Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL, ICAO: KPHL), locally called PHL or simply "the airport," is the primary commercial airport serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Located in the southwestern corner of the city, approximately 7 miles from Center City, PHL is a major hub for American Airlines and serves over 30 million passengers annually. The airport offers nonstop service to destinations across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.[1]
Here's the quirk though: despite its name, a portion of the airport's property actually sits in Tinicum Township, Delaware County. The main terminals and all operations, though, are within Philadelphia city limits.
Terminals and Layout
Seven terminals make up Philadelphia International Airport, all connected by a central connector corridor that keeps things relatively sane.
Terminal Overview
| Terminal | Airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A-East | American Airlines (domestic) | Primary American hub terminal |
| Terminal A-West | American Airlines (domestic) | Extension of Terminal A |
| Terminal B | American Airlines (international), British Airways | International arrivals |
| Terminal C | American Airlines | Domestic flights |
| Terminal D | Delta, JetBlue, United | Multi-carrier domestic |
| Terminal E | Frontier, Southwest, Spirit | Low-cost carriers |
| Terminal F | Alaska, Allegiant, others | Additional domestic carriers |
Once you've cleared security, you can walk between any of these terminals airside. It's pretty straightforward.
The terminals line up in a roughly linear arrangement. Terminal A sits at the eastern end. Terminal F is out at the western end. If you've got the time, you can walk from A to F in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Key Locations:
- Baggage Claim: Ground level of each terminal
- Ground Transportation: Ground level, exit terminals to curb
- Airport Line Train Station: Between Terminals A and B
- Parking Garages: Connected to each terminal
Getting Downtown
SEPTA Airport Line (Recommended)
The SEPTA Airport Line is your best bet for getting between PHL and Center City. Direct train service gets you to the major stations:
- 30th Street Station (22 minutes)
- Suburban Station (25 minutes)
- Jefferson Station (27 minutes)
Airport Line Station Location: Between Terminals A and B you'll find the Airport Line station. There's an enclosed walkway from the baggage claim level, so you don't have to go outside.
Frequency:
- Trains come roughly every 30 minutes
- First train to Center City: Around 5:00 AM
- Last train from Center City: Around 11:30 PM
Fare:
- Airport zone fare applies, which is higher than regular SEPTA fares
- You can buy tickets at the station or on the train itself
- SEPTA Key card works here too
Travel Time:
- 22 minutes to 30th Street Station
- 25 minutes to Suburban Station
- 27 minutes to Jefferson Station
For most visitors, this is the fastest and cheapest way downtown to hotels and attractions.[2]
Taxis: You'll find them at the ground transportation area outside baggage claim in each terminal. There's a flat rate to Center City of about $28.50 as of 2024. Going anywhere else uses the meter.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Pick-up happens at designated rideshare zones at each terminal
- Look for signs pointing to "Commercial Ground Transportation" or "Rideshare"
- Typical fare to Center City runs $25 to $40 depending on traffic and surge pricing
- Travel time usually falls between 20 and 45 minutes depending on traffic
Rental Cars
The Rental Car Center is accessible via free shuttle from baggage claim. All the major companies operate there.
Rental Car Companies at PHL:
- Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
Shuttle Service: Shuttles run continuously from terminals to the Rental Car Center without charging anything. Look for the "Rental Car Shuttle" signs at baggage claim.
Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels in the area offer free shuttle service to and from PHL. Call your hotel and ask about their shuttle schedules and where you pick up.
Parking
Parking Options
Several parking options exist at PHL, each with different costs and benefits.
Short-Term Parking
- Located in the garage attached to each terminal
- Higher hourly rate, works best for quick pick-up and drop-off
- Direct access to terminals
Long-Term Parking (Garage)
- Adjacent to the terminals with a connected walkway
- Daily rate for trips lasting several days
- Still pretty convenient
Economy Parking (Lot)
- Remote lot with free shuttle service
- Lowest daily rate if you're staying a while
- Shuttle ride takes about 5 to 10 minutes to terminals
Cell Phone Lot It's free. You're waiting for someone to grab their bags. It's off Island Avenue.
Parking Tips
- Order parking online ahead of time to lock in a spot during heavy travel periods
- Economy lot makes the most sense if you're gone three days or longer
- Covered garage keeps your car safe from the weather
- Don't forget to budget extra time if you're using the economy shuttle
Amenities
Dining
All terminals have food options, from grab-and-go to proper sit-down places. Some local Philadelphia favorites show up here:
- Chickie's & Pete's - Philadelphia sports bar, their crab fries are everywhere (multiple locations)
- Tony Luke's - Philadelphia cheesesteaks
- La Colombe Coffee - Philadelphia-based coffee roaster
- Termini Brothers Bakery - Philadelphia Italian bakery
Most restaurants are past security in the terminal concourses.
Shopping
Retail here includes duty-free shops in the international terminal, news and convenience stores, Philadelphia-themed gift shops, and the usual national brands.
Services
- Free WiFi throughout the airport
- Charging stations at most gates
- Nursing rooms in each terminal
- Pet relief areas both airside and landside
- Currency exchange in Terminal B
- Luggage storage if you need it
Airlines and Destinations
Major Airlines
American Airlines (Hub) American's the big player at PHL with flights covering much of the domestic network. They also serve Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Other Major Carriers:
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
International Destinations
You can fly nonstop from PHL to quite a few places around the world.
Europe:
- London (Heathrow)
- Dublin
- Paris
- Frankfurt
- Rome
- Madrid
- Lisbon
- Reykjavik
Caribbean:
- Cancun
- Punta Cana
- San Juan
- Various Caribbean islands
Other:
- Toronto and Montreal in Canada
- Various Mexico destinations
Tips for Travelers
Before You Arrive
- Check where your terminal is online before you show up
- Download your airline's app for mobile boarding passes
- Plan for 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international
- Book parking ahead during busy travel seasons
At the Airport
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Get dedicated security lanes in most terminals
- CLEAR: Available if you want to skip the security line
- Peak times: Monday mornings are brutal, Friday afternoons too, plus holiday weekends
Getting Through Security
Security waits vary depending on the terminal and time of day. Check current wait times on the PHL website or the TSA app before you go in.
Want to move faster? Here's what helps:
- Enroll in TSA PreCheck
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready
- Follow the 3-1-1 liquid rule
- Wear shoes you can slip off quickly
History
The airport opened back in 1925 as Philadelphia Municipal Airport. That makes it one of the oldest commercial airports in the United States. The terminals you see now were mostly built in the 1970s, with lots of expansions and renovations since then.
Key Dates:
- 1925: Airport opens as Philadelphia Municipal Airport
- 1940: Name changed to Philadelphia International Airport
- 1953: Renamed Philadelphia International Airport
- 1970s: Current terminal complex constructed
- 2003: Terminal A-West expansion
- 2010s: Ongoing renovations and improvements
Ground Transportation Summary
| Method | Time to Center City | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEPTA Airport Line | 22-27 min | ~$8 | Budget travelers, single passengers |
| Taxi | 20-45 min | ~$29 flat | Groups, guaranteed price |
| Uber/Lyft | 20-45 min | $25-40 | Convenience, app users |
| Rental Car | Varies | Varies | Road trips, suburban destinations |
See Also
References
- ↑ "About PHL". Philadelphia International Airport. Retrieved December 22, 2025
- ↑ "Airport Line". SEPTA. Retrieved December 22, 2025