![Philadelphia International Airport [PHL] — Ultimate Terminal Guide](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Philadelphia-International-Airport.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1200)
Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl.
Updated: August 13, 2024, 7:15am CDTSenior Features Editor
122 Published Articles 806 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22
With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in .
43 Published Articles 3382 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r.
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the 20th busiest U.S. airport, serving more than 32 million passengers in 2019. The airport is also a major hub for the country’s seventh-largest metropolitan area.
PHL is the primary hub in the Northeast for American Airlines, accounting for 65% of the airport’s flight operations, and is also a focus city for Frontier Airlines.
Airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Terminals: 7 terminals — A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F
Airport Address: 8000 Essington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19153
Distance from downtown Philadelphia: Approximately 7 miles (11 km)
Website: phl.org
Phone Number: 215-937-6937
Destinations Served: 92 domestic and 27 international destinations
Number of Daily Flights: 300+
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed online
Airline
Terminal
Airline
Terminal
E (International arrivals at A-East)
Sun Country Airlines
PHL consists of 7 terminals — A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F. The terminals are connected in a line, so passengers can walk from Terminal A-West right through to Terminal F if they need to.
The airport is conveniently laid out so that all of the terminals are accessible from the road for curbside pick-up/drop-off and access to ground transportation, including SEPTA train stations (detailed information under Transport Options).
PHL has a unique layout in its positioning of departures and arrivals, in which most airports are usually situated on different floors of the same building. At PHL, departures is in the main terminal building and baggage claim is across the road.
This may encourage a good flow of passenger traffic, but can be a little inconvenient if you need to collect your luggage for an onward connection.
A-West is the main international terminal for the likes of British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, but also operates some domestic flights.
The terminal has 13 gates numbered A14 to A26 which are situated on level 2. The international arrivals area (level 3) and baggage claim (level 1) is shared with Terminal A-East.
A-West has 2 security checkpoints — 1 at either end of the ticketing area on level 2 — and a good selection of shops and restaurants. Level 2 has a British Airways Galleries Lounge and Centurion Lounge for eligible passengers.
Hot Tip: We’ve detailed everything you need to know about the Centurion Lounge at PHL, including hours, amenities, restrictions, access, and how to make the most of your visit.
Terminal A-East has it’s own ticketing area, bridge to parking garage A, and a SEPTA train station. International and domestic flights operate from Terminal A-East, and it shares its arrival facilities and baggage claim with Terminal A-West.
Ticketing is located on level 1 for American Airlines with 1 security checkpoint directly above.
A-East has 12 gates numbered A2 to A4, A6, A6a, A7, and A9 to A13 and several shops, restaurants, and cafes. Near gate A4, there is an American Airlines Admirals Club.
American Airlines operates flights from Terminal A-East and is the sole occupant of Terminals B and C for domestic and international flights. The terminals share a ticketing area and baggage claim and have 2 concourses — B and C.
The terminals have 2 security checkpoints above either end of the ticketing area that provide convenient access to Concourse B or C.
Outside of the secure area, 2 bridges lead to the Marriott Hotel and parking garages. Both bridges have SEPTA train stations for easy connections to the city.
Concourse B has 15 gates numbered B1 to B11 and B13 to B16, and Concourse C also has 15 gates numbered C17 to C31. Both concourses have a good selection of shops and restaurants, with more along the connector between the 2 concourses. The connector also has an American Airlines Admirals Club.
Flights throughout the U.S. and Canada operate from Terminal D, by Alaska, Air Canada, Delta, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. Ticketing is located on level 1 along with baggage claim across the ground transportation area.
Terminal D shares a security checkpoint with Terminal E, located within the connector between the 2 terminals.
Concourse D has 16 gates numbered D1 to D16, along with a good selection of bars, cafes, and a Delta Sky Club.
Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit operate from Terminal E’s 16 gates numbered E1 to E16. Ticketing is located on level 1, along with baggage claim across the ground transportation area.
A bridge connects the terminal to the parking garage, and from the bridge, passengers can access the SEPTA train station.
Terminal E shares a security checkpoint with Terminal D, in addition to a range of shops and restaurants in the terminal connector.
Terminal F has 37 gates numbered F1 to F9, F11 to F35, and F37 to F39, with American Eagle and Contour serving North American flights.
Terminal F has 1 security checkpoint on the same level (1) as the ticketing area, and this leads through to a concourse with gates F1 to F9.
