I will be turning in a rental car at JFK ( to Budget) and was wondering where the easiest gas station is? Is there one on the airport property? I will be coming in on the Van Wyck Expressway. It will be my first time driving to JFK so easy and clear directions would be most appreciated.

I asked this same question for exactly the same reason. What I did was
1) figure out an address near an exit just before JFK.
2) go to www.GasPriceWatch.com
3) do a distance search (or by map) for gas prices near the address I found in step (1)
4) get a price (approximate) at stations near that exit. I had no trouble finding such a station just a few blocks north of the exit I chose.

Since I did this a couple years ago, the results of my search back then would be meaningless today. Just be aware that even budget prices for gas in New York City would be considered extortion prices most anywhere else.

Also be certain to (1) fill up the gas to the absolute top and (2) get a receipt for your purchase. If the car rental company tries to claim you returned the car with less than a full tank, you'll be able to show a receipt with a time less than 30 minutes before your return. Would be hard for them to then claim you didn't fill up.

There is a station once you exit the van wyck. I recall a sign for the station on the grounds of the airport prior to taking the exit for rental car returns. I recall the station being on the loop road of the airport itself.

The car rental places at JFK are at Federal Circle. There is a gas station there - I think BP. I don't have any idea of their prices but I would imagine they are above average considering the location.

google is your friend. go to google maps, type in JFK airport NYC. click search nearby. Basingstoke is correct, there is a BP on the loop road on the airport grounds and several stations as you approach the airport exit off the Van Wyck. Paul rabe gives good advice too - fill it to the top and get a receipt.

How many miles are you before you get on a "gas-stationless" road like the Van Wyck? I ask because you should be fine with a fillup done, say, 10-15 miles from wehere you drop off the car, where it would probably be cheaper.

OP is coming from upstate, either Taconic/Spain/Bronx/Cross-Cty/Hutch route, or I84/I684.

Both of those routes are gas-stationless, or gas-station light. Really no easy access / cheap gas.

In my experience the prices at the BP on Federal Circle aren't through the roof expensive. A lot of limos hang out there, and they could just as easily buy elsewhere if that station was too far out of line. Gas prices in NYC are more expensive than Westchester, which is more expensive than upstate. In fact, the cheapest gas on the entire route is the Pilot at I-90 Exit 12, close to home.

My recommendation is to just stop & fill up once right at JFK BP station.