Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport [PHX] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: December 17, 2019

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
2. Airport Guides

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), or “America’s Friendliest Airport” as it’s often referred to, is the largest and busiest airport in Arizona.

In 2018, just under 45 million passengers passed through PHX making it the U.S.cool’ thirteenth busiest airport.

If you’re flying to/from PHX, this useful guide will tell you all you need to know about getting between terminals, ground transportation, airline lounges, and more.

Quick Information

Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Terminals: 3 terminals — 2, 3, and 4

Airport Address: 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Distance from downtown Phoenix: Approximately 3 miles (5 km)

Website: skyharbor.com

Phone Number: 602-273-3300

Destinations Served: 102 domestic, 22 international

Number of Daily Flights: 1,200

Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here

Airlines Operating From PHX

Terminal 2

Terminal 3

Terminal 4

PHX Airport Terminals

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has 3 terminals — 2, 3, and 4. Terminals 2 and 3 are located on the west side of the airport, along with parking facilities and a cell phone waiting lot.

Terminal 4 is on the east side of the airport also with parking facilities, 2 more cell phone waiting lots, and the Valley Metro Rail Station located northeast of the airport.

The airport sits between the Papago Freeway and Hohokam Expressway with a road system in between connecting the terminals and parking lots.

Terminals 2 and 3 are connected with a pedestrian walkway, while Terminals 3 and 4 are connected by the free PHX Sky Train.

Terminal 2

Only domestic flights operate from Terminal 2’s 17 gates, numbered 1-15, C, and D.

All of the terminal services are across 2 levels:

• Ground level: houses ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation, and the security checkpoint. Gates C and D are also accessible once clearing security.
• Upper level (outside of the secure area): houses information services, a cafe, and a Travelmart.
• Upper level (inside the secure area): houses departure gates 1-15, restaurants and shops, a USO Lounge, and United Club.

To connect to Terminal 3, take the walkway located at the far end of baggage claim, or to reach Terminal 4, take the same walkway to Terminal 3 and ride the PHX Sky Train® to Terminal 4.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is also a domestic terminal consisting of 3 levels.

Terminal 3 — Level 1

Level 1 houses ticketing facilities, baggage claim, and ground transportation services.

Terminal 3 — Level 2

Level 2 has the security checkpoint with access from level 1 and from escalators to/from the PHX Sky Train.

Terminal 3 — Level 4

Level 4 is the departures level with access to gates numbered F1 – F15.

The main lobby has a good selection of shops and restaurants, as does the concourse where the gates are located. This is connected to the main lobby via a pedestrian walkway.

The PHX Sky Train station is located on the west side of the terminal that connects passengers to Terminal 4, or to reach Terminal 2 passengers can take the walkway located near the PHX Sky Train.

A Delta Sky Club can be found opposite gate F8.

Terminal 4

Terminal 4 serves domestic and international flights with services split across 3 levels.

Terminal 4 — Level 1

Level 1 is the arrivals level with baggage claim and ground transportation.

On the map, A, B, C, and D relate to parking areas that are located on levels 4-9 in the same building as the terminal.

Terminal 4 — Level 2

Level 2 is the ticketing level with a USO Lounge for active military.

Terminal 4 — Level 3

Level 3 is the departures level with access to Terminal 4’s 7 concourses. The gate numbers are listed below, along with the most suitable security checkpoint to access each concourse (the security checkpoint letter corresponds with the gate numbers).

• A1-A14 (Checkpoint A)
• A17-A30 (Checkpoint A)
• B1-B14 (Checkpoint B)
• B15-B28 (Checkpoint B)
• C1-C9 (Checkpoint C)
• C11-C19 (Checkpoint C)
• D1-D8 (Checkpoint D)

In the center of Level 3 are many shops and restaurants with more in each concourse once passengers have cleared security.

Once clearing security, passengers arrive in the airside area where it’s possible to walk between all concourses and use their respective facilities.

There are 3 Admirals Clubs in the concourses for gates A1-A14, A17-A30, and B1-B14, a British Airways Lounge at gates B15-B22, along with an Escape Lounge and XpresSpa.

The PHX Sky Train station is located near security checkpoint C that gives access to Terminals 2 and 3, the east economy parking lot, and the Valley Metro Rail Station.

