John F. Kennedy International Airport Parking Lot – An Overview

Parking at JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport) is one of the most complicated systems out there, designed to handle a huge number of travelers. Basically, they break it down into a few main areas: the multi-story garages right by the terminals (Yellow, Blue, Red) for daily parking, and the big Lot 9 for long-term trips.

The AirTrain is what ties it all together, making it easy to get from your car to your gate. A big heads-up, though: JFK Airport is always under construction, so you have to check the latest parking map and real-time availability before you go. Being informed is the best way to avoid stress when getting in or out of this major New York hub. Here is an insight to JFK parking spots. 

Overview of Parking JFK’s Parking Lots

JFK airport facilitates multiple parking accommodations, ranging from extended-stay economy solutions to long-term hourly and daily facilities. These sections are optimally located and structured to satisfy a spectrum of transportation demands. 

To help you pick the best parking spot for your trip, here’s a quick run-down of the different parking types, what they cost, where they are, and what makes them special.

Parking Lots in JFK: Complete Guide to Rates & Options (Effective September 16, 2025)

Getting the right parking at JFK Airport really helps make your travel day a breeze. You can go for the handy terminal garages or the cheaper long-term lots. Moreover, you can either pay when you arrive or book your spot early if you are a planner.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all parking lots, prices, and booking requirements to help you plan ahead.

1. Federal Circle Station Lot (Prebook Only):

The Federal Circle Station Lot is a great choice if you want to guarantee a reserved spot and don’t mind a slightly longer walk to the terminals. However, you need to remember you have to book it at least 24 hours ahead of time, and it’s strictly based on what’s available.

• First 24 hours: $49
  
• Each additional 12 hours or fraction thereof: $24.50
  
• Reservation required- no drive-up parking allowed.
  

2. Yellow Garage:

For those short stays or day trips, the Yellow Garage is right next to the terminals, talk about convenient. prebook at least 24 hours out for some great deals.

Drive-up Rates:

• 1/2 hour: $6
  
• Each additional 1/2 hour: $6
  
• Over 3 hours stay (each additional 1/2 hour): $12
  
• 24-hour maximum: $75
  

Prebook Rate:

• $59 per day
  
• Prebook 24+ hours in advance
  

3. Blue Garage:

Similar to the Yellow Garage in terms of convenience, the Blue Garage offers easy access to terminals. Its daily maximum costs a little high for drive-up customers, making pre-booking a smart option.

Drive-up Rates:

• 1/2 hour: $6
  
• Each additional 1/2 hour: $6
  
• Over 3 hours stay (each additional 1/2 hour): $12
  
• 24-hour maximum: $80
  

Prebook Rate:

• $64 per day
  
• Prebook 24+ hours in advance
  

A reduction in parking supply has occurred because of redevelopment. You will even get prebook discounts when you book in the nearby Red Garage. Travelers with valid ADA placards do not need to prebook.

4. Red Garage:

A more budget-friendly garage option, the Red Garage offers the lowest short-term parking rates and competitive daily rates when prebooked.

Drive-up Rates:

• 1/2 hour: $4
  
• Each additional 1/2 hour: $4
  
• Over 3 hours stay (each additional 1/2 hour): $8
  
• 24-hour maximum: $70
  

Prebook Rate:

• $56 per day
  
• Prebook 24+ hours in advance
  

5. Long Term Parking Lot:

You can’t beat the Long Term Parking Lot for multi-day stays; it’s the most budget-friendly choice. Plus, if you book in advance, you will get an even lower daily rate.

Drive-up Rates:

• First 24 hours: $49
  
• Over 24 hours (each 12 hours or fraction thereof): $24.50
  

Prebook Rates:

• $39 per day (First 24 hours)
  
• $19.50 for each additional 12 hours
  
• Prebook 24+ hours in advance

Guide to Parking Lots Organized by Terminals at JFK Airport:

JFK Airport’s many terminals make finding the right parking spot a real challenge. Check-out current parking rules, outlines terminal-specific arrangements, and highlights the optimal options for your trip.

