John F Kenneddy International Airport handles millions of passengers every year. JFK Airport offers several ways to transfer between terminals. All five active terminals - 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 - are connected through different transportation options. Passengers can use AirTran JFK for quick transfers. The airport also offers shuttle service between terminals. In some cases, passengers can walk between nearby terminals.
Ways to Transfer Between Terminals at JFK
There are three main methods for JFK terminal transfer. AirTran JFK serves as the most common and easiest way among all three.
AirTran JFK
AirTran is the automated train that connects all terminals in a loop. It connects not just to the terminals but:
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Parking lots
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Rental car center
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Major stations like Jamaica Station and Howard Beach on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) line
It runs 24 hours a day, and rides between terminals are free of charge.
How to board: Passengers proceed to the exit security at the arrival terminal and ride to the next terminal’s station. Then, enter security again.
JFK airside terminal transfer does not apply to AirTran JFK riders. The reason being AirTran station sits outside security in each terminal. After reaching the terminal, passengers must go through security again.
Frequency: AirTran JFK operates every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and 5-10 minutes at night.
Transfer between terminals at JFK: Most terminal transfers at JFK via AirTran take 5 to 15 minutes, including the time the passenger exits the terminal, walks to the station, and boards the train.
The table below highlights the estimated transfer times between terminals via AirTran JFK.
|
From Terminal |
To Terminal |
Estimated Time |
Stops |
|
1 |
4 |
1–2 min |
Direct route |
|
1 |
5 |
5–7 min |
Via Terminal 4 |
|
1 |
7 |
8–10 min |
NA |
|
1 |
8 |
7–9 min |
Via Terminal 7 |
|
4 |
1 |
1–2 min |
NA |
|
4 |
5 |
3–5 min |
NA |
|
4 |
7 |
10–12 min |
NA |
|
4 |
8 |
9–11 min |
Via Terminal 7 |
|
5 |
1 |
6–8 min |
Via Terminal 4 |
|
5 |
4 |
3–5 min |
NA |
|
5 |
7 |
7–9 min |
Direct route |
|
5 |
8 |
6–8 min |
Via Terminal 7 |
|
7 |
1 |
9–11 min |
NA |
|
7 |
4 |
10–12 min |
NA |
|
7 |
5 |
7–9 min |
Via Terminal 8 |
|
7 |
8 |
2–3 min |
Direct route |
|
8 |
1 |
8–10 min |
NA |
|
8 |
4 |
9–11 min |
Via Terminal 7 |
|
8 |
5 |
6–8 min |
Via Terminal 7 |
|
8 |
7 |
2–3 min |
NA |
Walking between terminals
At John F Kenneddy International Airport, passengers can walk between the terminals, but not all terminals.
The airportis mainly used for cars and trains, and not pedestrians.
For instance, a JFK Terminal 8 to Terminal 7 transfer can be possible through a secure walkway. Passengers connecting these terminals do not haveto goo through the security again.
How it works: For all terminals at JFK, passengers have to exit the building. When they enter the new terminal, they have to pass through the TSA security screening again.
In addition, walking is only possible when terminals are close to each other. Terminals 4 and 5 are closely connected,d and it takes about 5 minutes to walk between these destinations.
The best use case is passengers arriving at Terminal 5 who want to visit a lounge in JFK Terminal 4, who can walk between the terminals.
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Passengers must exit the arrivals level at Terminal 5
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Follow the sidewalk signs to Terminal 4.
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Walk outside for about 5-7 minutes.
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Enter JFK Terminal 4 and pass through the security again.
Shuttle Buses
Airlines at John F. Kennedy International Airport offer free shuttles for terminal transfers.
For instance, Delta Airlines operates a shuttle bus inside Terminal 4, ensuring domestic to international transfer at JFK and vice versa.
To travel between the different terminals,s such as from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1, there are limited shuttle service available outside the security area. These shuttles at JFK operate from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Besides, there are rideshare and NYC taxis available to transfer between terminals. It costs between 2 and -30 USD and is helpful for travelers with wavy luggage or a tight schedule.
Terminal transfers at JFK requires a planning before travelers arrive. AirTrain JFK stands out as the most reliable choice; this links any terminals within the airport in under 15 minutes, free of cost.
Travelers transitioning from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 or Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 can take a quick walk. Shuttles operate inside the terminal, such as Delta’s internal buses at Terminal 4, while there are taxis, which are more convenient for travelers with heavy luggage.
Remember that the minimum connection time at JFK for domestic travel is 40-60 minutes for domestic flights, up to 90-120 minutes for international ones. Always consider the immigration, baggage recheck, and security lines when transferring from an international to a domestic connection.
