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 (A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, F), 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. Additional landside shuttles cover all terminals.
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. Seating is plentiful but mostly with armrests. 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. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Philadelphia Airport Guide.
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.
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.
Airport Hours
All terminals are open 24 hours on the landside. TSA checkpoints close overnight and reopen based on the first departing flights of the morning. Typical checkpoint hours are:
- A-West: 5:00 AM – 10:15 PM
- A-East: 4:15 AM – 8:15 PM
- B: 3:30 AM – 9:15 PM
- C: 4:15 AM – 8:00 PM
- D/E: 3:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- F: 4:30 AM – 9:15 PM
What this means for airport sleepers: Once security closes for the night, airside access is generally not permitted unless you are already in transit with a valid boarding pass. Overnight passengers may be directed to remain landside until security reopens in the morning.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones, but informal spots with padded benches are scattered around the terminals. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
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 – Location: Terminal Link (Airside, A-B Connector). Minute Suites provides private suites for travellers needing to relax, work, or sleep during a layover or flight delay. Each suite has a daybed that sleeps two, fresh pillows and blankets, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa to provide a sound-masking system. Here are the rates as of February 2025: US$ 65 per hour. US$ 215 (overnight – eight hours, after 9:00 PM til midnight). Showers are $20 for 30 mins (added on to a minimum 1 hour stay) or $30 for 30 mins without a suite rental. Showers are available at this location. Discounted rates for military/1st responder, crew, and more. Use Promo Code SIASUITES to save 15% off a Suite Rental or Overnight Stay when you book online.
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.
- 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.
Drinking Water
Free water bottle refill stations are available airside. On the landside, one has been reported in Terminal B, Level 1 near the food court.
Food & Drinks
Most food concessions operate roughly 4:15 AM – 10:00 PM. SGR (Terminal B, Airside, Level 2) is reported to be open 24 hours.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage and lockers are not available at this airport. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Charging options are widely available airside, including PHL “Power Up” cubes, power tables, charging stations, window outlets, and charging tables. Some airlines (including Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue) also provide charging stations at select gates.
Showers
Showers are available at Minute Suites. See Airport Hotels above.
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi is available at Philadelphia Airport. Connect to the “Free PHL WiFi” network. Registration is not required.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Philadelphia Airport, although there are pickpocketing risks on the landside. 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 throughout the airport, both landside and airside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally.
Business Services – The UPS Store provides basic business services, including copying, faxing, shipping, and notary services.
Currency Exchange – Travelex operates several currency exchange kiosks within the airport.
Duty-Free & Shopping – In addition to a wide selection of retail shops, duty-free shopping is available in Terminal A (East and West). [ read more ]
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Mamava nursing suites are available in multiple terminals and offer a private, clean space for feeding or pumping. Family and companion care restrooms are also located throughout the airport. Nursing parents may also access a short complimentary session at Minute Suites, when available.
- Children’s Play Areas – The “Ready for Take-Off” play area in Terminal A-East features aviation-themed equipment where kids can burn off energy before a flight.
Hospitality Program – During major disruptions such as severe weather or widespread cancellations, the airport’s Hospitality Program may assist stranded passengers with hotel information, ground transportation guidance, and limited comfort items.
Information Desk – Information desks are located in several terminals, and airport ambassadors are available throughout the airport to help answer questions and provide general assistance.
Pet Relief Area – Indoor pet relief rooms (“Pet Ports”) are available inside each terminal. Outdoor pet relief areas are also located outside baggage claim and along the Departing Flights roadway.
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 inside the airport.
Spa – XpresSpa locations offer massages, manicures, facials, and other spa treatments in select terminals.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Rotating art exhibitions and permanent installations are displayed throughout the terminals.
- Library – A virtual library, created in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia, allows travellers to browse and download digital reading material in a quiet seating area. Some content requires a library card.
- Observation Area – While there is no formal observation deck, travellers can find views of the airfield from various airside areas throughout the 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: 2025-12-10
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.
