Philadelphia Airports Travel Guide

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Key Highlights

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main airport for the area. It is a major hub for both international and domestic travel.
The city also has Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). This airport mostly handles regional flights and general aviation.
PHL gives people many amenities, like lots of dining spots, shopping, and lounges in all of its terminals.
At the Philadelphia airport, you can use public transit, taxis, rideshare services, or rent a car to get around on the ground.
Parking at Philadelphia International Airport has options for short-term, long-term, and accessible spots, and you can pay in many ways.
Travelers should know you will need a REAL ID for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.

Introduction

Welcome to your easy guide for getting around airports in and near Philadelphia. If this is your first trip or you come here a lot, you need to know about the airports and how they work. This will help you have a good trip. This guide covers Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is the main airport in this area, and some other airports nearby. You will find info here about different terminals, ways to get around, places to eat, and where to park. We want you to have a smooth and easy time at the Philadelphia airport. It’s all here, so you will know what to do when you visit Philadelphia International Airport.

Overview of Philadelphia’s Airports

When you fly to the city of Philadelphia, most people use Philadelphia International (PHL). PHL is one of the country’s busiest airports, and it helps connect the region to places all over the world. This airport is the largest with the most services in the area.

But, PHL is not the only airport here. There are also smaller airports close by, and they each fit different travel needs. If you know what each airport is for, you can pick the best one for you. Let’s look at the main airports in Philadelphia and see what makes each one different.

Major Airports Serving Philadelphia

The main airport for the Philadelphia area is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This is a big and busy airport. Most flights to and from Philadelphia go through here, including many from across the country and around the world. You can use this airport for trips with most major airlines and for flights outside the country. When you want to get to many places, this is usually the one to pick.

If you need to fly in or out of a smaller airport, Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) is a good choice. PNE is not as large as Philadelphia International, and it is known for general aviation, learning to fly, and some business flights. This airport is helpful for people who use smaller planes or want to fly private. It also helps keep things less busy at PHL.

While most people use PHL or PNE in Philadelphia, there are other airports nearby. Some travelers want more choices, so they look at airports in other states such as Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. These can give you different flights or sometimes better prices, but it takes extra time to get to Philadelphia from these places.

Key Differences Between Philadelphia Airports

The most significant difference between Philadelphia’s airports lies in their scale and purpose. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a major hub for both international flights and a huge volume of domestic flight traffic. It features numerous terminals, extensive passenger services, and operations for many major commercial airlines.

In contrast, Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) is a general aviation airport. It does not serve major commercial airlines for passenger travel but is vital for private, corporate, and recreational flying. It plays a crucial role in the region’s aviation infrastructure without the large-scale passenger services you’d find at the main Philadelphia airport.

This table highlights the primary distinctions between the two.

Feature	Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)	Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE)
Primary Role	Major hub for commercial passenger travel	General aviation and reliever airport
Flight Types	International flights, domestic flights	Private, corporate, and training flights
Services	Full passenger amenities, dining, shopping	Basic services for pilots and private craft
Airline Types	Major commercial and cargo carriers	Non-commercial, private operators

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Essentials

Getting to know Philadelphia International Airport, or PHL, is the first thing you should do for a smooth trip. The airport in Philadelphia is big and has many terminals. This can look overwhelming, but PHL is set up to help many people fly to both other states and outside the country. Each terminal is ready to help you have a better time as you travel.

When you arrive or leave, you will see that the layout of the airport has all you need. There are many things at Philadelphia International to help with your day. Here, we’ll talk about the key features and what you can get at PHL. We’ll also share which airlines use this airport for their international flights and other routes.

Main Features and Services at PHL

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a major hub for many trips. The airport has six terminals, named A to F. You can fly on many international flights or take a short trip to other places. There are nice spots to relax, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club. If you want extra comfort, you can visit the Chase Sapphire Lounge. People can get in and out fast by using SEPTA regional rail, which takes you right into downtown Philadelphia. At PHL, you will find good amenities that help make the travel experience better, whether you are going somewhere close or far.

Airlines Operating from Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport is a big and busy place for flights. The airport is a major hub on the East Coast and connects the city to places all over the world. Many of the biggest airlines in the United States and other countries fly in and out of Philadelphia International.

At PHL, you will find major U.S. airlines, with a good number of flights each day. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United are some of the airlines you will see the most. These airlines help people get around the United States with direct flights to lots of big cities and even smaller spots in the country.

When you want to go outside the United States, Philadelphia International is a great place to start your trip. Some big airlines offer direct flights to Europe, the Caribbean, and other places.

