New York, United States

JFK layover guide

New York JFK. City centre is roughly 60 minutes away each way.

🛋️ Lounge access at JFKShowers, food and quiet seats on your layover. Check which JFK lounges Priority Pass covers.
Priority Pass lounges →Affiliate link

What to do by layover length

Under 4 hours: stay in the airport

  • The TWA Hotel, in the restored 1962 TWA Flight Center, can be visited from Terminal 5.

4 to 8 hours

Leaving the airport is possible but tight. Getting to town takes about 120 minutes round trip, and you'll need to clear US security again on return.

8 hours or more: leave the airport

AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then subway or LIRR; Midtown Manhattan is about an hour.

Transit and visa basics

The US has no airside transit: every international arrival clears US immigration, so you need an ESTA or a visa even to connect. Official source. Also check your airline's connection rules and the official New York JFK website.

Lounges

Lounge access depends on your airline, ticket class, or a membership. Search Priority Pass lounges at JFK, or check lounge listings on the airport's website.

Get Priority Pass lounge accessAffiliate link

Store your bags

Heading into New York for a few hours? Drop your bags at a luggage storage spot.

Find luggage storage with Radical StorageAffiliate link

Airport transfer

Short on time? A pre-booked ride takes the guesswork out of getting to the city and back.

Book a transfer with KiwitaxiWelcome PickupsGetTransferAffiliate link

Tours near New York

Long layover? Short tours that fit your time:

GetYourGuide tours in New YorkViator tours in New YorkAffiliate link

Airport hotels

TWA Hotel is on site at Terminal 5. For an overnight or a day room:

Hotels near JFK on Booking.comAffiliate link

Delayed or missed your connection?

Under EU and UK rules (EU261/UK261), delayed or cancelled flights can qualify for compensation.

Check your claim with AirHelpCompensairAffiliate link

Stay connected

Airport Wi-Fi can be slow or time-limited. An eSIM gives you data the moment you land.

Get an eSIM from AiraloAffiliate link

Last checked: October 16, 2026. Times are typical and can change with traffic, construction and timetables. Confirm before you leave the airport. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.

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