Passengers planning to pick up the arriving passengers at John F. Kennedy International Airport can access the JFK Cell Phone Lot for free, offering short-duration waiting.
These designated waiting areas allow drivers to remain at the JFK Parking Lot until their passengers call or text to confirm their arrival.
The system is designed to reduce traffic congestion at terminal arrival lanes and improve overall traffic flow around the airport.
Both JFK Airport Cell Phone Lots open 24 hours a day and serve all passenger terminals.
How Many JFK Cell Phone Lots Are There?
JFK Airport operates two official cell phone waiting lots:
JFK Cell Phone Lot East: This lot is convenient for pickups from JFK Terminal 1, JFK Terminal 4, and cargo-adjoining areas.
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Passengers can access the East Lot via the JFK Expressway and Cargo Road.
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The East Lot has the maximum waiting time of 60 minutes.
JFK Cell Phone Lot West: This JFK Cell Phone Lot is more convenient for pick up from JFK Terminal 5, JFK Terminal 7, and JFK Terminal 8.
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Passengers can access the JFK Cell Phone Lot west via the Van Wyck Expressway and airport Exit B. Its proximity to the major airport expressway makes it popular during peak hours.
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Basic restroom facilities are available in this lot.
JFK Cell Phone Lot East – Location & Directions
It consists of 127 parking spaces, located on the eastern side of the airport.
Address: South Service Road in Jamaica, NY 11430.
Directions from the North: Drivers head south on the Van Wyck Expressway and merge onto the JFK Expressway. From there, follow signs towards Cargo Road and turn onto South Service Road, where signage directs vehicles to the Cell Phone Lot.
Directions from the South: Drivers coming from the Belt Parkway must exit onto the Van Wyck Expressway towards the north. They then connect to the JFK Expressway and follow signs towards Cargo Road and South Service Road.
Pro tip: From the East Lot terminals are usually five minutes under normal traffic conditions. Evening arrivals and international traffic may cause temporary congestion. Drivers must allow extra time during peak periods. Entering JFK Cell Phone Lot via the GPS navigation provides accurate routing.
JFK Cell Phone Lot West – Location & Directions
The JFK Cell Phone Lot West is the larger of the two facilities offers 373 parking spaces.
Address: 130th Place in Jamaica, NY 11430.
Directions from the North: Drivers heading south on the Van Wyk Expressway must take the Federal Point Circle. Look for the signage that directs vehicles towards 130th Place, which has the designated Cell Phone Lot.
Directions from the East: Drivers using the Nassau Expressway should merge into the Van Wyck Expressway towards the south, then follow the signs for cell phone exit lots.
Rules for Using the JFK Cell Phone Parking Lot
Both the East and West JFK Cell Phone Lot operates under the strict guidelines:
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Passengers must remain inside the vehicles at all times and ensure not to leave the vehicle unattended.
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The maximum waiting time at the cell phone parking lot at JFK is 60 minutes.
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Drivers need to turn off the engines to reduce emissions.
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No overnight parking is allowed.
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No sleeping or camping permitted inside the JFK Airport Cell Phone Lot.
Violation of the aforementioned rules may result in towing or fines up to 150 USD. Drivers must report concerns to the Airport Police at 718-244-4335.
Step-by-Step: How to Pick Someone Up at JFK Using the Cell Phone Lot
Riders must follow the structured process for a smooth pick up from JFK cell lot:
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Check the real-time flight status through the official JFK Airport website or app.
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Check JFK Cell Phone Lot east vs west based on the passenger’s arrival terminal.
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Turn off the engine and wait inside the car. Wait for the passengers’ call or text once they have collected luggage and reach the curb.
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After the passenger collected baggage and reached the curb, follow the airport signage to the arrivals area.
Pro Tip: Riders must use the designated pickup lanes only. In addition, under normal traffic conditions, the drive from the Cell Phone Lot to the curbside takes 10 to 15 minutes. During heavy congestion, it may take up to 5 to 10 minutes.
JFK Cell Phone Lot Map
The JFK Cell Phone Lot map highlights both cell phone waiting lots. Both lots are marked with direct signage leading to passengers’ terminals.
The approximate distance from the West Lot to Terminal 4 is about 1.5 miles. The distance from East Lot to Terminal 1 is about 2 miles.
To conclude, JFK's Cell Phone Lot reduice congestions outside terminals. It lets drivers avoid circling and idling on roads that help cuts emission and enhance safety. These lots are free and save money compared to the short-term parking at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In addition, both East and West lots offer 500 spaces in total and operate 24/7. Users must follow rules like staying inside the cat and limiting the maximum wait time to 60 minutes. Any violations may attract a fine of up to 150 USD.
Always choose the lot close to the terminal, which allows quick drives to the curbside, often under 5 minutes.
