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.

• Train

  AirTrain + subway

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

  Time:

  Roughly 60-75 minutes to Midtown

  AirTrain charges a separate fare on exit.

• Train

  AirTrain + Long Island Rail Road

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

  Time:

  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.

• Ride-hailing

  Ride-hailing

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

• Car rental

  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

Local emergency number: 911

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

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• JFK Airport official siteOfficial airport source
• CBP — TravelGovernment source
• CBP — Travel and customs allowancesGovernment source
• MTA subway, bus and LIRROfficial transit source
• AirTrain JFKOfficial transit source
• 911.govGovernment source