Philadelphia Airport (PHL) Flights & Information

Philadelphia International Airport is a hub for flights throughout the United States and to Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. While American by far has the largest presence, every major U.S. airline serves the airport, including low-cost Frontier Airlines, which carries the second-largest number of passengers.

Landing at Philadelphia International Airport

If you’re making a connection in Philadelphia, it’s a good idea to orient yourself before landing regarding the gate where your incoming flight will dock, and the gate from which your next flight departs, since there may be some distance to traverse.

If Philadelphia is your final destination, follow the exit, transportation and baggage claim signs for the terminal in which you’ve landed; they’ll lead you to an enclosed bridge that crosses the airport access road, to a parking garage and a separate building that houses the baggage claim.

I originally thought it was bizarre to have baggage claim across the street, but it makes sense, since parking and transportation/pick-up areas are located just outside that building — so even if you didn’t check luggage, you’ll need to head toward that building.

How to travel between Philadelphia airport and the city

There are several ways to reach the city and suburbs from the airport.

Taking the train at the Philadelphia airport

If I’m headed to Center City Philadelphia (downtown), I find SEPTA, the regional rail service, to be the most efficient option. It’s faster to get to the train than to other transportation services, since the pedestrian bridges pass over the stations before reaching the other facilities.

SEPTA stations are located outside of Terminal A, B, C/D and E/F, so choose the one that’s closest to your arrival gate; the ticket vending kiosks are easy to use. The Airport Line, as this route is called, only operates between approximately 5:00 a.m. and midnight.

Taking taxis and ride shares at the Philadelphia airport

Taxis depart from Zone 5 outside of the baggage claim building across the road from every terminal. If someone in the baggage claim offers you a ride, do not accept. Taxis charge a flat rate for travel to Center City. For other parts of the city and the surrounding area, it’s a metered fare, which can get pricey. In those cases, I prefer to use a ride share service. Uber and Lyft pick up passengers nearby, at Zone 7.

Renting a car at the Philadelphia airport

All major car rental companies are present at the airport; head to Zone 2, outside of baggage claim, to take a free shuttle to their individual offices and lots.

Parking at Philadelphia airport

The most convenient parking facilities are across the road from each terminal building; if you know the terminal from which your departing flight leaves from, choose the corresponding parking facility. Long-term lots and the economy lot are cheaper and are reached via free shuttle.

If you have the American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard, you can use a well-located, dedicated parking lot, close to Terminal B, which provides decent discounts.

If you need to use a check-in counter or kiosk, or check bags, verify which terminal houses your airline’s check-in area before arriving at the airport. Terminals are spread out, and the only terminals linked by indoor pedestrian connecting hallways outside of the security area are Terminals B and C, and Terminals D and E.

If you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck, note that it’s only offered at Terminals A-East, C and D/E.

Navigating the Philadelphia airport

All terminals are linked by passenger walkways called “connectors.” The longest distance — from Terminal A-West to Terminal F — is more than a mile.

Each terminal is distinct in terms of architectural style and modernity, as well as food, beverage and shopping options. One thing that is consistent is the bathroom experience: a restroom renovation project has upgraded nearly all the facilities.

I’ve traversed the airport from end to end, and while it’s a great way to get your steps in, most people probably won’t want to hike for more than one or two terminals. The shuttle bus service is the way to avoid long walks.

The inter-terminal shuttle bus is a free service that links Terminal F, Terminal C and Terminal A. The buses run about every 10 minutes, and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to travel the longest distance (between Terminal A and F), although I’ve been on buses that took longer when they had to yield to taxiing aircraft.

Travel tips for American Airlines connections

Most airlines focus their flights within just one terminal, but American Airlines flies in and out of multiple terminals. If you’re flying American and making a connection, don’t assume that your arrival and departure gates are close to each other.

This is especially important if one of your flights is aboard American Eagle, in which case you may be flying into or out of Terminal F, the furthest from the other terminals where American operates. You’ll need extra time to take the shuttle bus or walk, in that case.

Also note that American Airlines sells travel on “regional feeder” bus routes, operated by a company called Landline, that link the airport with some smaller cities. These departures take place in the secure part of the airport, similar to a regular airline flight, so you can proceed to the indicated departure gate (Landline usually departs from Terminal F).

Things to do at Philadelphia airport

The airport offers lots of diversions for passengers with time to kill. Among my favorite free things to do is to view the extensive art exhibits throughout the terminals. I also appreciate the free, unlimited WiFi.

The largest retail area, the Philadelphia Marketplace, is in the B/C connector. It’s basically a mall, with high-end retailers as well as unique shops like Heritage Books, a decent bookstore, and 1920 Merch Co., which stocks clothing and other items commemorating the women’s suffrage movement.

The Philadelphia Marketplace also has the airport’s largest food court, where Geno’s serves traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.

The area connecting Terminal A-West and Terminal A-East is home to a book exchange and seating area made from recycled materials. While the exchange itself is usually short on books, the adjacent Short Story Dispenser is decidedly cool: you press a button to choose a genre and the machine spits out a story on a long slip of paper — for free.

My favorite place to work is the Terminal B concourse, where the gates have tables equipped with outlets as well as QR codes that allow you to order food and drinks (but you’re not required to do so). Pick a gate that’s not being used and you’ll have the equivalent of a free coworking space.

Lounges at Philadelphia International Airport

American Airlines with three Admirals Club locations that offer amenities including free food and beverages. The facilities are all relatively attractive, but can get crowded when the airport is busy, which is often.

You can purchase a day pass for the Admirals Club if you’re flying American but don’t have membership or free access based on your fare category.

Scheduled to open in 2025 is the Flagship Lounge, a new American Airlines facility located in Terminal A that will have showers and menus that are the result of a collaboration with the James Beard Foundation.

Also in the works is the Sapphire Lounge by the Club, which will be located between Terminals D and E and will be accessible to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders as well as Priority Pass Select members.

If you’re looking for a place to nap, shower or work with more privacy, Minute Suites is the best option. The facility, located in the Terminal A/B connector, charges by the hour for private rooms furnished with a bed and desk. You can also pay a separate fee to use a shower.

Additional lounges include the American Express Centurion Lounge, British Airways Galleries Club Lounge, Delta SkyClub and United Club; the United Club is the best bet if you’re looking for a one-time day pass (although you need to have a United ticket).

Hotels at Philadelphia International Airport

The most conveniently located hotel is the Philadelphia Airport Marriott, which is connected to the airport via the Terminal B pedestrian bridge (you can also take a free shuttle from other terminals). Rooms are comfortable, but what I like the most about this hotel — in addition to its proximity to the airport — is the relief it can offer from the often-crowded airport terminals. I’ve set up my laptop in the hotel lobby during long layovers and made use of the free WiFi. If you’re hungry, you can do the same at the Aviation Grill, the hotel restaurant. Note, however, that you’ll need to exit security to reach the hotel, and then go through security screening again to get back to the gates.

Off-site hotels that offer a free airport shuttle include the Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Airport and the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Philadelphia Airport, both of which offer free breakfast.