Landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport is often the easy part. The real headache starts when you realize you have to figure out where to leave your car without paying a king's ransom. Most travelers assume they have two choices: pay $80 a day at the terminal or risk a sketchy off-site lot that looks like a scene from a movie you don't want to be in.
Honestly, there’s a third way.
Booking jfk hotels with parking is basically the "pro move" for anyone who isn't living directly on a subway line. You get a bed, a shower, and—most importantly—a secure spot for your car that often costs less than the parking alone would at the airport. But it’s not as simple as just picking the closest building on a map. There are traps. There are height restrictions. And there are shuttles that say "24/7" but actually mean "whenever we feel like it."
The TWA Hotel: The Only One Actually At the Terminal
If you want to be fancy—or if you just hate shuttles—the TWA Hotel is the big name. It’s literally in Terminal 5. You walk through those iconic red flight tubes and you're at the gate.
But let’s talk about the car. The TWA offers valet parking right in front of the building. It’s convenient, yeah, but it’s pricey. In early 2026, you're looking at about $80 for a single night of overnight parking. If you use their "Park and Fly" code (it’s usually PARKNFLY), you can bundle up to 14 nights.
One thing people miss: they charge an extra $10 a night for "oversized" vehicles. If you're driving a suburban tank or even a chunky SUV like a Honda CR-V, they might hit you with that surcharge. It’s the safest lot at JFK, though. No one is touching your car when it's parked fifty feet from a 24-hour hotel lobby.
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The Marriott and Courtyard "Park-Sleep-Fly" Secret
If $80 a night makes your wallet cry, you’ve gotta look at the cluster of hotels in Jamaica, Queens. The Marriott New York JFK Airport and the Courtyard by Marriott are the heavy hitters here.
They run specific packages that include five days of parking with a one-night stay.
- Courtyard JFK: They have a package (Code: PKF) that gives you five days of secure parking. If you need more, you just pay a daily rate, which is usually around $40.
- Marriott JFK: Similar deal. They have a massive fitness center and an "M-Club" lounge with runway views. If you're going to be stuck at the airport anyway, you might as well watch the planes with a drink in your hand.
The shuttles here are generally reliable. They run every 30 minutes, but—and this is a big but—JFK construction in 2026 is still a nightmare. The Port Authority is tearing up roadways near Federal Circle. You need to leave your hotel at least 30 to 45 minutes earlier than you think you do. Seriously.
Why the Hilton and Radisson are Mixed Bags
Then you’ve got the DoubleTree by Hilton and the Radisson Hotel JFK.
The DoubleTree is about a mile away. They do valet-only parking. No self-park. This is a dealbreaker for some people who don't like strangers adjusting their mirrors and changing their radio stations. It’s $50 for a standard valet day.
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The Radisson is a bit more of a "budget-luxury" mix. They have covered valet parking, which is great if a New York sleet storm hits while you’re in Florida. But watch the height restrictions. If you have a roof rack or a lifted truck, you might not clear the entrance. Always call and ask about "clearance" if you’re driving something tall.
Pricing Reality Check (Early 2026 Estimates)
| Hotel | Daily Parking Rate | Shuttle Frequency | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| TWA Hotel | $80+ | N/A (Walk to T5) | High (Valet/On-site) |
| Courtyard JFK | $40 | 30 mins | Gated / Fenced |
| DoubleTree Hilton | $50 | 30 mins | 24-hour Surveillance |
| Crowne Plaza | $32 | 30 mins | Valet Uncovered |
| Fairfield Inn | $20-$25 | Hourly | Basic Lot |
The Budget Move: Fairfield Inn & Holiday Inn
Sometimes you just want the cheapest spot that won't result in a broken window. The Fairfield Inn by Marriott JFK is often the price leader. They offer "Park and Fly" packages that are significantly cheaper than the full-service Marriotts.
The catch? The shuttle. It often runs every hour on the hour rather than every 30 minutes. If you miss it by two minutes, you're sitting in a lobby for 58 minutes. That sucks. If you’re choosing these budget-friendly jfk hotels with parking, factor in the cost of an Uber ($15-$20) just in case the shuttle is MIA when you’re in a rush.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Free Shuttles"
"Free shuttle to JFK" is a bit of a lie. Almost none of these hotel shuttles take you to the actual terminal door anymore. Because of the 2026 construction and traffic flow, most shuttles drop you at Federal Circle.
From there, you have to lug your bags onto the AirTrain to get to your specific terminal. It’s a two-step process.
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- Hotel to Federal Circle (Shuttle).
- Federal Circle to Terminal (AirTrain).
If you’re traveling with four kids and twelve suitcases, this is a nightmare. In that specific case, you might actually be better off paying for the TWA Hotel or just sucking it up and parking at the terminal's "Yellow" or "Blue" garages.
Safety and the "Hidden" Fees
Is your car safe? Mostly. The hotels listed above have fenced-in lots and cameras. But "off-site" independent lots (not attached to hotels) are where things get dicey. I’ve heard stories of people returning to find their mileage increased by 50 miles because the "valet" used the car for lunch runs.
Stick to the hotel-branded lots. Even if they use a third-party like ParkON or SpotHero to manage the booking, the physical lot is usually on hotel property.
Also, look out for "Oversize" fees. In NYC, anything bigger than a sedan is often considered "oversized." That $20 a day rate can quickly turn into $35 once they see you’re driving a Ford F-150.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Stop overthinking it and just follow this checklist to save about $200 on your next trip:
- Check the "Offers" Page First: Don't just book a room and assume you can leave the car. Go to the hotel's official website and look for "Park and Fly" or "Stay and Park" packages. These are always cheaper than paying the daily parking rate separately.
- The 3-Hour Rule: Because of the AirTrain transfer and the Van Wyck Expressway traffic, aim to be at the hotel parking lot 3 hours before a domestic flight and 4 hours before international.
- Screen-Grab Everything: When you drop your car, take a photo of your odometer and the parking ticket. If there’s a dispute when you get back, you’ll want proof.
- Call the Shuttle on Arrival: Don't just stand at Federal Circle waiting. Call the hotel front desk the second you clear customs. Some shuttles are "on-demand" only during late-night hours (11 PM – 5 AM).
- Consider the "Day Room" Trick: If you have a 6 AM flight, book the hotel for the night before. Park the car, sleep, and take the first shuttle. If you have a late-night return, some hotels offer "day rooms" where you can nap and shower before driving home.
Parking at JFK doesn't have to be a scam. You just have to realize that the "convenience" of the terminal garage is a tax on people who didn't plan ahead. Choose a hotel with a fenced lot, confirm the height clearance, and give yourself an extra hour for the AirTrain. You'll be fine.