Jazmin Li
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City is one of the nation's busiest hubs, with more than 70 domestic and international airlines flying across the United States and the world. If you're a US citizen or Canadian visitor, you can download the CBP Mobile Passport Control app to your phone, which stores your passport information and removes the need for paperwork or waiting in line in the entry hall. If you're a citizen of another country, refer to cbp.gov for full Immigration and Customs details. There are five active terminals – 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 – and construction on a newly imagined Terminal 6 will finish in 2025. If you have a long layover, you can explore the airport's shopping options, grab a bite to eat, or even head out to Manhattan or Rockaway Beach.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | John F. Kennedy International Airport |
| Location | New York City |
| Year opened | 1948 |
| Year renamed | 1963 |
| Number of terminals | 5 active terminals (1, 4, 5, 7, and 8) |
| Airlines | More than 70 domestic and international airlines |
| Number of gates | 130 |
| Mobile app | CBP Mobile Passport Control app |
| Transportation | AirTrain, NYC subway, Long Island Rail Road |
| Layover activities | Shopping, dining, drinking, spa, playground, religious spaces, gym, beach |
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What You'll Learn
Immigration and customs
If you are a U.S. citizen or Canadian visitor, download the free CBP Mobile Passport Control app to your mobile phone before arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The app stores your passport information, eliminating the need for paperwork and long queues in the entry hall. For citizens of other countries, refer to cbp.gov for full immigration and customs details.
After deplaning, walk briskly down the hallways to the large immigration hall in Terminal 4. Signs will direct you to the appropriate queue for your passport type, Global Entry status, or mobile app usage. Most passengers will queue in the Diplomat line, which is usually empty aside from interruptions by crew and military personnel. Without the CBP MPC app or Global Entry, you will line up to use a machine that takes your photo and asks standard customs questions.
JFK is one of the nation's busiest hubs, with more than 70 domestic and international airlines serving over 60 million passengers annually. The airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, with five active terminals currently in operation (Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8). Terminal 6 is expected to open in phases, with the first phase projected to be completed by 2026.
While waiting for your flight or during a layover, JFK offers various amenities to keep you occupied. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, dining options ranging from fast food to fine dining, and shopping opportunities. Terminal 5 has designated playgrounds and kids' areas, while Terminal 4 features chapels for different faiths.
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Transport to and from the airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in the borough of Queens, New York City. It is one of the busiest airports in the nation, with more than 70 domestic and international airlines flying to destinations across the United States and worldwide.
If you're travelling to or from JFK, you have several options, including ride-sharing services, public transport, and taxi.
For ride-sharing, you can use services like Lyft or Uber, but you'll need to set up a profile and attach a credit card beforehand. This can be a convenient option if you want to avoid the hassle of public transport or the cost of a taxi.
If you prefer public transport, the AirTrain connects JFK to the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). To exit the AirTrain, you'll need to pay. You can purchase a metro card at the MTA ticket machines, and you'll need at least $8.25 for the AirTrain fare. From there, you can connect to the subway or take the LIRR to destinations like Brooklyn or Manhattan. The LIRR is approximately a 20-minute ride to Brooklyn and takes you to terminals like Atlantic Terminal, Penn Station, or Grand Central Terminal.
If you're looking to explore New York City during a layover, the AirTrain and subway combination is a good option. You can easily access famous sites in Manhattan, such as Times Square or Central Park.
Additionally, if you're interested in a beach outing, Rockaway Beach is about 9 miles from JFK and can be reached by taking the AirTrain to the A train and then a bus. This journey can take at least an hour, so consider allowing for rush hour and setting alarms to ensure you have enough time to return to the airport.
Lastly, if you prefer the convenience of a taxi, you can find them at the terminals, but this option will likely be more expensive than public transport.
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Food and drink
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) offers a wide range of food and drink options to satisfy any craving or budget. From grab-and-go meals to sit-down restaurants, here is an overview of what to expect in terms of dining at JFK Airport.
Quick Bites and Grab-and-Go Options:
JFK has no shortage of options for travellers looking for a quick bite between flights. Some popular choices include:
- CIBO Express (Terminal 5): Top-rated for their quick bites and grab-and-go options.