British Airways flies from Philadelphia to London.
You can get to Dublin on Aer Lingus.
Many other airlines from different countries fly from PHL to a good number of places around the world.

Passenger Facilities at PHL

When you are at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), your experience should be easy and comfortable. The airport gives you many amenities. These will help with all your needs. It does not matter if you have a long stay or you just need to wait a short time before your flight.

If you feel hungry or want a quiet spot to rest, PHL has what you need. The next few sections will show you all the good places to eat, shop, and relax in a lounge. These spots will help make your time at philadelphia international airport better.

Dining and Shopping Options

When you are in PHL, you will find many food choices that are good for any taste or price. You can stop for a fast coffee and pastry before an early morning takeoff. If you want to have a meal and sit down for a while, there are places for that too. The food there is good. You will see great options in all parts of the airport, including in Terminal E.

There are also lots of places to shop. The airport has different shops where you can get things you forgot, pick out a souvenir, or just spend some time looking at the stores. From magazine shops and places to get books to more expensive stores, the shopping amenities in Philadelphia’s airport try to cover what people want.

Here are some things you can expect at PHL:

A mix of quick-service and full-service restaurants.
Duty-free shops for international travelers.
Stores selling electronics, clothing, and local Philadelphia-themed goods.

Lounges and Relaxation Spaces

If you want a quiet and nice place to get away from the busy gates, PHL has a few premium lounges. In these lounges, you can work, relax, or just have some free snacks and drinks before your flight. You will be able to use these spaces if you fly a lot, have a certain credit card, or buy a day pass.

Most big airlines have their own lounge at PHL. You can often find a lounge no matter which airline you take. If you are with American Airlines, you can go to the Admirals Club. If you fly with Delta, there is the Delta Sky Club.

Besides the airline lounges, there are also other options.

The Chase Sapphire Lounge gives a great experience for cardmembers who qualify.
If you fly with United, you can also use the United Club.
These lounges have high-speed Wi-Fi, nice seats, and good food and drink service.

Ground Transportation at Philadelphia Airports

When you arrive at PHL, getting to your final stop in the city of Philadelphia is simple. The airport connects to the city and nearby places with many ground travel choices. If you want public transit or a private ride, you will find an easy way to get where you need to go.

You can use SEPTA rail lines for a quick trip, or pick a taxi or rideshare for more comfort. This way, you can take what suits your money and your time best. Let’s look at how to get from the airport to the city center of Philadelphia and other spots nearby.

Shuttle Services and Public Transit

If you want a good and low-cost way to get between PHL and downtown Philadelphia, public transit can be a great pick. The SEPTA Regional Rail gives you a direct connection from the airport to many spots in Center City Philadelphia. Most of the time, this is the fastest way to reach the middle of the city, because you do not have to worry about traffic.

The Airport Line train stops at all airport terminals, then goes on to Center City Philadelphia stations like 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. When you are at 30th Street Station, you can switch to Amtrak trains if you want to travel to other East Coast cities.

Some top reasons to use public transit are:

It gives you a direct connection to Center City Philadelphia.
The fares are lower than most private rides.
The trains come often, so you can use them at many times during the day.

Taxi, Rideshare, and Rental Car Information

If you want a more private ride, there are many taxis at PHL. You will find taxi stands right outside the baggage claim at each terminal. Taxis use a flat fee to get you downtown. This makes it easy for you to reach your hotel or a meeting without problems.

Rideshare services are also a good way to travel. You can open your favorite app to ask for a pickup in a marked zone at the airport. This is flexible and can save you money, too. It helps if you need to go somewhere far from the city center. PHL has a handy Cell Phone Waiting Lot for fast pick-up of people.

For people who like to be on their own time, many rental car companies work at PHL.

You may book a rental car before you come or after you get there.
There are shuttles that will take you to the rental car buildings.
This works well for family trips or if you have business at more than one place.

Parking Options at Philadelphia International Airport

If you plan to drive to Philadelphia International Airport, you will find many parking spots to choose from. There are options for you if you are at the airport for a short time or if you need to park your car for a long trip. PHL gives you a choice between different garages and lots. It helps to think about your parking before you get there, so your day goes smoother.

The airport has both short-term parking near the terminals and cheaper long-term parking further away. Let’s go over the choices you get and how you can pay, so you will have a good parking experience at Philadelphia International Airport.

Short-term and Long-term Parking

If you need to make a quick trip to phl, short-term parking is the best choice. It’s great for dropping off or picking up people. These parking spots are right by the terminals. You can get in and out fast. You can park there for a few minutes or stay for some hours. The cost is based on how long you park.