Inter-Terminal Transport

The PHX Sky Train is a free train service that runs between Terminal 3 and the Valley Metro Rail Station, stopping at Terminal 4 and the east economy parking lot along the way.

The train runs outside of the secure area 24/7, arriving every few minutes. Terminal 2 does not have a train connection, so passengers must use the walkway to Terminal 3 to ride the train.

Walking

Only Terminals 2 and 3 are connected by a pedestrian walkway, and it’s necessary to use this route to connect to Terminals 3 or 4. All connections are outside of the secure area, so passengers must re-clear security on arrival at the next terminal.

For passengers connecting from a domestic flight within Terminal 4, it’s possible to stay within the secure area and walk to the next gate (providing you have the necessary boarding card and any luggage is checked through to your final destination).

Passengers arriving on an international flight will need to collect their luggage and clear customs and immigration.

There are moving walkways between all gate areas in Terminal 4 with the furthest points (gates A30-D9) 1 mile away from each other.

Security and Customs at PHX

Terminals 2 and 3 have 1 security checkpoint each, and Terminal 4 has 4 checkpoints.

Passengers can view live security wait times on the airport’s website.

TSA PreCheck

There are TSA PreCheck lanes at all security checkpoints within each terminal, eligible for approved passengers.

PHX has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in Terminal 4 on level 1, so conditionally approved passengers can arrange an appointment the next time they are passing through the airport.

The Enrollment Center is open Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Global Entry

There are Global Entry kiosks at PHX’s immigration halls for eligible passengers who have enrolled in the program. For conditionally approved applicants, PHX has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in Terminal 4 on level 1 where passengers can schedule an appointment to finalize their application.

The airport also participates in Enrollment on Arrival with hours of operation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Hot Tip: Discover the most frequently asked questions about Global Entry along with our expert answers, as well as the best credit cards that include Global Entry & TSA PreCheck.

Mobile Passport

PHX allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to enter the U.S. using Mobile Passport Control.

On arrival into PHX, passengers should register their “new trip” within the app and present their electronic receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

PHX has dedicated CLEAR lanes and enrollment centers in every terminal, with these opening hours:

• Terminal 2: 4 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Terminal 3: 4 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Terminal 4:
  • Checkpoints A and C: 4 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Checkpoints B and D: 4 a.m. – 8 p.m.

PHX Airport Lounges

There are 6 lounges at PHX with 4 available to purchase day passes. The Delta Sky Club is exclusively for premium cabin passengers or eligible frequent flyer members, and the USO lounge is reserved for active military.

*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: Gain access to lounges without paying the day-pass fee with a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

There are no lounges at PHX that currently accept Priority Pass.

Airport Dining and Drinks at PHX

There are plenty of dining options at PHX pre- and post-security, with some restaurants and grab-and-go food stations open 24-hours outside of the secure area.

Airside restaurants tend to open 1 hour before the first departure and close 30 minutes after the last departure. See the range of restaurants available and their locations on the airport website.

PHX Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available through the airport and within the lobby of the rental car center. To connect, select the network “Free PHX Boingo WiFi,” launch your browser, and connect to the complimentary service or log in with your Boingo account. For any connectivity issues, passengers can contact 800-880-4117.

Charging Stations: Hundreds of electrical outlets and USB ports can found in the lobbies and concourses of each terminal.

Hot Tip: Free airport Wi-Fi can be slow with restrictions on downloads and streaming. Check out the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots so you can access everything you need while at the airport.

PHX Airport Lost and Found

PHX does not have a lost and found office that you can visit on airport property. If something has been lost in the public areas of the terminal, on the PHX Sky Train®, or in the parking lots, passengers are advised to call 602-273-3333 or email lostandfound@phoenix.gov.

Items lost at a departure gate or on an airplane must contact the relevant airline for assistance, and items lost at a security checkpoint must visit the TSA website to file a claim.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Information desks are located at:

• Terminal 2 in the lobby and baggage claim.
• Terminal 3 on level 1 and level 4.
• Terminal 4 on level 1 by door 7 and door 2, level 3 near checkpoints B and C, and level 3 near checkpoints A and D.