- Soho Bites (Terminal 1): Offers a range of snacks, including charcuterie, chicken wings, beer, and wine.
- Re:Vive Bars (Terminal 5): Another highly-rated option for quick snacks.
- Dunkin' (Various Terminals): A go-to choice for coffee, doughnuts, and other baked goods.
- McDonald's (Terminal 1 and 4): The familiar fast-food chain provides a quick and accessible option, although long lines can be expected during peak hours.
- Urban Crave (Terminal 4): A good alternative to traditional fast food, although portions may be on the smaller side.
- Bento Sushi (Terminal 4): Fresh and fast sushi, but they may run out of stock.
- Shake Shack (Terminal 4): A popular burger chain with several locations in Terminal 4.
- Five Borough Food Hall (Terminal 4): Features various stalls offering sandwiches, taco bowls, gyros, and a bar for cocktails.
- Pizza Pub (Departures Level Gate 8, Pre-Security): Grab-and-go pizza shop for a quick slice before your flight.
- Euro Cafe (Arrivals Level West, Pre-Security): Coffee, tea, and baked goods to start your day or fuel your layover.
Sit-Down Restaurants:
If you have more time and want a more substantial meal, JFK also has several sit-down restaurants:
- Deep Blue Sushi (Terminal 5): Well-known for their fresh and tasty sushi, including vegetarian options, but can be expensive.
- Bobby Van's Steakhouse (Terminal 8): A dark-wood steakhouse offering breakfast, salads, sandwiches, and steak, along with a full bar.
- Le Grand Comptoir (Terminal 4): Features a wide selection of wines and snacks, but prices may be high.
- 5ive Steak (Terminal 5): Renowned for their good-quality cuts of meat, but it comes with a high price tag.
- O'Neals (Terminal 8): A cozy pub with a variety of comfort food, including burgers, mac and cheese, sandwiches, and salads.
- Uptown Brasserie (Terminal 4): Offers a variety of dishes, including breakfast plates, sandwiches, and steaks, with the option of a pre-flight drink.
- Mi Casa Cantina and Restaurant (Gate B23, Post-Security): A Mexican restaurant serving street food, including tortas, burritos, salads, and guacamole, along with tequila and mezcal-based cocktails.
- Artichoke Pizza (Various Terminals): Known for their large portions, Artichoke is a good choice for a hearty pizza meal.
Lounges:
For a more exclusive dining experience, JFK also has lounges that offer meals and beverages:
- Air France Lounge (Gate 1): Features self-service hot and cold meal counters, newspapers, and shower facilities.
- Lufthansa Lounge (Between Gates 5-7): Offers self-serve beer on tap, snacks, fast Wi-Fi, and free printers.
Vending and Other Options:
In addition to the restaurants and lounges, JFK also offers:
- Farmer's Fridge: A network of smart fridges offering fresh and healthy meals, such as salads and bowls, available from various vending machines throughout the airport.
- Kylie Cosmetics Vending Machine: For any last-minute cosmetic needs or impulse buys.
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Things to do during a layover
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City is one of the nation's busiest hubs, with more than 70 domestic and international airlines flying across the United States and the world. If you have a layover at JFK, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied within the airport and beyond.
At the Airport
JFK Airport has plenty of options to keep you entertained during your layover. The airport has various dining options, from fast-food chains and snack shops to fine-dining restaurants serving American and international cuisine. You can also find refreshing drinks and beverages at several locations within the airport. Scan the QR codes displayed on the big white cubes scattered around the airport to discover nearby food and shopping options.
For those seeking relaxation, Terminal 5 has designated playgrounds and kids' areas near Gates 12 and 26, while Terminal 4 offers an interfaith chapel open to people of all faiths, providing a peaceful atmosphere. The airport also has spa facilities, beauty treatments, and massage sessions to help you unwind.
If you're looking to stay active during your layover, the TWA Fitness Centre, located in the lobby next to The TWA Shop, offers a 10,000-square-foot gym, a full yoga studio, and Peloton bikes, open 24 hours a day.
Additionally, with free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport, you can stay connected, catch up on work, or simply browse the internet during your layover.
