Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Overview

Philadelphia International Airport has seven terminals, which house a big selection of restaurants and shops. The airport is one of the busiest in the world and the main gateway to one of America's most culturally rich and diverse cities - Philly, or Philadelphia.

The immigration counters at Philly Airport are often understaffed, so if you're travelling at peak periods then allow yourself enough time for queues and delays. Once you've dealt with the queues, the airport has a range of services on offer, including shoeshine facilities and a great art programme.

Location

The airport is located seven miles (11km) from downtown Philadelphia.

Getting to the city

Public transport is operated by SEPTA, which provides a high-speed rail service between the airport terminals and central Philadelphia, which is the fastest connection to the city centre. Fares are $8 one way (if purchased from the train conductor). Trains depart every 30 minutes between 5am and midnight every day, and the journey takes about 25 minutes. SEPTA Bus Routes 37, 108 and 115 also run to downtown Philadelphia. Taxis, shuttles and rental cars are also available.

Time

GMT -5 (GMT -4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts

Tel: +1 215 937 6937.

Car rental

Car rental agencies represented at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Information phones are available in all baggage claim areas for each of the car rental agencies.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available day and night; they are metered but charge a flat rate of $28.50 for transport to the city centre. Taxis are found on the Commercial Transportation Roadway in Zone 5.

Transfer between terminals

Philadelphia International Airport consists of seven terminals (A East, A West, B, C, D, E, and F). Terminal F is the only building not directly connected to the others, but free shuttles connect it to Terminal A and Terminal C.

Facilities

Airport facilities are comprehensive, with banks, ATMs, and currency exchange facilities; numerous restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets; and myriad shops, including duty-free.

Parking

Short-term parking at Philadelphia International Airport costs $4 for half an hour and $2 per 30 minutes thereafter, up to a daily maximum of $40. Long-term garage parking has similar hourly rates, but the daily rate is just $20. The Economy Lot costs just $11 per day and is connected to the terminal via a free shuttle service. A free Cell Phone Waiting Lot is available.

Departure Tax

None.

Website

www.phl.org

Internet

Free wifi is available throughout the airport.

Business Lounges

A number of workstations are scattered throughout the terminal. The UPS store between Terminal A and B offers photocopying, faxing and mailing facilities as well as Internet stations.

Philadelphia International Airport Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.