airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Philadelphia International Airport, (PHL IATA), +1-800-PHL-GATE (745-4283) is the main airport serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding Delaware Valley. It is the largest commercial airport in the state of Pennsylvania.

Aerial photo of Philadelphia International Airport

Understand edit

The site was first used as a training field by the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1925 before it was dedicated by Charles Lindbergh as the Philadelphia Municipal Airport in 1927. A terminal building was built in 1940, marking the beginning of commercial air service at the airport. The airport was used as a First Air Force training field during World War II. The airport became Philadelphia International Airport in 1945 and international flights began serving the airport. The airport has undergone numerous expansion projects as air travel has grown over the years.

Flights edit

 
Terminal A-West

The airport has seven terminals: A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F. Terminal A-West is used for international flights while the remaining terminals primarily serve domestic flights. American Airlines operates a hub at the airport and utilizes multiple terminals, including exclusive use of three terminals.

  Terminal A-West
American Airlines (note 1), British Airways, Icelandair, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways
  Terminal A-East
Aer Lingus, American Airlines (note 1)
  Terminal B
American Airlines (note 1)
  Terminal C
American Airlines (note 1)
  Terminal D
Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
  Terminal E
Frontier Airlines (note 2), JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines
  Terminal F
American Eagle (note 1)

Note 1: Check your departure or arrival terminal if flying American Airlines. International and Caribbean flights use Terminal A-West, Domestic flights use Terminals A-East, B, and C, and American Eagle regional flights use Terminal F.

Note 2: International flights for Frontier Airlines arrive at Terminal A-East

Ground transportation edit

By car edit

PHL is located right off Interstate 95 southwest of Center City Philadelphia and is located off exit 12 northbound and exit 12A southbound of the highway. Interstate 95 northbound leads toward Philadelphia and bridges over the Delaware River into the state of New Jersey while Interstate 95 southbound leads toward the western suburbs in Delaware County and the state of Delaware.

Parking garages on-site allow for parking at PHL. Short-term parking is available in the ground level of the garage adjacent to terminals A-F. The rate for short-term parking is $4 for up to 30 minutes, $6 for up to 1 hour, $8 for up to 1.5 hours, $10 for up to 2 hours, $12 for up to 2.5 hours, $15 for up to 3 hours, $17 for up to 3.5 hours, $24 for up to 4 hours, and $44 for up to 24 hours. The rate for long-term parking the upper levels of the parking garage is $4 for up to 30 minutes, $6 for up to 1 hour, $8 for up to 1.5 hours, $10 for up to 2 hours, $12 for up to 2.5 hours, $15 for up to 3 hours, $17 for up to 3.5 hours, $24 for up to 24 hours. Long-term parking in the Economy Parking lot has a $11 daily flat rate for parking up to 24 hours, and a free shuttle is provided to and from the terminals. Several private parking lots adjacent to the airport also offer paid long-term parking, with shuttle service to and from the airport.

A free cell phone parking lot is available for people waiting to pick up someone at the airport.

Rental cars are available at PHL, with each rental car agency providing free shuttles between the baggage claim and their facility. Rental car agencies serving PHL include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

By bus edit

  • SEPTA, +1 215 580-7800. SEPTA provides bus service to PHL along three routes, with the bus stops located along the arrivals road in front of Terminals A, B, D, and E/F. The Route 37 bus connects the airport to the Chester Transportation Center in Chester to the west and Broad Street and Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia to the east. At Broad and Snyder, the Route 37 bus connects to the Broad Street Line subway which provides service to Center City. The Route 108 bus connects the airport with the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, where it connects to several transit routes serving the western suburbs along with the Market-Frankford Line. The Route 115 bus connects the airport with the Darby Transportation Center in Darby and Delaware County Community College. $2.50 cash, $2.00 SEPTA Key Travel Wallet.    

By train edit

 
SEPTA's Airport Line train, which connects the airport with Center City Philadelphia
  • SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line, +1 215 580-7800. 5AM-midnight daily. SEPTA Regional Rail provides daily service along the Airport Line from the airport to Center City Philadelphia. Trains operate every half hour along the Airport Line. The train stops at four stations at the airport located at Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C&D, and Terminal E&F between the arrivals and departures. Service to Center City Philadelphia takes 25 minutes with one intermediate station. In Center City Philadelphia, the Airport Line stops at 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station, providing easy access to many Philadelphia points of interest. The line also has connections to several SEPTA transit and Regional Rail routes in Center City Philadelphia along with Amtrak and NJ Transit trains at 30th Street Station. Fares to/from Center City Philadelphia: $6.75 advance sales and $8.00 on-board. Tickets may be bought in advance from a SEPTA sales office or online or a SEPTA Key Quick Trip may be bought from a kiosk at the station for travel from the airport to Center City Philadelphia. On-board sales are cash only.    

