Last Updated on April 8, 2022
What if that dreaded layover could essentially be fun and relaxing – something you actually looked forward to? New York figured it out. The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is the perfect way to spend some time before, in between, or after a flight.
Where is the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport and how do I get there?
The TWA Hotel is located off of Terminal 5 in JFK Airport in Queens, New York. This airport is a huge hub for travelers flying both domestically and internationally.
There are a few ways to get to the TWA Hotel, depending on your mode of transportation and where you are coming from.
Traveling to the TWA Hotel by car:
If you are driving or being driven to the TWA Hotel, you can follow signs for Terminal 5, type in ‘TWA Hotel’ on your ride-sharing app, or use the below address:
One Idlewild Drive
New York, NY 11430
Driving yourself? There is on-site parking available for a fee.
Traveling to the TWA Hotel via Subway or LIRR:
If you are coming from Manhattan, one of the surrounding boroughs, or New Jersey, getting to the TWA Hotel via Subway is one of the cheapest and quickest methods of travel (LIRR is a tad pricier but still quick).
You can get to JFK Airport via one of the following MTA Subway lines:
- E (Blue line) — to Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave/JFK Airport stop
- J (Brown line) — to Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave/JFK Airport stop
- Z (Brown line) — to Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave/JFK Airport stop
- A (Blue line) — to Howard Beach Station
… THEN
Follow signs for the AirTrain (you can hop on any AirTrain that arrives).
Take the AirTrain to Terminal 5.
Note that the fee to use the AirTrain will cost $7.75 on top of the Subway fee of $2.75 (at time of post). You can use your MetroCard for this, but there must be cash on the card (not an unlimited card).
The city is also in the works of implementing a touchless pay option called OMNY. Learn how OMNY works here.
TIP: Have a downloaded Subway map saved on your phone. There’s a likely chance that you will lose service while on the Subway, and it’s nice to have a loaded map ready to check when you need it.
Traveling to the TWA Hotel via AirTrain (you are already inside JFK Airport):
If you happen to be arriving to JFK Airport from elsewhere or you’re already at the airport, your next step to getting to the TWA Hotel is finding the AirTrain.
Follow signs to the AirTrain and take the AirTrain Terminals Loop. This will be a quicker route and will skip going to Federal Circle, Howard Beach or Jamaica Center. Though, you will still be able to get to Terminal 5 from any of these AirTrains.
Once you are on the AirTrain, get off at Terminal 5.
I’m in Terminal 5 — now what?!
Make your way down to the Departures level of Terminal 5. You will begin to see signs with ‘TWA Hotel’ highlighted in black. Follow these signs!
At this point, you’ll see the hotel outside in front of you. Do not go outside, but search for a red wall outlining a white elevator that says ‘TWA Hotel’.
Once you get in the elevator, there will be two options:
- Present Day JetBlue
- 1960s TWA Hotel
Push the 1960s TWA Hotel button.
When you get out, you will see a red-carpeted tunnel/tube in front of you. Walk through this to get to the main lobby.
If checking into the hotel, you will immediately turn right after the tube to get to the check-in area.
What is the TWA Hotel and why should I visit?
The TWA Hotel was previously the home and hub for TWA, or Trans World Airlines, at the JFK Airport in New York. After its closure in 2001, it opened its doors to the public as the newly renovated TWA Hotel in the spring of 2019.
Originally designed for its opening in 1962 by Finnish-American architect, Eero Saarinen, he created the TWA flight center at JFK Airport (then called Idlewild Airport) in New York through logic and emotion. His designs for the terminal’s exterior signify wings and the terminal’s interior showcases movement through the endless curves and space.
Saarinen’s works are well-recognized, as he has brought many European architectural designs to America. Some of his other creations include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, the CBS Headquarters in New York City, the Dulles International Airport outside of Washington D.C., the Ingalls Hockey Rink at Yale University, the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, and many other designs, many of which in Michigan or surrounding areas, where he resided.
History of TWA
Trans World Airlines was the major competitor of Pan Am – both known and remembered as luxury international airlines after acquired by Howard Hughes.
The company almost went bankrupt in the early 1960s, and then declared bankruptcy in the early 1990s.
