Philadelphia International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Philadelphia International Airport PHL

United States

The hub is an important gateway for American Airlines, with connections to Europe and other international destinations spread across seven terminals (A-East, A-West, B, C, D, E, F).

Gateway to Philadelphia, the historic city of the founding of the United States, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.phl.org

How to get to Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia's Center City is a few kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 25 minutes by SEPTA Airport Line train.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach downtown Philadelphia in approximately 20-30 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

The SEPTA Airport Line, with stations in every terminal (E/F, C/D, B, A), reaches Center City (30th Street, Suburban, Jefferson, Temple) in approximately 25 minutes, with a single intermediate stop, departures every 30 minutes; fare 5 USD with SEPTA Key or contactless payment, 7 USD in cash on board.

By Bus

Downtown is reachable from the airport via some bus lines.
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Tips Paying with SEPTA Key or contactless costs 2 USD less than cash payment on board: get the card or use a contactless card to save.

Average travel time to PHL

Train25 min (SEPTA Airport Line, 5-7 USD by payment method)
Shuttle busService available (local lines)
Taxi / Private hire20-30 minutes (30-40 USD)

Parking near Philadelphia International Airport

The Economy Lot, with free 24/7 shuttle, costs $15/day; upper-level parking costs $20/day; short-term ground-level parking runs up to $38/day; off-site affiliated lots start from $10/day.

How to get to Philadelphia from PHL

By Train

The SEPTA Airport Line, with stations in every terminal, reaches Center City in about 25 minutes; fare is $5 with SEPTA Key/contactless, $7 aboard in cash.

By Bus

Some urban buses connect the airport to the center.

By Taxi

A taxi applies a flat rate of $28.50; Uber/Lyft cost approximately $25-40 (plus possible tolls of $2-6), to Center City, with a trip of 20-30 minutes.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Philadelphia International Airport

Major car rental companies are reachable by a dedicated shuttle.

You need a driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; for a short stay with a Latin-character license, you don't need an International Driving Permit.

 

Hotels near Philadelphia International Airport

The SEPTA Airport Line takes about 25 minutes from Philadelphia International to Center City, with a train every half hour: a distance that makes the city a realistic choice even for those who want to visit it in comfort. Anyone with a dawn flight or a short layover will find the Marriott connected to Terminal B by a covered walkway handy. Those with more time instead aim for Center City, between Rittenhouse Square and the Convention Center, or for historic Old City, a few steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall; anyone visiting the University of Pennsylvania stays among the campuses of University City.
At the airport

At the airport and airport area

The Marriott is connected to Terminal B by a covered walkway, just a few minutes on foot; the other hotels run a free shuttle round the clock, taking 5-10 minutes.

Best for: Overnight layovers and dawn flights, when it matters not to depend on trains or shuttles.

Pros
  • The Marriott can be reached on foot from Terminal B, without a taxi or shuttle
  • The other properties run a free shuttle around the clock on request
Cons
  • Around it only airport facilities and the highway: for dinner you stay in the hotel
  • Center City still takes 25 minutes by SEPTA train or 20-30 minutes by taxi
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Center City

SEPTA Airport Line to Suburban or Jefferson Station in about 25 minutes; the train leaves every half hour from all terminals.

Best for: Convention Center, Rittenhouse Square and museums within walking distance of the hotel.

Pros
  • Walk to the Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market and Rittenhouse Square
  • Direct SEPTA station for the airport, with no changes
Cons
  • Hotel parking often comes with a high daily rate
  • Late at night the train to the airport runs less often: best to check the timetable
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Old City, the historic district

SEPTA to Market East plus a 10-minute walk, or a taxi taking 25-30 minutes from the terminals.

Best for: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the cobblestones of Old City just steps from your room.

Pros
  • Walk to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House
  • Historic alleys and art galleries, lively even in the evening on weekends
Cons
  • Even from the nearest SEPTA station a walk is still needed
  • Some hotels report noise from sirens and night traffic
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

University City

SEPTA Regional Rail from 30th Street Station to the airport in about 15-20 minutes; taxi in 15-20 minutes from the terminals.

Best for: Anyone visiting the University of Pennsylvania or Drexel, or who prefers a cozier university area.

Pros
  • On the Penn campus or between Penn and Drexel, handy for conferences and university visits
  • 30th Street Station nearby, with a fast rail link to the airport
Cons
  • Farther from the Liberty Bell and the museums of the historic center
  • In the evening the university area is calmer than lively
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is an important hub for American Airlines with connections to Europe and other international destinations.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features products specific to Philadelphia, local chocolate and luxury goods.

Lounges & relaxation

At Philadelphia, American Airlines has four different lounges, from the Flagship Lounge in Terminal A-West, reserved for first-class passengers, to the more peripheral Admirals Clubs toward Concourses B/C and Terminal F. The same Terminal A-West area also has American Express's The Centurion Lounge and British Airways' evening lounge. Delta, United and Chase have their own lounges further east, between Concourses C and E.
lounges
10
with Priority Pass
1
open 24 hours
1
Which lounge to choose: full comparison

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area, with coverage from major U.S. telecommunications providers.

Families & Children

All terminals feature children's play areas and family assistance services.

Terminal guide

The terminals (A-East, A-West, B, C, D, E, F) are connected by an internal shuttle system and pedestrian paths.

Given the airport's size, it's best to allow 3 hours' notice for international flights.

Map of Philadelphia International Airport

Map of Philadelphia International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the SEPTA train from Philadelphia Airport downtown cost?

$5 with a SEPTA Key or contactless payment, $7 if paid in cash on board; the trip takes about 25 minutes.

Q. Are there train stations at every terminal in Philadelphia?

Yes, the SEPTA Airport Line stops at every terminal (E/F, C/D, B, A).

Q. Which airline is Philadelphia Airport a hub for?

American Airlines has a major hub here.

Q. Is Philadelphia close to the historic sites of America's founding?

Yes, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are in Center City, reachable in about 25 minutes by train from the airport.

Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?

Minute Suites (Terminal A/B connector).

Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?

Yes: Minute Suites (Terminal A/B connector).

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Philadelphia

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