Philadelphia International Airport
Also known as: Philadelphia Airport, PHL Airport, Philly Airport. Formerly Philadelphia Municipal Airport.
Private transfer from PHLSee pricesSee pricesAbout Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main airport for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the wider Delaware Valley, including South Jersey and northern Delaware. It sits on the Delaware River about 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Center City, with part of the site in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, and has its own interchange on I-95.
American Airlines runs its main Northeast hub and transatlantic gateway here, with flights across the United States, the Caribbean and Europe. Frontier, Southwest, Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska and Allegiant add domestic routes, while British Airways, Aer Lingus, Discover Airlines, Aeroméxico, Air Canada and Qatar Airways fly to London, Dublin, Frankfurt, Mexico City, Canada and Doha. The airport handled about 30.1 million passengers in 2025.
Seven terminals, A-West, A-East and B through F, stand in one connected line, and you can walk between them inside security. International arrivals clear customs in Terminal A-West.
From the airport, most travelers head into Center City, University City, South Philadelphia's stadiums or the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Others continue to King of Prussia, Wilmington, Cherry Hill and South Jersey, or farther to Atlantic City, the Jersey Shore and Lancaster County.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Philadelphia Department of Aviation
- Passengers per year
About 30.1 million in 2025
- Runways
Four; the longest, 9R/27L, is 12,000 ft (3,658 m)
- Opened
June 1940, as Philadelphia Municipal Airport; renamed in 1945
- Hub
American Airlines, its main Northeast hub and transatlantic gateway
Arrival tips for Philadelphia International Airport
International flights arrive at Terminal A-West, where you clear US passport control and customs. Have your passport and, if you need one, your visa or approved ESTA ready. Eligible travelers can use Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control to shorten the line. After customs you reach the International Arrivals Hall on Level 3 of A-West, where friends and family wait. For taxis, ride apps and pre-booked cars, take the elevator down to the ground floor and follow the signs to the A-East baggage claim, then out to the Commercial Roadway.
Domestic passengers cross the pedestrian bridges from their gates and take the escalator down to the baggage claim of their own terminal.
Ground transportation is outside each baggage claim in numbered zones: Zones 1 to 4 on the Arrivals Road side for SEPTA buses and shuttles, and Zones 5 to 8 on the Commercial Roadway side for taxis (Zone 5), limousines and hired cars (Zone 6) and ride apps (Zone 7). The SEPTA Airport Line platforms are on the Commercial Roadway side too. Accept rides only from these zones or from your pre-booked driver.
Ground transportation
The SEPTA train is the cheapest way to Center City; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage and for addresses outside downtown.
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Book a transfer from PHLSEPTA Airport Line train
Regional Rail trains stop at stations for Terminals A, B, C/D and E/F and reach Center City in about 25 minutes, continuing to 30th Street Station. Trains run from about 5 a.m. to midnight, every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends, and you carry your bags through the stations.
Taxi from Philadelphia airport
Taxis wait at Zone 5 outside each baggage claim. A flat rate applies to Center City; trips elsewhere are metered.
Uber and Lyft
Ride-app pickups are at Zone 7 on the Commercial Roadway side of baggage claim. Fares rise at busy times.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car or van meets you at the airport and drives you door to door to Center City, the suburbs, South Jersey or Delaware. Useful for families, groups and late arrivals.
SEPTA buses
Routes 37, 108 and 115 leave from Zone 1 for South Philadelphia, Upper Darby and Delaware County. Cheap but slow, with many stops.
Rental car
Rental car shuttles leave from Zone 2 for the agencies' lots near the airport.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Walking inside security
All seven terminals are joined by connectors inside the secure area, so you can walk from one to the next with shops and restaurants along the way. A-West to F is the longest walk, roughly 30 minutes.
- 2
Free shuttle bus
A free shuttle bus runs inside security between Terminal F, near gate F14, and Terminals A, B and C.
- 3
Electric carts
Electric carts carry elderly passengers, travelers with disabilities and those making tight connections between gates.
- 4
International connections
After an international arrival you clear customs in Terminal A-West, then go through security again before a domestic connection.
Terminals
Terminal A-West
The international terminal, with the US Customs and Immigration hall and the International Arrivals Hall on Level 3. Used by American's long-haul flights and British Airways, Discover Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Airlines commonly assigned here: British Airways, Discover Airlines
Terminal A-East
International and some domestic flights, including Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico and American; Frontier's international arrivals also use it.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico
Terminal B
American Airlines domestic flights.
Terminal C
American Airlines domestic flights.
Terminal D
Air Canada, Delta and United; Alaska and Sun Country also board here.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
Terminal E
Frontier, Southwest and Allegiant, with check-in for JetBlue, Alaska and Sun Country.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines
Terminal F
American Eagle regional flights, linked to the other terminals by a free shuttle bus inside security.
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available to all passengers throughout the airport.
Shops and restaurants
Shops and restaurants line every terminal inside security, and the connectors let you reach them all without leaving the secure area.
International Arrivals Hall
On Level 3 of Terminal A-West, outside security, with a coffee shop, a newsstand and the Global Entry enrollment office.
Minute Suites
Private rest suites on the walkway between Terminals A-East and B, inside security, open 24 hours.
Lactation suites
Mamava lactation suites are inside security in Terminal A-West, the B/C connector and Terminal F.
Kids zone
A children's play area in Terminal A-East with a model jet, control tower and tug.
Pet relief areas
Seven service animal relief areas, inside the terminals and outside on the Departures Road and baggage claim buildings.
Art exhibitions
The PHL Exhibitions Program shows work by greater Philadelphia artists across all seven terminals.
Lost and found
The airport runs a lost and found service for items left in public areas; items left on a plane go to the airline.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
A free waiting lot for people picking up passengers, reached from I-95 and Route 291.
Airport lounges
Lounges and entry rules as reported in August 2026; check with the lounge before you fly.
Admirals Club (Terminal A-West)
On the mezzanine between gates A15 and A16, for Admirals Club members and eligible American and oneworld passengers; showers available.
Flagship Lounge (Terminal A-West)
Beside the Admirals Club in A-West, for eligible first and business class passengers and top-tier elites on qualifying flights.
British Airways Galleries Club (Terminal A-West)
For British Airways first and business class passengers and eligible oneworld elites, open around the London departure.
Centurion Lounge (Terminal A-West)
Near gate A14, for eligible American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders with a same-day boarding pass.
Admirals Club (B/C connector)
On the third floor of the connector between Terminals B and C.
United Club (C/D connector)
On Level 2 between Terminals C and D, for United Club members and eligible United and Star Alliance passengers.
Chase Sapphire Lounge (D/E connector)
On Level 2 between Terminals D and E, for eligible Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, with day passes available.
Delta Sky Club (D/E connector)
On Level 2 between Terminals D and E, for Sky Club members and eligible Delta and SkyTeam passengers.
Admirals Club (Terminal F)
On Level 2 above the Terminal F food court.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for wheelchair or escort assistance when you book and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly. For help at security, contact TSA Cares before your trip.
Reduced mobility
Electric carts carry passengers who need help between gates, and the shuttles between the terminals and parking are wheelchair accessible with a kneeling floor. Accessible parking spaces are near garage elevators and in the ground-level short-term lots by baggage claim.
Train and bus access
SEPTA Airport Line stations have elevators and bridge plates for wheelchairs, and SEPTA buses 37, 108 and 115 are accessible. CCT Connect paratransit picks up registered riders at each baggage claim area.
Service animals
Seven service animal relief areas are spread across the terminals and outside baggage claim. Airline rules apply on board, so check yours before you fly.
Parking
Terminal garages
Parking garages stand opposite the terminals and connect to them by covered walkways. Their clearance is about 6 feet, so taller vans use the ground-level lots.
Short-Term lots
Ground-level lots opposite baggage claim, for pickups and short visits.
