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JFK Airport Information

JFK Airport Quick Facts

Information JFK Airport
Official name John F. Kennedy International Airport
Airport code JFK
ICAO code KJFK
Location Jamaica, Queens, New York City
ZIP code 11430
Time zone Eastern Time (ET)
Distance from Midtown Manhattan Approximately 15 miles by road
Airport area Approximately 4,930 acres

Where Is JFK Airport?

JFK Airport is in Queens, New York City, in the southeastern part of the borough near Jamaica Bay. It is one of the major airports serving the New York metropolitan area.

Although the airport is commonly associated with Manhattan because of its importance to New York City, JFK is not located in Manhattan. It is located in the borough of Queens, within New York City.

JFK is approximately 15 miles by road from Midtown Manhattan. The airport occupies approximately 4,930 acres along Jamaica Bay.

JFK Airport Address and ZIP Code

The commonly used airport address is:

John F. Kennedy International Airport

14 S Service Rd Bldg
Jamaica, NY 11430
United States

The airport's ZIP code is 11430. You may also see the address written as Building 14, Jamaica, NY 11430.

For driving, airport navigation and passenger pick-up or drop-off, use the address and terminal information provided by your airline or the specific terminal. JFK has separate terminal roadways and approaches.

JFK Terminal Addresses and Locations

JFK's passenger terminals are located around the airport's central roadway and AirTrain system. The current passenger terminal guides cover Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8.

JFK Terminal 1

International passenger terminal serving multiple international airlines.

Terminal 1 Guide

JFK Terminal 4

Major international and domestic terminal with extensive airline and passenger services.

Terminal 4 Guide

JFK Terminal 5

Major passenger terminal and the flagship terminal for JetBlue.

Terminal 5 Guide

JFK Terminal 7

Passenger terminal serving a range of international and domestic airlines.

Terminal 7 Guide

JFK Terminal 8

Major terminal serving American Airlines, British Airways and other airlines.

Terminal 8 Guide

All JFK Terminals

Compare terminals, airlines and passenger information in one place.

View All Terminals

JFK Airport Codes: JFK and KJFK

JFK is the IATA airport code used by airlines, passengers, flight searches, tickets and airport information systems.

KJFK is the ICAO identifier for John F. Kennedy International Airport. ICAO codes are primarily used for aviation operations, flight planning and air traffic services.

Code Meaning Common use
JFK IATA airport code Airline tickets, reservations, flight searches and passenger information
KJFK ICAO airport identifier Aviation operations and flight planning

JFK Airport Terminals

JFK currently has passenger terminal guides for Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8. Your airline and flight information should be checked before traveling because terminal assignments can change.

The JFK terminals guide provides an overview of the passenger terminals and links to individual terminal information.

Getting To and From JFK Airport

JFK can be reached by AirTrain, subway and LIRR connections, taxis, rideshare services, rental cars, buses and private vehicles.

AirTrain JFK

AirTrain connects the passenger terminals with airport parking, Jamaica Station, Howard Beach and the rental car center.

JFK AirTrain Guide

JFK Taxis

Find information about taxis and ground transportation between JFK and New York City.

JFK Taxi Information

Driving Directions

Driving to JFK requires knowing your passenger terminal and following current airport roadway signs.

Driving Directions

JFK Airport Parking

Find airport parking information and options for travelers arriving by car.

JFK Parking Guide

JFK Airport Map and Location

A map of JFK helps travelers understand the relationship between the passenger terminals, AirTrain stations, parking areas and airport roadways.

Because terminal access routes can change, travelers driving to JFK should confirm their terminal before leaving and follow airport signs when approaching the airport.

Useful JFK Airport Services

About John F. Kennedy International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of the major airports serving New York City and the New York metropolitan area. It is located in southeastern Queens along Jamaica Bay.

The airport is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. JFK covers approximately 4,930 acres and is connected to New York City's transportation network by roads, AirTrain, subway and Long Island Rail Road connections.

For passengers, JFK is an important international gateway with airlines serving destinations throughout the United States and around the world.

JFK Airport History

Construction of the airport began in 1942. The airport was developed on land that included the former Idlewild Golf Course, which is why JFK was widely associated with the name Idlewild during its early history.

The Port Authority began operating the airport in 1947, and commercial flights began in 1948. The airport was later renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport in December 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The name JFK is now the internationally recognized airport code and is used throughout airline and aviation systems.

