New York City JFK Airport Guide

sleeping in jfk airport — (photo credit: SleepingInAirports)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our New York City JFK Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

The TSA agent told me about the 24-hour Dunkin Donuts in the baggage claim area, as well as making some suggestions of where I can grab a snooze. – TheInfamousJ

JFK Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (code: JFK).

What to Expect

JFK Airport has five active passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), Terminal 4 (T4), Terminal 5 (T5), and Terminal 8 (T8). They are connected landside (pre-security) by the free AirTrain, which operates 24/7 every 2-5 minutes. Airside connectivity is limited to T4-T8 via a walkway. Each terminal is big, so expect a lot of walking to reach your gate and other facilities. Your experience will vary depending on your terminal. For instance, Terminal 4 is the shiniest, with plenty of amenities, but Terminal 8 is cold and sparse until you’re inside the Secure area.

Airside in most terminals, you’ll have a decent selection of shopping, dining, and services. For 24-hour eats, however, you’re limited to Terminals 4 and 7. The airport has free and unlimited WiFi, a significant upgrade from their previous 30-minute limit. The biggest complaint from travellers is the lack of seating. Other complaints are the cold temps, noise, long security lines, and seemingly never-ending construction. Hence, an extra layer and noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs are essential for a decent experience. If you’re willing to pay for more comfort, several lounges are open to Economy-class travellers, and a few even offer shower facilities!

Sleeping in JFK Airport

Sleeping at JFK Airport can be challenging, with many travellers reporting armrest-heavy seating, cold temperatures, bright lighting and overnight noise, leaving the floor as the most practical option in some areas. Conditions vary by terminal, and overnight access can also vary, with some travellers unable to remain airside or enter security until closer to their departure time. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping in JFK Airport.

For uninterrupted sleep, the landside TWA Hotel public areas near Terminal 5 offer a more comfortable place to wait overnight, while private sleep suites are available airside in Terminals 4 and 8. See Airport Hotels in the guide below for more info.

Read some traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our JFK Airport Guide.

New York City JFK Airport Guide — (Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor)

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.

Airport Hours

John F. Kennedy International Airport operates 24 hours, but security checkpoint hours vary by terminal and airline and may change without notice. Typical checkpoint hours are:

Terminal 1: approx. 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Terminal 2: approx. 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM (note: Terminal 2 is largely inactive and scheduled for demolition; availability may be limited)
Terminal 4: approx. 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Terminal 5: approx. 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Terminal 8: approx. 4:00 AM – 12:30 AM

Overnight access to secure areas requires a same-day boarding pass, and airside areas typically close after the last departures. If you remain landside overnight, you may not be able to pass security again until checkpoints reopen in the morning. Check directly with your airline to confirm check-in and security access times.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no official, designated rest zones. Some travellers report finding quieter seating in the following areas:

Terminal 5, airside, near Gate 28 – padded benches; generally calmer late at night
Terminal 4, airside, near Gate B32 – lounge-style seating
Terminal 8, airside, near Gate 35 – some seating without fixed armrests

Availability, noise levels, and seating configurations change frequently, and none of these areas are guaranteed to remain accessible overnight. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

JFK Airport Hotels, Day Rooms & Sleep Pods

Quick Facts

Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
Day Rooms: Yes
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at JFK Airport in comfort. For a quick cat nap, there are sleep pod/cabin options in T4, while an onsite hotel at T5 offers day rooms and overnight rates.

Sleep pods and hotels at JFK airport

TWA Hotel – Take the AirTrain to T5. The hotel is located outside the secure area, so you must pass through immigration and security to access it. The iconic hotel has no guided tours, but visitors are welcome to tour the property independently. You can also grab a drink at the infinity pool or get a day pass for the gym and showers (US$ 25). Day rooms are available from 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM for a minimum of four and a maximum of 12 hours. 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Day room rates are $179 + taxes (4 hours) or $419 + taxes (12 hours).

Minute Suites – Two locations: T4, Concourse B, near Gate B39 and T8, Concourse C, Gate C37. Minute Suites offers private suites for travellers who need to relax, work, or recharge during a layover or flight delay. Each suite has a daybed where two can comfortably rest, a workstation, charging station, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa to provide a sound-masking system. Here are the rates as of February 2025: US$ 65 per hour. US$ 215 (overnight – eight hours, after 9:00 PM til midnight). Showers in the Concourse B location are $20 for 30 mins (added on to a minimum 1 hour stay) or $30 for 30 mins without a suite rental. Discounted rates for military/1st responder, crew, and more. Use Promo Code SIASUITES to save 15% off a Suite Rental or Overnight Stay when you book online.