Economy Parking
A large lot away from the terminals for longer trips, with a free shuttle bus to the terminals around the clock.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
Free waiting for drivers picking up passengers, reached from I-95 and Route 291.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Philadelphia airport from Center City?
Philadelphia International Airport is about 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Center City, beside I-95 on the Delaware River. The SEPTA Airport Line train reaches Center City in about 25 minutes, and taxis, ride apps and pre-booked cars take you door to door, with the drive depending on traffic on I-95.
How many terminals does Philadelphia airport have?
PHL has seven terminals, A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E and F, joined in one line. You can walk between them inside security, and a free shuttle bus links Terminal F with Terminals A, B and C. Terminal A-West handles international arrivals, and Terminal F serves American Eagle regional flights.
Which terminal does American Airlines use at PHL?
American Airlines uses several terminals at Philadelphia. Its long-haul flights use Terminals A-West and A-East, domestic mainline flights mostly use Terminals B and C, and American Eagle regional flights use Terminal F. Check your boarding pass or the American app for your gate before you fly.
Where do international flights arrive at Philadelphia airport?
International flights arrive at Terminal A-West, where you clear US passport control and customs. Afterward you reach the International Arrivals Hall on Level 3, where friends and family wait. For taxis, ride apps and pre-booked cars, take the elevator down and follow the signs to the A-East baggage claim and the Commercial Roadway.
Is there a train from Philadelphia airport to the city?
Yes. The SEPTA Airport Line, a Regional Rail line, stops at stations for Terminals A, B, C/D and E/F and reaches Center City in about 25 minutes, continuing through 30th Street Station. Trains run from about 5 a.m. to midnight, every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends and holidays.
Where do I get a taxi at Philadelphia airport?
Taxis wait at Zone 5, outside each terminal's baggage claim on the Commercial Roadway side. A flat rate applies to trips to Center City, between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, and other trips are metered. Accept rides only from the official taxi zone, never from drivers offering rides inside the terminal.
Where is the Uber and Lyft pickup at PHL?
Uber and Lyft pick up at Zone 7, outside each terminal's baggage claim on the Commercial Roadway side. Follow the signs from baggage claim and check the zone your app shows. Premium ride-app services and hired cars use Zone 6, next to it.
Can I walk between terminals at Philadelphia airport?
Yes. All seven terminals are linked inside security, so you can walk from one to the next past shops and restaurants. The walk from A-West to F takes roughly 30 minutes, so a free shuttle bus runs inside security between Terminal F, near gate F14, and Terminals A, B and C.
Are there lounges at Philadelphia airport?
Yes. American runs Admirals Clubs in Terminal A-West, the B/C connector and Terminal F, plus a Flagship Lounge in A-West. There are also a Centurion Lounge and a British Airways lounge in A-West, a United Club between C and D, and a Chase Sapphire Lounge and Delta Sky Club between D and E.
Where can I park at Philadelphia airport?
Parking garages stand opposite the terminals, linked by covered walkways, with ground-level Short-Term lots by baggage claim. Economy Parking, farther out, has a free shuttle bus to the terminals around the clock. Drivers collecting passengers can wait for free at the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, reached from I-95 and Route 291.
Is Philadelphia airport in Philadelphia?
Mostly. Philadelphia International Airport is owned and run by the City of Philadelphia, and most of it lies within the city's southwest corner. Terminal A-West, the international terminal, and the western end of the airfield are in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Its mailing address is Philadelphia, PA 19153.
Does Philadelphia airport have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available to every passenger throughout the airport, every day, with no time limit set by the airport. Connect to the airport network from your phone or laptop in any terminal. Several lounges, including the Chase Sapphire Lounge, have their own Wi-Fi for guests.
What do I need to enter the US at Philadelphia airport?
You need a valid passport and either a US visa or, under the Visa Waiver Program, an approved ESTA obtained before you board. International arrivals clear passport control and customs in Terminal A-West, where Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line. Declare food, plants and cash over $10,000.