JFK or John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of North America’s busiest airport hubs, with more than 70 airlines flying to various destinations around the US and the rest of the world. Situated in Queens, the JFK airport is also one of the longest servicing airports within the New York City metropolitan area. The other major airports are LaGuardia Airport in Queens and Newark Liberty International Airport.
It should be known that the airport was first opened as the New York International Airport in 1948. However, after the assassination of the US President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in 1963, the airport was later renamed JFK Airport. Over time, the airport has gone through multiple renovations and expansions, some of which are still ongoing to this date. Currently, the airport has six terminals, namely – 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Additionally, there are several hotels located around the airport, such as the Crowne Plaza, Radisson Hotel, Days Inn & Suites, and Comfort Inn & Suites.
Therefore, in case you’re planning to head over to New York City via the JFK airport, then you’ve arrived at the correct place, as we’ll be sharing an in-depth guide containing all the essential information regarding the same.
Reach JFK Airport to New York City via AirTrain
To reach JFK airport to New York City via AirTrain, it’s recommended to follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Firstly, head over to the Terminal 8 of the airport. From there, you have to catch your AirTrain.
- AirTrains are provided at every 10-minute interval and your destination should be the station in Jamaica, New York. There will only be a single stop in-between known as the Federal Circle and the total distance covered will be around 7.6 km. Additionally, the time allocation should be around 4 minutes and expect to pay around 5-8 USD.
- After reaching the station of Jamaica, New York, you have to catch another train to New York Penn Station to finally reach New York City. The total distance covered will be 18 km and the time allocation is 21 minutes. Hence, expect to pay around 4-13 USD. Furthermore, the train frequency is at every 15-minute interval.
Reach JFK Airport to New York City via Taxi
In case you want to reach New York City from JFK airport via taxi services, follow the suggested steps below.
- To start your journey, you have to catch a taxi service from the JFK airport exit terminal to New York City. Multiple taxi operators service this route, including cab aggregators like Uber and Lyft to the traditional NYC Yellow Cabs.
- Expect to pay around 85-110 USD and the total distance covered will be 26.1 km.
Reach JFK Airport to New York City via Subway
When travelling from JFK airport to New York City via tram, follow the below-mentioned recommendations.
- Start by heading over to the Terminal 4 of the JFK airport.
- Trams are available at every 5-minute interval. Catch a tram to Howard Beach – Station A. The time taken will be 12 minutes and expect to pay around 8 USD.
- Transfer to Howard Beach – JFK Airport. From there, catch a tram to West 4th Street – Washington Square. Trams are available at every 15-minute interval and expect to pay around 2-3 USD. Total distance covered for the entire journey will be 28.5 km.
If this is the first time you’re visiting New York City, then there are a few must-see iconic sites that you should look forward to. The names include the Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Grand Central Terminus. You can also visit the nearby Central Park or the beautiful Empire State Building. Moreover, don’t forget to try out some amazing food and beverages from nearby cafes, restaurants and food trucks.
