Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the primary airport serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area and the Delaware Valley region. Located approximately 7 miles southwest of Center City Philadelphia, PHL serves as a major hub for American Airlines and handles over 30 million passengers annually.

The airport has seven terminals designated A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F:

• Terminal A-West: Regional carriers, smaller aircraft
• Terminal A-East: American Eagle regional flights
• Terminal B: American Airlines domestic
• Terminal C: American Airlines domestic (hub operations center)
• Terminal D: Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and other domestic carriers
• Terminal E: Spirit, Frontier, and additional domestic carriers
• Terminal F: International arrivals and departures, plus some domestic flights

Key advantage: All terminals at PHL are connected airside via a continuous walkway system. You can walk between any gates without exiting security, making connections straightforward.

PHL is located approximately 7 miles southwest of Center City Philadelphia. Travel times vary based on traffic:

• Center City Philadelphia: 20-35 minutes by car
• University City: 15-25 minutes
• Old City/Historic District: 25-40 minutes
• Wilmington, DE: 25-35 minutes
• Camden, NJ: 20-30 minutes

The SEPTA Airport Line provides the most reliable transport to Center City, running every 30 minutes and avoiding traffic entirely. During rush hour (7-9am, 4-7pm weekdays), public transit is often faster than driving on I-95.

Uber and Lyft are available at PHL. Rideshare pickup is located on the Ground Transportation roadway at the Commercial Transportation Curb on the arrivals level.

To reach the rideshare zone:

1. Exit baggage claim on the arrivals level
2. Follow signs to "Ground Transportation"
3. Cross the roadway to the designated rideshare pickup area
4. Request your ride from that location (your app will confirm the pickup spot)

Typical rideshare fares:

• Center City Philadelphia: $20-35
• University City: $15-25
• King of Prussia: $35-50
• Wilmington, DE: $50-70

Taxis queue outside each terminal on the arrivals level. Flat-rate fares apply to Center City Philadelphia:

• Center City flat rate: $28.50 (covers the area bounded by Spring Garden, South, and the rivers)
• Other destinations: Metered fare plus $1 airport surcharge

The SEPTA Airport Line (Regional Rail) connects PHL directly to Center City Philadelphia stations.

Getting to the SEPTA Station

Each terminal has its own SEPTA station located below the terminal:

• Terminal A: Airport Terminal A station
• Terminal B: Airport Terminal B station
• Terminal C/D: Airport Terminal C-D station
• Terminal E/F: Airport Terminal E-F station

Follow signs to "Trains" or "SEPTA" from any terminal. Escalators and elevators lead down to the platform level.

Fares and Tickets

• One-way fare: $8 to any Center City station (as of 2025)
• SEPTA Key card: Available from vending machines at stations
• Payment options: SEPTA Key, credit/debit card tap, or cash onboard (exact change preferred)

Journey to Center City

1. Board the Airport Line train at any terminal station
2. Trains serve these Center City stations:
   • University City (10 min): Penn campus, Drexel
   • 30th Street Station (15 min): Amtrak hub, SEPTA connections
   • Suburban Station (20 min): Near City Hall
   • Jefferson Station (23 min): Near Reading Terminal Market

Service frequency: Every 30 minutes from approximately 5am to midnight. Check the SEPTA website for the current schedule.

Alternative: SEPTA Bus Route 37

Bus Route 37 connects the airport to the 69th Street Transportation Center:

• Fare: $2.50
• Travel time: 25-30 minutes
• Connection: Transfer to the Market-Frankford Line (subway) for Center City

This option is cheaper but takes longer and requires a transfer.

PHL offers multiple parking options at varying price points (as of 2025):

Economy Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Location	Notes
Economy Lot (Lot E)	$14/day	Remote lot	Free shuttle to terminals, runs 24/7

Garage Parking

Location	Daily Rate	Notes
Short-Term Garage	$34/day	Closest to terminals, connected via walkway
Long-Term Garage	$22/day	Covered parking, walkway to terminals

Hourly rates: $5/hour in the Short-Term Garage, $3/hour in Long-Term

Online pre-booking: Reserve parking in advance at the PHL website for guaranteed space and potential discounts.

Off-site alternatives: Private lots on Island Avenue and Bartram Avenue offer rates from $8-12/day with shuttle service to terminals.

PHL has invested in local Philadelphia food options, making it one of the better airports for regional cuisine. Highlights by terminal area:

Terminals A and B:

• La Colombe Coffee: Philadelphia-based specialty coffee roaster
• Chickie's & Pete's: Famous for crab fries, a Philadelphia institution

Terminal B/C (Food Court area):

• Geno's Steaks: Authentic Philly cheesesteaks from the famous South Philly location
• Saladworks: Fresh salads and bowls
• Smashburger: Burgers and shakes

Terminal C:

• PHL Marketplace: Food hall with multiple options
• Auntie Anne's: Soft pretzels (a Philadelphia-region specialty)

Terminal D/E:

• Tony Luke's: Another Philadelphia cheesesteak legend
• Vie de France: Bakery and cafe
• Popeyes: Quick service option

Terminal F (International):

• Caviar House: Upscale dining
• Urban Saloon: American gastropub fare
• Dunkin': Quick coffee and breakfast

Philadelphia specialties to try at PHL: Cheesesteaks (Geno's or Tony Luke's), soft pretzels (Auntie Anne's), crab fries (Chickie's & Pete's).

