Philadelphia International Airport [PHL]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) comprises 7 terminals (A-East, A-West, B, C, D, E, F), serving both domestic and international flights.
• The airport offers ground transportation such as SEPTA buses and trains, rental cars, and ride-sharing, making it easy to reach downtown Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
• PHL features 10 lounges, including 3 Admirals Clubs, Flagship Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and United Club.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is one of the busiest U.S. airports, serving more than 30 million passengers in 2025 in the country’s seventh-largest metropolitan area.

PHL is the primary hub in the Northeast for American Airlines, accounting for around half of the airport’s flight operations, and is also a focus city for Frontier Airlines.

Quick Information

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 kilometers)
Website: phl.org
Phone Number: 215-937-6937
Destinations Served: 95 domestic and 39 international destinations
Number of Daily Flights: Over 400
Flight Information: Departure and arrival information can be viewed online

PHL Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From PHL

PHL Airport Terminals

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 to Terminal F if needed.

The airport is conveniently laid out so that all terminals are accessible from the road for curbside pickup and drop-off, as well as for ground transportation, including SEPTA train stations.

PHL has a unique layout, with departures and arrivals on different floors of the same building, unlike most airports. 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 it can be inconvenient if you need to collect your luggage for an onward connection.

Terminal A-West

A-West is the main international terminal for Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Discover Airlines, but also operates some domestic flights.

The terminal has 13 gates, numbered A14 through A26, on level 2. The international arrivals area (level 3) and baggage claim (level 1) are shared with Terminal A-East.

A-West has 2 security checkpoints, 1 at each 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.

There is also an American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge on the mezzanine between gates A15 and A16.

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

Terminal A-East has its 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 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.

Terminals B and C

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 at either end of the ticketing area on level 2, providing access to concourses 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 them. The connector also has an American Airlines Admirals Club.

Terminal D

Flights throughout the U.S. and Canada operate from Terminal D, by Alaska, Air Canada, Delta, Spirit, Sun Country, and United. Ticketing is on level 1, with baggage claim across the ground transportation area.

Terminal D shares a security checkpoint with Terminal E, within the connector between the two terminals.

Concourse D has 16 gates, numbered D1 through D16, along with bars, cafes, and a Delta Sky Club.

Terminal E

Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit operate from Terminal E’s 17 gates, numbered E1 through E17. Ticketing is on level 1, along with baggage claim, in the building 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, as well as shops and restaurants in the terminal connector. A Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is after security in the connector between terminals D and E.

Terminal F

Terminal F has 37 gates, numbered F1 to F9, F11 to F35, and F37 to F39, with American Eagle serving North American flights.

Terminal F has 1 security checkpoint on the same level as the ticketing area, which leads to a concourse with gates F1 to F9.

Two other concourses branch off from the central concourse, which also houses shops, restaurants, and an American Airlines Admirals Club.

Interterminal Transport

Terminal Shuttle Bus

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 reclear security on arrival at the next terminal.

These are the locations of the shuttle stops:

• Terminal A-East, in the connector to Terminal B
• Terminal C, in the connector to Terminal D
• Terminal F, from the central concourse area

Walking

PHL has a handy layout, with all terminals accessible by foot. If you’re prepared to go the distance, the walk between the 2 farthest points (Terminal A-West to Terminal F) is about 1.3 miles (about 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.

Security and Customs at PHL

PHL’s security checkpoints are open during these hours:

• Terminal A-West: 5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
• Terminal A-East: 4:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
• Terminal B: 3:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.
• Terminal C: 4:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. (TSA PreCheck only)
• Terminal D/E: 3:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Terminal F: 4:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

If arriving on an international flight, passengers must pass through immigration, collect luggage, and clear customs before connecting to an onward flight.

Hot Tip:

Want a less stressful security experience? Explore our guide on how to easily get through TSA security.

TSA PreCheck

There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the security checkpoints in terminals A East, C, and D/E. Approved passengers can use this service to expedite security clearance.

TSA PreCheck hours are:

• Terminal A East: 4:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Terminal C: 4:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Terminal D/E: 3:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Global Entry

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 Saturday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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 1 p.m. to 10 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.

Mobile Passport

PHL accepts Mobile Passport Control for passengers entering the U.S. from an international flight.

On arrival at PHL, complete the section entitled “New Trip” within the app and present your electronic receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

PHL Airport Lounges

PHL has 10 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.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times because of 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 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 in the secure area in the connector between terminals A and B.

Priority Pass also includes access to XpresSpa in Terminal B near gate B2. Guests can use their lounge visit for 25 minutes in a zero-gravity massage chair, a hydromassage lounger, a full-body massage lounger, and a ceragem or chakra bed.

Members can also access the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club, but only receive 1 complimentary visit per year. Any additional visits are charged at $75 per visit.