1. Terminal 1 Parking:

This garage is closed permanently as part of the New Terminal One construction. Passengers departing from Terminal 1 must prebook parking at the Red Garage, located at Terminal 8.

• Enter JFK via the JFK Expressway and follow signs for Terminal 8 parking.
  
• From the Terminal 8 Red Garage, simply take the AirTrain one stop to Terminal 1- about a 5-minute ride.
  
• All T1 travelers must prebook at Red Garage (Terminal 8).

2. Terminal 5 Parking:

Terminal 5 Yellow Garage is open, but operating with reduced parking capacity.
Due to limited space during peak hours, travelers should prebook early or consider public transportation if possible.

3. Terminal 7 Parking:

The Terminal 7 parking garage is closed as the new Terminal 6 is being constructed. Terminal 7 passengers should also prebook at the Terminal 8 Red Garage.

• Enter via the JFK Expressway and follow signs to Terminal 8 parking.
  
• Take the AirTrain one stop from Terminal 8 to Terminal 7.
  
• Expect a quick 5-minute transfer via AirTrain.
  

4. Terminal 8 Parking:

Parking at JFK Airport is severely restricted at present due to construction and high passenger traffic. Public transportation is highly recommended.

Terminal 8’s Red Garage is the only primary option (serving T1, T7, and T8), but prebooking is limited because of extremely high demand. If driving is essential, book your parking immediately to secure a space. Prebooked spots allow entry up to two hours early.

Secure Your Spot with Prebook Parking at JFK Airport:

With ongoing construction and a sharp rise in travelers, parking at JFK Airport is tighter than ever. If you can, taking public transportation is the easiest way to skip the hassle. But if you must drive, make sure you prebook your parking as early as possible, spaces fill up fast, and prebooking guarantees you a spot. Plus, you get a two-hour early entry window, giving you extra breathing room on travel day.

You can reserve your spot in just four steps mentioned below:

1. Select travel dates
   
2. Choose your parking space
   
3. Enter your details
   
4. Get your confirmation

What are the JFK Airport Parking Payment Options?

JFK Airport keeps payment simple and flexible. You can choose from several convenient options:

• All major credit/debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
  
• E-ZPass: Just glide through using your tag
  
• Contactless payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay
  
• E-ZPass Plus: Perfect if you prefer fully automated entry and exit
  

1. Using E-ZPass Plus:

If you want an extra-smooth parking experience, E-ZPass Plus lets you skip tickets entirely.

You can use E-ZPass Plus at JFK Airport if you:

• Are registered for the service on the E-ZPass Plus website
  
• Have restored  your E-ZPass using a credit card with proper validity
  
• Are a commercial account holder (you’ll need to call customer service to activate it)
  

2. How It Works:

Entering and exiting with E-ZPass Plus is easy, but here are a few things to remember:

• When you enter, wait for the gate arms to rise, sometimes it may take as long as 20 seconds for the system to read your tag. You should give that time and avoid pulling the ticket.
  
• When exiting, use the purple E-ZPass lanes.
  
• If your parking fee is under $20, it’s deducted from your E-ZPass balance.
  
• If it’s $20 or more, it’s charged to the credit card associated with your E-ZPass account.

Parking for Reduced Mobility Travelers at JFK Airport:

JFK Airport provides designated accessible parking spaces across all on-airport lots, close to terminal entrances for easy access. These spaces are available in:

• Short-term terminal lots
  
• Long-term parking areas adjacent to Lefferts Boulevard and Howard Beach AirTrain stations at JFK

Furthermore, to use these spaces, you must display the disabled license plates or permits officially issued by the state where you reside or by the municipality . Unauthorized vehicles in these spaces will be towed.

1. How to Access the Courtesy Discount?

If you are eligible and want to use the ADA/restricted mobility discount:

• Enter through the “Ticket” lane
  
• Pull a paper ticket
  
• Request the courtesy discount by pressing the Help button or speaking with an attendant at exit
  

Important: This ADA discount cannot be used with E-ZPass Plus payments.