Late-night dining: Options are limited after 9pm. Dunkin' and some Hudson News locations with snacks remain open for late flights.

Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout all terminals at PHL.

Network name: PHL Free WiFi

To connect:

1. Select PHL Free WiFi from your device's network settings
2. Open a browser to accept terms and conditions
3. You may see a brief advertisement before connecting

Speed and quality: Adequate for browsing, email, and light streaming. Heavy video streaming may buffer during peak travel times. Faster WiFi is available in airline lounges.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at several locations:

• InMotion Entertainment stores (Terminals B, C, D)
• Hudson News locations (various terminals)
• Best Buy Express kiosks

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid SIM options starting around $30-50 for basic data plans with domestic calling.

Alternative: Consider activating an eSIM before arrival if your device supports it. Services like Airalo or carrier eSIMs can be set up without visiting a physical store.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, typically near food courts, gate areas, and before security checkpoints. Major banks represented include:

• PNC Bank (regional headquartered in Pittsburgh)
• TD Bank (regional)
• Wells Fargo
• Bank of America

Out-of-network withdrawal fees are typically $3-5.

Currency exchange: Travelex operates currency exchange locations in Terminal A/B and Terminal F (international). As with most airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Using your bank's ATM abroad or a service like Wise typically provides better rates.

Duty-free shopping is available for international departures:

• Terminal F: Main duty-free shop near international gates with fragrances, spirits, cosmetics, tobacco, and confections

General retail throughout terminals includes:

• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (multiple locations)
• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics, headphones, chargers
• CNBC News: Newspapers, magazines, snacks
• Philadelphia-themed shops: Local souvenirs, Eagles and Phillies gear

Best shopping area: Terminals B and C have the most retail variety. Terminal F has the duty-free shop plus several stores.

PHL has several lounge options depending on your airline status and credit card benefits.

Priority Pass Lounges

• Minute Suites (Terminal B/C connector): Rest pods and showers available. Offers quiet space for working or napping. Not a traditional lounge but included in Priority Pass.

American Airlines Lounges

• Admirals Club (Terminal B/C): American Airlines status or paid membership required. Full-service lounge with food, beverages, WiFi, and workspaces.
• Admirals Club (Terminal A): Smaller location for regional departures.

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum and Capital One Venture X cardholders receive Priority Pass membership for Minute Suites access
• Chase Sapphire Reserve includes Priority Pass membership
• Citi AAdvantage Executive cardholders receive Admirals Club access

Day Pass Options

• Admirals Club day pass: Available for purchase at the club entrance or through the American Airlines app (typically $59-79)

Note: PHL does not have as many lounge options as larger hub airports. If lounge access is important, verify current options before your trip.

On-airport:

• Philadelphia Airport Marriott: Connected directly to Terminal B via an enclosed walkway. The only hotel inside the airport perimeter. Rates typically $150-250/night. Convenient for early morning departures or late arrivals.

Near airport (with shuttle service):

• Hilton Philadelphia Airport: Full-service hotel with restaurant, 5 minutes from terminals
• Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel: Business-focused hotel with shuttle
• Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport: All-suite hotel, free breakfast, complimentary shuttle
• Hampton Inn Philadelphia Airport: Budget-friendly option with free shuttle
• Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Airport: Affordable with 24-hour shuttle

For budget options, hotels along Bartram Avenue and near the Sports Complex (Citizens Bank Park area) offer rates from $80-120/night with airport shuttles.

Philadelphia offers rich American history and culture, all accessible from PHL:

Historical Sites (20-30 min from airport):

• Independence Hall & Liberty Bell: Where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Free admission, timed entry tickets recommended.
• Reading Terminal Market: Historic indoor market with local food vendors, a must-visit for food lovers
• Old City: Colonial-era neighborhood with cobblestone streets

Museums (25-35 min from airport):

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: Famous for the "Rocky Steps" and world-class art collection
• Barnes Foundation: Extraordinary collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art
• Franklin Institute: Science museum, great for families

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Rittenhouse Square: Upscale dining and shopping
• South Street: Eclectic shops and nightlife
• Fishtown: Trendy restaurants and bars

Getting around Philadelphia: SEPTA buses and subway cover Center City well. The city is also very walkable, particularly between Old City, Center City, and Rittenhouse Square. Rideshare is widely available.

Philadelphia food essentials:

• Cheesesteaks: Pat's and Geno's (rivals at 9th and Passyunk) or Jim's on South Street
• Soft pretzels: A regional specialty, available everywhere
• Hoagies: Philadelphia's term for submarine sandwiches
• Water ice: Italian ice, a summer staple (try Rita's or John's Water Ice)
• Roast pork sandwiches: A local favorite, try DiNic's at Reading Terminal Market

Sports: Philadelphia is a passionate sports city. The Sports Complex (Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers) is located between the airport and Center City, accessible via SEPTA Broad Street Line.