Long-term airport parking is much cheaper and more cost-effective than short-term airport parking. JFK long-term parking costs merely $18 per day, whereas, for half an hour of short-term parking, you would be spending $4.

The primary differences between long-term and short-term parking at JFK International Airport are price, proximity, and purpose. Short-term parking (located in the Green, Orange, Red, Yellow, and Blue garages) is situated directly adjacent to the terminals. It is designed for stays of less than 24 hours—ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers—and is the most expensive option, often costing around $6 for the first half-hour and capping at $40-$80 per day. Long-term parking is located at the Lefferts Boulevard lot, several miles away from the terminals. It is significantly cheaper, typically around $35 for the first 24 hours and $17.50 for each subsequent 8-hour period. To reach the terminals from the long-term lot, passengers must take the free AirTrain, which adds about 15–20 minutes to the journey. For trips lasting more than two days, the long-term lot or licensed off-site lots are the most cost-effective choices.