JFK Airport Terminal Guide 2026: Airlines, Maps & Transportation
John F. Kennedy International Airport has 6 numbered terminals, but only 4 are fully operational in 2026. This guide tells you exactly which terminal your airline uses, how to connect between terminals, where to find lounges and dining, and how to get to and from JFK without the chaos.
Quick Reference: Terminal → Airline
| Terminal | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 NEW | Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines |
| Terminal 2 CLOSED | Permanently demolished. Not in service. |
| Terminal 4 | Delta, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad, Cathay Pacific, Swiss, Air Canada, KLM, WestJet, and 30+ others |
| Terminal 5 | JetBlue (all flights) |
| Terminal 7 LIMITED | Transitional — check directly with your airline |
| Terminal 8 | American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines (some) |
Terminal 1 — New International Terminal
Terminal 1 is JFK's brand-new international gateway, opening in phases starting 2023 as part of the largest airport infrastructure project in U.S. history. It replaces the aging original Terminal 1 and is designed to eventually absorb the operations of Terminals 7 and 8 as well.
When fully complete, Terminal 1 will have 23 gates and a retail and dining district exceeding anything currently at JFK. The first phase opened with Lufthansa, Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines as anchor tenants.
Airlines at Terminal 1
- Air France (all flights)
- Japan Airlines (most flights)
- Korean Air (all flights)
- Lufthansa (all flights)
- Turkish Airlines (all flights)
Lounges at Terminal 1
- Air France Lounge — Business and La Première passengers; one of the most highly regarded lounges at JFK
- Lufthansa Senator & Business Lounge — Star Alliance Gold members and business class passengers
- Korean Air KAL Lounge — Korean Air business class and SkyTeam Elite Plus members
Terminal 4 — The International Hub
Terminal 4 is JFK's largest and busiest terminal, handling approximately 21 million passengers annually. It is the primary international arrivals terminal and home to Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and dozens of other carriers via the Consolidated Arrivals Facility (CAF).
International arrivals at Terminal 4 clear customs through a centralized facility before entering the public baggage claim area. Processing time for international arrivals typically ranges from 45 to 90 minutes. If you are being picked up, your driver will wait in the meet-and-greet area just past the customs exit.
Airlines at Terminal 4
- Delta Air Lines (international + some domestic)
- Emirates
- Virgin Atlantic
- Etihad Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Swiss International
- Air Canada
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- WestJet
- Aer Lingus
- Aeromexico
- 30+ additional carriers
Lounges at Terminal 4
- Delta Sky Club — Delta Sky Club members, Delta One/First Class passengers, and Amex Platinum/Reserve cardholders on Delta flights
- Emirates Business Lounge — Emirates Business and First Class passengers
- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse — Widely regarded as one of the best lounges at JFK; Upper Class passengers and select Flying Club Gold/Silver members
- Centurion Lounge (American Express) — Amex Centurion and Platinum cardholders; open to eligible guests regardless of airline
- Chase Sapphire Lounge — Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders; located in T4's Mezzanine level
- Air India Maharaja Lounge — Air India Business Class passengers
Dining at Terminal 4
Terminal 4 has JFK's best food options. Notable options include Shake Shack (post-security), Deep Blue Sushi, Cask & Larder (Southern-inspired food and craft beers), and a full-service bar at the Delta Sky Club. For a quick meal, the food hall on Level 3 has grab-and-go options from multiple vendors.
Terminal 5 — JetBlue Hub
Terminal 5 is JetBlue's exclusive hub at JFK. All JetBlue flights — domestic and international — depart from and arrive at T5. The terminal is directly connected to the iconic TWA Hotel, the restored 1962 Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Flight Center, which is now a boutique hotel and event space.
T5 is compact and efficient by JFK standards. Departures are on the upper level, arrivals on the lower. Car service pickup is at the lower-level arrivals curb, outside Door 5.
Lounges at Terminal 5
- BlueHouse by JetBlue — JetBlue Mosaic 3 and Mosaic 4 members; opened December 2025
- TWA Hotel Bar & Lounge — Open to all guests at the connected TWA Hotel; accessible airside
Terminal 8 — American Airlines Hub
Terminal 8 is American Airlines' hub at JFK and was extensively renovated in 2022 with new concessions, lounges, and improved gate areas. British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, and Qatar Airways also operate here due to their oneworld alliance partnerships with American.
Airlines at Terminal 8
- American Airlines (all flights)
- British Airways (all flights)
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Qatar Airways
- Japan Airlines (select international flights)
Lounges at Terminal 8
- Admirals Club — American Airlines Admirals Club members and First/Business Class passengers on eligible routes
- Flagship Lounge — American Airlines Flagship (Business/First) passengers on transcontinental and international routes; one of AA's best lounges nationwide
- British Airways Galleries Lounge — BA Club World, First Class, and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members
- British Airways Concorde Room — BA First Class passengers and Gold Guest List members; considered one of the finest airport lounges in the U.S.
Getting Between JFK Terminals: AirTrain
The AirTrain JFK is a free automated monorail that loops all active terminals (T1, T4, T5, T7, T8) plus the Federal Circle (rental car center), Lefferts Boulevard, and Howard Beach. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with trains arriving every 4–8 minutes.
Riding between terminals within JFK is completely free. The $8.50 fare only applies when you exit to a public transit station (Jamaica Station for the E, J, Z subway lines and LIRR; Howard Beach for the A train).
AirTrain tip for connecting passengers:
If you land at Terminal 4 and need to connect to a JetBlue flight at Terminal 5, take the AirTrain — the ride is 4 minutes. Do not take a taxi or rideshare between terminals. The AirTrain is faster and free.
