available, most passengers opt for the AirTrain for its convenience and speed, which offers free services within the airport and additional routes to public transportation. Walking between specific terminals like 1 and 2, or 4 and 5, is possible but may require navigating construction areas and going through security multiple times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of walking between terminals | Possible but not recommended due to busy roadways and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure |
| Walking between specific terminals | Possible between Terminals 1 and 2, 4 and 5, and 1 and 7 |
| Alternative methods of transportation between terminals | AirTrain, bus (for Delta flights between Terminals 2 and 4) |
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What You'll Learn

Walking between Terminals 4 and 5
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) does not encourage walking between terminals due to busy roads and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure. However, it is possible to walk between some closer terminals, such as Terminals 4 and 5, and there are sidewalks available.
If you are looking to walk from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5, you can exit the arrivals at Terminal 4 and turn right. If you are walking from Terminal 5 to Terminal 4, you can exit the baggage claim and turn left.
Please note that walking between terminals is only possible before security. After clearing security, you cannot walk between any terminals at JFK.
If you would prefer not to walk, you can take the AirTrain, which connects all terminals at JFK and is free to ride between them. The AirTrain stations are outside each terminal and are connected by walkways.
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Walking between Terminals 1 and 2
If you choose to walk between Terminals 1 and 2, here are some instructions to follow:
- Exit Terminal 2 on the arrivals level.
- Follow the exit signs and walk to the left.
- There may not be a sidewalk for the entire route, and a portion of the path goes through a small taxi staging area.
- Enter Terminal 1 at the arrivals level.
Alternatively, you can use the AirTrain for free if you ride between terminals to Federal Circle or Lefferts Boulevard. The AirTrain stations are outside each terminal and are connected by walkways. The AirTrain is also useful for accessing Terminals 7 and 8, which are not accessible by foot from other terminals.
When walking between terminals, please be aware of the busy roadways and follow the pedestrian paths and crosswalks indicated by signs.
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AirTrain as a transport option
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a very busy airport, serving over 60 million passengers annually. The airport has 5 terminals—1, 4, 5, 7, and 8—that are not interconnected with airside walkways. This means that if you are transferring between flights at different terminals, you will need to exit and re-enter security.
The AirTrain is an efficient transport option for passengers wishing to move between terminals at JFK Airport. It is an 8.1-mile-long (13 km) elevated people mover system that operates 24/7 and consists of three lines and nine stations within the New York City borough of Queens. The AirTrain connects all terminals and offers a free service within the airport. It also provides connections to public transportation options outside the airport, such as the New York City Subway at Howard Beach station and the Long Island Rail Road and subway in Jamaica.
The AirTrain lines loop around all terminals before continuing to either Jamaica Station (Red Line) or Howard Beach (Green Line). The two lines split at Federal Circle, with the Green Line also stopping at long-term parking lot A/B and the pick-up/drop-off area. Riding the AirTrain between terminals within the airport is free of charge. However, if you start or end your journey at Jamaica or Howard Beach, a one-way trip costs $8.50.
AirTrain stations are located outside each terminal and are connected by walkways. While it is possible to walk between some closer terminals, such as Terminals 4 and 5, it is not recommended due to busy roadways and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure. Most passengers prefer the AirTrain for its speed and convenience.
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Delta's bus service between Terminals 2 and 4
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) does not encourage walking between terminals due to busy roadways and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure. While sidewalks are available, and walking between some closer terminals is possible, most passengers opt for the AirTrain for its speed and convenience. The AirTrain offers free service within the airport, connecting all terminals and providing additional routes to public transportation.
Regarding Delta's bus service between Terminals 2 and 4, there is limited information available. One source mentions a shuttle bus that picks up curbside in Terminal 4 for rideshare pick-up, but it is unclear if this shuttle also services Terminal 2. Additionally, there are mentions of a shuttle between the end of concourses A and B at Terminal 4, which may be relevant if your gate is located there.
If you are transferring between Terminals 1 and 4, please note that you will need to collect and re-check your checked bags after going through customs. Terminal 4 is where you will find check-in, security, gates, and baggage claim for Delta-operated flights.
For the most up-to-date information regarding Delta's bus service between Terminals 2 and 4 at JFK Airport, it is recommended to check the airport's website or contact the airline directly.
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Walking between terminals before/after security
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has five terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. These terminals are on the outside of a rectangular loop, with vehicle access and parking on the inside. The inside of the loop is landside (pre-security), where all passengers and visitors can access, and the outside is airside (post-security), where only passengers with a valid ticket are permitted.
While it is technically possible to walk between adjacent terminals, it is not recommended due to busy roadways and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure. Sidewalks are available, and walking between some closer terminals, such as Terminals 4 and 5, is feasible. However, most passengers prefer the AirTrain for its speed and convenience. The AirTrain is also landside, so passengers can choose to walk one way and take the AirTrain back.
None of the terminals at JFK interconnect with airside walkways, so passengers must go through security again when transferring between flights. This means that if you are arriving at or departing from Terminal 5 but want to visit the lounges in Terminal 4, you will need to clear security multiple times.
JFK's website provides information on the facilities available in each terminal, including shopping and dining options. It is recommended to check this information before heading airside to ensure you have access to the services you need.
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Frequently asked questions
Walking between terminals is not recommended due to busy roadways and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure. However, sidewalks are available, and walking between some closer terminals is possible, such as Terminals 1 and 2, and Terminals 4 and 5.
The AirTrain is the preferred method of transport between terminals due to its speed and convenience. The AirTrain is free within the airport and offers additional routes to public transportation such as subways and buses.
A one-way trip to or from Jamaica or Howard Beach stations costs $8.50. If you ride the AirTrain between terminals to Federal Circle or Lefferts Boulevard, the ride is free.
Yes, you will need to go through security again when transferring between terminals at JFK airport. None of the terminals interconnect with airside walkways, so passengers must go through security before their next flight.








































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