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Philadelphia Airport PHL

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Philadelphia Airport (PHL) Guide

Discover Philadelphia Airport (PHL), where the Liberty Bell display merges history with your journey. Serving as a key hub, PHL streamlines your travel with extensive amenities. This guide simplifies airport navigation, whether it's your first visit or you're a frequent flyer.

Our concise PHL guide is essential for travelers, offering updates on flights, terminal information, parking, dining, and shopping. Navigate PHL confidently with our expert advice. For insights into other airports, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.

Philadelphia International Airport has six terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, Terminal E, and Terminal F. Terminal A has 9 gates, Terminal B has 16 gates, Terminal C has 28 gates, Terminal D has 16 gates, Terminal E has 15 gates, and Terminal F has 38 gates. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest operate out of Terminal A-West, Terminal B, and Terminal E, while United Airlines operates out of Terminal D-East and Terminal F.

To navigate the airport terminals, passengers can use the shuttle bus service that runs between all terminals and the baggage claim area. There are also moving walkways and elevators available for passengers with mobility issues. Each terminal has a variety of food and retail options, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

PHL Airport has six terminals, labeled A through F. The terminals are connected by walkways, shuttle buses, and a skybridge. The walk time between terminals can range from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the distance between terminals. Terminal A and B are connected to each other, and Terminal C is connected to Terminal B via a walkway. Terminal D and E are also connected via a walkway, and Terminal F is connected to Terminal E via a skybridge.

If you need to transfer between terminals, there are shuttle buses available that run 24/7. The shuttle buses are free and run every 7-10 minutes. The shuttle bus stops are located outside of each terminal at Zone 1. If you prefer to walk, there are clear signs and maps throughout the airport to help guide you. However, keep in mind that some terminals are quite far apart, so walking may not be the most efficient option.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

If you need to pick up or drop off passengers at Philadelphia Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is not allowed at any terminal, so you'll need to use the designated cell-phone waiting areas or park in a nearby garage or lot.

The cell-phone waiting areas are located near each terminal and allow drivers to wait for their arriving passengers without circling the airport. Once your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage, they can call or text you to let you know they're ready to be picked up. From there, you can proceed to the terminal's designated pick-up area to meet them.

Parking Facilities & Options

PHL offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. There are several parking garages and lots located within walking distance of all terminals. Terminal A, B, C, D, E, and F all have their own parking facilities, making it easy to park near your departure gate.

If you're picking up a passenger, the airport offers a cell phone waiting lot where you can wait for free until your passenger is ready to be picked up. This lot is located just a few minutes away from the terminals and is easily accessible from all major highways.

For travelers with disabilities, there are designated parking spaces available in all parking facilities. These spaces are located close to the terminals and are clearly marked with the international symbol of accessibility.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These parking lots are located just a few miles away from the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. This is a great option for travelers who are looking to save money on parking fees.

Get details about PHL Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. You can find their counters in the baggage claim area of each terminal.

If you need a taxi, you can find them outside of baggage claim at each terminal. The fare to Center City Philadelphia is a flat rate of $29.50. If you are traveling to a destination outside of Center City, the fare will be determined by the meter. Please note that there is a $1.50 airport fee added to all fares.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available. Pickup areas are located outside of baggage claim at each terminal. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are also available for those who prefer a more direct route. The shuttle service is operated by Lady Liberty and departs from Zone 7 outside of baggage claim at each terminal. Fares vary depending on your destination, but start at $10 per person.

For those who prefer public transportation, SEPTA offers a convenient and affordable option. The Airport Line Regional Rail service runs from the airport to Center City Philadelphia and other destinations in the area. The fare is $8.00 one way and trains run every 30 minutes.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be exhausting, and having a comfortable place to rest near the airport can make all the difference. This guide provides you with a selection of the best hotels near the airport, offering amenities ranging from complimentary shuttle services, fully equipped kitchens for extended stays, to on-site restaurants and fitness centers. Each hotel listed is conveniently located near the airport, ensuring a quick commute for air travelers. Many of them also offer easy access to downtown, making it convenient for you to explore the city during your stay. Whether you're looking for a simple and affordable place to rest or a luxury hotel with all the amenities, you'll find a suitable option in this list. View all Philadelphia Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Are you traveling through the airport and looking for some delicious food or a little retail therapy? Look no further than the airport's wide selection of restaurants and stores. From classic Philly cheesesteaks to high-end Italian handbags, there's something for everyone. Some popular dining options include Chickie's & Pete's for seafood, Currito Burrito for Mexican flavors, and Bud & Marilyn's for comfort food with a twist. And when it comes to shopping, you can find everything from tech gadgets to duty-free luxury goods.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Philly Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.

Passenger Services

Philly Airport is dedicated to providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. The airport offers a range of services to cater to the needs of all travelers, including those with special needs, families with children, and business travelers.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at the airport, and passengers can report lost items at the airport's information desk or online.

