Ultimate JFK Airport Guide by NYC United Limo
Hey there, traveler! Did you know that JFK Airport used to go by the name Idlewild Airport before it was renamed in 1963 to honor President John F. Kennedy, just a month after his passing? |
Pretty wild, right? Now, JFK is one of the planet’s most famous airports, buzzing with over 60 million people passing through its six lively terminals every year. Whether you’re hopping on your first flight, jet-setting for work, or just chilling during a layover, knowing how to navigate JFK like a pro can save you time, keep stress at bay, and maybe even lead you to some cool spots, like rooftop terraces, swanky lounges, or top-notch restaurants. In this friendly JFK Airport guide by our NYC car service, we’ll take you on a tour of each terminal, dish on airline services, lounges, tasty dining spots, transport hacks, and more, so your airport adventure is smooth, fun, and maybe even a little exciting!
JFK Airport Terminal 1 (T1)
Overview:
Terminal 1 deals with international flights and is home to some European and Asian Airlines. Terminal 1 is famous for its multicultural traffic and hosts airlines from major alliances like Star Alliance and SkyTeam.
Airlines Operating at Terminal 1:
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- Korean Air
- Turkish Airlines
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
- Alitalia
- Austrian Airlines
These airlines connect travelers to major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Terminal 1 has robust customs and immigration support due to its international nature.
Terminal 1 Lounges in JFK Airport
- Lufthansa Business Lounge
This lounge serves Lufthansa Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members.
- Air France Lounge
This lounge offers French food, showers, and work areas for travellers.
- Korean Air Lounge
It’s a spacious lounge with good seating and Korean refreshments for passengers.
JFK Airport Restaurants Terminal 1:
While the options are more utilitarian, you’ll find international style fast food, coffee shops, and a few areas to sit and eat:
- McDonald’s is located near gate 5.
- Martini Bar offers premium cocktails and light snacks.
- Euro Café offers Italian sandwiches and espresso.
Shopping:
- Hermès: You will find luxurious stores like Hermès for high-end French fashion and jewelry.
- Hudson News: Travelers can visit Hudson News for travel essentials and books.
- Coach: Coach is also a high-end brand with leather goods and luxury bags.
Smoking Area:
There is a smoking area near Gate 1, which is easy to find with clear markings and ventilation.
Parking for Terminal 1:
It is accessible via the Green Garage, the closest one, with rates ranging from $4–$6 per 30 minutes with a $80 daily max.
Pro Tip: Go for a JFK Airport car service for a luxury Airport trip.
JFK Airport Terminal 4 (T4)
Overview:
Terminal 4 is the most modern and the busiest terminal of JFK. It serves as a home to Delta Air Lines and a number of international airlines. It comes with a high-end selection of retail services, lounges, and dining.
Airlines at Terminal 4:
- Delta Air Lines (International & some domestic)
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
- KLM
- Air India
- Swiss International
- Over 30+ international carriers
This terminal is also known for the operations of most long-haul international flights.
JFK Airport Lounges Terminal 4:
- Delta Sky Club comes with multiple locations, hot meals, showers, and workspaces.
- Centurion Lounge allows Amex members in this luxurious space.
- Chase Sapphire Lounge offers luxurious seating and exclusive dining.
- Air India Maharaja Lounge is for business class and Star Alliance members.
JFK Airport Restaurants Terminal 4:
- Shake Shack is known for its Classic American burgers.
- Five Borough Food Hall is for those diverse and NYC-inspired food
- Blue Smoke on the Road is best for southern BBQ and craft beers.
- Le Grand Comptoir is a wine bar with delicious gourmet cheese boards.
Shopping:
- Apple Store (Pop-Up) is for accessories and gadgets.
- Kate Spade is for fashion accessories.
- Brooks Brothers is a perfect place to get your hands on business attire for last-minute meetings.
- Kiehl’s is a skincare brand that offers travel-sized skincare products.
ATMs & Amenities:
- There is a Chase ATM and some Currency Exchange Counters.
- You can get your hands on the Terminal 4 Map online and via JFK app.
Parking:
- There is no direct garage here, but Green Garage (T1) or off-site lots serve well.
JFK Airport Terminal 5 (T5)
Overview:
Terminal 5 is like a dream for a domestic traveler, latest, sleek, and JetBlue-exclusive. It is consistently accepted as one of the most user-friendly terminals at JFK.
Airlines:
- JetBlue Airways (All flights)
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Cape Air
JFK Airport Lounges Terminal 5 & Unique Spaces:
- JetBlue Rooftop Terrace
It is a unique and rare outdoor space for a therapeutic and relaxing session before and after your flights.
- USO Lounge
It is a free lounge, specifically for military people and their families.
JFK Airport Restaurants Terminal 5:
- Deep Blue Sushi is a Japanese sushi bar that offers very good and authentic Japanese sushi.
