PHL: Philadelphia Airport - Guide, Terminal map, lounges, bars & restaurants

Philadelphia Airport

Philadelphia Airport Guide

NEWS: As part of Philadelphia International Airport's US$6.4 billion expansion plans, an automated people mover is expected to be built by the year 2022, as part of the 25 year airport expansion project, to move passengers between terminals.

Mid-sized Philadelphia International Airport is a large hub for Philadelphia and Delaware. However the years have not been kind to 'PHL', as most people know the airport. It always manages to look a little down at heel in places, and the vast number of interconnecting terminals (from A to F, with multiple concourses) don't help. Everything feels like an add on to another add on, but with 30 million passengers a year, that's some add on!

For a long time Philadelphia was a hub for US which moved most of its hub operations from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. As such it was a Star Alliance focus airport. No more - US Airways is now American, and the lounge focus has moved to oneworld.

Philadelphia Airport has no less than seven terminal buildings, which make up the seven lettered concourses, with a total of 124 gates total. It is possible to walk between each one airside, although it is a very long walk indeed. However, given the sparse shopping and dining facilities, you may have to walk some distance to find any.

Philadelphia Airport

Free shuttle bus services transport passengers between the airport's terminals landside, before security.

Terminals B and C (opened in 1953) are the two main terminals used by American Airlines, and are connected by a shopping mall and food court named the Philadelphia Marketplace.

The new international terminal is Concourse A West, which won several awards for its innovative design, and restaurants here are better.

First & Business Class lounges at Philadelphia Airport

Philadelphia Airport transportation

Travellers should know that many bus, limousine and shuttle bus services operating to and from Philadelphia Airport usually require pre-booking.

Hourly, daily and long-term multistorey car parking is available in front of all terminals: short-term parking is available on the ground level. www.philapark.org offer economy parking, which is serviced by a free 24-hour shuttle service, is available at the east end of the airport, near Terminal F.

Philadelphia Airport train

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transport Authority (SEPTA) ((215) 580 7800) operates the high-speed Airport Line rail route running between each terminal and central Philadelphia 30th Street Station. The journey takes 25 minutes.

There are stops at University City, Amtrak's 30th Street, Suburban and Jefferson stations.

A one way fare is $8 if purchased on board, or $6.50 if purchased at a station in Center City.

An unlimited ride day pass costs $12 for all SEPTA services except to stations in New Jersey.

Philadelphia Airport shuttle bus services

SEPTA operates bus routes to the airport: Route 37 (serving South Philadelphia and Chester Transportation Center), Route 108 (serving 69th Street Transportation Center and the UPS air hub), and Route 115 (serving Delaware County Community College and Darby Transportation Center).

The SEPTA bus fare is $2.25 or 1 token ($1.80; available at major subway stops), with a transfer for $1.00.

Philadelphia Airport taxi services

Getting a taxi to and from Philadelphia Airport is usually trouble free. Taxis are available 24 hours a day from zone 5 of the Commercial Transportation Roadway. Taxis charge a flat rate, currently $28.50 plus a fuel surcharge, for transportation from the airport to downtown Philadelphia.

Car Hire at Philadelphia Airport

Major car hire operators are located in the Arrivals Halls. To save time and ensure you get the car you want, book your rental in advance. Rental car operators from Philadelphia Airport include: Europcar, Thrifty, Avis and Budget.

As part of the airport's expansion plan, the airport plans to construct a consolidated rental car facility.

Philadelphia Airport Hotel

The Philadelphia Airport Marriott ((215) 492 9000) has a direct connection to the airport, and can be accessed via the Terminal B pedestrian bridge. The bar is OK.

The Hilton Philadelphia Airport ((215) 365 4150) is close to Philadelphia International Airport and provides a free 24-hour shuttle bus service. There is an on-site restaurant, fitness centre, business services and complimentary parking for guests.

Philadelphia Airport Left Luggage

There are no luggage storage facilities at Philadelphia airport. A lost property service (+1 215 937 6888) deals with lost and found items.

Car parking

Philadelphia airport car parking is quite good.

Philadelphia Airport has road access from I-95, which heads north toward Center City Philadelphia and south into Delaware County. PA 291 heads northeast from the airport area and provides access to and from I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway). [40]

Philadelphia Airport Bars and Restaurants

Philadelphia Bar

Chickie's & Pete's Bar

Open: 0430-2300 Airside, Terminal C,D,E
With several outlets in three terminals, Chickie's & Pete's is a classic local sports-bar chain featuring a crab-heavy menu & signature Crabfries, plus lots of TVs.