Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Phoenix 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 found several pieces of kids play toys which stacked up perfectly to make a great, comfy mattress. -Alison
PHX 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 Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
What to Expect
Phoenix Airport (Code: PHX) comprises two terminals (3 and 4). Terminal 4 is divided into Concourses A, B, C, and D; Terminal 3 is split into Concourses E and F. If you change terminals, a covered walkway and the PHX Sky Train people mover connect the two terminals. Do expect some walking, especially in Terminal 4. In fact, the surprisingly long walkway between Concourses A and D is officially known as the Sky Harbor Fitness Trail.
Your experience depends on your terminal, and travellers agree that Terminal 4 has the most comfort and amenities. Take advantage of plenty of dining and shopping options, including several local eateries, plus free WiFi. Overnight sleepers are covered with 24-hour eateries in each terminal. Economy-class travellers who want to pay for an upgraded experience can check into a few airport lounges.
Sleeping in Phoenix Airport
There are rarely many overnight sleepers here, but you likely won’t be the only one. While most gate seats have armrests, some flat benches are available. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Try your luck inside cafes and restaurants that close for the night. Four Peaks Brewery in T4, Gates A1-14, has cushioned benches.
- Terminal 4, Airside, armrest-free seating may exist near the D Gates.
- Terminal 3, Landside, head upstairs to the Starbucks for one of a few couches.
- Terminal 3, rows of seats can be found between the A and B gates.
The biggest complaint is the overnight noise (including loud announcements, TVs blaring and even fire drills) and bright lights, so don’t forget to pack your earplugs or an eye mask. We have also received reports of homeless people wandering the public areas.
For uninterrupted sleep, a few nearby hotels offer free airport shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Good to know
If you have time to kill, consider taking the free PHX Sky Train. Accessible from both terminals, the PHX Sky Train links the airport to the Phoenix Metro Light Rail system, a low-cost and easy way to travel to/from central Phoenix, downtown Tempe and Mesa.
Read some traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Phoenix 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
The airport is open 24 hours.
Remember 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
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Phoenix Airport that provide free airport shuttles:
- Aloft Phoenix Airport » Check Rates
- Hyatt Place Tempe Phoenix Airport » Check Rates
- Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport » Check Rates
- Crown Plaza Phoenix Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Phoenix 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, purchasing a lounge pass 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 in Terminal 4: Concourse A, between gates A7 and A9 • Concourse A, between gates A19 and A21 • Concourse B, between gates B5 and B7. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, near Gate B21. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, near Gate F8. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
- Escape Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, near Gate B21 • Terminal 3, by Phoenix Airport Museum Gallery. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
- United Club – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, near Gate E3. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • 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 4, pre-security on Level 2, East End.
Related Pages: Phoenix Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available free of charge. A reader tells us that the water fountains have a feature to fill water bottles instead of tilting them. Locations: unknown.
Food & Drinks
When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:
- Terminal 3, Landside: Peet’s Coffee (Level 1, Landside, Near Check-in/Baggage) • The Roadie (Level 4
Airside, Near Gate F6), - Terminal 3, Airside: Starbucks (Airside, Level 4) • Panera Bread (Level 4, Airside, Near Gate F6)
- Terminal 4, Landside: Dunkin’ (Landside, Level 3, Near Departures) • PHX FLT Club (Level 3, Landside, Near TSA Security Checkpoint A-D),
- Terminal 4, Airside: Cowboy Ciao Kiosk (Airside, Level 3, Near Gate B1) • Dilly’s Deli (Level 3, Airside, Near Gate A7) • Dilly’s Deli Express (Level 3, Airside, Near Gate A17) • The Express by Mark Tarbell (Level 3, Airside, Near Gate C1) • Focaccia Fiorentina (Level 3, Airside, Near Gate B6) • Mission Grab-n-Go (Level 3, Airside, Near Gate B17) • Zinc Brasserie to Go (Level 3, Airside, Near Gate A1).
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
Equipped with power outlets, USB ports and comfortable seating, the airport’s charging tables are perfect for charging up your laptop and other electronic devices. The 28 “Get Plugged In” kiosks have six electrical outlets and six USB ports on all three sides. Charging tables (36 sets in total) can be found in the lobbies (landside) of both terminals, while “Get Plugged In” kiosks are located both landside and airside in each terminal. The airport is also adding more electrical and USB outlets to its current total of 240 (electrical) and 204 (USB).
Showers
A reader tells us there is a shower in the family bathroom in Terminal 4, Airside, Gates 1 – 9. (April 2024)
WiFi / Internet
Unlimited free WiFi is available throughout Sky Harbor Airport. Connect to the “Free PHX Boingo WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
Airport staff and security have no issue with travellers sleeping in the airport, even overnight.
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Phoenix 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
Airport Ambassadors – If you have questions about the airport or need any assistance, enlist the help of a friendly Sky Harbor Navigator Support guides.
Chapel – An interfaith chapel is open 24 hours daily in Terminal 4, Level 3.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Feed and care for your baby in comfort and privacy at one of the Nursing Stations or Mamava pods located in each terminal. Changing tables, sinks, comfy seating and power outlets are available. Locations: Terminal 3, Landside, Level 5 • Terminal 3, Airside, Gates E5 & F5 • Terminal 4, Landside, Level 3, next to the family restroom • Terminal 4, Airside, near Gates B15-22 • Terminal 4, Airside, near Gate A22 • Terminal 4, Airside, across from Gate A3 • Terminal 4, Airside, across from Gate C11 • Terminal 4, Airside, after security checkpoint D.
- Children’s Play Area
- Play-viation Park – Terminal 3, near F Gates
Information Desk – Locations: Terminal 3 – Levels 1 and 2 • Terminal 4 – Level 1 (near Door 2), Level 1 (near Door 7), Level 3 (near A and D checkpoints), Level 3 (near B and C checkpoints) • Rental Car Center – Lobby.
