Look, I’ve been through JFK more times than I can count.
And every single time, I see the same confused faces.
People wandering around like lost sheep.
Missing flights.
Getting ripped off.
Stressing about stuff they could’ve avoided.
So let me save you the headache.
The Real Talk About JFK Airport
JFK handles over 60 million passengers a year.
That’s a lot of chaos.
But here’s what nobody tells you upfront.
JFK has 6 terminals.
Each one is basically its own mini-airport.
And they’re not all connected.
Miss this detail?
You’re screwed.
Getting There Without the Drama
I’ll be straight with you.
There are 5 main ways to get to JFK:
1. Taxi/Uber/Lyft
- Costs $70-100 from Manhattan
- Takes 45-90 minutes (depends on traffic)
- Most convenient but priciest
2. AirTrain + Subway
- Costs about $11 total
- Takes 60-75 minutes
- Best value if you’re not in a rush
3. Express Bus
- Costs $19
- Takes 60-90 minutes
- Good middle ground
4. LIRR + AirTrain
- Costs $15-20
- Takes 35-50 minutes
- Fastest public transport option
5. Private Car Service
- Costs $80-150
- Most reliable timing
- Worth it for important flights
Terminal Breakdown: Know Before You Go
Terminal 1
- Airlines: Lufthansa, Air France, Korean Air
- Food: Decent options, pricier than outside
- WiFi: Free and fast
- Pro tip: Less crowded than other terminals
Terminal 4
- Airlines: Delta, Virgin Atlantic, KLM
- Biggest terminal at JFK
- Most shops and restaurants
- Can get crazy busy during peak hours
Terminal 5
- Airlines: JetBlue only
- Newest and cleanest terminal
- Best food court at JFK
- My favorite for layovers
Terminal 7
- Airlines: British Airways, Alaska, United
- Recently renovated
- Good duty-free shopping
- Solid WiFi throughout
Terminal 8
- Airlines: American Airlines
- Huge terminal, easy to get lost
- Plenty of charging stations
- Warning: Security lines can be brutal
Terminal 2
- Airlines: Delta (some flights)
- Smaller, quieter terminal
- Limited food options
- Quick security usually
Security: The Make-or-Break Moment
Here’s what trips people up.
TSA PreCheck or Clear?
Get both if you travel often.
Clear gets you to the front of the ID check line.
TSA PreCheck lets you keep shoes on, laptops in bags.
Together?
You’ll sail through while others wait 2 hours.
Best times to arrive:
- Domestic flights: 2 hours early
- International flights: 3 hours early
- Summer/holidays: Add another hour
No joke.
I’ve seen people miss $2000 flights because they thought 90 minutes was enough.
Food That Won’t Break the Bank
JFK food is expensive.
But some spots are worth it:
Terminal 5 (JetBlue):
- Shake Shack (yes, the real deal)
- Deep Blue Sushi
- Liza’s Caribbean
Terminal 4:
- Blue Smoke BBQ
- Le Bernardin (fancy but good)
- Papaya King (cheap hot dogs)
Terminal 1:
- Paris Café
- Greenwich Village Bistro
Money-saving hack: Bring snacks.
Security allows food through.
Just not liquids over 3.4 oz.
WiFi and Charging: Stay Connected
All terminals have free WiFi.
Network name: “_Free JFK WiFi”
No password needed.
Speed is decent for basic stuff.
Charging stations everywhere.
But here’s the thing.
They’re always full during busy times.
Pack a portable charger.
Trust me on this one.
Shopping: What’s Actually Worth It
Duty-free is overrated for most stuff.
But these are decent:
- Alcohol (if you’re traveling international)
- Designer sunglasses (sometimes good deals)
- New York souvenirs (obviously marked up)
Skip the electronics.
Prices are terrible.
Skip the clothes.
Unless it’s an emergency.
Hotels Near JFK Airport
Sometimes you need to stay close.
Best options:
TWA Hotel (inside the airport)
- Coolest hotel experience
- No commute to terminals
- Pricey but worth it for early flights
Courtyard by Marriott
- Free shuttle to terminals
- Reliable and clean
- Good middle option
Holiday Inn Express
- Budget-friendly
- Decent shuttle service
- Gets the job done
Common JFK Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Assuming all terminals are connected Fix: Check your terminal, plan accordingly
Mistake #2: Not checking which terminal for departure vs arrival Fix: Airlines sometimes use different terminals for different flights
Mistake #3: Underestimating travel time Fix: Always add buffer time, especially during rush hour
Mistake #4: Not having a backup transportation plan Fix: Download multiple ride apps, know the AirTrain schedule
Mistake #5: Waiting until the last minute for food Fix: Eat before security if possible, prices are better
International Travel: Extra Stuff You Need to Know
Customs can be slow.
Really slow.
Like 2-hour slow during busy periods.
Global Entry is worth every penny.
Skips most of the customs line.
Includes TSA PreCheck.
Duty-free pickup: Order online before you fly.
Pick up after security.
Saves time and often money.
Transportation Between Terminals
This catches people off guard.
AirTrain connects all terminals.
It’s free between terminals.
Runs every 4-8 minutes.
Takes about 10-15 minutes to get from one end to the other.
But here’s the catch:
If you’re connecting flights, you might need to:
- Go through security again
- Collect and re-check bags
- Clear customs (international connections)
Plan accordingly.
Peak Times to Avoid
Worst times at JFK:
- Monday mornings (business travelers)
- Friday evenings (weekend trips)
- Sunday evenings (returning home)
- Summer months (June-August)
- Thanksgiving week
- Week between Christmas and New Year
Best times:
- Tuesday-Thursday midday
- Early morning flights (before 7 AM)
- Late night flights (after 9 PM)
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at JFK?
Domestic: 2 hours minimum. International: 3 hours minimum. Add time during holidays and summer.
Is JFK WiFi free?
Yes, connect to “_Free JFK WiFi” – no password needed.
Can I walk between terminals at JFK?
No, you need to take the AirTrain. Walking isn’t allowed or practical.
Where can I store luggage at JFK?
Each terminal has luggage storage services. Costs vary by size and duration.
What’s the fastest way to get from JFK to Manhattan?
LIRR + AirTrain combo (35-50 minutes) or taxi during off-peak hours.
Can I sleep at JFK overnight?
Terminal 5 is most comfortable for overnight stays. Security and cleaning staff are used to it.
Do I need to tip airport shuttle drivers?
$2-5 per person is standard for shared shuttles. More for private service.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled at JFK?
Check with your airline first. JFK has plenty of food and charging stations for long waits.
My Final Take on JFK Airport
Look, JFK isn’t perfect.
It’s crowded, expensive, and can be confusing.
But millions of people navigate it successfully every year.
The key is preparation.
Know your terminal.
Arrive early.
Have backup plans.
And remember – it’s just an airport.
Don’t let it stress you out more than it needs to.
JFK – John F Kennedy International Airport might be chaotic, but with the right approach, you’ll handle it like a pro.
Safe travels.
