Philadelphia International Airport, also known as PHL, is a bustling transportation hub located in the heart of the Northeastern United States. As the primary airport serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area, PHL is a popular choice for both domestic and international travelers. With its modern facilities and convenient location just seven miles from downtown Philadelphia, PHL offers a variety of amenities and services designed to make your travel experience comfortable and stress-free. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, PHL has something for everyone, from world-class dining and shopping options to free Wi-Fi and helpful airport staff. With its wide range of flights and destinations, traveling with Philadelphia Airport is a great way to explore the region and beyond. Below are a few tips to make your experience at PHL airport as seamless as possible.
Reminders for Before You Leave
To make your life easier when you get to PHL, follow these few tips before you head out!
- Make sure the name on your plane ticket matches the name on your driver’s license or any other form of government identification you may be using when traveling.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight boards to ensure you have enough time even if the lines are long
- Check the weight of your luggage. Many airlines charge extra for bags over 50 lbs. Also, be sure to put any large liquids or gels in your checked bag.
- Know what items you can and cannot bring on the plane, refer to the TSA list of prohibited items.
Where to Eat and Drink
There are many options at PHL, so how do you make the right decision when choosing where to eat from the myriad of restaurants? Whether you need a quick snack or want to enjoy a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options available at Philadelphia International Airport!
Here are a few restaurants coveted as the “best restaurants” at PHL:
- Bud & Marilyn’s: This is a great place to stop for American-styled food such as chicken tenders, burgers, and sandwiches! They also have grab & go snacks and beverages if you are in a hurry!
- Noobar: This Japanese ramen and sushi restaurant offers both sushi and ramen options. They also have grab-and-go options if you want a quick Japanese bite before your flight.
- Bar Symon: This is a great place to stop for a leisurely meal with options such as gastro burgers, fries, and the signature Fat Doug burger which is a burger with coleslaw, pastrami, stadium mustard, and Swiss cheese!
Here is a list of some more of the top spots to grub based on their location.
Know your PHL Parking Options
Some short-term parking options at PHL include:
Hourly and Daily Parking at Philadelphia Airport
| Duration | Short-Term (Ground Level) Parking | Garage (Upper Levels) Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ½ hour | $4.00 | $4.00 |
| Up to 1 hour | $6.00 | $6.00 |
| Up to 1 ½ hours | $8.00 | $8.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Up to 2 ½ hours | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| Up to 3 hours | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Up to 3 ½ hours | $17.00 | $17.00 |
| Up to 4 hours | $24.00 | $24.00 |
| Up to 24 hours | $44.00 | $24.00 |
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is another lot near BNA that also offers daily and long-term airport parking.
- Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport.
- Daily rates are $11.50 a day for covered parking.
All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term parking can be made through STOW IT.
Long-Term Parking Options at Philadelphia International Airport
STOW IT IT’s partnership with The Parking Spot allows customers to access long-term parking, storage, and shuttle services to-and-from the airport. This parking alternative will save hundreds of dollars on long-term parking at PHL airport. This is an excellent option for long-term travelers who need monthly or yearly parking. Other options like PHL’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable for long-term parking.
With STOW IT's long-term PHL Airport parking options, you will pay about $7 per day for the monthly parking.
STOW IT’s parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience makes this a no-brainer!
Transportation vs. Parking
Rideshares and public transport are two very commonly used ways to get to and from the airport. Although they both have their pros and cons. Public transportation is usually not the preferred method of transportation for most individuals and rideshares can become very pricey and not always reliable.
Public transportation pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Convenient
Public transportation cons:
- Safety risks
- Health risks
Rideshare pros:
- Has different car options if traveling with many individuals or a lot of luggage.
- Available at odd hours
Rideshare cons:
- Many times, they have a flat rate to the airport which is not always made clear when you request a ride.
- Supply of drivers is never guaranteed, especially if you are coming in after daylight hours.
Common Philadelphia International Airport Parking Q&A’s
How do I pick up/ drop off someone at the Philadelphia Airport?
You can use any short-term parking lot or garage for pick-ups and drop-offs, or you can use curbside options.
There are also two Cell Phone Lots where you can wait for your passenger to deplane and get their luggage to avoid driving loops around the airport.
What options are available for long-term parking at Philadelphia International Airport?
You can park in any of the on-site garages and lots for long-term parking. Although off-site airport parking alternatives are where you will find the cheapest rates for long-term parking.
STOW IT offers long-term off-site airport parking at the cheapest rate at Philadelphia Airport. You can choose from both covered and uncovered parking spots and a free shuttle service is provided that will take you to and from the airport.
What is the difference between long-term and short-term parking?
Short-term parking is great if you are picking someone up or are planning to be at the airport just for a couple of hours. Long-term airport parking is more cost-effective compared to short-term parking if you plan to be parked at the airport for many days, or even months.
Are there shuttle services available for off-site long-term parking at PHL?
Yes. Free shuttles run every 10-15 minutes that will take you to and from the off-site parking lot to your terminal. These shuttles operate 24/7.
Can I reserve a parking spot ahead of time?
Yes, you can reserve a parking spot before your travels here.