Lois Larson
The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has received mixed reviews from travellers. While some appreciate the ease of navigation due to its well-connected terminals, others have complained about long security lines and a lack of good lounges. The airport's proximity to the city centre and the availability of public transportation options like the SEPTA R7 line make it a convenient travel hub. However, opinions vary regarding the safety of the area surrounding the airport, especially at night, with some travellers reporting feelings of unsafety and the presence of unsavoury types.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety at night | The airport is pretty deserted at night, with almost no security in the waiting areas and "unsavory types" hanging around. However, it is still considered safer than the bus station. |
| Transport | The airport can be reached via the SEPTA R7 line from Trenton to downtown Philadelphia, and then the R1 airport line from 30th Street. The 30th Street station is in an unsafe neighborhood but is considered a safe place itself. |
| Parking | Some users have reported issues with parking at the airport, including long waits for buses. However, others have reported positive experiences with specific parking lots and apps. |
| Food | Food is reported as being overpriced and low quality. |
| TSA | The airport usually does a good job of getting everyone through TSA quickly, especially in the mornings and early noon. |
| Terminals | The terminals are well-connected, but outdated and in need of renovation. |
| Surroundings | There is plenty of green space around the airport, and some users have reported enjoying the view of the airport grounds and planes landing/taking off. |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is safe at night
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is generally considered safe at night, although there are a few things to keep in mind. The airport is located in a mostly safe area, and there are multiple transportation options available for getting to and from the airport after dark.
The airport itself is open 24 hours, but the terminal areas are typically closed off after the last flight of the night, and shops and restaurants also close. TSA screening may not start until around 5 am, so if you are arriving or departing late at night or early in the morning, you may find the airport quiet and mostly empty. It's always a good idea to plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights, but this buffer is especially important for early morning flights when security lines may be longer due to multiple flights departing around the same time.
If you are travelling to or from the airport by train, the 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia is a safe option, and you can take the SEPTA R1 train directly to the airport from there. The train typically runs until midnight, so check the schedule before heading to the station. The area around the bus station, on the other hand, has been described as feeling unsafe at night, so it may be best to avoid this option if possible.
If you are driving to or from the airport and plan to leave your car there, parking options include the North Lot, the Economy Lot, and private lots such as The Parking Spot, JetStream, and WallyPark. These lots offer covered parking and app-based payment options, providing added convenience and peace of mind. However, as with parking in any major city, it's always a good idea to not leave any valuables visible in your car.
Overall, while there may be some unsavoury characters around, taking basic safety precautions and being vigilant of your surroundings should ensure a safe experience at Philadelphia International Airport at night.
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Transport options to the airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is conveniently located just 7 miles from downtown, making it easily accessible by various means of transportation. Here are some transport options to get you to and from the airport:
Train
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates the Airport Regional Rail Line, providing train services between Center City and the airport. Trains run every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends. The operating hours are from 4:13 am to 11:03 pm when travelling from Center City to the airport, and from 5:07 am to 12:07 am for the return trip. The Airport Line includes stations at Terminal E/F, Terminal C/D, Terminal B, Terminal A (East), and other locations, all of which are wheelchair accessible.
Shuttle and Car Service
GO Airport Shuttle offers a professional and efficient transportation service to and from Philadelphia International Airport. They provide a reliable, non-stop trip with trained drivers and well-maintained vehicles. You can book your ride in advance and enjoy transparent pricing without surge charges. Their services are available 24/7, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.
Private Car or Rideshare
If you prefer the convenience of a private vehicle, you can drive to the airport and choose from several parking options, such as the North Lot, the economy lot, or parking garages. These parking areas generally seem safe, but it's always advisable to not leave any valuables visible. Alternatively, you can use ridesharing services like Uber to get dropped off or picked up at the airport.
Bus
While there is limited information on specific bus services to the airport, some sources mention waiting for buses to arrive at certain lots. It is likely that bus services are integrated with the regional rail and subway systems for seamless connections.
With these transport options, you can easily navigate to and from Philadelphia International Airport, making your travel experience smooth and efficient.
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Parking at the airport
Philadelphia International Airport offers over 16,000 on-site parking spaces. The Philadelphia Parking Authority provides the only on-site parking at the airport, making it the most convenient option. The parking facilities are patrolled by the Airport Police Unit of the Philadelphia Police Department, and managers are present 24/7. The airport also provides complimentary services such as jump starts, tire changes, and lock-out services.
There are several parking options available at the airport, including the AAvantage® Aviator™ Lot, the Economy Lot, and the Short-Term Lot. The AAvantage® Aviator™ Lot is only available to AAdvantage® Mastercard® cardholders. The Economy Lot offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service and is recommended for long-term parking. The Short-Term Lot is located on the ground level of the garages and is intended for brief visits of up to 1 hour.
