John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Though located in Queens, New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the most important access points for travelers heading to and from Long Island. As one of the busiest and most recognized airports in the world, JFK serves as a critical link not just for international visitors arriving in the New York metro area, but also for millions of Long Island residents who rely on it for both domestic and international flights.
Spanning over 5,200 acres on the southeastern edge of Queens and bordering Nassau County, JFK is technically situated on Long Island itself – making it a logical choice for travelers heading to destinations like the Hamptons, Montauk, or anywhere across Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Its direct connections to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), major highways, and AirTrain system allow passengers to seamlessly transition between air and ground travel.
For international travelers visiting Long Island, JFK is often the first impression of New York – and the airport has made strides in recent years to modernize terminals, improve passenger experience, and accommodate growing travel demand. With six active terminals, dozens of major international airlines, and flights to more than 100 countries, JFK truly lives up to its title as a global gateway.
Whether you’re heading to a vineyard in the North Fork, a beach on the South Shore, or returning home to a Long Island suburb, JFK remains an essential hub – and its location at the edge of the borough means Long Island residents are never far from a world of travel.
Overview of JFK Airport
- Opened: 1948 (originally named Idlewild Airport)
- Renamed: 1963, in honor of President John F. Kennedy
- Size: 5,200 acres
- Annual Traffic (2024): Over 62 million passengers
- Location: Jamaica, Queens – adjacent to Nassau County on Long Island
JFK is the busiest international air gateway in the United States and the fifth busiest airport in the country by total passenger traffic. It features six terminals, each with different airlines, amenities, and customs services.
Terminal Breakdown
Each JFK terminal is independently operated and serves specific airlines. A free AirTrain JFK service connects all terminals, parking lots, and rail stations.
- Terminal 1: Lufthansa, Air France, Korean Air, and other Star Alliance carriers
- Terminal 2: Former Delta terminal; permanently closed (operations moved to T4)
- Terminal 4: Major international hub for Delta Air Lines and multiple global carriers
- Terminal 5: JetBlue’s primary terminal, modern and traveler-friendly
- Terminal 7: Operated by British Airways, with other international carriers
- Terminal 8: American Airlines’ hub, including OneWorld partners like Iberia and Qatar Airways
Getting to JFK from Long Island
JFK is well-connected to Long Island via public transit and highway systems:
By Train:
- LIRR + AirTrain JFK:
- From Penn Station, Jamaica Station, or Atlantic Terminal, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station.
- Transfer to the AirTrain JFK, which runs every few minutes directly to all terminals.
By Bus or Shuttle:
- Various airport shuttles, charter vans, and hotel buses connect JFK with Long Island towns and resorts.
- Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE Bus) options may be used to reach Jamaica or surrounding areas.
By Car:
- Access via Belt Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway (I-678), and Southern State Parkway.
- JFK offers long-term and short-term parking, with real-time availability posted on its website.
Major Airlines and Routes
JFK is home to over 70 airlines serving destinations on six continents. Key carriers include:
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- British Airways
- Emirates
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
Popular Long Island–relevant destinations include:
- Domestic: Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Atlanta, Orlando, Las Vegas, Chicago
- International: London, Paris, Rome, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Tokyo, Madrid, Toronto
Amenities and Services
JFK offers world-class amenities to travelers, including:
- Dining: From fast casual to fine dining, with options like Shake Shack, Deep Blue Sushi, and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse
- Shopping: Duty-free stores, designer boutiques, tech shops, and travel essentials
- Lounges: Delta Sky Club, American Admirals Club, Air France Lounge, and more
- Wi-Fi: Free and fast throughout terminals
- Accessibility: Elevators, assistance services, accessible restrooms, and signage
- Family-Friendly Services: Nursing pods, kid-friendly play areas, stroller access
Nearby Hotels
Travelers with early or late flights can stay nearby at:
- TWA Hotel (located on airport grounds at the historic TWA terminal)
- Hilton Garden Inn Queens/JFK Airport
- Courtyard by Marriott JFK
- Hampton Inn JFK Airport
Many hotels offer free shuttle service to and from JFK terminals.
Airport Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jamaica, Queens (on Long Island) |
| Terminals | 6 active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8; T2 closed) |
| Main Airlines | Delta, JetBlue, American, Emirates, BA, Lufthansa |
| Transit Access | AirTrain, LIRR, NYC Subway, taxis, car, shuttles |
| International Reach | Flights to 100+ countries |
| Ground Transportation | Direct LIRR transfer via Jamaica Station |
| Best Uses for LI Travelers | International travel, JetBlue/Delta long-haul routes |
| Airport Hotels | TWA Hotel, Hilton, Marriott, Hampton Inn |
JFK Tips for Long Island Travelers
- Use LIRR + AirTrain for efficient transit from Nassau or Suffolk County.
- JetBlue flyers will find Terminal 5 especially fast and tech-friendly.
- Allow extra time for customs and security in international terminals.
- Download the Port Authority app for real-time AirTrain and parking updates.
- Consider off-site parking if traveling for more than a week—rates are lower and many offer free shuttle service.