In 1996, TWA had a hard time coming back after the crash of Flight 800, which killed 230 passengers and crew members.
The airline struggled with bankruptcy again in 2001, and was finally taken over by American Airlines.
Despite the unfortunate history and outcome of the airline, TWA is still remembered by many. Today, we can take a blast to the past through visiting the TWA Hotel and reminiscing on its good ole days.
What is there to do at the TWA Hotel?
Explore the 1960s-themed TWA Hotel
Even if you are not staying at the Eero Saarinen’s iconic TWA flight center hotel, you can still visit and explore the public amenities.
Start your explorations by walking through quintessential red-carpeted tube leading to the breathtaking lobby.
Be transported to the Jet Age through multiple exhibits
There are multiple exhibits scattered throughout the TWA Hotel that highlight the history of this iconic landmark.
Make sure you find the TWA uniforms exhibit that displays over 30 TWA uniforms that were worn from 1945 through 2001.
Visit Connie
Who’s Connie you ask? She’s the original 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane who started her life as a TWA Airplane, had a wild journey of her own, and ended up back at the TWA Hotel after traveling from Maine, through Times Square, and finally making it to JFK Airport.
Connie was transformed into a restaurant and bar for guests to visit and enjoy. Due to space limitations, be sure to make reservations prior to your visit.
Throw a soirée
The TWA Hotel is a perfect spot to throw the party of the season. They offer 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space for gatherings of any size!
You can even rent out the small original 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane turned vintage cocktail lounge for parties up to 75 people.
Hang at the TWA Rooftop Pool and Bar
Imagine lounging by the pool, looking over the runway watching the planes take off, sipping on your refreshing cocktail, then taking a dip in the nicely-heated 95 degree infinity pool.
Stop imagining and head to TWA’s Rooftop Pool and Bar. Unfortunately, you must be a guest of the TWA Hotel in order to have access to the pool.
Grab some food & drinks
From Jean-Georges Paris Café to the Food Hall, cocktail lounges, and coffee shops, there is something for everyone at the TWA Hotel.
Play Twister
Enjoy the popular 1960s game, Twister, in a Twister-dedicated room off of the main lobby.
See the Classic Solari split-flap message board
You’ll wish that high-tech electronic reader boards never existed after you see this awesome classic Solari split-flap message board. Sit in the main lobby and be mesmerized by the changing board and the addicting sound of the flaps changing.
Workout in the world’s largest hotel gym
Get your sweat on at the TWA Hotel’s fitness center, which also happens to be the world’s largest hotel gym at 10,000 square feet. You can find Peloton bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, a yoga studio, fitness classes, weights, machines, and more!
You can get day passes or a monthly membership!
Go Roller Skating on the Tarmac
Check out TWA Hotel’s very own Roll-A-Rama roller skating rink out on the Tarmac. The rink is only open on the weekends and is weather-permitting.
Check out the TWA Hotel’s Shop
Grab all of your TWA accessories and apparel at the TWA Shop! You’ll even find unique TWA collectibles that are perfect for gifts or souvenirs.
Stay at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport
What’s great about the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport is that you can simply walk in for a brief visit, stay overnight, or stay for just a few hours during the day.
Stay the night at the TWA Hotel
Despite your typical airport hotel’s reputation, the TWA Hotel will provide you with a top-notch stay. They offer luxurious beds, fantastic views of the runway/tarmac, midcentury modern amenities, and even have thick layers of glass that block the extremely loud noise of jets taking off.
Stay for the day at TWA Hotel
Don’t have all night but could use a few hours of relaxation? You can book a room at the TWA Hotel for a minimum of 4 hours up to 12 hours. This will give you a chance to nap, freshen up, catch up on work, or go relax at the rooftop pool and bar before your next flight or your meeting in the city.
TWA’s Rooftop pool + Bar
If you book a room at the TWA Hotel to stay either overnight or for a few hours during the day, you will have access to the rooftop pool and bar, which is one of the most appealing amenities that the hotel offers.
Military Spouse Travel Tip
Headed to Europe on a TDY or vacation with the hubby? Aim to make a stopover at JFK and surprise him with a stay at the TWA Hotel! He’ll absolutely love being immersed in the Jet Age.
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