The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced today that more than 6.7 million travelers are expected to use its airports and vehicular crossings during the peak travel period from Thursday, Aug. 29, through Tuesday, Sept. 3. This would be a record for the Labor Day travel period.
The agency estimates that approximately 4.2 million vehicles will use its bridges and tunnels over the holiday period, consistent with volume from the same period in 2023. To accommodate anticipated significant volume, all ongoing repairs and construction projects at its crossings will be suspended from 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. A separate travel advisory for any lane closures or service changes for the remainder of that week will be issued next week.
The agency anticipates about 2.5 million passengers will travel through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and New York Stewart International airports during the six-day period. Thursday, Friday and Monday are expected to be the busiest days at the airports. This anticipated volume represents an increase of three percent from the previous high recorded for the travel period in 2023 and an eight percent jump compared to the same period in pre-pandemic 2019.
The Port Authority strongly encourages all travelers to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time due to higher passenger volume and ongoing construction at various locations.
Travelers should expect longer wait times due to higher passenger volume and ongoing construction projects at these facilities:
Holland Tunnel:
- From 11 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29, to 5 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30: one eastbound lane closed.
- From 11 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29, to 5 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30: New Jersey-bound tube closed due to Superstorm Sandy-related repairs; New York-bound tube remains open.
Bayonne Bridge:
- On Thursday, Aug. 29: one southbound right lane closed from 7 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.
Airports & AirTrain:
- Until Sept.4: AirTrain JFK single ride fare reduced to $4.25.
- Until further notice: For-hire vehicle pickup at JFK’s Terminal 4 relocated due to airport redevelopment construction.
- Motorists encouraged to use free drop-off/pickup lot at Lefferts Boulevard AirTrain JFK station.
- JFK Expressway closed for customers traveling to/from Terminal 1; access via local on-airport roads.
- For-hire vehicle pickup location at JFK’s Terminal 5 relocated; signage installed.
- Taxi stand at JFK’s Terminal 5 relocated; signage installed.
- Parking on level 1 of JFK’s Yellow Parking Lot dedicated for individuals with special needs or disabilities; parking attendants available on level 1.
As a reminder:
All rental car companies serving Newark Liberty International Airport now operate out of the new consolidated rental car center within Parking A garage levels 1 through 3.
Peak period parking rates are now in effect at John F.Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The Port Authority urges air travelers to use mass transit or pre-book parking spaces if they plan on driving private cars.
LaGuardia Link Q70 bus service is fare-free year-round as announced by New York Gov.Kathy Hochul in April2022.
PATH Service:
From Saturday midnight (Aug31) until Sunday night (Sept1): trains between Newark-Penn Station and Journal Square operate every40 minutes due to track replacement/maintenance.Customers may need transfers.Trains run modified Saturday schedule on Labor Day(Monday).
For information on PATH service/train schedules visit their website or download RidePath mobile app.Oculus access limited overnight(1a.m.-5a.m.)for cleaning/safety/security reasons.All other entrances closed.For updates click here.