Children’s Play Areas

PHX has a children’s play area inside of the secure area of Terminal 3. Unfortunately, PHX doesn’t rank as one of the top kid-friendly U.S. airports but still can offer a play area to help get a kiddo’s energy out before a flight!

Baby Facilities

PHX has a dedicated nursing room within each terminal. These are located at:

• Terminal 2 in the corridor between ticketing and the security checkpoint.
• Terminal 3 in the departure area opposite gate F5 and near the baggage claim elevators on level 5.
• Terminal 4 near the iStore on level 3 and the upper level of gates B15-B22.

Traveling with a Pet

PHX didn’t make it into our top pet-friendly U.S. airports. However, it does have 9 pet relief areas that can be found inside and outside of the secure area:

• Terminal 2 at the east end of the terminal (outside security) and near The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf cafe in the departures area (inside security).
• Terminal 3 on Level 1 located outside of the west end of the terminal (outside security) and on the south concourse (inside security).
• Terminal 4 on Level 1 located outside of the west end of the terminal (outside security), in the D1-D8 gates concourse, and the B1-B14 gates concourse near gate B2.

There are also pet relief areas near the PHX Sky Train stations:

• East Economy Parking Garage has the East Economy Park & Bark
• Northwest corner of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station there is a Park ‘n Play

Duty Free

Duty free shopping is available in gate area B15-B28 in Terminal 4.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas, located at:

• Terminal 2 at the east and west ends of the ground level.
• Terminal 3 at the north, south, east, and west ends of the ground level.
• Terminal 4 at the north and south ends of the ground level (7 designated areas) and the north and south ends of level 2 (4 designated areas).

Prayer

PHX has an all-faiths chapel on level 3 in Terminal 4 that is open 24/7.

Money

ATMs are available in these locations:

• Terminal 2 in the corridor between ticketing and the security checkpoint.
• Terminal 3 in baggage claim and near gate F5.
• Terminal 4
  • Pre-security: near the east end elevators on level 1, near door 22 at the west end of level 2, and on level 3 near Indigenous.
  • Post-security: near gates A1, B1, C1, and D1.

There are 2 currency exchange kiosks available in Terminal 4: one is just outside of checkpoint B on level 3, and the other is inside the secure area near gate B15.

Luggage Storage

Due to federal security restrictions, there are no luggage storage facilities at PHX.

Important PHX Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 602-273-3300

Airport Paging: 602-273-3456

Lost and Found: 602-273-3333

Parking Hotline: 602-273-4545

Travel To and From PHX

Transport Options

Train

The Valley Metro Rail serves Alhambra, Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, with airport connections possible from the 44th Street PHX Sky Train^® Station to Terminals 3 and 4. One ride costs $2 or a day pass can be purchased for $4.

Buses

Valley Metro Bus: Route 13 runs between the PHX (Terminal 2) and Buckeye Road near the Estrella Commerce Center. Change at Buckeye Road and Central Avenue for bus route 0 to Downtown Phoenix. 

Bus route 44 runs from the 44th Street PHX Sky Train^® Station north to Desert Ridge.

Shuttle

Statewide shuttles are available to book for transport to other cities within Arizona, and the airport recommends these shuttle companies.

Scheduled shared-ride shuttles depart each terminal every 15 minutes and are available to pre-book or book on arrival. There is a shared-ride van counter at Terminal 4 near door 8 for assistance.

Courtesy shuttles are provided by some hotels and resorts so be sure to query this on booking. A contact center is available in the arrivals hall of each terminal to call the relevant hotel.

Taxi

Taxis are available outside of each terminal:

• Terminal 2: east side, outside door number 8.
• Terminal 3: north curbside, outside door number 7.
• Terminal 4: level 1, north curbside, outside door number 7 and south curbside, outside door number 6.

Flat rates to downtown Phoenix of $17 are available up until these boundary roads: Roosevelt Street, Lincoln Street, Seventh Avenue, and Seventh Street.

Ride Services

Once passengers have collected their luggage and are ready for collection curbside, they should then arrange their rideshare with collection from the following locations:

• Terminal 2: east side, outside door number 8.
• Terminal 3: south curbside, west end, outside door number 4.
• Terminal 4: level 1, north curbside, far west end, outside door number 1.
• Terminal 4: level 1, south curbside, far east end, outside door number 8.

