New York JFK Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport · New York, United States
Verified airport guidance · Last checked September 2026
JFK has five passenger terminals open today — 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 — linked by the free AirTrain. The airport is being rebuilt: a New Terminal One is due in 2027, and roads and pick-up points change often during construction.
Connecting after an international flight
Arriving from abroad, you go through U.S. immigration at JFK even if you're connecting. Then collect your checked bags at baggage claim — even if they're tagged to your final destination — and drop them at the baggage recheck facility.
At your departure terminal you go through TSA security screening again.
Source: JFK — Connections guide
Getting between terminals
Take the AirTrain: it's free between terminals, runs every 5–15 minutes and connects the terminals in under 10 minutes. It runs outside security, so you're screened again at your next terminal. You only pay when you enter or leave at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations.
Source: JFK — AirTrain
Departing from JFK
Check in with your airline, then go through TSA security. For domestic flights, U.S. travelers need a REAL ID, enhanced driver's license or passport. JFK doesn't publish a single arrive-by time — the TSA suggests checking with your airline.
Source: JFK — Departures
Arriving at JFK
From abroad, you go through U.S. passport control (CBP). Mobile Passport Control works at JFK for eligible travelers. Then collect your bags and head out: the AirTrain connects to the subway and the LIRR, taxis charge a flat $70 to Manhattan plus extras, and ride-app pick-ups for Terminals 5 and 7 have moved to the Howard Beach AirTrain station during construction.
Source: CBP — Mobile Passport Control
Construction at JFK
Terminals 2 and 3 have closed; the New Terminal One is being built on their sites and is expected to open in 2027. Expect detours on airport roads throughout 2026.
Connection tips
- You collect your bags at JFK after an international flight — even if they're tagged through.
- The AirTrain is free between terminals; you're screened again at your next terminal.
- During construction, check your ride app for the pick-up point.
Getting around JFK
Where you can walk, and where you'll need a train or bus. Walking times are shown only where the airport publishes them.
Between any terminals: AirTrain JFK (before security)We don't have a verified walking route between terminals here.
| Between | Walk? | Other ways |
|---|---|---|
| Any terminal ↔ Any terminalAirTrain JFK (before security) | No | AirTrain JFK (before security) |
Sources: JFK — AirTrain
Airport map — JFK
JFK indoor map
Map data © Mapbox. Indoor maps are an experimental Mapbox feature. We don't draw walking routes.
We don't mark gates or checkpoints until we have verified locations for them.
Getting away from JFK
Official options, in no particular order. Times only where the operator publishes them.
AirTrain + subway
AirTrain to Jamaica (E, J, Z trains) or Howard Beach (A train — take one headed to Far Rockaway).
$11.75 for most riders: AirTrain $8.75 plus the $3.00 subway fare.
Source: MTA — Getting to JFK
AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road
AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the LIRR.
About 20 minutes on the LIRR between Jamaica and NY Penn or Grand Central Madison. AirTrain $8.75 plus the LIRR fare.
Source: JFK — AirTrain
Yellow taxi
Taxi lines outside each terminal.
Flat $70 to Manhattan, plus surcharges, tolls and tip.
Source: NYC TLC — Taxi fare
Uber / Lyft
Terminals 5 and 7: pick-ups have temporarily moved to the Howard Beach AirTrain station because of construction. Other terminals: check your app.
Source: JFK — Ride-share services
Check fares and schedules with the operator before you travel.