Hotels near JFK Airport

Fairfield Inn New York JFK Airport – (1.6 mi / 2.6 km) Mid-range hotel.
Hampton Inn – (1.7 mi / 2.7 km) Budget hotel.
Marriott JFK Airport (1.8 mi / 2.9 km) Upscale hotel.
Residence Inn by Marriott (1.8 mi / 2.9 km) Mid-range hotel.

Airport Shuttles: Many nearby airport hotels offer airport shuttle service. Check with the hotel for pick-up instructions, schedules and any reservation requirements.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Terminal 1

Air France-KLM Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, level 3, near gate 1, airside. Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Air France La Première and Business Class passengers (Standard or Flex fare) • Flying Blue Platinum/Gold members • SkyTeam Elite Plus members • Lounge membership programs.

KAL Business Class Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, airside, near gate 3. Hours: 9:30 AM – 12:50 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs • Korean Air First or Business Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.

Lufthansa Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, airside, on the left after security. Hours: Unknown. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lufthansa or Star Alliance Business Class passengers • Miles & More Senator/HON Circle members • Lounge membership programs

Primeclass Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, airside, near gates 8 and 9. Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) • 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM (Tues) • 9:00 AM – 1:30 AM (Thurs and Sat). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.

Turkish Airlines Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, airside, near gate 7. Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs • Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance Business/First Class passengers • Miles & More Senator/HON Circle members.

VIP ONE Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, landside, departure level, behind check-in counters E and F, next to the TSA checkpoint. Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs • Select premium and elite passengers on participating airlines.

Terminal 4

Air India Maharaja Lounge Location: Terminal 4, near gate 5, airside. Hours: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs • Air India First or Executive Class passengers.

Capital One Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, airside. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (Unknown) • Capital One Venture X or Venture X Business cardholders • Capital One cardholders (limited complimentary visits).

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club with Etihad Airways – Location: Terminal 4, airside. Hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs • Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders • passengers on Etihad or partner airlines.

Emirates Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Concourse A, airside. Hours: 3 hours before Emirates flight departures (typically 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Emirates First or Business Class passengers (excluding Basic Business fares) • Emirates Skywards Platinum/Gold members travelling in Economy.

HelloSky Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, airside, near gate 5. Hours: 24 hours. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.

Minute Suites – See “Hotels” section above.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Location: Terminal 4, A-Concourse, above gates A4 and A5, airside. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes, with an entertainment zone and relaxation areas. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs • Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers • Delta One passengers on international flights • Flying Club Gold members, SkyTeam Elite Plus members.

Terminal 7

Alaska Lounge – Location: Terminal 7, mezzanine level above security, near gate 1, airside. Hours: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($60 for oneworld airline passengers) • Lounge membership programs (Alaska Lounge members) • Alaska Lounge+ members • American Airlines AAdvantage members with a valid same-day boarding pass on Alaska or oneworld airlines • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members travelling internationally.

Terminal 8

American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 8, near gate 12, airside. Hours: 4:15 AM to 10:30 PM Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($79, American Airlines passengers with a same-day boarding pass on American or partner airlines) • Lounge membership programs (Admirals Club members) • Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® holders • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door rates available. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Terminal 1

Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, airside, on the left after security. Hours: 1:30 PM to 10:40 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lufthansa or Star Alliance First Class passengers • Miles & More HON Circle members.

Terminal 4

Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, airside, near gate 14. Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Express Platinum or Centurion cardholders.

Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 4, Concourse A, airside. Hours: 4:45 AM to 11:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (Delta Sky Club members) • Delta One passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members • Passengers with The Platinum Card® from American Express • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

Delta One Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Concourse B, airside. Hours: Unknown. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes. Lounge Access: Delta One and other eligible long-haul business-class passengers on Delta Air Lines and select partner airlines; no general pay-at-the-door access.

Terminal 7

Aer Lingus Lounge – Location: Terminal 7, near gate 1, airside. Hours: 12:45 PM. to last departure. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Aer Lingus Business Class passengers • Aer Lingus AerClub Gold Circle members • oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members travelling internationally on oneworld airlines.