Directions by Car to PHX

Arriving From Downtown Phoenix

Take West Van Buren Street and after approximately 1.6 miles turn right onto North 16th Street. Turn left onto East Jefferson Street and then use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto the slip road to Tucson. Merge onto I-10 East and take exit 149 towards East Sky Harbor Boulevard until you reach the airport.

Arriving From Tucson (South)

Take I-10 West and after around 100 miles use the right 2 lanes to take exit 153A to merge onto AZ-143 North towards Sky Harbor. Take exit 3B towards Sky Harbor/Airport and merge onto East Sky Harbor Boulevard until you reach the airport.

PHX Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

Hot Tip: PHX offers discounted parking for some lots when pre-booking online. For the Terminal 2 garage, this reduced daily parking costs $19, and for the Terminal 3 and 4 garages, the rate is $20 per day. 

Pick-Up or Drop-Off Parking

PHX has 3 cell phone waiting lots that friends and family can use while waiting to collect passengers. These are free to use and are located east of Terminal 4, west of Terminal 2, and south of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. Vehicles must not be left unattended when utilizing the cell phone waiting lots.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

With daily parking at PHX costing from $10, off-site parking lots can save passengers up to 50% with rates starting from $5.

Bookings can be placed with third-party websites such as airportparkingreservations.com. These websites allow you to filter the results by covered/uncovered parking, check distances from the airport, and whether the parking lot offers a courtesy shuttle service.

Parking for Passengers with Disabilities

Parking for disabled passengers is available in all garages closest to the elevators. For the east economy lot, this can be found north of the PHX Sky Train Station, and in the west economy park and walk lot, it’s available at the east end closest to Terminal 2.

For any vehicles exceeding the maximum height clearance, oversize parking is available in the uncovered economy parking areas and oversized parking area east of Terminal 4.

Parking Contact Number

Parking Hotline: 602-273-4545

Car Rental at PHX Airport

The Rental Car Center is located on the outskirts of the airport at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South, Phoenix, AZ 85034.

Shuttle buses run between the airport and the Rental Car Center every few minutes, picking up outside of baggage claim for each terminal.

The following companies operate from the Rental Car Center:

Hot Tip: Avoid paying for expensive insurance by checking out these credit cards that include car rental insurance. Perks and benefits like free upgrades are also offered to those who have elite status.

PHX Airport Hotels

There are a lot of choices when it comes to accommodation close to PHX; however, these are mostly 1-3 star hotels. There are no hotels located on airport property, with the closest being 1.2 miles away, but most airport hotels offer a courtesy shuttle bus to/from the terminal.

PHX Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Not only is the Crowne Plaza situated right next to the Phoenix Airport, it’s also just 5 miles away from downtown Phoenix. Amenities include 24-hour complimentary airport transfers, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a business center and 2 restaurants. Award nights at the hotel start at just 35,000 points per night.

The Phoenix Airport Marriott offers guests access to an outdoor pool, spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center, a lounge with complimentary access for Platinum members, free self-parking, and a free airport shuttle. With the transition to peak and off-peak award night pricing, a free night will cost you 20,000 points on off-peak nights, 25,000 on standard nights, and 30,000 on peak nights.

The Hyatt Place Tempe provides guests comfortable and spacious rooms in close proximity to the Phoenix Airport. The pet-friendly property has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and airport transfer, and all World of Hyatt members get a free hot breakfast. Those hoping to use their points for an award night will be happy to know that the Hyatt Place Tempe is just 8,000 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 Hyatt, Marriott, or IHG Rewards Club points.

Final Thoughts

As with many U.S. airports, passenger demand is growing, and PHX is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in renovating and modernizing the current terminals.

Over the last few years, Terminal 3 has benefited from increased ticketing and baggage services, expanded curbside access, and a consolidated security checkpoint, with full project completion in 2020. Terminal 4 is also due to receive a new eighth concourse in 2022 that will be occupied by Southwest Airlines.

These developments, in addition to the extension of the PHX Sky Train route to the Rental Car Center, should ease congestion around the airport and increase passenger capacity.