A complete guide to every restroom at John F. Kennedy International Airport — including family rooms, ADA accessible facilities, and insider tips for shorter lines.
JFK Airport opened on July 31, 1948 as New York International Airport — commonly called Idlewild — on the site of the former Idlewild Beach Golf Course in Jamaica, Queens. Each airline built its own terminal, creating an eclectic mix of mid-century modern architecture. The airport was renamed in honor of President John F. Kennedy in December 1963, one month after his assassination.
The most iconic structure was the TWA Flight Center designed by Eero Saarinen, which opened in 1962 with its swooping concrete wings. After TWA folded, the terminal sat empty until 2019 when it reopened as the TWA Hotel — now one of the most Instagrammed hotels in New York. Terminal 4 was rebuilt in 2001 by Delta and is the busiest terminal. The AirTrain JFK opened in 2003, connecting all terminals to the subway and LIRR. A $19 billion modernization program is currently underway, including a new Terminal 1 (New Terminal One) and Terminal 6.
JFK has restrooms in all active terminals (1, 4, 5, 7, 8). Terminal 4 is the largest and busiest with the most facilities. Mamava lactation pods are in every terminal. The TWA Hotel near Terminal 5 has public restrooms in the lobby if you need pre-security access.
All restrooms are ADA-accessible. The AirTrain connects all terminals and is fully accessible. For wheelchair assistance, contact your airline or call the Port Authority at (718) 244-4444.
Mamava lactation pods are in all terminals with multiple pods per terminal (14+ total). Terminal 4 has a private family room on Level 3. All pods are lockable with bench seating, outlets, and room for a family of four plus luggage.
Pre-security restrooms are on the ticketing and arrivals/baggage claim levels of all terminals. Open 24/7 without a boarding pass. The TWA Hotel lobby is also accessible to non-guests.
19 restrooms across 14 areas at JFK Airport.
Restrooms on the departures and arrivals levels. No boarding pass needed. Note: Terminal 1 is undergoing major reconstruction for the New Terminal One — some areas may be relocated. Follow signage.
Post-security restrooms in Terminal 1 gate areas. Construction for New Terminal One may affect some locations.
Mamava lactation pod near the Air France Lounge and Gate C70. Lockable pod with bench seating for a family of four, electrical outlets, and privacy. Use the Mamava app to locate and unlock.
Terminal 4 is the busiest at JFK (Delta hub). Pre-security restrooms on departures and arrivals levels. No boarding pass needed.
Restrooms on Concourse A of Terminal 4. Multiple banks near gate areas.
Restrooms on Concourse B. Delta's main domestic concourse.
Three Mamava lactation pods in Terminal 4 at Gate A3, Gate B31, and the West Retail Hall. Lockable with bench seating, outlets, and privacy. Use the Mamava app.
Private family room on Level 3 of Terminal 4 with nursing and changing facilities.
JetBlue's terminal. Pre-security restrooms available. The adjacent TWA Hotel also has public restrooms in the lobby.
Post-security restrooms near JetBlue gate areas. Multiple banks throughout.
Three Mamava lactation pods at Gates 1, 12, and 27. Lockable, family-sized with outlets.
British Airways and other carriers. Terminal 7 is being replaced by the new Terminal 6 — expect construction activity. Restrooms remain functional.
Two Mamava pods near Gates 3-4 and Gate 10.
American Airlines terminal. Pre-security restrooms on ticketing and baggage claim levels.
Post-security restrooms near American Airlines gate areas.
Three Mamava pods: 3rd floor interior hallway, Gate 14, and Gate 42. Lockable with outlets and bench seating.
The ARK at JFK Terminal 4 is the world's largest airport animal facility. Offers pet day care, veterinary services, airline check-in, and designated relief areas. A unique JFK feature.
The 'Wooftop' is the largest outdoor pet relief area at JFK, located at Terminal 5. Dedicated turf, pet-walking area, and a separate lounge. Post-security.
JFK has 11 pet relief areas across Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. All equipped with grass, waste bags, and trash bins. Both indoor and outdoor options available.
JFK terminals are NOT connected airside. Every terminal change requires the AirTrain. Allow at least 60 minutes between flights in different terminals — you'll need to exit security, ride the AirTrain, and re-clear security.
Terminal 5 (JetBlue) connects to the TWA Hotel — the restored 1962 Eero Saarinen terminal. Even if you're not staying, the lobby is open to visitors and has restrooms, a cocktail bar, and that incredible mid-century architecture.
The AirTrain is free when traveling between terminals. It only charges ($8.50) when you exit to the subway/LIRR at Jamaica or Howard Beach stations.
Terminal 4 has the best facilities overall — it's the newest and largest terminal with the most dining, shopping, and restroom options. If you have a long layover in another terminal, consider exiting to the AirTrain and spending time in T4.
The ARK at Terminal 4 is the world's first airport animal terminal. If you're traveling with a pet, this is the place for relief, vet services, and even pet boarding.
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the LIRR to Penn Station (25 min, ~$11) or the E/J/Z subway ($2.90, 50 min). The subway is cheaper but significantly slower.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available in Terminals 1, 4, 5, and 8. Terminal 4 typically has the longest regular security lines due to international flights.
JFK handles 180,000+ passengers daily during peak travel. Terminal 4 (Delta international hub) and Terminal 8 (American) see the heaviest traffic. International security lines can exceed 60 minutes without PreCheck.
New York events bring extra international traffic through JFK. Terminal 4 is most affected. All restrooms remain open 24/7.
Popular pre-game and post-game spots within walking distance.
Burgers · Terminal 4
NYC-born burger chain in the Delta terminal. Always has a line but worth the wait.
Known for: ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, concrete shakes
Sushi · Terminal 5
Full sushi bar in the JetBlue terminal. Surprisingly good for airport sushi.
Known for: Fresh sushi rolls, sake, JetBlue terminal dining
Cocktail Bar · Near Terminal 5
Retro cocktail bar in the restored TWA Flight Center. Mid-century modern design with a conversation pit. Open to non-hotel guests.
Known for: Retro cocktails, mid-century architecture, Instagram-worthy
Diner · Terminal 8
Classic New York diner fare in the American Airlines terminal. Pancakes, pastrami, and cheesecake.
Known for: NY diner classics, cheesecake, big portions
Garages, lots, and street parking options.
Attached to each terminal
Covered parking directly at each terminal. Pre-book online for significant savings over walk-up rates.
Lefferts Blvd, near JFK
Most affordable on-airport option. AirTrain connection to all terminals.
Near JFK terminal complex
Free waiting area for passenger pickups. Stay in car until your traveler is at the curb.
Near JFK on Lefferts Blvd & nearby
Multiple off-airport lots with free shuttle service. Pre-book for best rates. Cheapest option for extended trips.
JFK parking is expensive — terminal garages run $70-80/day walk-up. Pre-book online for $36-48/day. Off-airport lots are $8-11/day with free shuttles. The cell phone lot is free for pickups. Better yet, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and connect to LIRR ($11, 25 min) or the subway ($2.90, 50 min). Never drive to JFK during rush hour — it can take 2+ hours from Manhattan.
AirTrain JFK (inter-terminal, free)
AirTrain to Jamaica Station (LIRR/Subway)
AirTrain to Howard Beach (A Train Subway)
Nearby places sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Also nearby: Restrooms at Yankee Stadium · Restrooms at Citi Field · Restrooms at Madison Square Garden · Restrooms at MetLife Stadium