The airport also offers a variety of parking services for electric and wheelchair-equipped vehicles. There are four charging stations capable of charging 8 electric vehicles at any time, located in Garages C and D. For wheelchair-equipped vans that are unable to enter the garages due to height restrictions, there is designated parking in the Short-Term Lot, and these vehicles will be charged the less expensive Garage rate for visits under 24 hours. For visits longer than 24 hours, these vehicles can park in the Economy Lot.
Some travellers have reported mixed experiences with parking at the airport. While some have found it safe and convenient, especially with the use of apps for prepaid parking, others have mentioned long wait times for buses to and from the parking lots. It is recommended to keep valuables out of sight when parking at the airport, as break-ins have been an issue in the past.
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Food options at the airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has a variety of food options to choose from, with over 100 places to eat, drink, and shop. The airport has seven terminals (Terminal A has an east and west wing) and two inter-terminal areas for dining and shopping. Here is a list of some of the top spots to dine at the airport:
La Colombe
La Colombe is a Philadelphia-based coffee chain that offers coffee and baked goods. It is a great option for early morning flights, providing expert pours and pastries similar to those found at its other locations.
Chickie's & Pete's
Chickie's & Pete's is a Philly sports bar chain that serves crab fries, crab cakes, wings, sandwiches, and surprisingly good bloody marys. With TVs for game-watching, it's a great spot to catch up on your favourite sports while enjoying some local cuisine.
Gachi House of Sushi & Noodles
Gachi House of Sushi & Noodles offers a sushi bar as well as packaged sushi, sashimi, and hot Japanese entrees to go. It's a great choice for those who want a quick, delicious meal before boarding their flight.
Bud & Marilyn's
Bud & Marilyn's is a retro-styled American comfort food restaurant named after the chef's grandparents. The menu includes items like chicken noodle soup, chicken and waffles, cheese curds, and a bacon cheeseburger on brioche. The original restaurant is located in downtown Philadelphia, but the airport location provides a convenient taste of Philly cuisine.
Jim's South Street Steaks and Hoagies
Jim's South Street Steaks and Hoagies is a popular cheesesteak shop located on Philadelphia's famed South Street. The airport location offers the same crowd-pleasing cheesesteaks that have made the original restaurant so famous.
Independence Prime
Independence Prime, located in Terminal B, offers a variety of dining options, including sushi, sashimi, and hot Japanese entrees. It is one of the many unique dining spots that travellers can enjoy at Philadelphia International Airport.
While there are some negative reviews of Philadelphia International Airport, particularly regarding security lines and outdated terminals, it is still a convenient and well-connected airport with a variety of food options to suit different tastes and preferences.
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Things to do around the airport
Philadelphia International Airport is the only major airport serving the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the United States. While the airport is a bustling hub, there's more to the area than just take-off and landing. Here are some things to do when you're around the airport:
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Nature lovers can visit Bartram's Garden, North America's oldest botanical garden, or the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. History buffs might enjoy a trip to Fort Mifflin, a significant site from the Revolutionary War. If you're interested in racing, check out the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, which features an impressive collection of cars, including Bugattis, Ferraris, and Ford GTs.
Dining Options
Philadelphia International Airport offers a variety of dining options for hungry travellers. You can find coffee at La Colombe, gourmet burgers at Mo' Burger, sushi at Noobar, pizza at Mezzogiorno, and of course, the famous Philadelphia cheesesteaks at Tony Luke's or Geno's.
Art and Culture
The Philadelphia International Airport Exhibitions Program showcases the city's distinct culture through visual arts exhibits and installations. Since 1998, the program has displayed hundreds of rotating exhibits featuring photography, painting, ceramics, and woodworking, among other media.
Relaxing Views
For those who enjoy watching airplanes take off and land, the area around the airport offers relaxing views, especially at night. You can also find recreational planes and helicopter testing sites nearby, adding to the aviation experience.
Efficient Transportation
The airport is known for its efficient transportation options. The terminals are well-connected, making it easy to get around. Additionally, the train system provides a convenient and safe way to travel to and from the airport from the suburbs or centre city.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is pretty deserted at night, with almost no security in the waiting areas, and some unsavoury characters hanging around. However, the airport usually does a good job of getting everyone through TSA quickly, and it's easy to get around since the terminals are well connected.
The parking experience at Philadelphia airport has been described as safe and efficient. However, it is recommended that you don't leave any valuables visible in your car.
There is plenty of green space around the airport, but it is not recommended to explore the area on foot.
