Can you go between Terminal 1 and 4 in JFK?

1 Answer. JFK has an AirTrain which runs every few minutes between all the terminals. This would be the fastest way to travel between them, you can also walk. After going through customs/security (depending on where you have come from etc) you can go directly to the AirTrain.



Yes, you can travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 at New York JFK Airport, but you must use the AirTrain JFK. In 2026, following massive redevelopment, the AirTrain remains the primary connector. The ride itself is free between terminals and takes approximately 5–8 minutes. However, there is a major caveat: you cannot travel between these terminals "airside" (behind security). If you arrive in Terminal 1 and have a connection in Terminal 4, you must exit the terminal, take the AirTrain, and then clear TSA security again at Terminal 4. This process can be time-consuming, especially with 2026's increased passenger volumes, so it is recommended to allow at least 90 minutes for this transfer. There is no pedestrian walkway between these two terminals, as they are separated by active taxiways and significant distance. Always check if your airline offers a specialized shuttle bus, which is rare but sometimes available for specific codeshare partners.

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It is not practical to walk between terminals at JFK. The AirTrain circles through all of the terminals so you get on the airport terminal loop train and get off at your desired terminal. There is no Terminal 3 or 6 so don't worry about not seeing them.

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Services offered at Terminal 4 include baggage storage, an interfaith chapel, nursing stations, pet relief areas, and currency exchanges. Air India, Delta, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, Swiss, and Virgin Atlantic all have lounges in this terminal; it's also where you'll find the American Express Centurion Lounge.

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John F Kennedy Airport's Terminal 4 serves Aer Lingus, Aerolineas Argentinas, AeroSvit Ukrainian Airlines, Air India, Air Jamaica, Air Tahiti Nui, Allegro (Seasonal), Asiana, Avianca, Azteca, Biman Bangladesh, BWIA, Constellation, Continental, Continental Express, Corsair (seasonal), Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, ...

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JFK Airtrain operates a vehicle from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1 every 5 minutes. Tickets cost $9 and the journey takes 2 min.

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Do you have to go through security again for connecting flight? Yes, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights. It is recommended that travelers allow enough extra time before their connecting flight to pass through security and customs again.

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If you're connecting from a domestic flight to a domestic flight, there is no need to go through security again. If you're arriving on an international flight, you'll have to go through security to connect to any flight, whether international or domestic.

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If a delay in your first flight is the reason you're missing your connection, don't worry too much. Usually, most airlines will rebook you on the next flight, and that too for free. Although, you might have to fly on standby depending on seat availability.

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What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

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Minimum connection times at the John F Kennedy Airport in New York can be as low as 30 minutes for domestic flights (if you're flying the same airline). However, it can take as long as 3 hours if you're coming off an international flight and you need to do a terminal change in order to make your connection.

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Current Average TSA Wait Time at JFK This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (12 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at JFK.

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JFK International Air Terminal LLC (JFKIAT) is the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the most active air terminals in the New York area, serving 30 international and domestic airlines with an annual passenger volume of 21.8 million travelers in 2018.

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While Delta-operated flights depart from Terminal 4, partner airlines, Air France, China Eastern and Korean Air, operate from Terminal 1. To change terminals, follow airport signage to the AirTrain and inter-terminal bus.

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They operate a shuttle between terminals 4 and 8. Any terminal you arrive at on an international flight will have an immigration/customs facility. You don't have to change terminals for that.

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