Layover Guide
Making the most of your stopover at John F. Kennedy International Airport — hotels, city tours and transit tips.
Your JFK Layover at a Glance
Best use of a long layover
AirTrain + subway to Midtown Manhattan — Times Square, Central Park or 5th Avenue are all reachable and worth it even in a 4-hour window.
Inside the airport
JetBlue's Terminal 5 has JFK's best food options. Terminal 4 has a large duty-free area with good dining.
TWA Hotel in Terminal 5 is housed in the 1962 TWA Flight Center — a landmark aviation building and genuinely memorable stay.
Layover Duration Guide
Grab a meal, use the lounge or rest. Not enough time to clear immigration and return safely.
Explore landside facilities, duty-free and airport dining. Consider a transit hotel if you need rest.
Enough time to visit New York city centre if transit visa permits. Allow 3 hrs buffer for return and re-entry.
Book a nearby hotel. You can explore New York properly — consider a guided tour to maximise your time.
Hotels Near JFK
Staying close to the airport? Airport hotels and transit hotels let you rest without a long transfer.
Recommended · HotelsAirport hotels, transit stays and New York city centre options — free cancellation on most bookings.
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City Tours from JFK
Short on time? Layover tours are designed to fit your connection window — pickup from the airport, back before your gate opens.
Recommended · ToursHalf-day and layover-specific tours with airport pickup. See the highlights of New York without missing your connection.
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Practical Tips for Your JFK Layover
Activate a United States eSIM on Airalo before you travel — instant data, no SIM card queue at the airport.
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