Terminal 8

Chelsea Lounge – Location: Terminal 8, above gate 14, airside. Hours: 4:15 AM to 11:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Airlines or British Airways First Class passengers (long-haul flights) • oneworld Emerald members • AAdvantage Executive Platinum members with qualifying tickets.

Greenwich Lounge – Location: Terminal 8, above gate 12, airside. Hours: 4:15 AM to 1:15 AM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Airlines or British Airways Business Class passengers (long-haul flights) • oneworld Sapphire members • AAdvantage Platinum/Platinum Pro members with qualifying tickets.

Soho Lounge – Location: Terminal 8, above gate 14, airside. Hours: 4:15 AM to 11:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Airlines or British Airways premium economy or Business Class passengers (select fares) • oneworld Sapphire members.

Military Lounges

USO Center – Location: Terminal 5, landside, arrivals level. Hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Active-duty military, National Guard, reservists, and their dependents with valid military ID. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door access.

Food & Drinks

A small number of outlets and vending machines operate 24-hours.

Camden Food Company (Terminal 4, Airside)
Dunkin’ (Terminal 7, Airside • Terminal 8, Baggage Claim)
McDonald’s (Terminal 4, Airside)
Vending machines can be found in T4, Arrivals Hall East • Retail Hall East • Airside, Gate B23.

Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available airside near:

Terminal 1: near Gate 5
Terminal 2: near Gate 62 (availability may be limited)
Terminal 4: near Gates B32 and B41
Terminal 5: near Gate 28
Terminal 8: near Gate 35

Landside refill options are available in Terminal 4 (Arrivals level) and Terminal 5 (near the TWA Hotel).

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Short-term luggage storage is available landside through third-party operators:

T1 – Baggage Storage by SmartCarte (Landside)
T4 – Baggage Storage by SmartCarte (Landside) • Accommodations Plus (Landside)
T8 – Meehgan Services (Landside, Arrivals)

Mobile Charging

Charging stations are available both landside and airside near seating areas in all active terminals, including Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8. Availability depends on terminal access hours.

Showers

Public pay-per-use showers are not available. Shower access is offered inside select lounges, including the Air France Lounge, KAL Business Class Lounge, Centurion Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Lounge and Primeclass Lounge. Entry requires lounge access or an eligible pass. See the Airport Lounges section above for locations and entry details.

WiFi / Internet

Free unlimited WiFi is available. Connect to “JFK Free WiFi.” Signal strength varies by terminal, with generally stronger coverage reported in Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Baby Care Facilities – Baby care and family-friendly facilities are available for travellers with young children.

Nursing Stations are available airside in select terminals. Availability varies by terminal and location; hours are not clearly posted.
Mothers can reserve a 30-minute stay in a Minute Suites location to nurse their child or pump at no cost. Their suites are cleaned after every guest and are engineered to be a quiet and restful place to retreat away from the airport terminals. Location: T4, Concourse B (near Gate B39).
Family washrooms are available both landside and airside in Terminals 4, 5, and 8.

Information

Information Desk – Information Desks and Welcome Centers are available in the arrivals areas of active terminals to assist with general questions and directions. Hours vary.
Traveller’s Aid – Traveller’s Aid is a non-profit organization that assists stranded or distressed passengers with issues such as transportation help, lost funds, or emergency housing. Services are typically available during daytime hours.

Interfaith Chapel – Interfaith Chapel – A quiet space for reflection and prayer is available landside in Terminal 4.

Luggage

Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Luggage Wrapping – Secure Wrap offers plastic wrapping services to protect checked bags. Availability is limited to select terminals.

Money

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the terminals, both landside and airside. Fees and withdrawal limits depend on your bank.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange counters and services are available in Terminals 1 and 4, with limited airside and landside locations.

Pet Relief Areas – Pet relief areas are available both indoors and outdoors across most terminals. Indoor facilities are located airside past security, while outdoor areas are generally found near arrivals or departures curbs.
Shopping – Duty-free shops are available airside in select international terminals. In addition, a mix of retail stores, boutiques, convenience shops, and newsstands can be found throughout the terminals.
SIM Cards – Some shops and kiosks sell SIM cards, though availability varies. Travellers report finding SIM cards in Terminal 1 and Terminal 8 landside, but options may be limited late at night.
Spa & Salon Services – Spa services such as massages, manicures, and facials are available through BeRelax and XpresSpa in select airside locations. Hours vary and services are not available overnight.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas. There are no indoor smoking rooms.