Hot Tip:

Find out more about Priority Pass memberships and the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at PHL

PHL has 75 restaurants, cafes, and food stations, almost all in the gate areas, leaving minimal choices outside security.

See the range of restaurants available on the airport website.

PHL Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout PHL, provided by AT&T.

Charging stations: There are harging stations 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.

PHL Airport Lost and Found

For items lost in the terminals, restrooms, shops, and restaurants, passengers can contact PHL’s lost and found department in the communication center between terminals C and D (open 8 a.m. to midnight). The office can also be reached at 215-937-6888 or by 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.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Staffed information desks are available throughout the airport. Assistance (including paging services) is also available by calling 215-937-6937.

Children’s Play Areas

PHL is not considered one of the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S., as it has limited entertainment facilities for children. However, families can find useful resources online, including a dedicated Kids Corner with printable games and activities.

Hot Tip:

If you’re visiting Philadelphia, check out fun kid-friendly things to do.

Baby Facilities

PHL has nursing rooms/pods in:

• Terminal A-West near gate A14
• Terminal B/C in the B/C connector
• Terminal E just after security
• Terminal F at the entrance to gates F24-F39

Traveling With a Pet

PHL doesn’t rank as one of the top pet-friendly U.S. airports, but there are plenty of pet relief areas in every terminal:

Duty-Free

PHL has 4 duty-free shops in terminals A-East, A-West, and D:

• Terminal A-West near gates A14 and A18
• Terminal A-East near gate A9
• Terminal D near gate D8

Smoking Areas

Designated smoking areas are curbside outside of every terminal. No smoking is permitted inside the terminals.

Prayer

A quiet room is in the D/E connector for passengers of any faith to reflect, meditate, or pray.

Money

ATMs are in every terminal and can be found in:

• Terminal A-West at the international arrivals hall, near gate A18, and at baggage claim
• Terminal A-East at baggage claim, near gates A1, A6, A8, A10, and A12, and in the A/B connector
• Terminal B near gate B5, at B/C baggage claim, and in the B/C connector
• Terminal C near Bud & Marilyn’s and C21
• Terminal D near gate D7, next to Hudson News, between Vino Volo and the Information Center, and in the arrivals area
• Terminal E near Hudson News and gate E3
• Terminal F near gates F25 and F9 as well as baggage claim

Luggage Storage

There are no luggage storage facilities at PHL.

Important PHL Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 215-937-6937

Automated Flight Info: 800-PHL-GATE

Airport Parking: 215-683-9842

Lost and Found: 215-937-6888

Travel to and From PHL

Transportation

PHL has 3 main roads that run through the airport: the south transportation road, arrivals road, and departures road. Organized transportation departs and arrives from either the south transportation road or the arrivals road in designated zones, which are signposted.

Ground Transportation Pick-up Zones 

• Arrivals road
  • Zone 1: SEPTA bus
  • Zone 2: Rental car shuttles
  • Zone 3: Parking courtesy shuttle
  • Zone 4: Hotel courtesy shuttle
• South transportation road
  • Zone 5: Taxicabs
  • Zone 6: Limousines and vans
  • Zone 7: Ride-sharing app service
  • Zone 8: Charter buses and couriers

Train

SEPTA: PHL is served by the SEPTA train service on the Airport Regional Line from the Philadelphia city center. There are train stations at several of the airport terminals:

• Terminal A-East
• Terminal B
• Terminal C/D
• Terminal E/F

Trains depart every 30 minutes  and operate during the following hours:

• From the airport to the city center
  • Weekdays and weekends: 5:07 a.m. to 12:07 a.m.
• From the city center to the airport
  • Weekdays: 4:13 a.m. to 11:32 p.m.
  • Weekends: 4:14 a.m. to 11:33 p.m.

The journey takes 25 minutes and costs $6.75 with a SEPTA Key card or $8 with cash or a card.

Regional: Passengers can connect from the airport’s regional line to other regional lines at the following stations:

• Penn Medicine
• 30th Street
• Suburban
• Jefferson

Amtrak: Passengers can connect to Amtrak services (Northeast Corridor and Keystone) at 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.

Buses

SEPTA Bus: 3 bus services operate from every terminal outside of baggage claim on the arrivals road. A single ride is $2.50 ($2 with a SEPTA Key card) for the following routes:

• Route 37 to and from South Philadelphia and Chester
• Route 108 to and from 69th Street Transportation Center
• Route 115 to and from Delaware County Community College

Shuttle and Private Sedan or Limousine 

Passengers can book private or shared rides in advance with these companies or on arrival at the airport at the ground transportation desk at baggage claim.

Private ride sedans and limousines depart from zone 6 of the commercial transportation roadway and shared shuttles from zone 7.

