Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves more than 30 million passengers a year with about 30 airlines offering nonstop flights to more than 130 domestic and international destinations. Close to 130 boarding gates stretch out over 7 terminals. And while PHL’s size can be a tad overwhelming, I always look forward to stopping here thanks to the art, entertainment, Philly-focused dining options and other amenities I’ve outlined in this guide.
Getting to and from PHL airport
PHL sits about 7 miles from downtown Philadelphia with several ways to get there. I find public transportation far less expensive than other options. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) runs trains to Center City daily on the Airport Regional Rail Line, stopping at Terminals A, B, C/D and E/F in about 25 minutes.
You can also reach PHL via car, taxi, rideshare and shuttle or van service. Be sure to check the PHL website to locate the correct pick-up zone before heading out of the terminal.
You can pay with cash or credit card on the train, but you’ll save money by buying a Quick Trip (single-ride ticket) or loading a SEPTA Key card before boarding. There are also three bus routes that run between the airport and various Philadelphia neighborhoods.
How to navigate terminals and security at PHL
PHL has 7 terminals (A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E and F) with six security checkpoints. Once you’re screened at any checkpoint, you can access all 7 terminals. TSA PreCheck members can use expedited lanes at Terminals A-East, C and D/E, with Terminal C offering TSA PreCheck only.
Need steps? When traveling, I always do. The distance from Terminal A-West to Terminal F is about 1.3 miles and, depending on my gait, stops for shopping and pedestrian traffic. In a hurry or not interested in walking between terminals? Not a problem. There are 2 post-security shuttle bus routes: from Terminal A-East to Terminal F and from Terminal C to Terminal F.
Where to eat and drink at PHL
PHL focuses heavily on local flavors, with many outlets “Founded in Philly.” I make a point of supporting these local brands and those in the “OrderatPHL” program offering online ordering for pick up. Look for Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, TastyKake snacks, Philly soft pretzels, Hershey’s chocolates, locally roasted coffee and regional brews across more than 150 restaurants, bars and shops.
Concessions at PHL are permitted to add a 3% fee to your bill “to offset the employee wages benefits requirement.” The airport doesn’t pass the fee along as a gratuity, so I always make sure to tip my server.
Airport lounges at PHL
PHL offers several airline-specific and membership lounges. Access depends on your membership program, cabin class or credit card. You’ll find multiple American Airlines Admirals Club locations, an American Express Centurion Lounge (by Gate A14), a British Airways Galleries Club Lounge (Terminal A-West), a Delta Sky Club (Terminal D/E Connector) and a United Club (Terminal C/D Link).
Minute Suites (between the A/B Connector) offers an alternative, renting small rooms for napping, sleeping or working. This location also has showers available for an additional fee.
Wellness and spa services at PHL
PHL has an Xpress Spa in Terminal B with massage and nail care services and a branch of Be Relax in Terminal C offering massage, nail and facial care services.
Incredible art and entertainment at PHL
PHL has one of the most extensive airport art programs in the country, with dozens of permanent and temporary exhibits across all 7 terminals highlighting work by Philly-area artists and celebrating the city.
When traveling through PHL, I check the airport website ahead of time and often arrive with a list of the new temporary exhibits I want to visit. And I find myself revisiting key permanent installations.
A couple of must-sees include “My Philadelphia Story” in Terminal F, which uses about 600 objects to tell personal stories about the city. And in the hallway between Terminals A and B, you can check out posters from movies shot in Philadelphia, like Witness, Trading Places, and of course, Rocky.
For something more interactive, I head to the ArtPort Lounge in Terminal F. Cool murals decorate the space, and it has a fun, artist-designed cornhole game. Beyond the art, PHL also hosts special arts programming, monthly visits from the Philadelphia Zoo, and chats with local sports figures.
Traveling with kids and families
Kids will enjoy the art exhibits, occasional entertainment and activity programs, and visiting with the pups from the Wagging Tails Brigade.
PHL offers several options for nursing mothers. Free lactation pods are located in Terminal A-West, the B/C Connector, Terminal E and Terminal F. You’ll also find built-in lactation suites next to the restroom areas in the B/C Food Court and Terminal E, plus a nursing station at Minute Suites (A/B Connector) available free for the first 30 minutes.
Where to stay near PHL
You’ll find plenty of hotels near PHL, most a short taxi or shuttle ride away. The only hotel connected directly to the airport is the Philadelphia Airport Marriott. You can walk there via a skywalk from Terminal B or take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle. They offer day rates, which include access to the fitness center. Plane enthusiasts, take note: you can book a “runway view” room.
Unique visitor programs and experiences at PHL
PHL is one of a handful of airports with a gate pass program, but it’s the only one I know of that offers bonus perks. The Wingmate Pass lets visitors go through security without a ticket, and pass holders get free items, discounts and 2-for-1 offers at shops and dining venues inside the terminal.
You can use the pass to greet arriving friends, spend more time with departing travelers or just explore the airport’s art and amenities. To get one, sign up on the PHL website 1-7 days before your visit. If TSA approves your application, you’ll receive a digital pass via email. Show the pass and your photo ID at a designated security checkpoint.
I point out these perks to friends I invite to hang with me during PHL layovers and promise to pick up the tabs.
If you need a moment of peace, PHL has a Quiet Room in the D/E Connector for reflection or prayer. For plane spotting, the best views are from the ends of Terminals D and E or along the windows in Terminal A-West.
If you’re lucky, you might also be able to relax in one of the 13 rocking chairs between Terminals A-East and B that artists have decorated with yarn, fabric and paint.
PHL’s “Take a Book, Leave a Book” nook in Terminal A-West near Gate A14. It has fun furniture made from recycled materials and a free library. There’s also a short story dispenser that prints out one, three, or five-minute stories at the push of a button.
If you have some extra time at PHL, look for ‘surprise and delight’ features such as the replica of the Liberty Bell made entirely of LEGOs in Terminal A-West. The replica contains 1,776 bricks, a nod to a certain year in American history. And if you love dogs, you might meet the Wagging Tails Brigade, a team of volunteer therapy dogs. Be sure to ask their handler for a personalized trading card.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
