Editing 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.<ref name="phl-about">{{cite web |url=https://www.phl.org/about |title=About PHL |publisher=Philadelphia International Airport |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

Despite its name, a portion of the airport's property lies in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, though the main terminals and operations are within Philadelphia city limits.

== Terminals and Layout ==

Philadelphia International Airport has seven terminals connected by a central connector corridor:

=== Terminal Overview ===

{| class="wikitable"
! 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
|}

All terminals are accessible once past security checkpoints, allowing passengers to walk between terminals airside.

=== Navigating the Airport ===

The terminals are arranged in a roughly linear configuration connected by a secure walkway. Terminal A is at the eastern end, Terminal F at the western end. The entire walk from Terminal A to Terminal F takes approximately 15-20 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 the most convenient way to travel between PHL and Center City. The train runs directly from the airport to major stations including:

* 30th Street Station (22 minutes)
* Suburban Station (25 minutes)
* Jefferson Station (27 minutes)

'''Airport Line Station Location:'''
The Airport Line station is located between Terminals A and B, accessible via an enclosed walkway from the baggage claim level.

'''Frequency:'''
* Trains run approximately every 30 minutes
* First train to Center City: Approximately 5:00 AM
* Last train from Center City: Approximately 11:30 PM

'''Fare:'''
* Airport zone fare applies (higher than standard SEPTA fare)
* Tickets can be purchased at the station or on the train
* SEPTA Key card accepted

'''Travel Time:'''
* To 30th Street Station: 22 minutes
* To Suburban Station: 25 minutes
* To Jefferson Station: 27 minutes

For most visitors, the Airport Line is the fastest and most economical option for reaching Center City hotels and attractions.<ref name="septa-airport">{{cite web |url=https://www.septa.org/service/airport-line |title=Airport Line |publisher=SEPTA |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

=== Taxi and Rideshare ===

'''Taxis:'''
* Available at the ground transportation area outside each terminal's baggage claim
* Flat rate to Center City: Approximately $28.50 (as of 2024)
* Metered fare to other Philadelphia destinations

'''Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):'''
* Pick-up at designated rideshare zones at each terminal
* Follow signs to "Commercial Ground Transportation" or "Rideshare"
* Typical fare to Center City: $25-40 depending on traffic and demand
* Travel time: 20-45 minutes depending on traffic

=== Rental Cars ===

Rental car agencies are located at the Rental Car Center, accessible via free shuttle from baggage claim areas.

'''Rental Car Companies at PHL:'''
* Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty

'''Shuttle Service:'''
* Free shuttles run continuously between terminals and the Rental Car Center
* Look for "Rental Car Shuttle" signs at baggage claim level

=== Hotel Shuttles ===

Many area hotels offer free shuttle service to/from PHL. Contact your hotel for shuttle schedules and pick-up locations.

== Parking ==

=== Parking Options ===

PHL offers multiple parking options at varying price points:

'''Short-Term Parking'''
* Location: Garage attached to each terminal
* Rate: Higher hourly rate, best for pick-up/drop-off
* Direct terminal access

'''Long-Term Parking (Garage)'''
* Location: Adjacent to terminals
* Rate: Daily rate, suitable for trips of several days
* Connected walkway to terminals

'''Economy Parking (Lot)'''
* Location: Remote lot with shuttle service
* Rate: Lowest daily rate
* Free shuttle to/from terminals (5-10 minute ride)

'''Cell Phone Lot'''
* Free waiting area for drivers picking up passengers
* Located off Island Avenue
* Allows drivers to wait until passengers have retrieved baggage

=== Parking Tips ===

* Reserve parking online in advance for guaranteed spots during busy periods
* Economy lot offers best value for trips over 3 days
* Covered garage parking protects vehicles from weather
* Allow extra time for shuttle from economy lot

== Amenities ==

=== Dining ===

PHL offers dining options in all terminals, from quick-service to sit-down restaurants. Local Philadelphia favorites include:

* '''Chickie's & Pete's''' - Philadelphia sports bar, crab fries (multiple locations)
* '''Tony Luke's''' - Philadelphia cheesesteaks
* '''La Colombe Coffee''' - Philadelphia-based coffee roaster
* '''Termini Brothers Bakery''' - Philadelphia Italian bakery

Most restaurants are located past security in the terminal concourses.

=== Shopping ===

Retail options include:

* Duty-free shopping (international terminal)
* News and convenience stores
* Philadelphia-themed gift shops
* National retail brands

=== Services ===

* '''Free WiFi''' throughout the airport
* '''Charging stations''' at most gates
* '''Nursing rooms''' in each terminal
* '''Pet relief areas''' airside and landside
* '''Currency exchange''' in Terminal B
* '''Luggage storage''' available

== Airlines and Destinations ==

=== Major Airlines ===

'''American Airlines''' (Hub)
* Largest carrier at PHL with extensive domestic network
* International service to Europe, Caribbean, and Latin America

'''Other Major Carriers:'''
* Delta Air Lines
* United Airlines
* Southwest Airlines
* JetBlue Airways
* Spirit Airlines
* Frontier Airlines
* Alaska Airlines

=== International Destinations ===

PHL offers nonstop service to international destinations including:

'''Europe:'''
* London (Heathrow)
* Dublin
* Paris
* Frankfurt
* Rome
* Madrid
* Lisbon
* Reykjavik

'''Caribbean:'''
* Cancun
* Punta Cana
* San Juan
* Various Caribbean islands

'''Other:'''
* Toronto, Montreal (Canada)
* Various Mexico destinations

== Tips for Travelers ==

=== Before You Arrive ===

* Check terminal assignment online before arriving
* Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
* Allow 2 hours for domestic flights, 3 hours for international
* Reserve parking online during busy travel periods

=== At the Airport ===

* '''TSA PreCheck/Global Entry:''' Dedicated security lanes in most terminals
* '''CLEAR:''' Available for expedited security
* '''Peak times:''' Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, holiday weekends

=== Getting Through Security ===

Security wait times vary by terminal and time of day. Check current wait times on the PHL website or TSA app.

Tips for faster screening:
* Use TSA PreCheck if enrolled
* Have ID and boarding pass ready
* Follow 3-1-1 liquid rules
* Wear easily removable shoes

== History ==

Philadelphia International Airport opened in 1925 as Philadelphia Municipal Airport, making it one of the oldest commercial airports in the United States. The current terminal complex was largely built in the 1970s and has been expanded and renovated multiple times.

'''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 ==

{| class="wikitable"
! 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 ==

* [[SEPTA]]
* [[30th Street Station]]
* [[Center City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Transportation in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.phl.org Philadelphia International Airport Official Website]
* [https://www.septa.org/service/airport-line SEPTA Airport Line]
* [https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening TSA Security Information]

{{#seo:
|title=Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) - Complete Travel Guide
|description=Everything you need to know about Philadelphia International Airport: terminals, how to get downtown on SEPTA Airport Line, parking, airlines, and travel tips for PHL.
|keywords=Philadelphia International Airport, PHL airport, SEPTA Airport Line, Philadelphia airport to downtown, PHL terminals, PHL parking, flights to Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Infrastructure]]
[[Category:Transportation]]
[[Category:Airports]]
[[Category:Southwest Philadelphia]]