Exploring Beyond the Airport
If you have a longer layover of more than 6 hours, you might consider venturing beyond the airport to explore the surrounding area. Manhattan is a popular destination, accessible via the AirTrain and New York City subway. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square or enjoy the tranquility of Central Park.
For a change of scenery, Rockaway Beach, located about 9 miles from JFK, offers a sandy escape with a 5.5-mile boardwalk. Getting to the beach via public transport involves taking the AirTrain, the A train, and then a bus, or you can opt for a quicker taxi ride from the terminal. Remember to plan your time accordingly, considering traffic and setting alarms to ensure you make it back to the airport in time for your connecting flight.
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Airport history and facilities
John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK, ICAO: KJFK, FAA LID: JFK) is a major international airport serving New York City and its metropolitan area. Located on the southwestern shore of Long Island, in Queens, New York City, JFK borders Jamaica Bay. It is the busiest of the seven airports in the New York airport system, the sixth-busiest airport in the United States, and the busiest international commercial airport in North America. The airport covers 5,200 acres (2,104 ha), making it the largest in the New York metropolitan area. Over 90 airlines operate from JFK, offering nonstop or direct flights to destinations on all six inhabited continents.
The facility opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, commonly known as Idlewild Airport (IATA: IDL, ICAO: KIDL, FAA LID: IDL) after the Idlewild Beach Golf Course that it displaced. It was built to relieve LaGuardia Field, which had become overcrowded after opening in 1939. In late 1941, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia announced that the city had chosen a large area of marshland on Jamaica Bay for the airport's site. The opening ceremony was attended by an estimated 215,000 spectators from around the world, including 500 journalists. The opening included a military exhibit costing $10 million and a flyover of various aircraft. In his speech, La Guardia announced, "I'm taking this opportunity to announce to the whole world that we now have the best damn airport in the world."
When the airport opened, there were six runways, with a seventh under construction. Three of the six runways were initially operational, with two more opening in 1949. In its first full year of operation, 1949, the airport handled 222,620 passengers and 18,115 aircraft movements. The first major permanent structure opened in 1951, housing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees overseeing operations at Idlewild and other New York-area airports. In 1952, an 11-floor permanent air traffic control tower was opened, along with 11 hangars, an air traffic control centre, a large air freight building, and a weather bureau. By the late 1950s, $235 million had been spent on developing Idlewild.
On December 24, 1963, a month and two days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the airport was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport, in tribute to the fallen president. The IDL and KIDL codes were reassigned to Indianola Municipal Airport in Mississippi, and the renamed Kennedy Airport was given the codes JFK and KJFK, adopting the president's initials.
Today, JFK features five passenger terminals and four runways, with over 4.5 million square feet of warehouse space. Terminal 4, managed by JFKIAT (IAT) LLC, was the first in the United States to be managed by a foreign airport operator. It contains 48 gates in two concourses and functions as the hub for Delta Air Lines at JFK. Terminal 8 has an annual capacity of 12.8 million passengers and features one American Airlines Admirals Club and three lounges for premium class passengers and frequent flyers. The airport offers dozens of retail and food outlets, 84 ticket counters, 44 self-service kiosks, and ten security checkpoint lanes. It also boasts a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility that can process over 1,600 people per hour.
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Frequently asked questions
JFK airport is the main aviation hub in New York City, so there is plenty to do during a layover. The airport has the usual "shopping-eating-drinking" options, as well as spa facilities, chapels, and playgrounds and kids' areas near Gates 12 and 26 in Terminal 5. If you fancy a workout, head to the TWA Fitness Centre, which is open 24/7 and offers yoga, Peloton bikes, and more. You can also grab a snack and a drink at the KAL Lounge, or head into Manhattan or Rockaway Beach if you have more than 6 hours between flights.
The AirTrain connects JFK airport to the New York City subway and the Long Island Rail Road. This is the cheapest option for getting from JFK to Manhattan or anywhere else in New York City.
If you are a US citizen or Canadian visitor, download the free CBP Mobile Passport Control app to your mobile phone. This app stores your passport information and means you can avoid the sometimes very long line in the entry hall. If you don't have the app, walk quickly down the hallways to the larger immigration hall in Terminal 4, and queue in the Diplomat line, which is usually empty.
