JFK Terminals
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is New York City’s main international gateway and one of the busiest hubs in the world, handling tens of millions of passengers every year. Opened in 1948 as New York International Airport and officially renamed in 1963 to honor President John F. Kennedy, it has grown into a global connector linking the city with every continent.
Allow extra time at JFK, as traffic and terminal distances can be longer than first‑time visitors expect.
JFK currently operates five passenger terminals: Terminal 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8, arranged in a loop around parking areas and airport roads and connected by the free AirTrain. Terminal 1 and 4 focus mainly on international airlines, Terminal 5 is the home base of JetBlue, Terminal 7 hosts several international carriers, and Terminal 8 is a large hub for American Airlines and its partners.
Check your terminal carefully on your ticket, as airlines may use different terminals for arrivals and departures.
Each terminal is spread over several levels, usually with arrivals on the lower level and departures and check‑in on the upper level. Shops and restaurants are mainly located airside after security, especially in the central concourses and near the gates, where you will find duty‑free, fashion, electronics, fast food, sit‑down restaurants and bars. VIP lounges are close to the boarding gates in all active terminals, including airline lounges (such as American, Delta partners and international carriers) and independent lounges accessible by membership or paid entry.
If you have a long layover, consider a lounge for quieter seating, better Wi‑Fi and complimentary snacks.
JFK offers free and unlimited Wi‑Fi throughout all terminals, along with ATMs, currency exchange desks, information counters and baggage storage services in selected areas landside. Families can benefit from baby‑changing facilities, family restrooms and play areas in some terminals, while passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) have access to elevators, ramps, adapted restrooms and dedicated assistance that should be requested in advance through the airline.
If you need special assistance or are traveling with young children, contact your airline before you arrive so services are ready for you at check‑in and boarding.
Check‑in is usually done at the airline counters or kiosks located near the terminal entrances on the departures level, and many carriers also offer online or app‑based check‑in to save time. Security screening takes place after check‑in and can be busy at peak hours, so arriving at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights is recommended. Boarding normally begins 30–50 minutes before departure, with announcements and screens indicating the gate and boarding groups; gates can be a long walk from security, especially in Terminals 4 and 8, so it is wise to head to your gate early.
Popular nonstop routes from JFK
| Route | Approx. flight time | Typical airlines |
|---|---|---|
| JFK – London Heathrow (LHR) | 6–7 hours | American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Virgin Atlantic |
| JFK – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 7–8 hours | Air France, Delta, American Airlines |
| JFK – Los Angeles (LAX) | 6 hours | American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue |
| JFK – São Paulo (GRU) | 9–10 hours | LATAM, American Airlines |
| JFK – Singapore (SIN) | 18–19 hours | Singapore Airlines |
For long‑haul routes such as Singapore, consider reserving extra‑legroom or premium cabins and stay hydrated throughout the flight.
JFK Terminal Map
JFK Airport has 5 operative terminals.
The terminals buildings are arranged in a O-shaped pattern around a central area containing parking, a power plant, and other airport facilities. The terminals are connected by the AirTrain system and access roads. As you can see at this image:
Check the detailed information for each Terminal:
JFK Terminal 1
Terminal 1 at JFK opened in 1998 and has 11 gates.
JFK Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is closed and it will be demolished.
JFK Terminal 4
It operates with a large part of international arrival flights. It has a big shopping mall. Take into consideration that this terminal doesn’t have AirTrain stop.
JFK Terminal 5
Jet Blue is the biggest company operating at Terminal 5. All buses depart from this terminal.
JFK Terminal 7
This terminal is operated by British Airways.
JFK Terminal 8
The biggest terminal of the Airport. It is divided into two concourses.
Transportation between terminals
By the AirTrain system is easy to transfer between terminals at John F. Kennedy Airport, since all airport terminals are connected to its network. Trains frequency every 2 to 5 minutes. You can also connect to the parking lots, hotel shuttle and rental car facilities.
Also, between Terminal 2 and 4 there is a free shuttle bus operated by Delta Airlines at their passenger’s disposal.
Find more information on the AirTrain section.