Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Guide

sleeping in phoenix airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / April 2024)

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.

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.

Phoenix Airport guide — Terminal 3, Landside (Photo courtesy of a Guest Traveller / November 2019)

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.

In Terminal 3, the TSA checkpoint operates 24 hours. In Terminal 4, Checkpoint A is open 24 hours. Checkpoints B, C, and D operate on reduced schedules; however, passengers can still use Checkpoint A to access B, C, and D gates when those checkpoints are closed.

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.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Phoenix Airport that provide free airport shuttles:

Surestay by Best Western (1.2 mi)
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (1.3 mi)
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport North (1.4 mi)
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport (1.4 mi)
Drury Inn & Suites (1.4 mi)

Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport (1.6 mi)
Aloft Phoenix Airport (1.7 mi)
Doubletree Suites by Hilton Phoenix (1.7 mi)
Radisson Hotel (1.9 mi)
Hilton Phoenix Airport (1.9 mi)

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.

Terminal 3

Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, near Gate F8. Hours: 4:45 AM – 12:30 AM. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
United Club – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, near Gate E3. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:30 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.

Terminal 4

American Airlines Admirals Club – Multiple Locations in Terminal 4: Concourse A, between gates A7 and A9 (Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • Concourse A, between gates A19 and A21 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM) • Concourse B, between gates B5 and B7 (Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM). Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, near Gate B21. Hours: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
Escape Lounge – Location: Terminal 4, Airside, near Gate B23 (Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM) • Terminal 3, by Phoenix Airport Museum Gallery (Hours: 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM). Showers: Yes (T4). Lounge Access: Pay at the door.

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. Hours: 7:00AM – 7:00PM (Daily).

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available free of charge throughout the terminals. Many fountains include bottle-filling spouts, though specific locations and coverage could not be independently verified at the time of this update.

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).

A reader tells us “Terminal 3 Airside: Panera Bread is open 24 hours, but I arrived about 10:30pm on a Friday night (November 14 2025) and they had stopped serving food from their menu – no hot food. All they had were drinks and other shelf items – no baked goods or anything from the kitchen. However, nearly directly across from them is a 24-hour self-serve vending kiosk, with drinks, sandwiches, candy, etc. The manager confirmed they would start serving breakfast about 3-4am. The Starbucks in the main hallway was open 24 hours with prepackaged food they heat up, plus baked goods – pretty much like any other Starbucks. The Shake Shack is open till midnight. ” [ read more ]

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB ports are widely available throughout the airport. Charging tables are located landside in both terminals, and “Get Plugged In” kiosks can be found both landside and airside.

Showers

A reader tells us “The Escape Lounge in terminal 4 B gates has a shower. You have to pay for lounge access and get 30 minutes in a fairly spacious bathroom. You can ask the staff behind the desk nearby for a hair dryer if needed.” (February 2026)

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

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Airport Ambassadors – Need help finding your way or have a general airport question? Sky Harbor’s Navigator Support guides (airport ambassadors) are available throughout the terminals to assist travellers.
Chapel – An interfaith chapel is available 24 hours a day in Terminal 4 (Level 3).

Family Services

Baby Care Facilities – Nursing Stations and Mamava pods are available in both terminals, offering privacy for feeding and baby care. Facilities generally include changing tables, sinks, seating, and power outlets. Locations are spread throughout landside and airside areas in Terminals 3 and 4.
Children’s Play Area – Play-viation Park is located in Terminal 3 near the F Gates, offering a place for kids to burn off some energy.

Information Desk – Information desks are located throughout Terminal 3, Terminal 4, and the Rental Car Center, providing maps, directions, and general assistance.

Luggage

Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Mail Back Program -If you’re stopped at security with a prohibited item, the Mail Back Program allows you to ship it home using UPS Safes located at select information desks.

Medical

Medical Center – Urgent care services are available 24/7 in Terminal 4 (Landside).
Pharmacy – Basic pharmacy items are sold at the Today Store in Terminal 4 Airside, open from early morning until the last flight.

Money

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available throughout the airport, both landside and airside. Fees may apply.
Currency Exchange – Not available.

Pet Relief Area – Designated outdoor and indoor pet relief areas are available across the airport, including post-security locations in both terminals and multiple outdoor areas near terminal entrances and parking facilities.
Postal Services – Mailboxes are available outside each terminal entrance for sending postcards or letters.
Sensory Room – A Sensory Room provides a quieter space for children or adults with intellectual or sensory sensitivities. Located in Terminal 4 (Level 3), it includes basic seating and calming activities. Hours vary by day.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal 4, along with a range of retail stores, gift shops, and newsstands throughout the airport selling travel essentials, books, souvenirs, and regional items. [ read more ] SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at InMotion Entertainment locations in Terminal 3 (post-security) and Terminal 4 (B Gates).
Smoking – Smoking is permitted outside only, in designated areas near Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 entrances.

Things to do & see

Museums – The Phoenix Airport Museum features rotating exhibits highlighting Arizona art, culture, and history, primarily in Terminal 4.
Read & Return Program – Purchase a book at participating airport stores and return it when finished to receive a credit toward your next purchase.
Walking Path – The FitPHX Walking Path in Terminal 4 (Airside) offers a marked route for light exercise between gates.

Airlines

Phoenix Airport is served by the following airlines: Advanced Airlines • Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant • American Airlines • Breeze Airways • British Airways • Condor Airlines • Contour Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Denver Air Connection • Flair Airlines • Frontier Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • JetBlue Airways • JSX • Lynx Air • Southwest Airlines • Southern Airways Express • Spirit Airlines • Sun Country Airlines • United Airlines • Volaris • WestJet.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

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.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

Several area local hotels provide free airport shuttle service. 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.

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: 2026-01-28

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.

Phoenix Airport Guide