- Piquillo is a Spanish spot famous for its Spanish tapas and wine.
- JetBlue Food Hall offers a selection of local NYC bites.
Shopping:
- Benefit Cosmetics is an international Makeup and skincare brand.
- Best Buy Zoom Shop is perfect for your last-minute tech shopping.
- Hudson is a store for your books, electronics, and snacks.
Ongoing Renovations At JFK:
JetBlue is preparing to expand, they are renovating to include Terminal 6, set to fully open for the public by 2026.
Parking:
- There is this multilevel garage facility with EV Charging offering reliability and security.
- Tip: Book before the time to avoid delays during peak hours
JFK Airport Terminal 7 (T7)
Overview:
It’s a smaller and more cozy terminal that offers a relaxing vibe. Terminal 7 is home to United Airlines and a few other international airlines. The good point is that it’s less crowded, making it easier to maintain.
Airlines:
- United Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- British Airways (Some flights now moved to T8)
- Icelandair
JFK Airport Lounges Terminal 7:
- The United Club is a lounge with all the basic amenities, snacks, and drinks.
FK Airport Restaurants Terminal 7:
- Coffee bars & fast food stalls
Shopping
- A duty-free store is available for international passengers.
- Hudson New
FAQ:
Which terminal is Frontier at JFK?
Terminal 7
Parking:
Use nearby shared lots with Terminal 8 or off-site parking for convenience.
JFK Airport Terminal 8 (T8)
Overview:
Terminal 8 is home to American Airlines and is one of the most recently updated terminals. It’s a hub for the oneworld alliance members and operates for both domestic and international travelers.
Airlines:
- American Airlines
- British Airways (Now co-located with AA)
- Qatar Airways
- Finnair
- Iberia
JFK Airport Lounges Terminal 8:
Terminal 8 is known for having the most expensive and high-end lounges at JFK:
Admirals Club
It is a spacious lounge offering free snacks, beverages, comfortable seating, and shower facilities for American Airlines travelers and the elite members of oneworld.
Flagship Lounge
It’s a premium lounge with modern dining spots, fine wines, and peaceful workspaces for international business class and oneworld elite passengers.
Greenwich Lounge
It’s a luxury lounge for American and British Airways travelers, a newly constructed lounge offering the latest interiors, buffet dining, a cocktail bar, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Soho Lounge
It comes with a very fine space with chef-inspired meals, wines, and beautiful air field scenic views for VIP oneworld frequent flyers.
Chelsea Lounge
For first-class international travelers – The most luxurious lounge at JFK, offering à la carte dining, premium champagne, private suites, and personalized service.
Centurion Lounge
It offers a luxury space to Amex Platinum/Black members with premium buffets, craft cocktails, spas, and private work pods.
JFK Airport Restaurants Terminal 8:
- Bobby Van’s Steakhouse offers sit-down dining.
- Brooklyn National Deli is best for New York-style sandwiches and pickles.
- Grab-and-go coffee & snacks are also available at the gates.
Shopping:
- Porsche Design is your go-to spot for luxury gifts and luggage.
- InMotion Electronics is for travel tech.
- Duty-Free is a perfect spot for international travelers.
Smoking Zone:
The smoking area is located outside baggage claim (smoking is allowed in designated areas only).
Parking:
Check availability online for direct access to the covered parking lot.
Getting To & From JFK Airport – Complete Transit Options
Method | Duration | Price | Notes |
NYC United Limo | 45–90 min | Varies by zone | VIP service with tracking, inside pickup available |
AirTrain + Subway | 60–90 min | $11.40 total | Jamaica or Howard Beach station, most economical |
AirTrain + LIRR | 20–30 min | $13.50–$15.50 | Fastest public transport to/from Midtown |
Yellow Cab Taxi | 45–90 min | ~$70 + tolls | Flat fare from Manhattan |
Express Bus | 60–120 min | ~$20 | Stops at major Midtown terminals |
Private Car Services | 45–60 min | Premium | Great for groups, comfort, and reliability |
A Quick JFK Airport Parking Guide
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Hotels at JFK Airport– Best Picks
Hotel | Location | Shuttle | Highlights |
TWA Hotel | Inside JFK (T5) | Walk | Rooftop pool, 60s-themed, aviation museum |
Hilton New York JFK | 145-11 N. Conduit Ave | Yes | Business-ready, modern amenities |
Marriott JFK Airport | 135-25 142nd St., Queens | Yes | Reliable, clean, close to T8 |
Budget Hotels (Howard Beach) | Various | Yes | Prices from $80/night, ideal for short stays |
Day Use Hotels At JFK Airport | Off-site options | Yes | Great for long layovers (3–8 hour blocks) |
JFK Airport Tips
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