John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

International arrivals clear US Customs and Border Protection, then collect baggage, then pass through customs inspection.

• Visa Waiver Program travellers need a valid ESTA approved before departure; others need the appropriate visa.
• Automated kiosks and the mobile passport option can shorten queues for eligible travellers.
• Even domestic connections at JFK usually require re-clearing security after immigration.

• Zug

  AirTrain + subway

  AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then the subway (E, J/Z or A) into Manhattan.

  Dauer:

  Roughly 60-75 minutes to Midtown

  AirTrain charges a separate fare on exit.

• Zug

  AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road

  AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR to Grand Central or Penn Station — the fastest rail route.

  Dauer:

  Roughly 45-60 minutes to Midtown

• Bus

  Express buses and shuttles

  Shared-ride shuttles and coach services serve Manhattan hotels; slower in traffic.

• Taxi

  Yellow taxi

  Licensed yellow cabs operate a flat metered fare between JFK and Manhattan, plus tolls, surcharges and tip.

  Use official taxi lines only; never accept a ride offered inside the terminal.

• Fahrdienste

  Ride-hailing

  Uber and Lyft use designated pickup areas; surge pricing at peak times can exceed the taxi fare.

• Mietwagen

  Rental cars

  Rental facilities are reached via the AirTrain; driving in Manhattan also means congestion pricing and expensive parking.

OMNY contactless tap-to-pay works on subway and buses; the AirTrain fare is separate.

JFK connections often require changing terminals via the AirTrain.

• Arriving internationally means clearing immigration and customs even if you are only connecting.
• After customs, re-check your bag at the airline's connections desk and clear security again.
• Allow more time than the published minimum during peak evening banks.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the passenger terminals.

• Connect to the airport's public network and follow the sign-in page.
• Treat public airport Wi-Fi as untrusted — avoid banking and account logins.
• An eSIM activated before you fly means you are online the moment you land, without hunting for a network.

The US uses dollars; cards are accepted almost everywhere, but small cash amounts are handy for tips.

• ATMs are available in all terminals; airport exchange desks give poor rates.
• Tipping is customary in the US — commonly around 15-20% in restaurants and for taxi drivers.
• Sales tax is added at the register and is not shown in displayed prices.

Every terminal has dining airside; landside options are thinner.

• Late-night choice is limited outside the main departure banks.

Airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges operate in most terminals.

• Lounge access is terminal-specific — check that your lounge is in the terminal you depart from.

There is a hotel on the airport grounds plus many nearby with shuttles.

• Consider staying near the airport for very early departures rather than crossing the city at dawn.

Baggage storage is available at the airport.

• Report delayed or damaged bags to your airline before leaving the baggage claim area.
• TSA may inspect checked bags; use TSA-recognised locks.

Nursing rooms, family restrooms and children's play areas are available in several terminals.

• Request wheelchair assistance through your airline in advance.

• Charging points
• Pharmacies
• Prayer rooms
• Information desks
• Pet relief areas
• SIM / mobile shops

Lokale Notrufnummer: 911

• Port Authority police and medical services operate at the airport.
• Report a lost passport to police and contact your embassy or consulate.

• Prüfen Sie die Gültigkeit Ihres Reisepasses und ob ein Visum, eine ETA oder eine Einreiseerklärung erforderlich ist.
• Bestätigen Sie am Vortag Ihr Abflugterminal auf Ihrer Bordkarte.
• Aktivieren Sie eine Reise-eSIM, damit Sie sofort nach der Landung online sind.
• Laden Sie Offline-Karten herunter und machen Sie einen Screenshot Ihrer Hoteladresse und Buchungsreferenz.
• Informieren Sie Ihre Bank über Ihre Reise und führen Sie eine Ersatz-Zahlungskarte mit sich.
• Speichern Sie die lokale Notrufnummer und die Kontaktdaten Ihrer Botschaft auf Ihrem Telefon.
• Fotografieren Sie Ihren Reisepass und speichern Sie die Kopie an einem Ort, auf den Sie offline zugreifen können.
• Prüfen Sie die Gepäckbestimmungen und eventuelle eingeschränkte Gegenstände für Ihr Reiseziel.

Der Flughafenbetrieb ändert sich. Bestätigen Sie Terminals, Tarife und Fahrpläne immer mit den unten genannten offiziellen Quellen, bevor Sie reisen.

• JFK Airport official siteOffizielle Flughafenquelle
• CBP — TravelRegierungsquelle
• CBP — Travel and customs allowancesRegierungsquelle
• MTA subway, bus and LIRROffizielle Verkehrsbetriebe
• AirTrain JFKOffizielle Verkehrsbetriebe
• 911.govRegierungsquelle