How to Navigate Philadelphia International Airport Inside & Out
Baltimore Airport Guide
Traveling should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Avis is here to help you learn how to navigate the Philadelphia Airport before your trip so you can spend less time figuring out where to go and more time enjoying the airport’s hidden gems and nearby destinations.
Philadelphia International Airport Quick Facts
Official name: Philadelphia International Airport
Official website: https://www.phl.org/
Airport code: PHL, an abbreviation of Philadelphia
Airport history: The Philadelphia International Airport opened in 1925 and was then known as Hog Island. It started as a training ground for the Pennsylvania National Guard, then served as a First Air Force training airfield during WWII. Commercial service began in 1940, and the airport has since become Pennsylvania’s busiest, undergoing multiple expansions and renovations.
Number of terminals: Philadelphia International Airport has 7 terminals: A (West & East), B, C, D, E, and F. The terminal you’ll arrive at or depart from is primarily determined by the airline.
Tricks to Navigating PHL
Learn how to navigate the Philadelphia Airport with ease. Here’s what you should know:
- Terminal A split: Terminal A is divided into A West and A East. Double-check your flight information to ensure you end up in the correct area.
- No inter-terminal train: Unlike some major hub airports, PHL has no airside train—walking or taking a shuttle bus are the main options for getting between terminals.
- Terminal F shuttle service: To reach Terminal F from another terminal, use the airside (post-security) shuttle. It has stops in Terminal A East, Terminal C, and Terminal F.
Outside the Terminals
Getting to PHL is pretty straightforward if you know what to expect. I-95 runs right alongside the airport, and PA-291 (Bartram Avenue) brings you directly to the terminal loops. When approaching the airport, make sure you watch for signs for arrivals and departures, as each is on a separate designated roadway.
The arrivals road will also take you to parking garages for each terminal (named A through F to correspond with the nearest terminal) and the Car Rental Facility. All rental companies serving PHL, including Avis, are housed in this central facility.
If you’re dropping off a rental car before your flight, follow the signs for rental cars. If you’re waiting to pick someone up from PHL, there’s a Cell Phone Waiting lot not far from arrivals.
Inside the Terminals
The terminals at PHL are arranged side by side rather than around a central hub. You’ll go through TSA shortly after entering the airport and can transfer between terminals without having to go through security again.
However, walking between terminals can take a lot of time. For quicker connections, PHL offers a free airside shuttle that runs every 10 minutes between Terminals A East, C and F. Just look for “Shuttle Bus” signage throughout the terminals.
TSA checkpoints are located within each terminal on the departures level. Baggage claim sits on the lower level of each terminal, making it easy to head straight outside once you land. If you’re picking up an Avis rental car, head to Zone 2 outside on Arrivals Road to use the free shuttle service.
How to Change Terminals at PHL
Yes, you can walk between most terminals at Philadelphia International Airport once you’re past security. The connections are fully indoors, though distances can be long. It can take 20 minutes or longer to walk from one end of the airport to the other.
PHL does not have an inter-terminal train, but it does offer a free airside shuttle. You’ll see signs for the shuttle bus throughout the terminals. Buses run about every 10 minutes, with rides taking between 5 and 7 minutes. The shuttle is the best way to reach Terminal F from another terminal.
Hidden Gems at Philadelphia International Airport
Looking for things to do in the Philadelphia Airport before your flight? Here are a few spots worth checking out:
- Art Exhibitions: Philadelphia International Airport features a robust public art program with rotating exhibits, permanent installations, and showcases of local artists throughout the terminals.
- Rocky Statue: If you don’t get a chance to run up the art museum steps, you can always take a photo with the Rocky statue at the airport. Find it in Terminal A West.
- Airport Lounges: Multiple lounges—including options in Terminals A, B, and F—offer quiet seating, snacks, and Wi-Fi for a more relaxed pre-flight experience.
Beyond the Philadelphia International Airport
Got a long layover ahead of you? It’s easy to turn a few hours into a quick Philly experience. Pick up an Avis rental car and explore the city, with must-see destinations in the Old City only 20 minutes away by car. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Business Travel in Philadelphia Guide and our Leisure Travel in Philadelphia Guide.
Did you know that Avis makes it easy to pick up a one-way vehicle at PHL? When you book, just choose a different drop-off location, like one of our Avis Philadelphia locations. One-way rentals make it easy to get a vehicle that fits your travel plans.
Rent a Car at PHL from Avis
Now that you know how to navigate the Philadelphia Airport, you’re one step closer to your next big adventure. Need a ride to explore Philadelphia and beyond? Start your Avis reservation now and enjoy great rates, numerous vehicle options, and our convenient airport location.
Book a PHL Car Rental