✨ AI-Enhanced Insights
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, commonly known as Idlewild, and was renamed in 1963 to honor President John F. Kennedy. Located in Queens about 15 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan, it is the busiest international air gateway to the United States and features multiple terminals, four runways, and the landmark TWA Flight Center, now the TWA Hotel.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know that the AirTrain is free between terminals, so if you have a long layover, you can hop to Terminal 5 to visit the TWA Hotel and its retro TWA Flight Center, or to Terminal 4 for better dining and shopping options.
🚖 Getting There
The AirTrain connects all terminals to Jamaica and Howard Beach, where you can transfer to the LIRR, subway, or buses; the AirTrain costs $8.50 when entering or exiting at those stations. Taxis and rideshares are available, but pickups are at designated areas and can be slow during peak times. For a faster trip to Manhattan, take the LIRR from Jamaica to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is JFK from Manhattan?
A: JFK is about 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Midtown Manhattan; travel time varies from 30 minutes by AirTrain and LIRR to over an hour by car in heavy traffic.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get from JFK to Manhattan?
A: The cheapest option is usually the AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then a subway or LIRR train; the AirTrain costs $8.50 and subway fare is $2.90, while LIRR costs more.
Q: How many terminals does JFK have?
A: JFK currently has five active terminals: 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8; Terminal 6 is under construction and expected to open in 2026.
Q: Is there luggage storage at JFK?
A: Some terminals offer luggage storage and left-luggage services, but availability is limited; check with your terminal or use a nearby hotel.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash