Philadelphia International Airport is an international airport located in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can easily reach the airport from the I-95 highway. Serving approximately 30 million passengers annually, this airport is Pennsylvania’s busiest. Philadelphia Airport is the 21st busiest airport in the United States.
At first glance, Philadelphia may seem like a very quiet city. But once you start exploring it, you’ll immediately be enveloped by its history, art, and street spirit. As you walk around Independence Hall, considered the heart of the city, you’ll witness the story of America’s founding. The Liberty Bell is much more impressive than you might imagine. If you want to leave history behind and see some city sights, you can head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you’ll feel like you’re in a movie scene when you run up the steps. These steps, as famous as the museum itself, became legendary thanks to Rocky Balboa. One of my favorite places was Elfreth’s Alley, filled with cobblestone streets and art galleries. You’ll understand how I felt walking down one of America’s oldest residential streets. If you’re curious about the city’s more bohemian side, you can stroll down South Street. The vintage shops and murals are perfect for photos.
Philadelphia Airport is 7 miles from the city center. You can reach the city center from the airport in a 20-25 minute drive. Philadelphia Airport is American Airlines’ fifth largest hub. The airport is a major hub for transatlantic flights to Europe.
Getting to the airport is much easier than you might think. You can reach the city center in 25 minutes via the SEPTA Airport Regional Rail line. The train station is connected to the terminals by a walkway. The train line stops at stations in Terminals A, B, C, D, and E.
When you exit the arrivals level of Philadelphia Airport, you will see taxi and rideshare stands. Taxis operate 24 hours a day from the airport. SEPTA’s Route 37 runs between the city center and the airport. There is a parking area in front of each terminal. Here you can park your car for long or short periods.
Interactive Philadelphia Airport Map
Philadelphia Airport Terminal
There are 6 terminals at Philadelphia Airport: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, Terminal E, and Terminal F. There are a total of 126 gates in the terminals. The terminals are connected by walkways. There is a free shuttle service between Terminal F and Terminals A and C.
Terminal A-West, the gateway for international travelers, is used by global airlines such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, as well as for some domestic flights. There are 13 gates here, numbered A14-A26. International arrivals and the baggage claim area are shared with A-East. The terminal has multiple security checkpoints, restaurants, and shops.
Terminal A-East is used for both domestic and international flights. Gates A2 through A13 are located here. The terminal has a separate check-in area and a bridge connecting to Parking Garage A. A-East is also directly connected to the SEPTA train station.
Only American Airlines uses Terminals B and C. Terminals B and C share a common check-in area and baggage carousel and are connected by a shopping and dining area called the “Philadelphia Marketplace.” Gates B1-B16 are located in Terminal B. Gates C17-C31 are located in Terminal C.
Terminals D and E share a common security checkpoint. Gates D1-D16 are located in Terminal D. United Airlines, Delta, and some other airlines use this terminal for their flights. Terminal E has gates numbered E1-E17.
Terminal F is the largest terminal at the airport. It has 39 gates. Southwest Airlines operates most of its flights from this terminal.
After passing through security, you can transfer between terminals via shuttle. You do not need to go through security again when changing terminals.
Philadelphia Airport Car Rental
If you are a free-spirited traveler, you can rent a car from Philadelphia Airport to explore Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania countryside. With a rental car, you can freely explore Philadelphia and its surroundings. Valley Forge National Historical Park is approximately 30 minutes from the airport. If you want to join wine tours in the Brandywine Valley, you can reach these unique places with a 1-hour drive. Atlantic City’s casinos and beaches are about an hour’s drive away. New York City is 2 hours from the airport.
Renting a car at Philadelphia Airport is very easy. Hertz, Avis, TURO, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, Dollar, and Thrifty car rental companies operate at the airport. The car rental companies’ offices are located in a separate building outside the terminal. You can reach the car rental center via a free shuttle from the Arrivals level, Zone 2.
After getting off the plane, collect your luggage, walk to the designated area, and board the shuttle. You can reach the car rental center in just a few minutes. A credit card and driver’s license are sufficient when picking up the car. I strongly recommend making your reservation online in advance. It is quite difficult to find a car at the airport, especially during the summer months.
Philadelphia Airport VIP Lounge
After a long flight and while waiting for your connecting flight, you can escape the crowds and wait for your flight in a peaceful environment. There is a VIP Lounge in every terminal at Philadelphia Airport.
The American Airlines Flagship Lounge is located in Terminal A-West, between gates A15–A16. It is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The American Express Centurion Lounge, located in Terminal A-West, is near gate A14. It is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The American Airlines Admirals Club branch in Terminal B is on the third floor. It is open from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
The American Airlines Admirals Club lounge in Terminal F is also on the second floor. It is open from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
The British Airways Galleries Club Lounge is located in Terminal A-West. It operates according to the flight schedule.
The Delta SkyClub in Terminal D is open from 4:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
The United Club in Terminal C is open from 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Minute Suites, unlike other lounges, is open 24 hours a day. It has small rooms.
All VIP Lounge areas offer complimentary snacks, beverages, comfortable seating areas, power outlets, and work areas. You can access the lounge areas with a Priority Pass membership or by paying a walk-in fee. Some lounge areas fill up quickly, especially in the evening.
Hotels in Philadelphia Airport
The closest hotel to Philadelphia Airport is the Philadelphia Airport Marriott.
This hotel is directly connected to Terminal B via an overhead walkway. You can quickly reach the hotel after exiting the terminal. This hotel offers invaluable convenience for passengers with early morning flights.
Located half a mile from the airport, Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport is among the most preferred hotels for travelers, offering a free shuttle service, breakfast, and evening cocktails. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport is only 4 miles away from sports arenas such as Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.
Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport is also among the hotels offering a free shuttle service. The hotel has a swimming pool, fitness center, and meeting rooms. Hampton Inn Philadelphia-International Airport is less than 1 mile from the terminal. This hotel is a budget-friendly place to stay. The vast majority of hotels near the airport offer a free shuttle service. Hotel services depart from designated points on Arrivals Road.
Philadelphia Airport Location
Philadelphia Airport Address: 8500 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153, United States.
Philadelphia Airport IATA: PHL.
Philadelphia Airport ICAO: KPHL.
Satellite view of Philadelphia Airport. Click to enlarge
Philadelphia Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge