JFK Airport Map

John F. Kennedy International Airport, also known as JFK, officially opened on July 1, 1948, as New York International Airport. However, locals called it Idlewild for years. The airport was renamed in 1963 in honor of President John F. Kennedy. JFK sits in Queens, around 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan, and is one of three key airports serving the New York area, alongside LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR).

JFK handled around 62.6 million passengers in 2025, making it one of the busiest airports globally. That passenger volume alone makes it worth knowing your way around; a wrong turn can cost you more time than at a smaller airport. Construction work is also underway at JFK, restructuring roadways, curb access, and parking, so even frequent flyers can find an entrance or route that’s changed since their previous trip. Our JFK Airport map covers all the JFK terminals, parking, and everything else you need to know to find your way around.

Over 70 airlines operate from JFK’s five active terminals, with Terminal 6 still under construction. Three carriers call JFK their home. Delta Air Lines operates its primary hub from Terminal 4, JetBlue has its home base out of Terminal 5, and American Airlines has its hub at Terminal 8 along with its Oneworld alliance partners. All other airlines run independent schedules from their assigned terminals.

Most drivers arrive at JFK via the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678), with the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Belt Parkway serving as the key secondary routes. Roadway layouts continue to change due to the ongoing terminal construction, and rideshare pickups for Terminal 5 and 7 passengers have moved offsite to the Howard Beach AirTrain lot. Due to traffic around the JFK area and perimeter construction, add an extra 15-20 minutes to your typical driving time.

For public transit, the AirTrain connects all five terminals to the regional rail and subway network and is entirely free to ride within the airport loop. For connections into the city, the AirTrain connects to the A subway line at Howard Beach, and to the E, J, and Z subway lines along with the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica Station.

The typical AirTrain exit fare is $8.75. Taking the AirTrain and subway into Manhattan comes to around $11.75. At the same time, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) charges you more but reaches Midtown in around 35 minutes. The official yellow taxis charge a flat $70 fare to any place in Manhattan, excluding tolls, state surcharges, and tip.

Connecting between the terminals inside JFK is very easy. All you have to do is board the free AirTrain. The AirTrain connects all terminals, all parking garages/lots, and the rental car center, operating continuously. If you happen to arrive at the wrong terminal or you need to get to your car, you are just one ride away. The ride is free as long as you stay inside the airport loop.

For parking near the JFK Airport terminals, you can use the Terminal 8 Red Garage, Terminal 5 Yellow Garage, and Terminal 4 Blue Garage. The Long-Term Parking Lot and the Federal Circle Station also offers long-term parking at JFK. They are located at a distance from the airport terminals. However, the AirTrain can take you to the airport terminals for free. For the most convenient and cheap JFK Airport parking, you must park your car at any of the offsite lots nearby.

For a smooth travel experience, the airport offers dedicated support services and amenities in all the terminals. You can find lactation pods, service animal relief areas, and red-uniformed customer service staff positioned at various information desks in the arrivals area. For complete animal care and quarantine services, JFK also has the ARK, a separate facility located off-terminal at Cargo Building 78.

Pre-plan if you need mobility assistance or additional help to navigate airport security. Wheelchair support services are directly managed by the airlines. TSA Cares manages separate assistance through security checkpoints when requested before your travel date.

Each terminal at JFK has its own security checkpoint. Most terminals also offer TSA PreCheck lanes. Terminal 4 runs a RESERVE program that lets you reserve a screening slot in advance. You can also find an exclusive CLEAR+ biometric screening at Terminal 4, operating daily on the departures level close to the main security checkpoint. Before driving to the airport, we always recommend that you check the live JFK TSA wait times in advance.

You can find the baggage claim area on the arrivals level of any terminal you land in. Since the terminals aren’t connected airside, you must collect your bags at your arrival terminal’s baggage claim area. For the exact location, check your airline’s app or the arrival boards at your terminal.

If you lost an item in the parking garages/lots, public areas, or AirTrain, you must file a claim via JFK’s virtual lost and found website or contact airport customer service at 718-244-4444.

Get in touch with the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 or submit a report via the TSA lost and found system if you lost something at the TSA security checkpoints.

If you lose your passport or visa documents, contact US Customs and Border Protection at 718-487-5164.

Reach out to the airline’s baggage service desk if you lost anything on the plane or in checked bags.