2 other concourses branch off from the central concourse area, which also houses a good selection of shops and restaurants, along with an American Airlines Admirals Club.
Free shuttle buses operate between Terminals A-East and F and between Terminals C and F. These run inside the secure area, so there’s no need to re-clear security on arrival at the next terminal.
These are the locations of the shuttle stops:
PHL has a handy layout with all of the terminals accessible by foot. If you’re prepared to go the distance, then the walk from the 2 furthest points (Terminal A-West to Terminal F) is around 1.3 miles (approximately 30 minutes).
Passengers can freely walk between all terminals, which is particularly handy for long flight connections to make use of the facilities at another terminal.
PHL’s security checkpoints are open during these hours:
If arriving on an international flight, passengers are required to pass through immigration, collect luggage, and clear customs before connecting to an onward flight.
Hot Tip: Want going through security to be less stressful? Explore our guide on how to easily get through TSA security.
There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the Terminal C and D/E security checkpoints. Approved passengers can utilize this service for expedited security clearance.
There are Global Entry kiosks at PHL in the customs area of Terminal A-West (level 3).
If you have submitted your application and need to arrange an interview, PHL has a Global Entry Enrollment Center inside Terminal A-West. The opening hours are Monday to Thursday 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (closed Fridays).
PHL also participates in Enrollment on Arrival, so if you are conditionally approved, you can complete your interview in the international arrivals hall daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hot Tip: Have more questions about Global Entry? Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions about Global Entry along with our expert answers to help.
PHL accepts Mobile Passport Control for passengers entering the U.S. from an international flight.
On arrival at PHL, complete the New Trip section within the app and present your electronic receipt and passport to a CBP agent.
PHL has 9 airport lounges, including a United Club and 3 Admirals Clubs, where passengers can purchase entry on the day of their flight. The other lounges are reserved for eligible passengers flying in premium cabins or with appropriate frequent flyer credentials.
SCROLL FOR MORELounge
Location
Opening Hours*
Day Pass Fee per Person**
Terminal A-East, between gates A4 and A6A
Terminal B/C connector, level 3 (entrance via escalator near food court)
Daily: 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Terminal F, above the food court on level 2
Daily: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge
Terminal A-West, between gates A15 and A16
British Airways Galleries Lounge
Terminal A-West, near gate A14
Daily: 2:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Terminal A-West, near gate A14
Daily: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Terminal D, in the D/E connector
Terminal C/D connector
Daily: 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
USO Lounge (Free for Active Military)
Terminal E, near gate E1
Wed.: to Mon.: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.
Hot Tip: Want access to lounges without paying the day-pass fee? Here are the best personal and business credit cards for complimentary airport lounge access.
Priority Pass holders can use their membership to gain entry into Minute Suites for 1 hour with up to 3 guests in the same suite. Minute Suites is located in the secure area in the connector between Terminals A and B.
Priority Pass also includes access to Be Relax Spa in Terminal C near gate C18.
Guests can choose 1 of the following treatments:
Hot Tip: Find out more about Priority Pass memberships as well as the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.
PHL has 75 restaurants, cafes, and food stations, and almost all of these are located in the gate areas leaving minimal choice outside of security.
See the range of restaurants available and their locations on the airport website.
There is free Wi-Fi available throughout Philadelphia International Airport provided by AT&T.
Charging Stations: Charging stations are located throughout all terminals, many with Power Up at PHL branding.
Hot Tip: Not every airport has free Wi-Fi, so you may want to bring your own when not flying through PHL. Here are the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, so you’re never disconnected!
For items lost in the terminals, restrooms, shops, and restaurants, passengers can contact PHL’s lost and found department located in the communication center between Terminals C and D (open 8 a.m. to midnight). The office can also be contacted by calling 215-937-6888 or emailing lostandfound@phl.org.
For items lost on an airplane or at a departure gate, you must contact the relevant airline. Email TSA at PHLlostandfound@tsa.dhs.gov for items lost at security.
Staffed information desks can be found throughout the airport. Assistance (including paging services) is also available by calling 215-937-6937.
PHL has a children’s play area in Terminal A-East, just as you come through security, though it is currently closed for renovations. PHL ranks among the top most kid-friendly U.S. airports offering airport entertainment such as magicians and caricaturists and a summer-long entertainment program called Just Plane Fun.
Hot Tip: If you’ll be spending some time in Philadelphia, check out these fun kid-friendly things to do.
