Since beginning operation in 1947, JFK airport is now one of the busiest international airports in the United States. Located about fifteen mile from downtown Manhattan and only minutes from many of New York's biggest tourist attractions, JFK airport offers the traveler access to the best of New York. The AirTrain system in JFK airport allows passengers to connect with the subway system to get to the heart of New York or the outer suburbs. But if you want to stay in the heart of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, you can get off the plane at JFK and easily make your way to take pictures. Of course, there's also the Bronx Zoo, Central Park and Brooklyn Botanical Garden to consider for your day of sightseeing. With nearby hotels, you can easily access the airport for your return trip and still get to see the whole of the city. Stay at Courtyard by Marriott, the Radisson, or Comfort Inn if you want to stay in the area. But Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and a Best Western are also near to JFK airport as well. With easy to navigate terminals and a central location for touring, JFK airport has something for every travelerfirst time or hundredth time.