
John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK, ICAO: KJFK, FAA LID: JFK) is a major international airport located in the Jamaica neighbourhood of Queens, New York City. The airport is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, bordering Jamaica Bay. It is the busiest airport in the New York airport system and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States. More than 80 airlines operate domestic and international flights out of JFK, serving all six inhabited continents. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways and is accessible via car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John F. Kennedy International Airport |
| IATA | JFK |
| ICAO | KJFK |
| FAA LID | JFK |
| Location | Southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City |
| Distance from Midtown Manhattan | 16 miles |
| Number of passenger terminals | 5 |
| Number of runways | 4 |
| Accessibility | Car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 |
| Year opened | 1948 |
| Former names | New York International Airport, Idlewild Airport |
| Number of airlines | Over 80 |
| Destinations | All six inhabited continents |
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What You'll Learn
- John F. Kennedy International Airport is located in Queens, New York City
- The airport is accessible via car, bus, shuttle, or vehicle transit
- It is the busiest airport in the New York airport system
- The airport was renamed after President John F. Kennedy in 1963
- JetBlue's Terminal 5 incorporates the TWA Flight Center

John F. Kennedy International Airport is located in Queens, New York City
John F. Kennedy International Airport, commonly known as JFK Airport, is located in Queens, New York City. It is situated on the southwestern shore of Long Island, bordering Jamaica Bay. The airport is about 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan and is easily accessible via various transportation options.
JFK Airport is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. It is the busiest airport in the New York airport system and the sixth-busiest in the United States. Over 80 airlines operate their domestic and international flights from JFK, offering direct connections to all six inhabited continents.
The airport covers an extensive area of 5,200 acres, making it the largest in the New York metropolitan area. It features five passenger terminals, four runways, and a people-mover system called AirTrain JFK, which connects the airport terminals to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road.
JFK Airport has a rich history, originally opening in 1948 as New York International Airport but was commonly referred to as Idlewild Airport. In 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the airport was renamed in his honour. The airport has undergone various expansions and renovations over the years, including the recent enhancements to its arts and culture program, showcasing local artists and exhibits.
JFK Airport is a crucial transportation hub for New York City, providing convenient access to the city and its surrounding areas for travellers from around the world. Its location in Queens, with proximity to Manhattan, makes it an ideal gateway to the city for both locals and visitors alike.
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The airport is accessible via car, bus, shuttle, or vehicle transit
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in the Jamaica neighbourhood of Queens, New York City, and is accessible by car, bus, shuttle, or vehicle transit.
By Car
JFK Airport is accessible via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway).
By Bus
The New York City Subway connects to the AirTrain at Jamaica Station and Howard Beach. The AirTrain then connects to each airport terminal. The AirTrain fare is $8.50, and the subway fare is $2.90.
By Shuttle
GO Airlink NYC offers a shared ride shuttle service from JFK to Manhattan, with curbside pickup directly at your terminal. The standard fare is $35 per person, and groups of 3 or more can book together for a total of $75.
By Vehicle Transit
The Long Island Rail Road connects to the AirTrain at Jamaica Station and Howard Beach. The AirTrain then connects to each airport terminal. The AirTrain fare is $8.50, and the Long Island Rail Road fare varies depending on origin and eligibility for a reduced fare.
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It is the busiest airport in the New York airport system
John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK, is the busiest airport in the New York airport system. It is one of seven airports in the New York metropolitan area, and the largest of them, covering 5,200 acres (2,104 ha). It is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, bordering Jamaica Bay.
JFK Airport is a hub for American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and JetBlue. Over 80 airlines operate domestic and international flights from the airport, with nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents. It is the sixth-busiest airport in the United States and the busiest international commercial airport in North America. The airport features five passenger terminals and four runways.
JFK Airport is accessible via car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit. The AirTrain JFK people-mover system, which opened in 2003, links each airport terminal to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Howard Beach and Jamaica. The airport also has a new Terminal 1, which opened in 1998, and Terminal 4, which opened in 2001. Terminal 5 is operated by JetBlue and incorporates the TWA Flight Center. Terminals 8 and 9 were demolished and rebuilt as Terminal 8 for the American Airlines hub.
JFK Airport is known for its extensive network of airlines and its status as the most connected airport in the United States. It is also remarkable for having a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the runway and is one of the few places where it is possible to take an Uber helicopter ride from Manhattan.
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The airport was renamed after President John F. Kennedy in 1963
John F. Kennedy International Airport, located in Queens, New York City, was renamed after the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, in 1963. The airport, which opened in 1948, was originally known as New York International Airport, but it was commonly referred to as Idlewild Airport.
The decision to rename the airport was made shortly after Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr. proposed the renaming, and on December 24, 1963, the airport officially became known as John F. Kennedy International Airport. This renaming was a tribute to the fallen president and a way to memorialize him.
At the time, Idlewild Airport was the largest and busiest airport in the Northeast USA, serving as a vital hub for air travel in the region. The airport's new name, JFK, also became the airport's code, reflecting the president's initials. The original IDL and KIDL codes were reassigned to Indianola Municipal Airport in Mississippi.
The renaming of the airport reflected the desire to honour President Kennedy, who had a significant impact on the nation. This tribute ensured that his legacy would be remembered by those who passed through the airport, which has become a busy gateway to New York City and its metropolitan area.
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JetBlue's Terminal 5 incorporates the TWA Flight Center
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City. It is the busiest airport in the New York metropolitan area, serving the city and its metropolitan area. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK, with direct flights to six continents.
JFK Airport features five passenger terminals, one of which is JetBlue's Terminal 5, which incorporates the TWA Flight Center. Terminal 5, inaugurated in 2008, showcases a modern design that harmonises with the historic TWA Flight Center. The terminal is characterised by its unique features, including its architectural design and outdoor spaces.
The TWA Flight Center, originally designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen, operated as a terminal from 1962 to 2001. The building was one of the first to use enclosed passenger jetways, which extended from "gate structures" and eliminated the need for passengers to walk on the ground. The current JetBlue terminal and the TWA Hotel buildings are located east of the original head house, which was adaptively repurposed in 2017 as part of the TWA Hotel.
In 2002, there was no agreement on the usage of the TWA Flight Center, except that the head house and passageways would be preserved. The following year, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and JetBlue agreed on a plan that included reopening the TWA Flight Center and constructing a new 26-gate Terminal 5 behind it. The new terminal, designed by Gensler and constructed by Turner Construction, sits behind the preserved Eero Saarinen-designed terminal, now connected to the new structure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, John F. Kennedy International Airport is located in Queens, New York City.
The airport is on the southwestern shore of Long Island, bordering Jamaica Bay.
JFK airport is located 16 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan.
The airport is primarily accessible by car, bus, shuttle, or other vehicle transit via the JFK Expressway or Interstate 678 (Van Wyck Expressway). You can also use the AirTrain JFK rail network which links each airport terminal to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Howard Beach and Jamaica.
JFK airport is the busiest airport in the New York airport system, and the sixth-busiest airport in the United States. Over 80-90 airlines operate domestic and international flights to all six inhabited continents.








































