Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has been serving the Southwest since 1928 and has grown into one of the busiest airports in the country. Having travelled countless times from and to PHX, I’ll show you how to get to and from the airport, as well as providing an overview of Sky Harbor’s security procedures.
Finally, I’ll give you all the important information on parking and other amenities. Whether you’re connecting, departing, or just passing through, this guide has everything you need to know about navigating Sky Harbor like a pro.
PHX terminal information
Sky Harbor has two terminals: Terminal 3 primarily handles domestic flights along with pre-cleared Canadian arrivals, while Terminal 4 manages international departures and arrivals alongside major domestic operations. You might notice there’s no Terminals 1 or 2 (they’ve been retired, but the airport kept the familiar names for 3 and 4).
If you are looking for the bus gates, you will find them on the former Terminal 2 site, ferrying passengers directly to planes on the tarmac. Terminal 3, which opened in 1979, currently has 25 gates used primarily for domestic and pre-cleared arrivals, including Frontier Airlines. When I fly domestically this is my favourite terminal.
This is because the Terminal offers 24-hour access to the airport’s PHX Reserve security line via the TSA security checkpoint, which provides reservations to help speed up the security process. However, keep in mind that those with TSA PreCheck cannot use their benefits in tandem with the service.
Terminal 4 is the airport’s main international gateway and the hub for American and Southwest Airlines, with 92 gates. It also offers PHX Reserve, but the hours are more limited, running from approximately 3:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
How to get to and from Sky Harbor International
Given its proximity to downtown Phoenix, I love how easy it is to get to and from Sky Harbor International Airport. I’ve found the easiest way to arrive at the airport is to use the Sky Train, a light rail offering free service to and from Sky Harbor.
Using the rail and bus
The rail has stops at Terminals 3 and 4, stations at 24th and 44th streets in Phoenix, and a parking garage if you want to park and ride to the airport. I usually prefer the bus service to the airport that terminates at the 24th Street Sky Train station.
Ride-share, taxis, cycling and parking
Ride-share options and traditional taxi services are available at the airport 24/7 with designated curbside pickup areas. If you are a cyclist, you will find it easy to get to and from Sky Harbor, with the 44th Street station. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the station is equipped with bike racks to keep bikes secure while you travel.
There are plenty of parking options outside Terminals 3 and 4, with flexible reservations and touchless parking. Premium and valet parking services are also available, allowing you to park as close to the terminal as possible. Add-ons such as car washing and detailing are also available for an additional fee.
Airport storage
Sky Harbor doesn’t have storage lockers, but I’ve found alternatives nearby. I recommend the Stasher app, which connects you with local hotels and shops that will securely store your bags starting from approximately $4.99 per day.
Things to do during a layover at PHX
If you find yourself caught in a layover at Sky Harbor, you’re in luck. I’ve spent my fair share of time on layovers, and I’m always looking for ways to pass the time that don’t involve endlessly scrolling on my phone. PHX has some surprisingly good options.
Phoenix Airport Museum
One of the more unique options is the Phoenix Airport Museum, which has a rotating collection of Arizona artists. If you’re an aviation geek like me, you’ll appreciate the aviation history collection featuring artifacts and memorabilia from Phoenix Sky Harbor and nearby airports.
Food and beverages
Sky Harbor offers solid dining options, including Ajo Al’s, a long-running family restaurant serving Mexican and Southwestern-inspired dishes. My personal can’t-miss spot is Bobby’s Burgers by chef Bobby Flay. If I’m craving something lighter, I’ll grab an acai bowl from Berry Divine.
You can also find solid American cuisine at Cowboy Ciao or grab a local brew from Four Peaks Brewing Company. For a caffeine fix, there are several Starbucks locations, but I prefer locally-owned spots like The Refuge or Cartel Roasting Co. offer fresh coffee from beans roasted in Phoenix.
Shopping and leisure
For a Phoenix souvenir, plenty of shops offer items from local artisans, like Earth Spirit, where you can get jewelry, pottery, and home goods. Sonora Southwest Living features home accessories and furniture. I always find time to stop at the Phoenix Public Market in Terminal 4 for local snacks and treats. For a bit of pre-flight relaxation, you can even get a quick massage at XpresSpa.
And when you do need to get online, I’ve found the free Wi-Fi at Sky Harbor to be fast and reliable enough to knock out a few emails between flights.
Lounges at PHX
Terminal 3 has three lounge options. Delta’s Sky Club near Gate F8 offers complimentary cocktails, fresh food options, free high-speed Wi-Fi, televisions and flight monitoring. Escape Lounges (the Centurion Studio Partner) on Level 4 provides a relaxed but upscale setting with a dining area, bar and freshly prepared hot and cold food.
United also recently unveiled a beautiful 6,080-square-foot United Club in Terminal 3 near Gate E3. I love the design, which features work from local Arizona artists. It even has a wellness room for nursing mothers or for meditation and prayer, plus cozy seating nooks perfect for getting some work done.
In Terminal 4, there are three different American Airlines Admirals Clubs, all of which feature a full bar, food and drinks, and fast, free Wi-Fi. The recently redesigned lounges feature large seating areas, so there’s plenty of space to stretch out and relax before your flight. Thanks to the fast internet connection, I find myself drawn to the specific lounge, when I need to work.
American Express cardmembers can access The Centurion Lounge and enjoy locally-inspired food, shower suites, workspaces and a premium bar.
There’s also an Escape Lounge in Terminal 4 across from Gate B22 that’s family-friendly (kids under two get in free) and offers complimentary freshly prepared food and drinks. For members of the military and their families, the USO Center on Level 2, East End provides a comfortable space with computers, large-screen TVs, a kitchen, and a children’s play area.
Pet relief areas
Since I often travel with my small dog, I really appreciate that Sky Harbor has nine separate pet relief areas. These include the Paw Pad in Terminal 3, decorated with native Arizona plants, and the Bone Yard in Terminal 4 (on the west side of Level 1, outside baggage claim) gives my dog a chance to stretch her legs, get some water and take care of business before we board.
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.