Luggage
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Mail Back Program – If you have an item that does not meet security requirements, you can ship it back to yourself via the Mail Back Program. Ask for assistance at the following Information Desk locations equipped with the UPS Safes for deposit: Terminal 3, Baggage Claim • Terminal 4, Level 3, on both ends near each checkpoint.
Medical
- Medical Center – Urgent care available 24/7. Location: Terminal 4, Landside, Level 3.
- Pharmacy – Today Store stocks some basic pharmacy items. Location: Terminal 4, Airside, near Gate C12. Hours: 4:00 AM – last flight.
Money
- 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: Various, both landside and airside.
- Currency Exchange – Not available.
Pet Relief Area – Sky Harbor has designated outdoor and indoor pet relief areas available in these locations:
- Outdoor – Terminal 3, Level 1, Paw Pad located in West Plaza • Terminal 4, Level 1, Bone Yard just outside of baggage claim • East Economy Park & Bark near the East Economy Parking Garage • Park & Play located northwest of 44th Street PHX Sky Train station.
- Indoor (airside) – Terminal 3, on the South concourse • Terminal 4, Gates B1-B14 & D1-D8 & D11-D18.
Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s mailbox. Available outside the entrance to each terminal.
Sensory Room – A quiet place for children or adults with an intellectual disability to get away from the busy environment of the terminal. It’s equipped with chairs, tables, colouring books and puzzles. Location: Terminal 4, Level 3. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sun-Fri) & 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sat).
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available both landside and airside in Terminal 4. In addition, you’ll find a variety of retail stores, gift shops and newsstands throughout the airport. From phone chargers to Native American jewelry to books, you’ll find almost everything you need.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at InMotion Entertainment. Locations: Terminal 3, post-security lobby • Terminal 4, B gates.
Smoking – There are designated areas outside for smokers. Terminal 3, four areas on Level 1 • Terminal 4, 11 areas on Levels 1 and 2.
Spa Services – XpresSpa provides spa services at 2 locations in Terminal 4: Airside, near Gate B15 and Airside, near Gate D2. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Things to do & see
- Museums – Phoenix Airport Museum displays Arizona’s cultural heritage. Location: Terminal 4, Level 3.
- Read & Return Program – After purchasing, simply return your book when finished and receive a credit for your next book purchase. Location: TripAdvisor (Airside, Gate A4) • Today Store (Airside, Gate C13) • Arizona Highways (Landside).
- Walking Path – When your idea of airport exercise doesn’t include tight connections and frantic running to the next gate, enjoy your time at the airport with a more leisurely stroll or power walk along a designated walking path. The FitPHX in-airport walkway is located in Terminal 4, Airside, between Gates A30 and D18.
Amtrak Connections
The Amtrak connection is located inside the airport, with transport desks in Terminals 3 and 4.
Bus
Valley Metro City bus route 13 travels between 75th Ave/Buckeye Rd (West Phoenix) and the airport. Bus routes 1, 3 and 44 stop at the 44th Street/Washington Valley Metro Rail station, connected to the airport via PHX Sky Train. For fares and information, visit the Valley Metro website.
Car Rentals
On-site car rental agencies operate within the Rental Car Center, a facility located just south of the airport complex. Reservations are highly recommended. The following agencies can be found at the Rental Car Center: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Fox • Hertz • National • NU Car Rentals • Payless •Sixt • Thrifty. Use the SkyTrain to access the RCC.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area local hotels provide free airport shuttle service: Aloft Phoenix-Airport • Best Western Airport Inn • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Phoenix Airport, AZ • Courtyard Phoenix Airport • Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport – Phx, an IHG Hotel • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Phoenix • Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport / GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor / Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport • Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North • Hilton Phoenix Airport • Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport / Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix Airport, an IHG Hotel / Holiday Inn Express & Suites Phoenix – Airport North, an IHG Hotel / Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North, an IHG Hotel / Howard Johnson by Wyndham Phoenix Airport/Downtown Area / La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport / Marriott Phoenix Airport / Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport • SureStay Hotel By Best Western Phoenix Airport.
Some hotels can be contacted through the Courtesy Telephone Centers located in the baggage claim area of each terminal. Hotel shuttles pick up outside the Baggage Claim area.
See also Airport Hotels above.
PHX Sky Train
The PHX Sky Train is a free 24-hour automated train that connects terminals 3 and 4 to the Rental Car Center, East Economy Parking, 44th Street/Washington Valley Metro Rail and 24th Street/Express Pay parking. Trains arrive at each station every 3 minutes during peak time with a total of 5 minutes travel time between each stop. For more information on the PHX Sky Train and its Valley Metro Light Rail and bus connections, visit the Sky Harbor website.
Shared Ride Shuttle
SuperShuttle provides a door-to-door shared-ride shuttle service between the airport and the Phoenix metropolitan area. The shuttles depart every 15 minutes from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and fares are based on a zone system. SuperShuttles can be found at Terminal 3 (ground level, north and south curbside) and Terminal 4 (Level 1, north and south curbside).
Statewide Shuttle
Passengers all over Arizona rely on Phoenix Sky Harbor, Arizona’s largest and busiest commercial airport. Statewide shuttles provide daily service to and from many cities located throughout Arizona. Contact your service provider of choice for rates and information.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available 24 hours a day at Terminal 3 (north curb and outside door 7) and Terminal 4 (north curb, outside door 7 and south curb, outside door 4). Only Apache Taxi, AAA/Yellow Cab and Mayflower Cab are authorized to pick up passengers at the airport. Rates are charged according to the meter, and most taxis accept all major credit cards. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available on request.
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.