PHL has 4 Mamava nursing pods in the following locations:
Unfortunately, PHL doesn’t rank as one of the top pet-friendly U.S. airports, but there are plenty of pet relief areas located in every terminal:
Inside the secure area:
Outside the secure area:
PHL has 5 duty free shops located in Terminals A-East, A-West, and D. These can be found in the following locations:
Designated smoking areas are located curbside outside of every terminal. No smoking is permitted inside of the terminals.
A quiet room is located in the D/E connector for passengers of any faith to reflect, meditate, or pray.
ATMs are located in every terminal and can be found in the following locations:
There are no luggage storage facilities at PHL.
General Inquiries: 215-937-6937
Automated Flight Info: 800-PHL-GATE
Airport Parking: 215-683-9842
Lost and Found: 215-937-6888
PHL has 3 main roads that run through the airport — the south transportation road, arrivals road, and departures road. Organized transport departs and arrives from either the south transportation road or the arrivals road in designated zones, which are well-signposted at the airport:
Ground Transportation Pick-up Zones
SEPTA: PHL is served by the SEPTA train service on the airport regional line from the Philadelphia city center. Train stations are located at several of the airport terminals:
Trains depart every 30 minutes and operate during the following hours:
The journey takes 25 minutes and costs $6.75 from a station between the airport and city center and $9.25 for stations beyond the city center.
Regional: Passengers can connect from the airport regional line to other regional lines at the following stations:
Amtrak: Passengers can connect to Amtrak services (Northeast Corridor and Keystone) at the 30th Street station.
NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line: Passengers can connect to the NJ Transit Atlantic City Rail Line at the 30th Street station.
SEPTA Bus: 3 bus services operate from every terminal outside of baggage claim on the arrivals road. A single ride is $2.50 for the following routes:
Shuttle and Private Sedan/Limousine
Passengers can book private or shared rides in advance with these companies or on-arrival at the airport at the ground transportation desk of baggage claim.
Private ride sedans and limousines depart from zone 6 of the commercial transportation roadway and shared shuttles from zone 7.
Taxis are available from zone 5 on the commercial transportation roadway for each terminal.
A flat rate of $28.50 ($1 extra per additional adult passenger) is charged for travel to Philadelphia city center, which includes the following areas:
Metered taxis are also available with a minimum $11 fare from the airport.
Ride services such as Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick up from the outer lanes of the arrivals road (zone 7) and drop off curbside of each terminal.
Take I-95 South until exit 12A-B for PA-291 towards Cargo City. Use the left lanes to follow signs for the airport terminals.
Take I-95 North for Chester/Philadelphia. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 12 (Philadelphia International Airport) and follow signs for the airport terminals.
Take the Atlantic City Expressway and continue onto I-76 for W. Whitman Bridge/Philadelphia. Keep left at the fork to stay on I-76 and take exit 351 to I-95. Merge onto I-95 South and take exit 12A-B for PA-291 towards Cargo City. Use the left lanes to follow signs for the airport terminals. Please note that this route has tolls.
PHL has 18,940 parking spaces within parking garages available outside each terminal and an economy parking lot. Garages A, B, C, and E/F are connected to the terminals with direct bridge access and ground-level walkways.
Short-term parking is available in all terminal parking garages on the ground level with a height clearance of 6 feet, 2 inches. Ground-level and upper-level parking have the same fees until your stay exceeds 4 hours:
AAdvantage ® Aviator ® Mastercard ® Parking is located closer to Terminal B than garage B and offers cheaper rates for eligible AAdvantage Aviator cardmembers:
Long-term parking is available in the economy parking lot located north on airport property. Parking is charged at a flat fee of $15 for every 24 hours.
Shuttle buses operate between all terminals (arrivals road) and the economy parking lot 24/7.
Hot Tip: There are 7 electric charging stations throughout the parking lots: 2 in garage C (level 1), 2 in garage D (level 1), and 3 in the economy parking lot (near the airport toll plaza).
The cell phone waiting lot is located on airport property, accessible from I-95 and Route 291. The lot is located a 1-minute drive from the baggage claim areas, so it’s ideal for drivers picking up passengers that do not wish to pay for short-term parking.
Drivers may stay for a maximum of 30 minutes and must not leave their vehicles during this time. Once they have received a call for a pick-up, passengers can be collected from both the departures and arrival roads.
Off-site parking lots can provide a cheap alternative to parking lots on airport property.
