John F. Kennedy Airport is located in the southwestern part of Queens. The airport is approximately 16 miles from Manhattan. You can reach John F. Kennedy Airport via the JFK Expressway and Interstate 678. It is the busiest airport in the United States.
New York is not just a city to visit. It is an experience in itself. Times Square, considered the heart of the city, is like the capital of the world with its giant screens and never-ending lights. Millions of people visit this city every year. Central Park is a huge green space in the middle of this busy city. It is one of America’s most popular city parks. When you come to New York, you shouldn’t leave without seeing the Statue of Liberty, one of the city’s symbols. You will experience a truly unforgettable moment as you watch the Manhattan skyline from the ferry to Liberty Island. One of the city’s most famous walking routes is the Brooklyn Bridge. The view of Manhattan is especially spectacular at sunset. New York is also a center of culture and art. Every corner of New York has a different story to tell.
Approximately 60 million passengers use this airport each year. More than 90 airlines operate at John F. Kennedy Airport. There are direct flights from this airport to destinations on all six continents. JFK is a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
There are five terminals at John F. Kennedy Airport. The AirTrain is used for transportation between terminals. There are taxi and bus stops in front of each terminal. Taxis operate 24 hours a day. You can use local bus lines Q3, Q10, and B15 to get to the city center. The signage within the airport is very clear. You can take the AirTrain to Jamaica station and transfer to the Long Island Rail Road train there.
Interactive John F. Kennedy Airport Map
John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal
There are five terminals at John F. Kennedy Airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, Terminal 7, and Terminal 8. The airport is U-shaped. The walking distance between terminals is quite long. You must use the AirTrain to change terminals.
Terminal 1 has 11 gates. This terminal has four floors. Check-in counters are located on the Departures level. Restaurants and cafes are located on the mezzanine level, and the security checkpoint and lounges are located on the concourse level. Baggage claim, immigration, and ground transportation services are located on the arrivals level. This terminal is used for international flights. Air France, China Eastern Airlines, Korean Air, Saudia, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Egyptair, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, and other international airlines use this terminal.
Terminal 4 is the largest terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport. This terminal is reserved for international flights. There are over 50 shops and restaurants inside the terminal. Duty-free shops carry products from brands such as Brooks Brothers, Hugo Boss, and Swarovski. Delta Air Lines uses this terminal for all its flights. There are 48 gates in this terminal.
The main airline for Terminal 5 is JetBlue. Cape Air and Sun Country Airlines also use Terminal 5 for their flights. This is the airport’s newest terminal. Inside the terminal, there are high-tech check-in kiosks, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Terminal 7 is generally used for international flights. This terminal has currency exchange offices, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Terminal 8 is the hub for American Airlines. This terminal has baggage storage, charging stations, nursing rooms, and pet rest areas.
John F. Kennedy Airport Car Rental
If your itinerary includes destinations beyond Manhattan, such as Long Island’s unique beaches or the enchanting nature of the Hudson Valley to the north, you can rent a car at John F. Kennedy Airport. A roughly 2-hour drive from the airport will take you to the Hamptons, the address of luxury. A 3-hour drive will allow you to discover the peaceful atmosphere of the Catskill Mountains. If you are staying only in Manhattan, definitely do not rent a car. The traffic here can turn your trip into a nightmare. Also, parking fees in the city center are quite high.
At John F. Kennedy Airport, car rental companies are not located inside the terminals. All companies operate at a central point known as Federal Circle, located on the north side of the airport. Getting to the car rental center is easier than you might think. After collecting your luggage, follow the AirTrain JFK signs. Take the AirTrain and get off at the Federal Circle Station. The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day and is free of charge. The travel time varies depending on which terminal you are at, but it never exceeds 5-10 minutes.
All major car rental companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Sixt, operate at Federal Circle. Keep in mind that this airport is very busy. To avoid wasting time when renting a car, I recommend reserving your vehicle online. This way, you won’t spend extra time renting a car. Also, online car rental prices are always more affordable.
John F. Kennedy Airport VIP Lounge
John F. Kennedy Airport has a wide range of VIP Lounge options. There are 29 VIP Lounges at the airport.
There are several different airline VIP Lounge areas in Terminal 1. After passing through security at the terminal, the Lufthansa Business Lounge, located on the left, opens around 8:30 a.m. and is open until noon. The Air France Lounge is located near Gate 1. This lounge is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Opposite Gate 3 are the Korean Air Lounge and AL Lounge. Near Gates 8 and 9 is the Primeclass Lounge. Near Gates 2 and 3 is the Turkish Airlines Lounge. This lounge is open from 6:00 AM to 3:00 AM.
Terminal 4 has the Air India Maharaja Lounge near Gate A5. It is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Emirates Lounge is open from early morning until night. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is located near Gate A5. This lounge area is open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Inside the terminal, there is also the Delta Sky Club next to Gate A8. This lounge is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. American Express’s famous Centurion Lounge is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Terminal 5 has a very limited number of lounges. Opposite Gates 6 and 7 is the Be Relax Spa. This is an area offering very short-term rest and spa services. Be Relax Spa is open between 07:00 and 21:00.
Terminal 7 has the Aer Lingus Lounge near Gate 1. On the upper level of security, there is the Alaska Lounge. This lounge is open between 5:30 AM and 6:00 PM.
Terminal 8, in concourse C, opposite Gate 42, is the American Airlines Admirals Club. It is open between 4:15 AM and 10:30 PM. The Greenwich Lounge is located on Level 1 after security.
Hotels at John F. Kennedy Airport
There is one hotel connected to the terminals at John F. Kennedy Airport. The TWA Hotel is connected to Terminal 5. This hotel is the only airport hotel at JFK. The hotel has 512 soundproofed rooms. You can enjoy runway views from the hotel rooms. The hotel also has a rooftop pool. Access to this hotel is very easy. The TWA Hotel can be reached by AirTrain. If you are at Terminal 5, it is easier to reach the hotel. You can enter the hotel through the TWA Flight Center tunnels. From other terminals, you must first take the AirTrain to Terminal 5.
There are many hotels around the airport that offer free shuttle service. Residence Inn by Marriott New York JFK Airport offers 24-hour free airport transfers and complimentary breakfast. This hotel also has rooms with kitchens.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport Hampton Inn NY-JFK is connected to Federal Circle Station by a free shuttle service. The hotel has a Peloton bike fitness center and offers a complimentary hot breakfast service.
John F. Kennedy Airport Location
John F. Kennedy Airport Address: Queens, NY 11430, United States.
John F. Kennedy Airport IATA: JFK
John F. Kennedy Airport ICAO: KJFK.
Satellite view of John F. Kennedy Airport. Click to enlarge
John F. Kennedy Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge