Philadelphia International Airport [PHL] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: February 3, 2020

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the twentieth busiest U.S. airport, serving 31.7 million passengers in 2018, and is a major hub for the country’s seventh-largest metropolitan area.

PHL is the fifth largest airline hub for American Airlines with flights operating from 3 of the 7 terminals; it 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 km)
Website: phl.org
Phone Number: 215-937-6937
Destinations Served: 108 domestic and 38 international destinations
Number of Daily Flights: 500
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here

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 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, which in 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.

Terminal A-West

A-West is the main international terminal for the likes of British Airways, Qatar Airways, and American Airlines, but also operates some domestic flights.

The terminal has 13 gates numbered A14-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, and level 4 has an American Airlines Admirals Club.

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 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 Aer Lingus and American Airlines with 1 security checkpoint directly above.

A-East has 11 gates numbered A2-A4 and A6-A13 and several shops, restaurants, and cafes. Near gate A4, there is an American Airlines Admirals Club.

Terminals B and C

American Airlines 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-B11 and B13-B16, and Concourse C also has 15 gates numbered C17-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.

Terminal D

Flights throughout the U.S. and Canada operate from Terminal D, with Delta, United, Spirit, Alaska, and Air Canada. 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-D16, along with a good selection of bars, cafes, and a Delta Sky Club.

Terminal E

Frontier, JetBlue, and Southwest operate from Terminal E’s 17 gates numbered E1-E7. 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

Terminal F has 39 gates numbered F1-F39, with American Airlines serving North America 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-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.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Terminal Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses operate between Terminals A-East and F and between Terminals C and F. These run inside the secure area, so there is no need to re-clear security on arrival at the next terminal.

These are the locations of the shuttle stops:

• Terminal A-East at gate A1
• Terminal C at gate C16
• Terminal F at gate F14

Walking

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.

Security and Customs at PHL

PHL’s security checkpoints are open during these hours:

• Terminal A-West: 5:15 a.m. – 9:25 p.m​.
• Terminal A-East: 3:30 a.m. – 8:25 p.m.
• Terminal B: Open 24 hours​
• Terminal C: 4:15 a.m. – 8 p.m. (TSA PreCheck only)
• Terminal D/E: 3:45 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Terminal F: 4:15 a.m. – 8:55 p.m.

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. 

TSA PreCheck

There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the Terminal A-West, C, and D/E security checkpoints. Approved passengers can utilize this service for expedited security clearance.

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 Thursday 8 a.m – 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (closed Friday).

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. – 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. 

Mobile Passport

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 Airport Lounges

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.

*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 lounge access to avoid entry fees to airport lounges.

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 located in the secure area in the connector between Terminals A and B.

Hot Tip: Find out more about Priority Pass memberships as well as the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at PHL

PHL has 85 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.

PHL Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

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!

PHL Airport Lost and Found

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. – 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.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

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

Children’s Play Areas

PHL has a children’s play area in Terminal A-East, just as you come through security. PHL ranks number 8 on the top kid-friendly U.S. airports offering airport entertainment such as magicians and caricaturists and a summer-long entertainment program called Just Plane Fun.

Baby Facilities

PHL has Mamava nursing pods in the following locations:

• Terminal A-West near gate A14
• Terminal B/C in the B/C connector
• Terminal F near gate F25

Traveling With a Pet

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

• Terminal A-West near gate A16
• Terminal A-East near the bus stop at gate A1
• Terminal B in the A/B connector
• Terminal C in the C/D connector (closer to Terminal C)
• Terminal D in the C/D connector (closer to Terminal D)
• Terminal D near gate D3
• Terminal E near gate E1
• Terminal F just after the security checkpoint

Outside the secure area

• Between Terminals A-West and A-East on the departures road
• Between Terminals B and C at ticketing and the airport communications center
• Between Terminals E and F on the departures road
• Terminal A-East at arrivals next to baggage claim
• Terminal B at arrivals next to baggage claim
• Terminal E at arrivals next to baggage claim

Duty Free

PHL has 4 duty free shops located in Terminals A-East, A-West, and D. These can be found in the following locations:

• Terminal A-West near gate A22 and A18
• Terminal A-East near gate A9
• Terminal D near gate D8

Smoking Areas

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

Prayer

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

Money

ATMs are located in every terminal and can be found in the following locations:

• Terminal A-West at the international arrivals hall, near gate A18, or at baggage claim
• Terminal A-East at baggage claim, near gate A1 and A13, or at the A/B connector
• Terminal B near gate B5, at B/C baggage claim, or at the B/C connector
• Terminal C near Au Bon Pain
• Terminal D near gate D7, next to Duty-Free, and in the arrivals area
• Terminal E near Hudson News and gate E3
• Terminal F near gate 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

Transport Options

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 

• Arrivals road
  • Zone 1 — SEPTA bus
  • Zone 3 — Parking courtesy shuttle
  • Zone 4 — Hotel courtesy shuttle
• South transportation road
  • Zone 5 — Taxicabs
  • Zone 6 — Limousines
  • Zone 7 — Van service
  • Zone 8 — Charter bus/couriers
  • Zone 9 — Rental car shuttle

Train

SEPTA: 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:

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

Trains depart every 30 minutes from 4:52 a.m. to 11:52 p.m. in the direction of the city to the airport and 5:07 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. from the airport to the city.

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:

• University City
• 30th Street
• Suburban
• Jefferson

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.

Buses

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:

• Route 37 to/from South Philadelphia and Chester
• Route 108 to/from 69th Street Transportation Center
• Route 115 to/from Suburban Square in Ardmore

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.

Taxi

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:

• Fairmount Ave (North)
• South Street (South)
• Delaware River (East)
• University City/ 38th Street (West)

Metered taxis are also available with a minimum $10 fare from the airport.

Ride Services

Ride services such as Uber and Lyft are permitted to pick-up from the outer lanes of the arrivals road 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 towards 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 towards 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 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

Short-term parking is available in all terminal parking garages on the ground level with a height clearance of 6-feet-2-inches. Garage parking refers to more parking available on the upper levels, but there is no difference in parking fees:

• Up to 0.5 hour: $4
• 0.5 – 1 hour: $6
• 1 – 1.5 hours: $8
• 1.5 – 2 hours: $10
• 2 – 2.5 hours: $12
• 2.5 – 3 hours: $15
• 3 – 3.5 hours: $17
• 3.5 – 4 hours: $24
• 4 – 24 hours: $44

AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard® Parking is located closer to Terminal B than garage B and offers cheaper rates for eligible passengers:

• Up to 0.5 hour: $3
• 0.5 – 1 hour: $5
• 1 – 1.5 hours: $6
• 1.5 – 2 hours: $8
• 2 – 2.5 hours: $10
• 2.5 – 3 hours: $12
• 3 – 3.5 hours: $14
• 3.5 – 4 hours: $19
• 4 – 24 hours: $36

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking is available in the economy parking lot located north on airport property. Parking is charged at a flat fee of $11 for every 24 hours.

Shuttle buses operate between all terminals (arrivals road) and the economy parking lot 24/7:

• Red route: serves shelters 8 through 16 (parking aisles A through M)
• Blue route: serves shelters 1 through 7 (parking aisles X through Y)

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).

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

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 60 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 and Hotel Parking

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 $6.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

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.

Parking Contact Number

General parking inquiries: 215-683-9842

Car Rental at PHL Airport

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:

• Alamo: 215-492-3960
• Avis: 215-492-0900
• Budget: 800-527-0700
• Dollar: 800-800-4000
• Enterprise: 610-521-3700
• Hertz: 215-492-7200
• National Car Rental: 800-227-7368

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, 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.

PHL Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using 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 30,000 for off-peak nights, 35,000 for standard nights, and 40,000 for peak nights.

The Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport is located just half a mile from the airport, 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 somewhere between 40,000 and 50,000 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 lounge. Award nights at the hotel start at 15,000 for off-peak nights, 17,500 for standard nights, and 20,000 for peak nights.

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 or Hilton points.

Final Thoughts

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 96,300 jobs and generating $16.8 billion in revenue, of which no funds are taken from the taxpayer’s money.