Sixt is a German multinational car rental company with about 2,100 locations in over 105 countries. Their location at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is famously well-hidden at 312 Federal Cir, Queens, NY 11430.

This article is a tutorial on how to get to Sixt JFK location (specifically the hidden check-in counter) and where to take the car to return it. Most people will travel to the Federal Circle area of JFK airport by Airtrain. This article assumes this is the case.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published Feburary 2021. The SIXT JFK location has since changed. This article reflects the location of SIXT JFK as of August 2024.

Picking up a vehicle at Sixt JFK: What you see on Google Maps is wrong.

The location Google picks up, versus the actual pick-up/drop off office.

The problems start with Google maps. The address for Sixt is technically correct- they do have a building there. But don’t attempt to travel out to the middle of a parking lot to get your car. First, they probably won’t let you. Second, Sixt seems to have a very small-to-nonexistent directional sign budget at their JFK location (it’s not officially represented in the train hall. Fortunately, the new location of the Sixt office is easier to find than before.

Escalator down at the center of the the Federal Circle AirTrain station. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.

After you exit the Airtrain itself, look for signs or ask for directions to the Sixt rental area, or follow signs for Dollar/Thrifty. Dollar/Thrifty did the good work of having lots of signage.

Picking up a vehicle at Sixt JFK: Go to the right on the ground floor when leaving the Airtrain station.

You will soon encounter your first indication that Sixt exists at JFK airport.

Following signs to Dollar/Thrifty, you’ll exit the sliding door of the AirTrain station. Once outside, turn immediately left. You’ll quickly see the orange SIXT desk area through a set of sliding doors.

Sixt office at JFK. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.

How to leave the Sixt level of hell/JFK.

Hire your Sixt car and they’ll point you to a narrow parking to find your car. You will exit through the shared Dollar/Thrifty/Sixt exit. See the diagram above. Hand the attendant the pass. Enjoy your trip!

Exit the SIXT area. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.

Returning a vehicle at Sixt JFK

This is easy, now that you know what to do. Follow signs for Car Rental then to Dollar/Thrifty on the highway and side roads. Then drive back to the same point from before. Sixt cars return to the same place you pick up. Someone will guide you in.