If you’ve ever booked a rideshare to JFK, you’ve seen how the app asks you to pick an airline or terminal. Most people just tap the right one and get dropped off where they’re flying from. Easy enough, right?
But here’s the thing: dropping off right at the terminal isn’t always the best choice. Depending on the time of day, it can mean your driver sits in a long line of cars crawling through the terminal loop while your stress level rises. That’s where a little-known option comes in — getting dropped off at Federal Circle instead.
What Is Federal Circle?
Federal Circle is where you’ll find JFK’s rental car center, parking lots, and hotel shuttles. It’s also a stop on the AirTrain, the free people mover that connects all of JFK’s terminals.
From Federal Circle, the free AirTrain connects to every JFK terminal. Instead of fighting terminal traffic, your driver can drop you off at Federal Circle, and you can hop on the AirTrain to your terminal.
Why Consider Federal Circle?
There are a few reasons why this can actually be a smoother experience:
- Avoid Terminal Gridlock: Traffic inside JFK can be brutal, especially at peak times. Federal Circle is often quicker and less stressful for drivers.
- Simple Drop-Off Point: You don’t have to worry about picking the right terminal in the app — just choose Federal Circle Station.
- Free AirTrain Ride: The AirTrain ride between Federal Circle and any terminal doesn’t cost a thing.
The Trade-Offs
Of course, this isn’t perfect for everyone.
- Extra Step: You’ll need to budget an extra 10–20 minutes for the AirTrain ride.
- Not Ideal With Heavy Luggage: If you’re juggling big checked bags or strollers, or have mobility issues, this might be more hassle than it’s worth.
- Weather Factor: If it’s pouring rain or freezing cold, that extra walk to the train platform isn’t going to feel fun.
When It Makes Sense
Federal Circle can be a lifesaver when:
- You’re flying with just a carry-on.
- You’re traveling during rush hour, evenings, or holidays.
- Your driver hints they don’t want to loop through the terminals.
- You’d rather deal with a predictable AirTrain ride than unpredictable traffic.
How To Do It in the App
When booking your Uber or Lyft, instead of typing “JFK Airport,” put in Federal Circle Station. From there, it’s just one stop on the AirTrain to Terminal 1, two stops to Terminal 4, and so on.
Final Thought
Federal Circle isn’t for everyone — but it’s a great trick to have in your back pocket. Next time the rideshare app asks which terminal you’re headed to, try answering with: none of them.
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2 comments
If you’re flying with just a carry on or light baggage you’ll almost always be better off just taking the E Train to Jamaica – or if you’re downtown the A train to Howard Beach – and taking the Air Train from there. Much cheaper and no LIE traffic.
Second Mak..
Maybe if you’re already somewhere in Queens or Nassau a rideshare to Federal Circle or Jamaica makes sense.
From Manhattan I always preferred taking the LIRR to Jamaica and AirTrain from there.