The Guide to Philadelphia International Airport
Quick insights
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 7 miles from downtown Philadelphia.
- All seven of PHL's terminals are connected within the secure area and are accessible by foot or by shuttle bus.
- PHL is home to a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club.
Philadelphia, sometimes referred to as the "birthplace of the United States," is well-known for its colonial history—and its cheesesteak. It's also a convenient hub in the Northeast, as it's only a few hours away from New York City and Washington D.C.
If you're headed in or out of Philadelphia by plane, there's a chance you'll be flying out of PHL. Keep reading to learn about PHL's ground transportation, parking, terminals, amenities and more.
Navigating to and from PHL
Whether you're headed to or from PHL for your travels, there are several options—including multiple methods of public transportation—to get you there:
- Taxi: Taxis are available at Zone 5 of the S. Commercial Roadway outside baggage claim in each terminal. Follow signage for "Taxis/Zone 5."
- Rideshare: Rideshare app pickup is at Zone 7 of the S. Commercial Roadway outside baggage claim. Follow signage for "Ride App/Zone 7."
- Train: Local SEPTA train service connects the airport to Center City via the Airport Regional Rail Line. Passengers may use this line to connect to other SEPTA Regional Rail lines or Amtrak.
- Bus: Three SEPTA bus routes pick up/drop off passengers at Zone 1 outside of arrivals. Route 37 goes from South Philadelphia to Chester; Route 108 goes from the airport to the 69th Street Transportation Center; and Route 115 goes from the airport to Delaware County Community College.
- Rental car: All rental car facilities at PHL provide free shuttles that pick up passengers outside baggage claim in Zone 2.
Parking options at PHL
Short-term parking is available in all parking lots and garages at PHL. Long-term parking is available in the economy parking lot north of the airport. A shuttle will bring passengers to and from the economy lot 24 hours daily (including holidays).
Drivers awaiting arriving passengers may wait in the free cell phone waiting lot, which is less than one minute from baggage claim. Wait time is limited to 60 minutes.
There are also several off-site parking lots near PHL that provide shuttles to the airport. Visit PHL’s website to learn more about airport parking optionsOpens overlay.
How early to get to PHL
Most airport officials suggest arriving at the airport 2 hours prior to takeoff for domestic flights and 3 hours prior to takeoff for international flights. Travelers can also visit PHL's homepage to view live security wait timesOpens overlay before heading to the airport.
To potentially save time in the security line, consider a program like TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. It may also be helpful to be mindful about traveling on holidays or during peak hours.
PHL airport map
Before you head to PHL for your next flight or layover, take a look at their official interactive airport mapOpens overlay. You might want to think about where you'll get your pre-takeoff snack or how you'll spend your time between flights.
PHL terminal information
PHL has seven terminals: A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E and F. All terminals are connected in one line, so passengers can walk all the way from A-West to F if needed (roughly a 30-minute walk).
Passengers may also choose to travel between terminals via the free terminal shuttle bus, which operates within the secure area. Shuttle stops include:
- Terminal A-East: In the connector to Terminal B
- Terminal C: In the connector to Terminal D
- Terminal F: Near the central concourse area
Additional details for each terminal include:
- Terminal A-West: Main terminal for international flights (but does operate some domestic flights). Baggage claim is on level 1, departure gates are on level 2 and international arrivals are on level 3.
- Terminal A-East: Operates both international and domestic flights. Has its own ticketing area, a bridge to parking garage A and a SEPTA train station. Baggage claim on level 1 is shared with Terminal A-West.
- Terminals B and C: Share a ticketing area, baggage claim and two concourses. Head outside the secure area to find two bridges leading to parking garages and SEPTA train stations.
- Terminal D: Operates flights throughout the U.S. and Canada. Shares a security checkpoint with Terminal E.
- Terminal E: Houses a bridge that connects passengers to its parking garage and SEPTA train station.
- Terminal F: Ticketing and security are in the central concourse area. Three concourses branch out from the central area.
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club PHL
If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card, you can access all Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations. The PHL Sapphire Lounge is on level 2, airside, between the Terminal D to E connecter and across from TSA screening.
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers may enter Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club locations, including the lounge at PHL, with up to two complimentary guests. To be admitted, present a valid boarding pass and your complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership card that comes with your Sapphire Reserve card at the door. You may access the lounge up to 3 hours before your departing flight.
Some amenities include:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- All-day food and beverages (including wine, beer and cocktails)
- Newspapers and magazines
- A wellness area
- Private, accessible bathrooms and bookable showers
- Family and nursing rooms
Things to do at PHL
Have a few hours to spare at PHL? Here are a few options you may want to consider:
- Browse airport art: PHL's Exhibitions Program showcases artwork and collections by artists in the greater Philadelphia area throughout all seven terminals.
- Apply for a Wingmate Pass: Non-ticketed guests can apply for a Wingmate PassOpens overlay, which grants access to the secure side of the airport. This allows passholders to accompany family members to their gates, or even surprise friends on arriving flights.
- Dine at local restaurants: For the authentic Philly experience, you may want to consider stopping by Geno's Steaks for cheesesteak, Chickie's and Pete's for seafood or Good Luck Pizza for pizza and other Italian favorites.
In summary
Thanks to PHL's unique architecture, travelers can access the shops and restaurants in any terminal without leaving the secure area. This may be useful for those with longer layovers. Even if travelers are just at PHL for a couple of hours, there's plenty to do. You may want to grab a bite to eat, relax in an airport lounge or even get a pre-flight massage.
This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official websiteOpens overlay for the most up-to-date benefits information.