Taxi

Taxis are available from zone 5 on the commercial transportation roadway for each terminal.

A flat rate of $32 ($1 extra per additional adult passenger) applies to travel to Philadelphia city center.

The flat rate area is defined as being between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers and between Washington Avenue on the south and Fairmount Avenue on the north. West of the Schuylkill River, the northern boundary continues west along the north side of 30th Street Station on 2900 Arch St., then southward on 30th Street to its intersection with Market Street.  The boundary proceeds west along the north side of Market Street to 48th Street, south on 48th Street to Spruce Street, and east on Spruce Street to its intersection with South Street.

Metered taxis are also available, with a minimum fare of $12 from the airport.

Ride-Sharing Services

Ride-sharing 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.

Directions by Car to PHL

Arriving From Philadelphia City Center

Take I-95 South until exit 12A-B for PA-291 toward Cargo City. Use the left lanes to follow signs for the airport terminals.

Arriving From Wilmington

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.

Arriving From the Coast (Atlantic City/Ocean City)

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 toward Cargo City. Use the left lanes to follow signs for the airport terminals. Please note that this route has tolls.

PHL Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

PHL has over 16,000 parking spaces in 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

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:

• Up to 1/2 hour: $5
• 1/2 to 1 hour: $7
• 1 to 1 1/2 hours: $9
• 1 1/2 to 2 hours: $12
• 2 to 2 1/2 hours: $14
• 2 1/2 to 3 hours: $17
• 3 to 3 1/2 hours: $20
• 3 1/2 to 4 hours: $28
• 4 to 24 hours:
  • Ground-level parking: $48
  • Upper-level parking: $28

The AAdvantage credit cardmember parking area is closer to Terminal B than garage B and offers cheaper rates for eligible AAdvantage cardmembers:

• Up to 1/2 hour: $4
• 1/2 to 1 hour: $5
• 1 to 1 1/2 hours: $7
• 1 1/2 to 2 hours: $9
• 2 to 2 1/2 hours: $11
• 2 1/2 to 3 hours: $13
• 3 to 3 1/2 hours: $16
• 3 1/2 to 4 hours: $22
• 4 to 24 hours: $38

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking is available in the economy parking lot 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).

Pickup or Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot is on airport property and accessible from I-95 and Route 291. The lot is a 1-minute drive from the baggage claim areas, making it ideal for drivers picking up passengers who do not wish to pay for short-term parking.

Drivers may stay for up to 30 minutes and must not leave their vehicles during that time. Once they receive a call for a pickup, passengers can be collected from both the departures and arrivals roads.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots can be a cheaper alternative to parking on airport property.

In addition to cheaper daily rates, these external parking lots operate their own shuttle service to and from the airport and can be booked at airportparkingreservations.com or similar third-party booking sites. Daily parking for PHL starts at $5.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities is available in all official airport parking lots, with disabled parking bays on the ground level of the terminal lots.

For access to and from the economy parking lots, all shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.

Parking Contact Number

General parking inquiries: 215-683-9842

Car Rentals at PHL Airport

Car rental services are available on airport property, accessible by riding a free shuttle bus from zone 2 of the arrivals road. The following rental agencies are available:

• Alamo: 800-327-9633
• Avis: 800-331-1212
• Budget: 800-527-0700
• Dollar: 800-800-4000
• Enterprise: 800-261-7331
• Hertz: 800-654-3131
• National: 800-227-7368
• Sixt: 888-749-8227
• Turo: 415-965-4525

Hot Tip:

Find out which credit cards include car rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental company.

PHL Airport Hotels

The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is connected directly to Terminal B via a bridge, making it a convenient choice for travelers who don’t want to stray too far from the airport.

Other hotels range from 2- to 4-stars, with most located a half-mile to 4 miles from the airport. View a list of popular hotels near Philadelphia International Airport below, ordered by distance from the airport.

PHL Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is connected to Philadelphia International Airport Terminal B via a skywalk, making for a quick trip to the airport. It’s within quick driving distance of Philadelphia’s most celebrated attractions, including Penn’s Landing, the National Constitution Center, Wells Fargo Center, and Lincoln Financial Field (home of the Eagles). Award nights at the hotel start at 39,000 points per night.

The Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport is 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 get 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 41,000 points per night.

The Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport offers a convenient complimentary shuttle to PHL and to many Philadelphia attractions. Guests also have access to a fitness center, pool, on-site restaurants, and a lounge. Award nights at the hotel start from 25,000 points per night.

Hot Tip:

If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these hotels, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points.

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia International 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 102,000 jobs and generating $18.7 billion in revenue, with no funds taken from taxpayers’ money. As a major East Coast hub, it provides extensive domestic routes and nonstop international services, while remaining relatively straightforward to navigate with airside connections throughout its departure concourses.