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.

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

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.

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

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

External Links

• Philadelphia International Airport Official Website
• SEPTA Airport Line
• TSA Security Information