By taxi edit

Taxi service to/from PHL is provided by multiple companies. Taxis pick up and drop off along the commercial vehicle road adjacent to the terminal. A flat rate of $28.50 one-way is charged for taxi rides to Center City Philadelphia, with an additional $1 per passenger over 12 years old (up to $3). Taxi rides to points outside Center City Philadelphia are metered, with a base rate of $2.70 plus $2.30 per mile; the minimum fare is $10. All taxis serving PHL accept credit cards. Taxi companies[dead link] serving PHL include All City Cab, Capital, City Cab, Crescent, Liberty, Olde City, Philadelphia Coach, PHL Cab, Quaker City, Victory, and Yellow Cab.

By limousine and van edit

Limousine and van service to/from PHL is provided by multiple private companies. These services pick up and drop off along the commercial vehicle road adjacent to the terminal. Reservations for limousine and van services can be made at the Ground Transportation Information desk in the baggage claim. The desk will notify you when your service has arrived. Limousine and van service companies[dead link] serving PHL include AAA Airport One Direct, Call-First Transit, Dave's Best Limo, Delaware Express, Rapid Rover, and Tropiano.

By ride-hailing services edit

Ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft provide service to/from PHL. Uber and Lyft pick-up is located along the outer lanes of the arrivals road.

Wait edit

Lounges edit

  • American Airlines Admirals Club.
  • Terminal A-West-Mezzaine level between Gates A15 and A16.
  • Terminal A-East-between Gates A4 and A6.
  • Terminal B/C Connector-3rd floor.
  • Terminal F-2nd floor food court.
  • British Airways Galleries Lounge, Terminal A-West near Gate A14.
  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal D near exit.
  • United Club, Terminal C/D walkway.
  • USO Lounge, Terminal E.

Eat and drink edit

PHL has a wide variety of dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants. The airport's Take Out for Take Off program allows food purchased in the airport terminal to be taken on-board the plane and eaten there. The airport has numerous fast-food and fast-casual chains including Auntie Anne's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin' Donuts, Popeyes, Sbarro, Starbucks, and Subway.

Some of the more unique dining options at PHL include:

