Ruth Haines
JFK Airport in New York is one of the busiest airports in the country. It is open 24 hours a day, with a constant stream of passengers passing through its six terminals. While the airport does not offer many suitable areas to rest, sleeping in the airport can be a good way to save money on accommodation if your flight is at an awkward time. Here is a guide to the best places to sleep in JFK Airport.
What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods in Terminal 5
JFK Airport in New York is the busiest international air travel gateway to North America, serving around 149 destinations worldwide. The airport is open 24 hours a day, with six terminals connected by the free AirTrain. Terminal 5, operated by JetBlue, is now home to GoSleep pods, which were originally exclusive to business lounge visitors but have since opened up to all passengers.
Each GoSleep pod is a private retreat, featuring a long leather mattress and a lockable, breathable screen for privacy and comfort. The pods come with a pillow, blanket, reading light, and electrical outlets. There is also a storage area beneath the mattress for luggage, and a device quick-charger.
The complimentary 20-minute option is ideal for those who need a quick power nap, while the subsequent rate of $10 to $15 per hour accommodates longer layovers and provides flexibility for those who need a short rest or a more extended period of relaxation.
If you're looking for a more economical option, there are also sleep pods in Terminal 4, offered by Minute Suites. These are only available to passengers with a same-day boarding pass, and the price is based on the amount of time you need.
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The TWA Hotel in Terminal 5
The hotel is located outside the secure area, so you must pass through immigration and security to access it. If you are an arriving traveller, you will first have to go through passport control, get your luggage, and go through customs before you can access the hotel.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can try sleeping in the airport itself. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. The airport is notorious for its crowds and lack of decent seating, so you will mostly find cold, hard metal benches with armrests. Overnight campers should be prepared to spread out on the cold concrete floor, so a travel mat, blanket, or sleeping bag is a must for cushion and warmth.
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Minute Suites in Terminal 4
Minute Suites Express in Terminal 4, Concourse B (near Gate B39) provides private suites for travellers needing to relax, work, or recharge during a layover or flight delay. Each suite is equipped with a daybed where two people can comfortably rest, a workstation, a charging station, a smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa sound-masking system. The suites are cleaned after each guest and are designed to be quiet and restful.
Mothers can reserve a 30-minute stay in a Minute Suites location to nurse their child or pump at no cost. Minute Suites has showers, which can be booked on their website. The rates as of December 2024 were: $55 per hour – $195 (overnight – eight hours, after 9:00 pm until midnight). Showers are $20 for 30 minutes (added to a minimum 1-hour stay) or $30 for 30 minutes without a suite rental. Discounted rates are available for military/first responders, crew, and more.
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The Wingtips Lounge in Terminal 4
The lounge provides better facilities and seclusion than the rest of the airport. However, as JFK is a large, busy airport, it is noisy with constant passenger footfall. It is also cold and bright, so it is recommended that you bring a sleeping bag, blankets, an eye mask, and earplugs.
If you are looking for a free option, you can sleep in the public areas of the airport before security. However, there are few resting locations, and most seats have armrests, making it impossible to stretch out.
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The food court in Terminal 1
JFK Airport is open 24 hours a day, and Terminal 1 has a few restaurants that are open through the night, including Dunkin Donuts and Taco Johns. However, the airport can be cold, noisy, and bright, so it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag, blankets, an eye mask, and earplugs if you plan to sleep there.
The airport is large, with 5 terminals and 130 gates, and it is busy at all hours with many passengers. This makes it a good option for sleeping for a short time, as there will always be people around. However, it is important to note that there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones in the airport.
If you are looking for a more comfortable option, Terminal 4 has Minute Suites, which offer a pod-like experience for rest. However, passengers must have a boarding pass for the same day as their flight to access these. Additionally, there are several hotels in the area, including the TWA Hotel near Terminal 5, which offer parking and shuttle services.
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Frequently asked questions
Travellers have reported the following good sleep spots in JFK Airport:
- Terminal 1 – Push a few chairs or a table in the food court together to make a makeshift bed.
- Terminal 2 – There is carpeted flooring upstairs from the café and eateries.
- Terminal 4 – Near the Norwegian Air check-in counters, a metal mesh bench has a couple of dividers, making the middle section a decent five-foot length for stretching out.
- Terminal 7 – The terminal has tall, high-back chairs – more comfortable seating than elsewhere in the airport, even if you can’t sleep in them.
- Terminal 8 – As you exit the AirTrain, two steel banks provide privacy for a few people willing to spread out on the floor. It’s a little quieter thanks to its out-of-the-way location.
Yes, there are sleep pods in Terminals 4 and 5. Minute Suites Express in Terminal 4 provides private suites with a daybed, workstation, charging station, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa. GoSleep pods in Terminal 5's business lounge are lockable and include a long leather mattress with a breathable lockable screen on top and a quick-charger for electronic devices.
Yes, the TWA Hotel is located outside the secure area near Terminal 5. Day rooms are available from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Day room rates are $149 + taxes (4-6 hours) or $209 + taxes (12 hours).