JFK Airport Frequently Asked Questions

JFK Airport is located in Jamaica, Queens, in southeastern New York City, near Jamaica Bay. It is approximately 15 miles by road from Midtown Manhattan.

JFK Airport is in New York City, in the borough of Queens. Its mailing address is Jamaica, NY 11430.

Yes. JFK Airport is located in the borough of Queens in New York City, in the southeastern part of the borough near Jamaica Bay.

The ZIP code for JFK Airport is 11430. The airport's commonly used mailing address is Jamaica, NY 11430.

A commonly used airport address is John F. Kennedy International Airport, 14 S Service Rd Bldg, Jamaica, NY 11430. For driving and passenger drop-off, always check the specific terminal because JFK has separate terminal approaches.

The IATA airport code for John F. Kennedy International Airport is JFK. The ICAO airport identifier is KJFK.

JFK refers to John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. The airport was renamed John F. Kennedy International Airport in December 1963.
Anonymous (not verified)

we have a connecting flight and have been delayed 11 hours in JFK and are wondering if their are shower facilities where we could freshen up, as we have a long flight ahead of us to England.
many thanks,
Katie

Thu, 04/03/2008 - 15:08 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

My in laws will be arriving on JFK at 5.00 PM in mid of May 08. Their next suitable domestic flight is on next day morning. They will not be able to manage the stay and travel in any of the hotels near airport. Is there any facility available on JFK where in they can wait at the airport the whole night?

Thanks.

Sun, 03/30/2008 - 15:33 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Hi I am a High School Student who does not have any proper I.D. A college has set up a trip for me on this airline, other than the ticket what else do I need to get on board? Is student I.D. and/or birth certificate enough?

Sun, 03/30/2008 - 00:08 Permalink
angela (not verified)

I am wondering if there are showers available at the airport for people with long layovers?

Wed, 03/12/2008 - 05:49 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by angela (not verified)

There may be showers in some of the airlines private clubs. If you are a member to an airline's lounge at JFK, you might be able to shower there.

Wed, 03/12/2008 - 12:23 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

air traffic was noisy and overcrowred waiting long hours
i am upset i live in chatsworth ca im from elsalvador and my mom an elderly the give us a hardtime beacuse of our language barriers and treat us like pigs
jose victor ponce
thanks

Wed, 03/12/2008 - 04:51 Permalink
Mai (not verified)

Question here, My in-laws are coming in from Germany next month. They do not speak a word of English. I wanted to know how and where, if at all possible, can my husband get a security clearance to meet them at the gate once the plane has landed? They have to go through customs and my Mother in law is a diabetic and Security might question her medication as well as my Father in laws Medication for his breathing problems. Thank you very much.

Wed, 03/05/2008 - 18:20 Permalink
Linda (not verified)

How long does it take to clear customs from and internation American flight with no luggage? Also, what is the best and fastest way to get from JFK to LGA. Thanks.

Wed, 02/20/2008 - 17:08 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Hi! We arrive at terminal 1 from Athens.
How much time do we have to calculate , to collect luggage, go through visa/security and then check in again at terminal 5/6 to catch a flight with Jetblue to Boston?
thanks!

Sun, 02/03/2008 - 10:46 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

You had better allow for up to three hours. You probably can do it in two hours, but one never knows how long the lines is at customs, then you have to wait for luggage and clear customs, and then recheck your bags and then take the shuttle train over to terminal 5/6. You should be safe with 2-3 hours.

Mon, 02/04/2008 - 16:40 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

We are thinking of flying into JFK from Zurich with a 2 hour overlay - we will arrive at terminal 4 & then have to go to terminal 8 & fly to RDU.
We are not certain if we have to claim our bags & go through customs, as this is an overseas flight.
Do you know if we would need to claim the bags or will they go straight through to our final destination?
Is 2 hours enough time to get from terminal 4 to 8 go through security, as well?

Thank you

Mon, 01/28/2008 - 12:44 Permalink
Mlou (not verified)

This is the worst website I have ever seen. Can't find any information on the location of the Customs department. I'm will be coming into JFK from Venice on Delta and want advance info as to how to get through customs and where it is located. I only have an hour and 15 minute layover and want to get through customs and onto my next flight without wasting time trying to figure out where to go and what to do. I see a lot of questions on this site, but very few answers. Any help out there???????

Sat, 01/12/2008 - 14:15 Permalink

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