Parents traveling with children can take advantage of the airport's children's play areas, located in each terminal. These areas are designed to keep children entertained and comfortable while waiting for their flights.

Philadelphia Airport is committed to providing accessible services for passengers with special needs. The airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms. Passengers can also request special assistance when booking their flights or upon arrival at the airport.

Banking services are available at Philadelphia Airport, with ATMs located throughout the airport. Medical help is also available at the airport, with medical clinics located in Terminal A and Terminal B.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay updated with the status of your flight departure. At PHL, passengers can easily access flight status information through various methods.

One of the most common ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily locate their flight on the display by searching for their flight number or destination city.

Another convenient way to stay updated on flight status is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own app that passengers can download to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. These alerts can be sent via text, email, or push notifications, depending on the passenger's preference.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at PHL Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

By utilizing these methods, air travelers can stay informed and prepared for any changes or updates to their flight status at the airport.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so travelers should plan accordingly and allow extra time for traffic and security lines.

Getting to the Airport

Philly Airport is conveniently located just seven miles from downtown Philadelphia and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation. The airport also offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots, as well as valet parking services. For those taking public transportation, SEPTA's Airport Line provides direct service between the airport and downtown Philadelphia.

Getting Oriented

To help travelers get oriented at Philadelphia Airport, iFly.com offers interactive airport maps that provide detailed information on the airport's terminals, gates, shops, restaurants, and other amenities. These maps can be accessed on any device and are updated in real-time to ensure accurate information.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Philadelphia Airport, travelers should check their flight status regularly and sign up for alerts from their airline. It is also recommended that passengers pack their carry-on bags carefully and follow TSA guidelines to ensure a smooth security screening process. Additionally, travelers should be aware of any weather or traffic conditions that may impact their travel plans and plan accordingly.

Security Wait Times

At PHL, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented several measures to help reduce wait times, including additional TSA agents and pre-check lanes. It's recommended that travelers arrive at least two hours before their flight to allow enough time for TSA Security screening. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

Philly Airport is located in the United States and is one of the busiest airports in the country. It has a total of six terminals, namely Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, Terminal E, and Terminal F. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, with over 25 airlines operating daily flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at PHL include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 80,000 passengers daily and has over 500 daily flights. It serves over 130 destinations across the world, with the top five destinations being Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, and Charlotte.

Philadelphia Airport is a hub for American Airlines and serves as a focus city for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Other major air carriers that use PHL as a hub include Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines.

Airport History

Philadelphia Airport, also known as Philadelphia International Airport, is the largest airport in the state of Pennsylvania and the 20th busiest airport in the United States. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1925 - The airport was established as the Philadelphia Municipal Airport
  • 1940 - The airport was renamed to Philadelphia Municipal Airport-Johnson Field, in honor of the city's former mayor, J. Hampton Johnson
  • 1945 - The airport was renamed again to Philadelphia International Airport
  • 1953 - The airport's first terminal building was opened
  • 1960s - The airport underwent a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal and runway
  • 1970s - The airport continued to expand, with the addition of more terminals and parking facilities
  • 1990s - The airport underwent a $2.4 billion renovation and expansion project, which included the construction of a new international terminal and the expansion of existing terminals
  • 2010 - The airport opened a new parking garage and rental car facility, as well as a new commuter rail station
  • 2018 - The airport celebrated its 75th anniversary

Today, PHL serves more than 30 million passengers annually and is a hub for American Airlines. It is also a focus city for Frontier Airlines and a base for Southwest Airlines.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Philadelphia International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: PHL
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 215-937-6937
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Philadelphia International Airport, 8000 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

Philadelphia Airport Q&A

Philadelphia Airport has six terminals, labeled A through F, connected by walkways, shuttle buses, and a skybridge. Shuttle buses run 24/7 every 7-10 minutes and are free. For more details on navigating the terminals, see the interactive airport map.
There's a wide selection of restaurants and stores throughout the airport. To locate all food, shops, and services, use iFly's interactive map for a complete list.
PHL offers several parking garages and lots, a cell phone waiting lot, designated parking spaces for travelers with disabilities, and off-airport parking with shuttle service. For detailed information on parking options and rates, visit the parking page.
The airport provides a variety of ground transportation options including car rentals, taxis, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation via SEPT
Yes, there are several hotels near the airport offering a range of amenities. For a list of the best hotels near the airport, visit the Philadelphia Airport Hotels page.
Passengers can check flight status using the in-airport flight displays, airline mobile phone apps, or by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com for real-time updates.
Philadelphia Airport offers wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and restrooms. Passengers can request special assistance when booking their flights or upon arrival at the airport. For more information on passenger services, including free Wi-Fi and lost and found, visit the respective service pages like Wi-Fi and lost and found.