The Guide to Philadelphia 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 has one Minute Suites location and one Be Relax Spa location.

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 options.

How early to get to PHL

Most airport officials suggest arriving at the airport two hours prior to takeoff for domestic flights and three hours prior to takeoff for international flights. Travelers can also visit PHL's homepage to view live security wait times 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 map. 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.

Priority Pass benefits at PHL

While there are no lounges that participate in the Priority Pass™ network at PHL, there are two benefits available to members: a Minute Suites location and a Be Relax Spa.

Minute Suites

Looking for a private space to work, nap, relax or sleep without leaving the airport during your travels? Priority Pass members can use one lounge visit allocation toward a complimentary one-hour stay at any Minute Suites location. For details on savings on longer stays, please visit Priority Pass Benefits – Minute Suites.

The PHL Minute Suites location is in Terminal B, between Concourses A and B in the AB connector. It's open 24 hours daily (hours subject to change).

Amenities include:

• Daybed (sleeps two)
• Pillows and blankets
• A workstation
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• Amazon Alexa (for music, white noise alarms, flight tracking, weather and more)
• Smart TV
• Shower facilities (subject to availability)

You can reserve a suite in advance by visiting the Minute Suites website. Note that guests must book a minimum stay of 1 hour and 15 minutes online to guarantee suite availability.

Private suites may be in high demand during peak travel times, so Minute Suites recommends booking in advance, especially during peak travel times, in the event of mass cancellations and/or delays, etc.

Be Relax Spa

Be Relax Spas are available in select airports to help travelers unwind before takeoff. The PHL location can be found in Terminal C near gate C18. Priority Pass members can also use a lounge visit entitlement toward some spa services, with each treatment counting as one visit.

If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card or are interested in applying for one, you may be eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership as a credit card benefit (note that the card has an annual fee).

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 Pass, 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.

Quick 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 a private suite 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 website for the most up-to-date benefits information.