The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has advised travelers to plan ahead and consider using mass transit for trips between August 22 and 28, as major construction continues at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and several lane closures are scheduled at key crossings in the region.
Due to ongoing work related to the $19 billion redevelopment project at JFK, motorists and users of for-hire vehicles should expect delays and detours throughout the airport's roadway network. The Port Authority is urging passengers to use public transportation options such as the MTA subway, buses, or Long Island Rail Road, which offer direct connections to AirTrain JFK from Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station.
To promote public transit access during peak travel season, the AirTrain JFK single ride fare has been cut by half to $4.25 through Labor Day. Passengers can find more information about these changes at Construction.JFKAirport.com.
For those who must drive, the agency recommends utilizing its free drop-off, pickup, and waiting lot at AirTrain JFK’s Lefferts Boulevard station. From there, travelers can take an eight-minute free ride on the AirTrain to reach airport terminals.
Changes have also been made to for-hire vehicle pickups at JFK: Terminal 4 pickups have moved to Lot 66 with a dedicated shuttle bus; Terminals 5 and 7 now require passengers seeking rideshares or car services to use a free AirTrain transfer to the Howard Beach pickup lot. Taxi stands and parking arrangements have also been modified across multiple terminals due to construction.
Passengers using other area airports are reminded that pre-booking parking is strongly encouraged; those who do not pre-book may face higher rates or difficulty finding available spaces.
In addition, PATH train riders affected by switch issues at Hoboken station have alternative options including discounted NY Waterway ferry service and free cross-honoring on NJ TRANSIT commuter rail lines between Secaucus Junction, Hoboken, and New York Penn Station during regular weekday hours. Free cross-honoring is also available on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail between Newport, Hoboken, and Exchange Place stations for PATH riders.
Critical rail replacement work will affect Journal Square-33 St via Hoboken PATH service over the weekend of August 23-24; trains will run every 20 minutes with supplemental service provided between Hoboken and 33 St every ten minutes. Overnight maintenance closures continue at some PATH stations.
Travelers are reminded that TSA security checkpoints no longer accept non-REAL ID state-issued identifications; acceptable alternatives include passports or Global Entry cards.
At LaGuardia Airport, Q70 bus LaGuardia Link remains fare-free year-round as part of efforts to encourage public transit use for airport access.
Significant overnight lane closures are planned on bridges and tunnels managed by the Port Authority during this period. The George Washington Bridge will see both eastbound and westbound lower level lanes closed overnight from August 22-23 with further daytime closures through August 28 affecting various ramps and approaches. The Lincoln Tunnel will close different tubes on select nights without impacting traffic in alternate tubes. The Holland Tunnel will see alternating eastbound and westbound lane closures overnight through August 29. Similar periodic lane reductions are scheduled for Outerbridge Crossing and Bayonne Bridge throughout next week.
For up-to-date information about travel impacts across Port Authority facilities including detailed closure schedules, travelers can check online updates provided by the agency.