If you plan to leave your car for more time, you should use the long-term parking at phl. These parking lots cover a lot of acres, and they keep your car safe while you are gone. Free shuttles run all day and all night. They will take you from the parking lot to your terminal. This helps you reach your flight when you need to.

Keep in mind that now and then, some areas may be under repairs. For example, if work is happening in Garage C, plan for a little more time. Some parking spaces could be taken up by the work crew.

Short-term parking is best if you stay for just a few hours.
Long-term parking has better prices for many days or one week.
Always look at the PHL website to see which garages are open.

Accessible Parking and Payment Methods

Philadelphia International Airport makes sure there is accessible parking for everyone. You will find special parking spots for people with disabilities. These are placed in every parking garage and lot at philadelphia international. The spaces are close to elevators and shuttle bus stops. If you want to park in these spots, you must have a valid accessible license plate or placard.

Paying for parking at philadelphia international airport is simple. All parking places at phl take major credit cards and cash. You can pay at pay-on-foot kiosks or at the exit plaza. With all these choices, you get a fast and easy way to pay.

To make your stay even better, try using a phl parking app if you can.

Accessible parking spaces are in both short-term and long-term lots.
phl follows Title VI and wants everyone to have access.
You can use automated kiosks for quick payment before you get back to your car.

Regional and Smaller Airports Near Philadelphia

While PHL is the main philadelphia airport, it is good to know about the other airports in the city of philadelphia area. Northeast philadelphia airport, or PNE, is also important. It helps support aviation needs in philadelphia. This airport handles some flights that do not go through PHL.

These smaller airports help keep things moving and stop the main airport from getting too busy. They also give options for regular and business flyers. Now, let’s look at PNE and some other airports close to philadelphia that can help with your travel plans.

Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE)

Yes, Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) is the main smaller airport in the city. It sits in the Northeast part of Philadelphia. PNE is the sixth busiest airport in the state. It is very important and helps out PHL by handling other flights. It does not run large, commercial passenger flights like you see at a normal domestic flight hub. But it is still important for the city’s flying needs.

The main job at PNE is around general and business aviation. This includes private planes, business jets, and places for people to learn to fly. PNE handles these regional flights, so PHL can focus more on big, commercial flights. This helps make flying better and faster for everyone in the area.

PNE does a few main things:

It is a home base for private planes and business jets.
Some flight schools use it for pilot training.
The airport works for people to fly for fun, as well as other general aviation use.

Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) is a big part of aviation in Philadelphia. It might not be as busy for travelers as PHL, but it helps many people who fly in and out of the region for other reasons.

Other Nearby Airports for Alternative Travel

Philadelphia International Airport is the closest airport to downtown Philadelphia. It is also the easiest one to use if you want to get to the city. Some people might want to look at other big airports in the area, too. If you want more choices for flights or different prices, airports in New York or New Jersey might work for you.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is in New Jersey and is a major international hub. It is about 80 miles from Philadelphia. You can get a lot of domestic and international flights out of there. It is easy to get from Philadelphia to Newark by train or by car.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is farther away in New York. You will find more international flights at JFK.

Think about these airports if there’s a much better flight deal.
Make sure to add up the travel time and cost to get there from Philadelphia.
Amtrak can take you by train from Philadelphia to both Newark and New York City.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around Philadelphia’s airports can be easy if you know your options. The main spot, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), is a major hub in the area. You can also pick from other smaller airports if you want. Knowing the key features, amenities, and ways to get in or out of each airport will help you have a smooth travel experience. You might enjoy some good food or find handy ground transportation when you need it. If you are ready for what’s ahead, you make your trip better and less stressful. Remember these tips about Philadelphia International and other airports, and you will get more out of your next travel experience in Philadelphia. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Northeast Philadelphia Airport from PHL?

Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) is about 20 miles away from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). It usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to drive from one airport to the other. The travel time can be more or less depending on traffic. These two airports are in different areas, but both play an important part in Philadelphia’s aviation network.

Which airport is closest to downtown Philadelphia?

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main airport near downtown Philadelphia. It is only seven miles away from Center City Philadelphia. PHL gives people the best and fastest way to get to the middle of the city. This is true whether you fly on a domestic flight or an international flight. If you are going to or from Philadelphia, you can get there quick and easy through philadelphia international airport.

How do I check flight arrivals and departures at Philadelphia airports?

The best way to get real-time flight info is to go to the official Philadelphia Airport (PHL) website. You can also use your airline’s app or another flight app on your phone. These tools give you the latest updates on flights. You will see things like arrival times, departures, gate moves, or any delays for planes at Philadelphia airport.