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How long does it take to get from terminal 1 to 2 JFK?

The AirTrain from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 takes 2 min including transfers and departs every five minutes.



At New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the time it takes to travel between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is relatively short, but it depends on your method of transport and the current construction status. The primary way to move between terminals is the AirTrain JFK, a free automated people mover that circles the airport central area. Under normal conditions, the AirTrain ride from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 takes only about 2 to 5 minutes. However, as of early 2026, JFK is undergoing massive redevelopment. Terminal 2 was officially closed to flight operations in 2023 to make way for the expansion of the "New Terminal One." Therefore, unless you are trying to reach a specific parking area or a nearby hotel shuttle stop that still uses that location as a reference point, you likely won't be "transferring" to Terminal 2 for a flight. If you are walking between adjacent terminal areas where possible, expect a 10-to-15-minute trek. If you are transferring between flights, always allow at least 90 minutes to 2 hours, as you will likely need to exit the secure area, take the AirTrain, and clear TSA security again at your new terminal.

People Also Ask

No, that is not nearly enough time. It can often take an hour just to get through Immigration and you may still be waiting for your luggage (and have to go through Customs, check in for new flight and then go through security again) after your ongoing flight has taken off.

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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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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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John F Kennedy Airport's Terminal 1 serves Aeroflot, Aero Mexico, Air China, Air France, AirPlus Comet, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Cayman Airways, China Airlines, China Eastern, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Olympic, Royal Air Maroc, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish. It contains gates 1-11.

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If you miss your connection booked with the same airline that your were on for your first flight, and the issue is due to a delayed take off or anything else that's in the hands of your airline, it's the airline's responsibility to rebook you on the next available flight.

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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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What is the recommended layover time for international flights? For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection. If your connecting flight leaves from a notoriously busy airport, it may be necessary to arrange a layover that's at least three hours long.

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On average, it takes about 20 minutes to clear customs and immigration at JFK. However, it is possible to wait for up to an hour or more during peak travel times or if there are long lines at the immigration booths. Here are some tips for clearing customs and immigration quickly at JFK: Arrive at the airport earl.

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Factor in a minimum three-hour window when flying to high traffic airports or traveling during peak days or hours. It's also important to know if you have to exit your terminal, collect your bags, and go through security again. If so, it's best to add another hour cushion for self-transfer flights.

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Muchly appreciated. Easily walkable. If you don't feel like walking, take the free airport transit train. But the terminals are adjacent to each other, so unless you have lots of luggage or mobility issues, shouldn't be a problem.

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Generally speaking, most airlines will make some kind of efforts to wait for delayed passengers on a connecting flight, though this is not necessarily guaranteed. In some cases, airlines may be able to hold a connecting flight for a period of time, but it is not something that is typically guaranteed by any airline.

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AIRLINES OWE YOU NOTHING IN CASE OF A MISSED CONNECTION IF YOU BUILT A MULTI-TICKET ITINERARY YOURSELF. If you have combined two separate purchases and you miss your connection, you will have to buy another ticket to replace the one you missed, at your own expense. It's as simple as that.

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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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News & Advisories. You will now find Delta's operations, including check-in, security, all gates and baggage claim solely in Terminal 4 (T4).

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It depends on how your ticket was booked. If your flights were booked under one ticket, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. If your flights were booked under separate tickets, you will need to collect your bags and recheck them before your connecting flight.

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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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