Travelers using Port Authority of New York and New Jersey facilities between August 15 and 21 are advised to plan ahead due to major construction, lane closures, and service changes at several key transportation hubs.
At John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), ongoing work as part of a $19 billion redevelopment project is causing detours and closures across the airport’s roadway network. The Port Authority urges travelers to allow extra time for possible delays or reroutes when accessing the airport by car or for-hire vehicle. To encourage public transit use, the AirTrain JFK single ride fare has been reduced by half to $4.25 through Labor Day. This fare applies to those connecting via subway or Long Island Rail Road from locations including New York City, Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
The agency also recommends that motorists use the free drop-off, pickup, and waiting lot at AirTrain JFK’s Lefferts Boulevard station for an eight-minute AirTrain ride to terminals.
Several changes affect ground transportation at JFK terminals:
- For-hire vehicle pickups at Terminals 4, 5, and 7 have been relocated due to construction.
- Terminal 4 passengers can take a free shuttle bus to Lot 66.
- Passengers leaving Terminals 5 or 7 should use the free AirTrain to Howard Beach Pickup Lot.
- Taxi stands at Terminals 5 and 7 have been moved; signage directs passengers accordingly.
- Parking adjustments include reserved spaces for individuals with disabilities in Terminal 5’s Yellow Parking Lot and closure of Terminal 7’s Orange Garage.
Ramp modifications near several terminals may require drivers to follow detour signs and expect up to fifteen minutes of additional travel time.
Air travelers are reminded that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints now require REAL ID-compliant identification or other approved documents such as passports or Global Entry cards for all passengers aged eighteen or older who do not possess a compliant REAL ID.
To manage parking demand at Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and JFK during peak periods, pre-booking is strongly encouraged. Travelers who do not pre-book may face higher rates or difficulty finding parking spots.
At LaGuardia Airport, the Q70 bus “LaGuardia Link” remains fare-free year-round as part of efforts announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in April 2022. More information on public transit options is available on the MTA website: https://new.mta.info/guides/airports/la_guardia
Routine maintenance will suspend AirTrain Newark service from Saturday night until Sunday morning; shuttle buses will operate between stations during this period.
PATH riders affected by ongoing switch issues at Hoboken station can access discounted NY Waterway ferry tickets between select terminals during rush hours. NJ TRANSIT provides free cross-honoring on certain commuter rail lines and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail routes for PATH riders during regular weekday hours.
Track work on PATH's Journal Square-33 St via Hoboken line will cause trains to run every twenty minutes from August 16–17; supplemental service will operate every ten minutes between Hoboken and 33 St stations. Overnight maintenance continues with some station closures—customers are directed toward alternative entrances where necessary.
A series of scheduled lane closures will impact traffic flow on major crossings including George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, Bayonne Bridge, and Goethals Bridge throughout the week. Motorists should check updates online before traveling: https://www.panynj.gov/alerts-advisories/incidents-restrictions.html
For further details about specific terminal changes at JFK due to redevelopment construction—including pick-up locations for rideshare services—travelers can visit Construction.JFKAirport.com.
