Updated October 2026

Terminal 1 at a Glance

Terminal 1 is JFK’s dedicated international terminal, handling long-haul arrivals from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Major carriers here include Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and other international airlines — always confirm your terminal with your airline before you fly, as assignments can change.

International arrivals mean customs and immigration lines, which makes a pre-booked pickup especially valuable: your driver tracks your flight and waits — no meter running, no surge pricing while you clear customs.

Where to Meet Your Driver

Arrivals level (Level 1): After clearing customs and exiting into the public arrivals hall, your JFK Airport Shuttle driver will be waiting with a name sign near the main arrivals exit. You will receive your driver’s name and phone number by text before landing.

Meet & greet procedure:

1. Land and clear immigration/customs (allow 30–60 minutes on busy international arrivals).
2. Turn your phone on — your driver confirms they are in position.
3. Exit to the arrivals hall and look for your name sign.
4. Your driver helps with luggage and escorts you to the vehicle at the terminal curb or the designated pickup area.

Prefer curbside pickup without the walk? Request it when you book — we will coordinate by phone.

Ground Transportation Flow at T1

• Private car / shuttle pickup: Designated pickup zones at the arrivals curb. Follow “Ground Transportation” signs from the arrivals hall.
• AirTrain: The AirTrain JFK station for Terminal 1 connects to Jamaica and Howard Beach for LIRR/subway transfers ($8.75). Free between terminals.
• Taxis: The taxi line is outside arrivals — flat $70 fare to Manhattan, metered elsewhere.
• Rideshare apps: Follow signs to the designated app pickup area; surge pricing is common at international arrival banks.

A pre-booked private car service or shared shuttle skips all of this: fixed price from $35 per person (shared) or $65 (private sedan), driver waiting, no lines.

Practical Tips for T1 Arrivals

• Customs timing: International flights arriving in banks (late afternoon/evening) can mean 45–90 minute customs waits. We track your flight and adjust — but give us your true arrival expectations if you have Global Entry vs. standard lines.
• Luggage: T1 carousels are spread across the arrivals hall — note your carousel number. Our drivers help from the meeting point onward.
• Currency/SIM: Currency exchange and SIM vendors are in the arrivals area if you need them before the ride.
• Groups: Arriving with a group? Our sprinter vans (from $130) keep everyone together.

If You Cannot Find Your Driver

T1’s arrivals hall is busy and disorienting after a long flight. If you do not see your name sign within 5 minutes of exiting customs:

1. Check your texts — your driver’s name, photo description, and phone number were sent before landing.
2. Call or text your driver directly — they will talk you to the meeting point.
3. Call our 24/7 dispatch at (718) 555-0142 — ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER NUMBER, TO BE REPLACED — and we will locate your driver instantly.

Do not accept rides from solicitors inside the terminal — only use your pre-booked driver or the official taxi line.

Connecting Flights Through Terminal 1

If you are connecting from an international arrival to a domestic flight in another terminal, you must clear customs, collect and re-check bags, then take the free AirTrain to your departure terminal. Allow at least 2.5 hours between flights. If your connection is tight, tell us — for pickups after a connection, always give us the final arriving flight number, not the first one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which airlines use JFK Terminal 1?

A: Terminal 1 primarily serves international carriers including Air France, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and others. Confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling, as assignments change.

Q: Where exactly do I meet my driver at Terminal 1?

A: At the arrivals level (Level 1) public hall, near the main exit — your driver holds a name sign and you receive their contact details by text before landing.

Q: What if my international flight is delayed or customs takes long?

A: We track your flight in real time and your driver waits — pickup adjusts automatically at no extra charge.

Q: How much is a car service from Terminal 1 to Manhattan?

A: Shared shuttle from $35 per person; private sedan from $65; SUV from $95 — fixed, all-in, tolls included. See JFK to Manhattan for route details.

Book Your Terminal 1 Pickup

Book online or call (718) 555-0142 — ⚠️ PLACEHOLDER NUMBER, TO BE REPLACED — 24/7. Flight tracking, meet & greet, fixed pricing — start your trip the easy way.