Getting to and from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Philadelphia International is an airport in the United States of America, and serves the Delaware Valley area. It is considered as one of the busiest in the country, as it handles over thirty million passengers every year, and is expected to continue to increase in passenger traffic in following years. The airport has been allocated the IATA code of PHL in order to distinguish it from similar establishments. Philadelphia International Airport directions are quite simple to follow, and airport access is efficient by means of various large roads in the nearby vicinity. Passengers travelling in private vehicles also have a choice of several parking areas.

The airport of Philadelphia is located approximately 7 miles southwest of downtown Philadelphia, and is nearby to the areas of Folcroft, Eastwick, Sharon Hill and Ridley Park. It is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley and in the American state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania lies to the eastern side of the country, alongside the states of New Jersey, Maryland and New York. The city of Philadelphia is to the southeast of New York City, to the northwest of Baltimore and Washington, to the south of Allentown and to the east of Harrisburg and Lancaster. Additional areas in the nearby vicinity include New Brunswick, Trenton, Wilmington, Reading and Toms River. The airport of Philadelphia is also positioned just north of the Delaware River that opens out further south into Delaware Bay, and that forms the border between the two states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The main and largest road past the airport is the Interstate 95, and is to the north of the airport grounds. Since the airport is on the banks of the river there is no direct access from the south. Other roads which may be of importance for airport access include Island Avenue, Bartram Avenue, Essington Avenue, the Industrial Highway and Lincoln Avenue. The drive from the city centre should take no more than twenty-five minutes to half an hour, however, always leave in good time for your departure flight in case there are unexpected delays in the flow of traffic. During rush hour times as well, traffic is always heavier on the Interstates.

Directions from Downtown Philadelphia

From the city centre of Philadelphia motorists take the Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) in a southerly direction and exit this highway at Junction 43B. This exit will lead onto the SR-291 highway for access to the airport. There are signs along the way to help with directions. As you near the airport terminals, follow the signs to the parking area of your choice.

Directions from the north

The Interstate 95 is used from areas such as Torresdale, Holmesburg, Frankford and Port Richmond, and runs to the east of downtown Philadelphia towards South Philadelphia East. The road turns west in the direction of the airport. The Interstate 95 is also referred to as the Delaware Expressway, and is the main access road of the airport. To reach the airport from Norristown in the north the Interstate 476 can be used. It provides access to the Interstate 95 just west of the airport grounds. The Interstate 476 can also be referred to as the Blue Route and the Mid County Expressway.

Directions from the south

Two main roads lead towards the city of Philadelphia from the south, and past Washington Township. They are the Atlantic City Expressway and the SR-55. The two roads merge and become the Interstate 76, crossing a bridge for access to the city. Off this road the Interstate 95 to the airport can be taken. From Wilmington it is a straight route on the Interstate 95 to the airport, passing the areas of Edgemoor, Claymont, Feltonville and Crum Lynne.

Philadelphia Airport has more than 19,000 parking spaces for private vehicles, in several convenient parking lots that are all clearly indicated from the access roads. Where a passenger parks may depend on the terminal building of their departure flight or the length of time that the vehicle will need to stay at the airport, for example, the Economy Car Park is cheaper for longer stays. The airport’s cell phone lot can be used by motorists who are waiting for arriving passengers. Passengers could depart from one of seven terminal buildings, referred to as the Terminals A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E and F. In total there are 130 gates for departure flights. International flights will leave from Terminal A-West, while the other buildings are for domestic departures. Terminals B and C are mainly used by US Airways, and have a large area between them for airport shops and restaurants (Philadelphia Marketplace), and Terminal F is home to US Airways Express.

The passenger buildings of the airport have many useful facilities, including currency exchange and banking services, lost and found offices, ground transport information desks, general information services and free Wi-Fi connections. For younger travellers, there are two educational play areas known as the Aviation Play Station and Ready For Takeoff. They are found in Terminal D and Terminal A-East. The airport boasts over 160 national and local shops and eateries, and also offers services such as spas and private areas for rest and business purposes. Disabled passengers will be comfortable at the airport, as there are suitable restrooms, elevators, moving walkways and dedicated parking spaces. Wheelchairs and further assistance can be arranged as well from airport and airline staff.

Passengers on Philadelphia International Airport departure flights can travel to the airport by public transit services, should their own vehicle not be convenient. SEPTA public buses and trains are available from various areas in the city. There are also many private bus companies with shuttle services to the airport, and taxis are an option from the doorstep of your hotel or business location. Philadelphia International directions in further detail are available at https://maps.google.com.