Where to Meet Your Car Service Driver at JFK
At JFK, car service pickup locations vary by terminal. Here is the exact location for each:
| Terminal | Pickup Location |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Arrivals level, Doors 1–3, designated car service zone |
| Terminal 4 | Meet-and-greet inside past customs, or arrivals curb Zone C (car service) |
| Terminal 5 | Arrivals level, Door 5, car service curb (ground level) |
| Terminal 7 | Lower level arrivals, designated TNC/car service area |
| Terminal 8 | Arrivals level, Door 8, car service designated zone |
When you book with Detailed Drivers, your chauffeur tracks your flight in real time and sends a text message with their exact location as you clear baggage claim. For international flights arriving at Terminal 4, we offer full meet-and-greet service inside the terminal — your driver will be waiting with a name sign past the customs exit. We provide 60 minutes of complimentary wait time from wheels-down, so there is no rush.
Transportation from JFK Airport: All Options Compared
| Option | Cost to Manhattan | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Car Service | $135–$165 sedan $185–$215 SUV | 45–75 min | Flat rate, flight tracking, meet-and-greet, 60 min free wait |
| Yellow Taxi | $70 flat + tolls + tip | 45–75 min | Fixed flat rate to Manhattan; surcharges apply |
| Uber/Lyft | $60–$150+ (surge) | 45–75 min | Surge pricing during peak hours; long wait times possible |
| AirTrain + Subway | ~$20–$30 total | 60–90 min | AirTrain to Jamaica ($8.50), then E/J/Z subway to Midtown |
| Express Bus (NYC Airporter) | $30–$35 | 75–120 min | Multiple stops; not ideal with luggage |
Detailed Drivers JFK Car Service Pricing
Detailed Drivers offers flat-rate pricing from JFK to all New York City destinations. No surge pricing, ever. All rates include tolls, 60 minutes of free wait time, and flight tracking.
| Destination | Sedan | SUV (Escalade) | Est. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midtown Manhattan | $145 | $195 | 45–65 min |
| Lower Manhattan / FiDi | $135 | $185 | 40–60 min |
| Upper East / West Side | $155 | $205 | 50–75 min |
| Brooklyn | $110 | $155 | 30–50 min |
| New Jersey (Newark area) | $175 | $225 | 60–90 min |
| Westchester County | $185 | $235 | 60–80 min |
| Long Island (Nassau) | $125 | $165 | 30–50 min |
Rates are flat-rate estimates. Final pricing confirmed at booking. Call (888) 420-0177 for exact quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About JFK Terminals
How many terminals does JFK Airport have?
JFK has 6 numbered terminals (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8), but only 4 are currently fully operational: Terminal 1, Terminal 4, Terminal 5, and Terminal 8. Terminal 2 was permanently demolished. Terminal 7 has limited operations and is in the process of being replaced by the new Terminal 1.
Which terminal is Delta at JFK?
Delta uses Terminal 4 at JFK for both international and most domestic flights. Terminal 4 is JFK's largest terminal, handling approximately 21 million passengers annually.
Which terminal is JetBlue at JFK?
JetBlue operates exclusively from Terminal 5 (T5) at JFK. All JetBlue flights — domestic and international — depart from T5. Terminal 5 is connected directly to the TWA Hotel, the restored 1962 Eero Saarinen landmark.
Which terminal is American Airlines at JFK?
American Airlines operates from Terminal 8 at JFK. Terminal 8 also serves British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, and Qatar Airways due to oneworld alliance partnerships.
Which terminal is British Airways at JFK?
British Airways uses Terminal 8 at JFK, the same terminal as American Airlines, due to their oneworld alliance. BA operates the Concorde Room and Galleries Lounge in T8 — among the best airport lounges in the United States.
Which terminal is Emirates at JFK?
Emirates uses Terminal 4 at JFK. Their flagship A380 service between JFK and Dubai (EK201/EK202) operates out of Terminal 4.
Which terminal is Lufthansa at JFK?
Lufthansa moved to Terminal 1 at JFK following the 2023 opening of the new Terminal 1. T1 serves Star Alliance carriers including Lufthansa, Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines.
Is there a free shuttle between JFK terminals?
Yes. The AirTrain JFK connects all active terminals and runs 24/7. Traveling between terminals within the airport is completely free — you only pay the $8.50 fare when exiting to a subway or LIRR station. Trains run every 4–8 minutes.
How much is a car service from JFK to Manhattan?
A professional black car service from JFK to Manhattan costs $135–$165 for a sedan and $185–$215 for an SUV, including tolls. Detailed Drivers charges flat rates with no surge pricing and provides 60 minutes of complimentary wait time. Call (888) 420-0177 or book online.
Where do I meet my car service driver at JFK?
Chauffeurs meet arriving passengers on the arrivals/baggage claim level of each terminal. For Terminal 4 international arrivals, Detailed Drivers offers meet-and-greet inside the terminal past customs. Your driver will send their exact location by text as you clear baggage claim.
What is the new Terminal 1 at JFK?
Terminal 1 is a brand-new $9.5 billion facility that began opening in phases in 2023. It will eventually replace Terminals 7 and 8 and will have 23 gates when complete. Current tenants include Lufthansa, Air France, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Turkish Airlines.
How do I get from JFK to Manhattan by train?
Take the free AirTrain to Jamaica Station ($8.50 exit fare), then the LIRR or E/J/Z subway to Midtown Manhattan. Total journey takes 60–75 minutes and costs approximately $20–30. Alternatively, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach and the A train to lower Manhattan (75–90 minutes).
Need a Ride from JFK?
Detailed Drivers provides flat-rate black car service from all JFK terminals. Professional chauffeurs, flight tracking, 60-minute free wait, and meet-and-greet at Terminal 4. Available 24/7.