Can you walk from Terminal 7 to 5 at JFK?

Can you walk from Terminal 5 to 7 at JFK? You can if you must. The terminals aren't connected, and you'll need to take a 5-minute walk via the sidewalks and through the bus stops.



In 2026, you cannot walk directly between Terminal 7 and Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The terminals are separated by a complex network of active taxiways, service roads, and significant airport construction zones related to the ongoing "New Terminal One" and JFK redevelopment projects. The only authorized and safe way to transfer between these terminals is by using the AirTrain JFK, which is a free automated people mover that connects all passenger terminals. To make the transfer, you would board the AirTrain at Terminal 7 and ride it to the Terminal 5 station, which takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes. It is important to remember that JFK's terminals are not "connected" airside; this means that if you are transferring between T7 and T5, you must exit the secure area at Terminal 7, take the AirTrain, and then re-clear TSA security at Terminal 5. Because of the current construction-related traffic and potential security wait times, travelers should budget at least 60 to 90 minutes for this specific terminal transfer to ensure they do not miss their connecting flight.

People Also Ask

Can you go between terminals at JFK without leaving security? You'll need to go through security again for most JFK terminals because there are no airside walkways between terminals.

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JFK Terminal 7 Several international airlines, including Aer Lingus, Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, ANA (All Nippon), Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Icelandair, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines fly from Terminal 7.

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It is recommended that you arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel but also check with your airline.

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Yes you will have to reclear security. It will be immigration, claim your bag, customs, recheck your bag, then go through security again.

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More broadly speaking, JFK is undergoing a redevelopment, and Terminal 7 is expected to be torn down in 2026, so you can expect that the airline will only operate out of this terminal for a few years.

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For connecting domestic flights, you almost never have to exit and reenter security, though there are some exceptions at airports where the terminals aren't all connected. For domestic-to-international connection, it's still pretty rare that you have to exit and reenter security, even if you're changing terminals.

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The major airlines operating at JFK Terminal 5 are Air Lingus, Cape Air, and JetBlue.

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Terminal 7 was designed by GMW Architects and built for BOAC and Air Canada in 1970. Formerly, the terminal was operated by British Airways, and was also the only airport terminal operated on US soil by a foreign carrier. Terminal 7 is now operated by a consortium of foreign carriers serving the building.

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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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