Things to Do

Hotel Activities – From time to time, the TWA Hotel offers special activities such as roller skating or seasonal events. Access, pricing, and availability vary, and offerings are not guaranteed.

Layover Sightseeing

Do you want to make the most of your stopover or long layover by leaving the airport to do some sightseeing? Check out our JFK Airport Layover Sightseeing guide.

Airlines

New York JFK Airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • Aeroméxico • Air Canada • Air China • Air Europa • Air France • Air India • Air New Zealand • Air Serbia • Air Senegal • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • All Nippon Airways • Asiana Airlines • Austrian Airlines • Avianca • Azores Airlines • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Cape Air • Caribbean Airlines • Cathay Pacific • Cayman Airways • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Condor • Copa Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Eastern Airlines • Egyptair • El Al Israel Airlines • Emirates • Envoy Air • Ethiopian Airlines • Etihad Airways • EVA Airways • Finnair • Flair Airlines • Frontier Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • Hainan Airlines • HiSky Europe • Iberia • Icelandair • ITA Airways • Japan Airlines • JetBlue • Kenya Airways • KLM • Korean Air • Kuwait Airways • LATAM • Level • LOT • Lufthansa • Neos • Norse Atlantic Airways • Philippines Airlines • Qantas • Qatar Airways • Royal Air Maroc • Royal Jordanian • Saudi Arabian Airlines • Scandinavian Airlines • Singapore Airlines • Sun Country Airlines • Swiss • TAP Portugal • Turkish Airlines • Ukraine International Airlines • Uzbekistan Airlines • Virgin Atlantic • Viva Aerobus • Volaris • WestJet • Xiamen Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Airport Shuttles

Go Airlink provides a ride-share airport shuttle between the airport and New York City. Service is available 24 hours per day.

AirTrain

AirTrain is an elevated railway system that serves JFK Airport and connects all airport terminals and parking lots with the Long Island Rail Road and New York City subway lines in Queens. AirTrain service runs 24 hours daily and is affordable, easy to use and wheelchair-accessible. Three overlapping routes are available: the Howard Beach route, Jamaica Station route and All Terminals loop. Passengers can ride the AirTrain free of charge around the airport but must pay $8.50 by MetroCard if entering or exiting at Jamaica or Howard Beach Stations. For more information, visit the Airtrain website.

Buses

A total of 6 bus routes (Q3, Q6, Q7, Q10, Q10 LTD and B15) used to connect the airport with surrounding metropolitan areas. These bus stops used to be adjacent to T5 and could be accessed via a free on-airport AirTrain trip to the T5 station. For more information regarding the bus routes, schedules and fares, visit the MTA website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental companies are available at the airport: Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty. Location: Car rental counters or courtesy phones can be found on the arrivals level near the baggage claim in all terminals. You will take the AirTrain to Federal Circle Station to pick up the car.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

Some area hotels provide airport shuttle service. Passengers can take the AirTrain to the hotel shuttle waiting area at Federal Circle station.

Inter-Airport Transfers

The New York City metropolitan area is served by three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty. The Airlink NYC provides service between JFK and LaGuardia or JFK and Newark Airport (via Port Authority Bus Terminal transfer to a partner service). All County Express and ETS Air Shuttles also provide service between JFK and LaGuardia or Newark Liberty Airport.

Taxis

Taxi stands are outside each terminal, with a few exceptions. Due to renovation works, arriving passengers at Terminal 4 have to take a free shuttle bus from T4 to the Remote Ride App & Car Services Lot.

Ignore non-uniformed people offering to assist with baggage. Sample Taxi Fares from JFK Airport: Flat Fare is $70 (or $75 during peak 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) to Manhattan (plus tolls and tip). The taximeter and receipt should reflect this is a flat fare.

Train

JFK is connected to the NYC subway station at Jamaica and Howard Beach Stations. Once you arrive in any of the two stations, you can reach the airport thanks to the AirTrain. The fare is $11.40 ($8.50 for the AirTrain + $2.90 subway fare). For more information, visit the MTA website.

Last updated: 2026-01-09

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.