John F. Kennedy International Airport, NY (JFK) JFK: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to John F. Kennedy International Airport

Find out the best way to get from John F. Kennedy International Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, bus or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to John F. Kennedy International Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Travel from New York city center to John F. Kennedy International Airport

New York City is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. Its most famous attraction is Time Square in Midtown Manhattan. Time Square is a hub for entertainment and business. Many blockbuster movies in Hollywood have been shot in this location, making it one of the most recognizable destinations for tourists. It's easy to get from the center of New York city to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) using public transportation as the city has a comprehensive and extensive public transit system. Rapid transit lines are available almost every hour of the day. The New York City subway also has a vast network of 472 stations, making it the largest subway system in the world by that count. There are also any different bus systems that make traveling around New York City even more convenient.

What's the best way to get to the airport from the city center?

Public transportation is fairly reliable, making it easy to travel to airport from New York city center. The subway station has different connections to JFK Airport. Passengers can access the E Eighth Avenue local transit at the 7 Avenue Station. This transit line takes passengers to Jamaica Center - Parsons/Archer station via Queens Plaza, Forest Hills, to Jamaica van Wyck Subway Station. From the Jamaica van Wyck station, it is easy to grab the AirTrain JFK Red. It's an 8 mile (13 kilometer) shuttle service that takes travelers to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

How far is it from the city center to the airport?​​

It's a one-hour journey between the two locations. This could increase depending on which public transportation one uses. A combination of E Eighth metro and the AirTrain JFK is usually the quickest. Travelers can catch the E metro at the 7 Avenue station. Alternatively, go to 50 St Broadway to hop onto the Service Line 1 train line headed for South Ferry. Dropping off at 34 St - Penn Station and walking to Pennsylvania Station is easy to catch the Long Beach train line. After 20 minutes the train will arrive at Jamaica Station where the AirTrain Red leaves regularly for the John F. Kennedy International Airport.  

What facilities are there at the airport?​

It offers free WiFi  that can be accessed at any time of the day. For passengers with limited mobility or those with large luggage, the airport has elevators to ease movement in and around the airport. There are also accessibility services at vantage positions in addition to on-airport bus shuttle services to help travelers move between terminals or different locations. The airport has 9 terminals, making it one of the largest and busiest in North America. The John F. Kennedy International Airport has 24-hour medical facilities that can handle emergencies. The airport also has mobile lounges for transportation to the aircraft as and when they are needed. They are wheelchair-accessible. There are also drinking fountains, rest rooms, and baggage storage facilities at the airport.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility​?

As such, there are accessibility points around the airport to help people with limited mobility move around with ease. Travelers are expected to call ahead of their travel to ensure they get the best kind of service. The parking lot at the John F. Kennedy International Airport has spots dedicated to people with limited mobility. Special room services are also available but travelers need to check availability through their airlines first. All spaces are wheel-chair accessible as well. This includes the drinking fountain, the rest rooms, and even the mobile lounges at the airport. Also, there are escalators to make the journey easier for travelers. The AirTrain JFK is designed to be accessible for people with limited mobility.

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local​

The most practical way to reach the John F. Kennedy International Airport is by taking the subway. Alternatively, the AirTrain JFK shuttle is a driverless train system that moves 24 hours a day.