Airport Overview
John F. Kennedy International Airport is New York City's primary international gateway and one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, approximately 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan, JFK handles a significant share of transatlantic and transpacific flights serving the New York metropolitan area.
Terminals
JFK has six active passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 4 (the main international terminal), Terminal 5 (JetBlue), Terminal 7, Terminal 8 (American Airlines), and the new Terminal 6 (under construction as of 2026). The AirTrain JFK connects all terminals and provides access to the New York City subway and Long Island Rail Road.
Ground Transportation
The AirTrain JFK connects the airport to the A subway line (Howard Beach station) and the Long Island Rail Road (Jamaica station). From Jamaica, the LIRR reaches Penn Station in Manhattan in approximately 30 minutes. The A train takes approximately 60 minutes to Midtown Manhattan. Taxis, rideshare services, and car services are available. The NYC Taxi fare to Midtown Manhattan is a flat rate (check current rates with NYC TLC). The drive takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Rental Cars
Rental car companies operate from the on-airport Rental Car Center, accessible via AirTrain.
Parking
JFK offers parking in terminal garages and economy lots. Pre-booking is recommended. Rates vary by terminal and duration.
Accessibility Services
JFK provides wheelchair assistance, accessible AirTrain stations, and other accessibility services. Contact your airline in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from JFK to Manhattan?
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica station, then the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station (approximately 30 minutes total from the terminal). Alternatively, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach and the A subway line to Midtown (approximately 60 minutes). Taxis charge a flat rate to Manhattan; rideshare services are also available.
What is the AirTrain JFK?
The AirTrain is an automated rail system that connects all JFK terminals to the Jamaica LIRR/subway station and the Howard Beach A train station. It runs 24 hours a day. There is a fee to exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations.
How far is JFK from Manhattan?
JFK is approximately 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Travel time varies from 30 minutes (LIRR) to 60+ minutes (subway or car in traffic).
Quick Facts
- IATA Code
- JFK
- ICAO Code
- KJFK
- FAA Identifier
- JFK
- Type
- Large Hub
- City
- New York
- State
- New York
Nearby Destinations
Sources
- ·FAA Airport Data and Information Portal
- ·Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — JFK Airport (jfkairport.com)
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Disclaimer: Airport information is compiled from the FAA Airport Data and Information Portal and official airport websites. Terminal layouts, transport options, fees, and services change over time. Always verify current information directly with the airport or your airline before travel. United States Trip is not affiliated with the FAA, any airport authority, or the US government.
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