Philadelphia Layover Guide (PHL)

What are you looking for in PHL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Philadelphia Airport (PHL) is an international airport located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s situated about 11 km (7 miles) from downtown Philadelphia. The airport officially opened in 1940. Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the United States and is known for its deep historical roots. It’s also recognized for its diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural scene, and wide variety of dining, arts, and recreational activities for both visitors and locals.

Can you leave Philadelphia Airport (PHL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Philadelphia Airport, you may exit the airport and visit the city if your connecting flight allows and you clear immigration, including baggage recheck. Non-US citizens need a valid entry document—an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a C-1 transit visa to re-enter the US. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Liberty Bell Center Discover the iconic Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American independence in historic Independence National Historical Park, and learn its history through engaging multimedia exhibits. Official site (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Regional Rail to Jefferson Station, then 10-minute walk; or 15-minute taxi ride)
• Independence Hall Step inside the birthplace of the United States, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and adopted. Guided tours provide deep insight into early American history. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Line to 30th Street Station, then transfer to Market–Frankford Line to 5th Street; or 20-minute taxi)
• Reading Terminal Market Explore one of America’s oldest continuously operated public markets featuring over 80 vendors serving local produce, artisanal cheeses, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, and international cuisine. Official site (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Line to Jefferson Station, then 5-minute walk; or 15-minute taxi)
• Philadelphia Museum of Art Admire a world-class art collection spanning Renaissance to modern masterpieces, plus the famous “Rocky Steps” and stunning city skyline views from the grand entrance. Official site (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Line to 30th Street Station, then taxi or bus 21 to Art Museum; or 20-minute taxi)
• The Franklin Institute Engage with interactive science exhibits, the giant heart model, planetarium shows, and rotating special exhibitions perfect for curious minds of all ages. Official site (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Line to 30th Street Station, then bus 42 to 20th & The Oval; or 20-minute taxi)
• Eastern State Penitentiary Tour the hauntingly beautiful prison ruins that once housed notorious inmates, featuring audio guides narrated by acclaimed actors and immersive day or after-dark tours. Official site (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Line to 30th Street Station, then bus 44 to Fairmount & 22nd; or 20-minute taxi)
• Spruce Street Harbor Park Relax at this seasonal waterfront park with floating gardens, hammocks, food vendors, and arcade games along the Delaware River, ideal for a laid-back outdoor break. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Line to Jefferson Station, then taxi or Uber to Penn’s Landing; or 20-minute taxi)
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Wander through vibrant mosaicked indoor galleries and a sprawling outdoor labyrinth created entirely from repurposed tiles, bottles, and folk art. Official site (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: SEPTA Airport Line to Jefferson Station, then 10-minute taxi or bus 47; or 20-minute taxi)

Things to Do in Philadelphia Airport (PHL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
PHL offers multiple lounges including American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship lounges in Terminal A-West, United Club and Delta Sky Club in Terminal D, Amex Centurion in A-East, Chase Sapphire in D/E, and USO Lounge in Terminal E. Amenities include snacks, beverages, WiFi, seating and relaxation areas. Priority Pass accepted. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Philadelphia Airport Marriott, connected via Terminal B skybridge, features 604 rooms, fitness center, on-site dining and 24/7 staff. Minute Suites in Concourse A-West (near Gate A18) offer private suites for rest and work by the hour. Both provide comfortable overnight options within the airport, eliminating the need for off-site accommodations. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While PHL lacks designated rest zones, seating areas throughout its terminals offer fuelers and passengers space to relax. Charging stations and benches are available near gates. Quiet corners can be found near Terminal B and D connectors. Restrooms include family-friendly companion care facilities but no formal sleeping pods or lockers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: PHL provides complimentary reliable WiFi across all terminals via AT&T, with no data caps or time limits. Simply connect to “PHL Free WiFi” or “Free PHL Airport WiFi-24” SSID, accept the terms, and you’re instantly online. Speeds average 15–20 Mbps, suitable for browsing, email, and light streaming. No password required.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards at InMotion stores in Terminal B or via airport convenience shops. Providers include AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Plans require passport registration. Alternatively, install international eSIMs from providers like Airalo or SimOptions before arrival for instant data setup. Coverage extends nationwide with LTE and 5G. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis conveniently queue at designated stands outside Arrivals at each terminal. Fares to downtown Philadelphia are metered, averaging $30–$35. Flat rates apply for trips to certain suburbs. All drivers are licensed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Payment options include cash, credit card and ride-app alternatives such as Uber and Lyft.

Train: SEPTA’s Airport Line connects PHL to Center City stations such as Suburban Station and 30th Street Station. Trains run daily from 5:00 AM to midnight, every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends. The journey to Center City takes about 25 minutes. Reliable service daily. (more info)

Bus: SEPTA bus routes 37, 108 and 115 serve PHL terminals, connecting travelers to South Philadelphia, 69th Street Transit Center and Delaware County. Buses stop curbside outside Arrivals. Fares are paid onboard via SEPTA Key card or cash ($2.50). Service runs every 30 minutes during peak hours. more info

Shuttle: Many on-site hotels, including the Airport Marriott, operate complimentary shuttles between their properties and PHL terminals via Terminal B skybridge. Car rental companies run frequent shuttle buses from terminal curbs to off-airport facilities. Shuttles feature luggage racks and run every 15–20 minutes, offering convenient transfers for airline and rental customers.

Car rentals: PHL’s Car Rental Pavilion, accessed via Terminal B pedestrian bridge, houses major agencies like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget and National. After paperwork, complimentary shuttles transport customers to on-site lot. Counters and online reservations are available. Vehicles include economy, luxury, SUVs and hybrids. Fuel purchase and return policies vary by company. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: PHL offers secure short-term, daily and economy parking: PHL Reserve for guaranteed spots, PHL Valet for curbside convenience, PHL Everyday for hourly rates, and PHL Economy off-site lots with free shuttles. A cell phone waiting lot is available for convenient passenger pickup. Rates vary by lot and length of stay.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

PHL does not provide luggage storage or lockers. Travelers seeking secure storage can use Minute Suites private rooms in Concourse A-West by the hour but must keep belongings with them. Alternatively, off-site baggage services are daily available downtown or at 30th Street Station via third-party vendors. No airport-operated lockers exist. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Philadelphia Airport (PHL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks