This is an easy airport to find your way around in.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
Belt Parkway:
Belt Parkway to the JFK expressway. The JFK expressway circles around the airport to every terminal. Just watch the signs for your terminal number. If there is a lot of traffic and you miss your exit for the terminal that you need, just circle around again.
Long island Expressway:
Take the Van Wyck Expressway and follow the signs to JFK.
By train:
Take the Long Island Rail Road to Jamiaca.
When you get to Jamiaca you will see signs for the AirTrain. From eth platform take the escalator or elevator up to the concourse, and just follow the signs for the AirTrain. The AirTrain runs 24/7 and stops at all airport terminals.
When you get to your terminal just walk up to the counter and check in.
I prefer taking the train! You never know what the traffic is going to be like in the NYC metro area is going to be like. And the last thing you want is to arrive late at the airport. I suggest not driving alone and parking your car at the airport as you will come back to a very expensive parking bill!
Oh just one more thing... If you have a lot of suitcases and stuff, you may prefer to take a shuttle bus from the city.. or if your coming from the island call an airport shuttle like "Hampton Coach" etc.
Hope this helps.
Finding your way around JFK