As well as cheaper daily rates, these external parking lots operate their own shuttle service to/from the airport and can be booked at airportparkingreservations.com or similar third-party booking sites. Daily parking for PHL starts at $8.99.
Parking for passengers with disabilities can be found in all official airport parking lots, with disabled parking bays on the ground level of the terminal lots.
For access to/from the economy parking lots, all shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.
General parking inquiries: 215-683-9842
Car rental services are available on airport property, accessible by riding a free shuttle bus from zone 9 of the south commercial road. The following rental agencies are available:
Hot Tip: Find out which credit cards include car rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental company.
The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is connected directly to Terminal B via a bridge, so it is a convenient choice for travelers looking to not stray too far from the airport.
Other hotels range from 2- to 4-stars, with most located 0.5 to 4 miles from the airport. View a list of popular Philadelphia International Airport hotels below, ordered by distance from the airport.
Hotel
Address and Phone Number
Star Rating
Distance From the Airport (Miles)
1 Arrivals Rd. Terminal B, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Hotel
Address and Phone Number
Star Rating
Distance From the Airport (Miles)
Loyalty Program
Point Redemption Cost
1 Arrivals Rd. Terminal B, Philadelphia, PA 19153
From 32,000 points
From 35,000 points
From 20,000 points
The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is connected via skywalk to Philadelphia International Airport Terminal B, making for 1 quick trip to the airport. Visitors will also be near downtown Philadelphia’s most celebrated top attractions, including Penn’s Landing, the National Constitution Center, Wells Fargo Center, and Eagle’s Stadium at Lincoln Financial Field. Award nights at the hotel start at 32,000 points per night.
The Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport is located just half a mile from the airport and 4 miles from sports venues such as Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and the Wells Fargo Center. Guests will enjoy a free airport shuttle, complimentary drinks, and free made-to-order breakfast. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but you can expect an award night at the hotel to cost from 35,000 points per night.
The Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport offers a convenient complimentary shuttle to the PHL and many of the downtown Philadelphia attractions. Guests also have access to a fitness center, pool, and on-site restaurants and a lounge. Award nights at the hotel start from 20,000 points per night.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points.
Philadelphia Airport doesn’t have a fantastic reputation, scoring a mere 3/10 on Skytrax airport reviews. Customer Service and long security queues are at the heart of these complaints, so be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight.
PHL is a significant economic contributor, supporting more than 106,000 jobs and generating $16.8 billion in revenue, of which no funds are taken from the taxpayer’s money.
The information regarding AAdvantage ® Aviator ® Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Featured Image Credit: Bruce Emmerling via PixabayAmerican Airlines operates from Terminals A-West, A-East, and B/C. The airline’s international flights depart from A-West, while domestic flights can be either B/C terminals — it’s important to check your ticket before arriving at the airport.
Philadelphia International Airport covers 2,584 acres and has 4 runways. It’s furthest points are around 1.3 miles apart, with passengers being able to walk the entire route or catch a terminal shuttle bus. PHL serves 92 domestic and 27 international destinations.
There are 2 Starbucks at Philadelphia International Airport — 1 in the Terminal B/C connector and 1 in Terminal C near gate C31.
Passengers can walk between terminals at Philadelphia International Airport without the need to re-clear security on arrival at the next terminal. The 2 furthest points are around 1.3 miles apart so passengers can either walk or catch the terminal shuttle bus and remain inside the secure area.
It’s easy to walk between terminals at Philadelphia International Airport and passengers can remain inside the secure area throughout. Baggage claim is separate from the ticketing area, so if you need to collect your luggage in between connecting flights, this can be a bit of a hassle.
Passengers can sleep inside or outside of the secure area at Philadelphia International Airport.
Philadelphia International Airport has 7 terminals — A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F. These are all interconnected, so passengers can walk between terminals inside of the secure area.
The airport recommends that passengers should arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
PHL is served by the SEPTA train service on the airport regional line from Philadelphia city center. Train stations are located at several of the airport terminals:
Trains depart every 30 minutes and operate during the following hours:
Amtrak does not operate from Philadelphia International Airport but passengers can connect to Amtrak services (Northeast Corridor and Keystone) at the 30th Street station on the regional airport line (SEPTA service).
The regional airport line costs $6.75 from a station between the airport and city center and $9.25 for stations beyond the city center.
Was this page helpful?
Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™
Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts.
Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.
We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.
