Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Philadelphia Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I had back problems for the next week because of the chair I slept in. – Jody
PHL Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Philadelphia International Airport.
What to Expect
The Philadelphia Airport (code: PHL) sprawls over seven terminals, so expect some walking to reach your departure gate. If you’re inside Security and transferring between terminals, hop on the free shuttle buses that connect Terminals A-East and F and Terminals C and F.
Long and slow security lines are fairly typical, so arrive early for peace of mind. Once inside Security, you’ll have a solid selection of eateries, shops, and cafes, depending on your terminal. The airport’s “street pricing” policy means that airport prices are the same as outside the airport. For dining options, plan ahead as there are no restaurants open 24 hours. Travellers appreciate the free WiFi and the mix of decent seating (which you’ll have to seek out). If you want to upgrade your layover experience, economy-class travellers can pay to enter a few airport lounges.
Sleeping in Philadelphia Airport
With many international departures plus frequent flight delays, there are plenty of travellers looking for a place to rest, day and night. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Terminal B is quiet overnight, with few flights and little foot traffic.
- Landside, head to the International Arrivals Hall in Terminal A.
- Landside walkways tend to be a little quieter.
- Cots may be available in the hallway connecting Terminals A and B.
Common complaints from travellers are the cold temps, bright lighting, and loud noise.
For uninterrupted sleep, check into the micro-hotel located on the airside of Terminal A-B or the traditional hotel connected to Terminal B. Otherwise, free shuttles offer transfers to nearby hotels. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Philadelphia Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
Terminal B is open 24 hours.
Keep in mind that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods
If sleeping in Philadelphia Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are sleep cabins inside the airport and a hotel connected to the terminal. Many nearby off-site hotels provide free airport shuttles.
Hotels at the airport
Minute Suites – For travellers in Philadelphia on a layover, Minute Suites offers 13 private suites and two workstation cubicles to nap, relax or work. Each suite has a daybed sofa, pillows, fresh blankets, sound masking system, HDTV, desk, phone, and WiFi access. Location: Terminal A-B Link, Airside. Here are the rates as of April 2024: US$ 55 per hour, minimum two-hour stay • US$ 195 (Overnight – eight hours, after 9:00 AM). Showers are $30 (non-guest for 30 minutes) or $20 (guest). » Check Rates
Philadelphia Airport Marriott – To access, take the sky bridge from Terminal B. Free scheduled airport shuttle service departs every 20 minutes from 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM. » Check Rates
Hotels near Philadelphia Airport with airport shuttles
- Embassy Suites » Check Rates
- Sonesta Select » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Philadelphia Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Multiple Locations – (1) Concourse A East, (1) Concourse A West, (1) Concourse B/C and (1) Concourse F.
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal A West, Airside, near Gate A14. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- United Club – Location: Airside, second level, between Concourse C & D. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
Airline Lounges (members only)
- Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal D, Airside, to the right of The Earl Of Sandwich. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.
Military Lounge
- USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal E, tarmac level, adjacent to Gate A6.
Related Pages: Philadelphia Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? A reader has confirmed that water fountains are available to refill your water bottles.
Food & Drinks
Most food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour concessions. There are 5 locations of Good 2 Go, which sells fresh salads, sandwiches, etc.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
A variety of charging areas are available throughout the airport’s airside areas. Look for the PHL “Power Up” Cubes (power outlets), Power Tables (power outlets and USB ports), Charging Stations (power outlets), window outlets (power outlets and USB ports), and Charging Tables (power outlets). Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue also offer their own charging stations at their gates.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi / Internet
Free WiFi is available at Philadelphia Airport.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Philadelphia Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside areas of Terminals A – D • Airside, near the gates, in Terminals E and F.
Business Services – The UPS Store offers copying, faxing, shipping, notary and other business services. Location: (airside, Terminal A/B walkway).
Currency Exchange – Travelex has a few kiosks available. Locations: Terminal A East • Terminal A West • Terminal D.
Duty-Free & Shopping – In addition to a large variety of retail shops, there are two duty-free shops in Terminal A-East and West.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Mamava Suites, featuring a bench, fold-down table, outlets for charging and a lockable door, are available in Terminals A-West, the B/C Connector and Terminal F. Rates: Free. Nursing mothers also receive 30 free minutes at the Minute Suites (airside walkway, between Terminals B and A-East). There are also 42 Companion Care or Family restrooms located throughout the landside and airside areas of the terminals.
- Children’s Play Areas – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. The “Ready For Take-Off” children’s play area features aviation-themed climbing toys and a play area. Location: Terminal A-East.
Hospitality Program – If you are stranded at the Philadelphia Airport due to an emergency or weather delay that results in flight cancellations, the Airport’s Hospitality Program provides passengers with hotel and ground transportation information as well as snacks, pillows, blankets and other comfort items.
Information Desk – Information desks throughout the airport are open 24 hours: Terminal A – East, Airside and Landside • Terminal B, Airside • Terminal E, Landside. You can also ask airport ambassadors around the airport for assistance.
Pet Relief Area – Indoor “Pet Ports” are available, with one inside each terminal. Outdoor relief areas are available in designated areas along the Departing Flights road and outside baggage claim areas.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking Areas – Smoking is prohibited anywhere in the airport.
Spa – XpresSpa offers manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and more. Location: Terminals C, D and F.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Exhibitions are available throughout the airport.
- Library – A virtual library opened in early 2014. Travellers can relax in comfortable lounge chairs while reading book downloads. Much of the Free Library’s digital content, including classic titles and podcasts, is available to anyone. A Free Library card is necessary to download non-classic titles and some digital content. Location: Airside, D/E Connector.
- Observation Area – Views of the airfield are available throughout the airside areas of all seven terminals.
Bus
PHL airport is served by the bus routes (SEPTA): Route 37 to/from South Philadelphia and Chester, Pa.; Route 108 to/from 69th Street Transportation Center; Route 115 to/from Suburban Square in Ardmore. At the time of this update, the single-ride transit fare is $2.50.
Car Rentals
The following agencies provide on-site car rental service: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Vehicle pick-up is at Zone 2, just outside of Baggage Claim.
Hotel Shuttles
Some local hotels provide guest airport shuttle service. The hotel shuttle stop is at Zone 4. Contact your hotel for shuttle service availability.
Here are some hotels that offer airport shuttle service: aloft Philadelphia Airport • DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport • Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Airport • Hampton Inn Philadelphia-International Airport • Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Airport • SpringHill Suites Philadelphia Airport/Ridley Park • Wyndham Garden Hotel Philadelphia Airport.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Limousines and Shared Ride Services
Visit the Ground Transportation Information Desk in all baggage claim areas to hire a limousine or executive sedan or to make a reservation for a shared ride shuttle service from the airport.
Taxi
Taxis operating at this airport are metered, with a minimum $10 charge from the airport to any destination except downtown, which is subject to a flat rate. At the time of this update, the flat rate downtown charge is $28.50.
Train
The SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) Airport Regional Rail Line connects the airport to central Philadelphia via train. Passengers can use this service to get from the airport to stations in Center City and connections to Amtrak, additional regional trains and the Greyhound Bus Station. All stations along this line are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit the SEPTA website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.