2. Discounted Parking Rates (Effective September 16, 2022):

(Including all taxes and fees)

• ½ hour (applies after 4.5 hours): $4
  
• Each additional ½ hour: $4
  
• 24-hour maximum: $35
  

The discount applies only if you park at least 4.5 hours. Charges are calculated in half-hour increments until the daily max is reached.

Official JFK Parking & Authorized Off-Airport Options:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) always recommends parking on airport grounds or using an authorized off-airport parking provider. Parking with random unofficial lots may look tempting, but sticking to approved providers ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind.

Authorized Off-Airport Parking Providers:

1. Bolt Parking: 718-525-0099
   
2. SmartPark JFK: 877-535-7275
   
3. JFK Long-Term Parking Inc./ AirPark JFK:: 718-898-8400
   

These permittees are officially approved to serve JFK passengers, offering shuttles, long-term parking, and reliable customer service.

Vehicle Assistance Services at JFK:

JFK Airport offers vehicle assistance services to help you get back on track quickly. It’s a lifesaver when in a hurry or returning from a long trip.

If you find yourself stuck, call (718) 244-4168 for:

1. Flat-tire assistance
2. Jumpstarts
   
3. Lockout help
   
4. Help locating your parked vehicle
   

JFK’s Drop-Off & Pick-Up Rules:

Parking at John F. Kennedy International Airport is strictly prohibited at all times in front of or immediately adjacent to any terminal. These zones are designated exclusively for immediate loading and unloading. Vehicles left unattended, even briefly, will be towed immediately at the expense of the owner. 

The Better Option: Free Pick-up/Drop-off Lot

If you are picking someone up and don’t want to circle endlessly, use JFK Airport’s free Pick-up/Drop-off Lot at the Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain Station.

1. It’s free to wait there.
   
2. The AirTrain ride to all terminals takes only 8 minutes.
   
3. It keeps traffic flowing, and saves you the stress.
   

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations at JFK Airport:

JFK Airport has ChargePoint-connected EV charging stations.

Charging Time Options:

1. 12-24 hours at Level 1 chargers
   
2. 4-6 hours at Level 2 chargers
   

The electricity comes at no cost, simply use your ChargePoint access card or an RFID-enabled credit card to start charging. To get started, sign up at: www.chargepoint.com The electricity is provided sans any charge.

Useful Numbers For JFK’s Parking Lots

Here are some numbers to use regarding JFK’s parking lots:

Emergency automobile services (free)	(718) 244-4168
For reporting a crime, accident or in case of medical emergencies	(718) 244-4335
General parking	(718) 244-4168
To reach to a parking lot operator	(718) 244-4168
For all airport information	(718) 244-4444
Impound lot	(718) 244-4345

Why Park at JFK Airport?

So, you must be wondering why you should park at JFK. Here is the reason why: 

1. Convenient parking:

Experience effortless parking with JFK Airport. The barrier lifts automatically upon entry or exit, ensuring no stopping, tickets, or delays interrupt your travel flow.

2. Flexibility:

If your travel plans change, you have the freedom to easily modify or update your reservation right up until one hour before your scheduled entry time.

3. No hidden fees:

You can enjoy total transparency with their pricing. The initial price you are quoted is exactly what you will pay, with absolutely no hidden booking charges or unexpected card fees.

4. Reserve lots:

Rest easy knowing your vehicle is protected. JFK’s parking areas are continuously monitored by security, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, keeping your car safe.

5. A Confirmed Place:

Pre-booking guarantees your space. Regardless of how full the parking lots appear, your reserved spot is always held and waiting for you upon arrival.

6. Close to the terminal:

Maximize efficiency and minimize walking. These spots offer the closest proximity to the JFK airport terminal, providing the fastest and most direct drop-and-go experience.

Conclusion:

To easily choose JFK parking spots, first consider your budget and how close you need to be to your terminal. Because of construction and limited spots, it is now crucial to book your parking early, especially for garages near Terminals 1, 7, and 8. You can pick the convenience of terminal parking, the lower cost of the Long-Term Lot, or secure off-airport options. Checking real-time availability and planning ahead will help you avoid stress and ensure a smooth start to your trip.

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