  • Baba Bar, Concourse B-Gate B11, +1 267 684-5003. 5:15AM-11PM daily. Mediterranean restaurant with menu designed by Nicholas Elmi. Baba Bar offers small plates including hummus, babaganoush, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salads, roasted vegetables, and tabbouleh along with entrees such as skewers and kebabs.
  • Bar Symon, Concourse D-Gate D9, +1 215 824-5171. 4:45AM-8:30PM daily. Restaurant and taphouse with menu designed by Chef Michael Symon that offers comfort food such as gastro burgers and fries. Signature items include the Fat Doug burger with coleslaw, pastrami, mustard, and Swiss cheese; Pulled Pork sandwich with coffee barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickles; and the Potato & Cheese Pierogi with kielbasa, onions, and mustard sour cream.
  • Boule Café, Concourse B-Gate B14, +1 267 684-5003. 5:15AM-11PM daily. French-style bakery café featuring a menu designed by Chef Anne Coll. Menu items include a large assortment of breakfast options such as smoked salmon frittata and pain perdu and lunch and dinner options such as sandwiches and soups along with a Lancaster County-style pot pie. Boule Café also has a variety of drink options including coffee and non-alcoholic beverages, a wide beer selection including French and Belgian beers along with regional beers, and a selection of spirits and cocktails.
  • Chickie's & Pete's. Local sports bar chain that was founded in 1977 that offers a variety of menu items including cutlet sandwiches, crabs, and their famous crab fries. Chickie's & Pete's has four locations at PHL:
  • Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar, Concourse B-Gate B6, +1 267 684-5003. 5:15AM-11PM daily. Italian bistro with a menu selection that features antipasti and traditional Italian dishes including Fettuccine Salsiccia and Gnocchi Carciofo. The bistro also has a large selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.
  • Geno's Steaks, Concourse B/C Connector, +1 215 492-9400. 4:30AM-10:30PM daily. Branch location of the famous South Philadelphia cheesesteak restaurant founded by Joey Vento in 1966. Geno's serves Philly cheesesteaks using thinly-sliced rib-eye steak, fresh onions, freshly baked bread, and cheese. Ketchup, mustard, and relish are also available.
  • Germantown Biergarten, Concourse B-Gate B9. 5:15AM-11PM daily. Restaurant with menu designed by John Myerow and Michael McCaulley that is inspired by the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia and offers Bavarian items such as pretzels, salads, panini sandwiches, and brats along with a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits.
  • Independence Prime, Concourse B-Gate B6, +1 267 684-5003. 5:15AM-11PM daily. Steakhouse and tavern that offers guests a view of the kitchen.
  • Jack Duggan's Pub & Restaurant, Concourse A East-Gate A5, +1 215 937-9441. 5:20AM-10PM daily. Pub-style restaurant serving traditional pub food along with deli sandwiches and salads. Also has a full bar.
  • Local Tavern, Concourse F-Gate F11, +1 267 684-5003. 5:45AM-10PM daily. Restaurant and tavern with a warm and natural design. Menu items include fried calamari, long hot peppers and marinara, Beer & Fennel Sausage mussels, Prince Edward Island mussels, fennel sausage, and the Salmon Burger. Local Tavern offers over 60 taps that feature a rotation of local craft beer.
  • LOVE Grille, Concourse B-Gate B1. 5:15AM-11PM daily. Restaurant with menu designed by Chef Erin O'Shea that is inspired by local Philadelphia comfort food. Menu items include Philly cheesesteaks, shaved Weaver's bologna, the Texas Tommy, Lobster Mac n' Cheese, and vegan and gluten free dishes.
  • Mezzogiorno, Concourse B-Gate B10. 5:15AM-11PM daily. Italian restaurant with menu designed by Chef Stalin Bedom that features thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas with artisanal toppings along with homemade meatballs, antipasti, light entrees, and snacks. Mezzogiorno also has a wine list featuring Southern Italian wine and a beer selection featuring regional ales and lagers.
  • Noobar, Concourse B-Gate B3. 5:15AM-11PM daily. Japanese ramen and sushi restaurant with menu designed by Chef Hiroyuki "Zama" Tanaka Hiroyuki. The restaurant features an open kitchen that allows patrons to watch the sushi chefs. Noobar also has a gourmet market with take-out options.
  • Re:vive Bar, Concourse F-Gate F24, +1 267 684-5003. 5:45AM-10PM daily. Sit-down restaurant serving American and Tex-Mex fusion. Restaurant includes a long bar with elevated seating. Featured menu items include Chicken & Goat Cheese Salad and Carne Asada Tacos.
  • Sky Asian Bistro, Concourse C-Gate C18, +1 267 684-5003. 4:45AM-11PM daily. Sushi and dim sum house with a menu including specialty rolls, sashimi, and other items such as the Truffle Edamame Potato Dumplings and the Miso Grilled Salmon Bento Box. Sky Asian Bistro has a wine list with over 32 bottles along with an assortment of Asian beer and sake.
  • Tony Luke's, Concourse F-Gate F10, +1 267 987-2166. 5:45AM-10PM daily. Restaurant serving Philly cheesesteaks along with chicken cheesesteaks, roast pork Italian, chicken cutlet, hamburgers, and seasoned French fries.
  • Vino Volo. Club-like restaurant and lounge serving a variety of wines and food inspired by wine country such as smoked salmon and crab meat crostini, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. Vino Volo has two locations at PHL:

Buy edit

  • Philadelphia Marketplace, +1 215 937-1200. The Philadelphia Marketplace consists of a shopping mall connecting Terminals B and C along with the other retail offerings in the airport terminal. PHL has a variety of retail stores including typical mall stores such as Finish Line, Gap, Lids, Sunglass Hut, and Victoria's Secret, upscale stores such as Brigton Collectibles, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Fire & Ice, Furla, and SPANX, stores catering to travelers such as CNBC News, Duty Free, Hudson News, and Stellar News, specialty stores such as PGA Tour, and gift shops selling Philadelphia merchandise such as Pennsylvania Market and Philadelphia America!

Connect edit

Free Wi-Fi is offered at PHL by AT&T.

Sleep edit

  • 1 Philadelphia Airport Marriott, 1 Arrivals Rd, Terminal B, +1 215 492-9000, fax: +1 215 492-6799. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. On-site hotel with walkway to Terminal B of the airport along with shuttle service to terminals. The hotel has soundproof windows and some rooms offer a view of the airport runways. The Philadelphia Airport Marriott contains standard rooms and suites. Amenities include deluxe bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, on-site fitness center, and event space that includes a ballroom. The hotel has an on-site American restaurant and bar called Aviation Grill that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $129-$169.

There are several other hotels located near PHL in neighboring areas of Southwest Philadelphia and Tinicum Township. These accommodations vary from relatively inexpensive motels to upscale full-service hotels to extended stay properties. Many of these hotels offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Nearby edit

The city of Philadelphia is located northeast of the airport, with Southwest Philadelphia and South Philadelphia located in close proximity to the airport. Tinicum Township in Delaware County is located west of the airport.

Routes through Philadelphia International Airport
New York CityPhiladelphia  N   S  Tinicum TownshipBaltimore
North PhiladelphiaWest Philadelphia  N   S  END


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