Are you leaving PHL soon and worried about finding parking? You are not alone. At a glance, the Philadelphia Airport parking appears to be quite complicated, as there are a number of garages, an economy lot, a few special purpose lots, and off-site parking lots vying for your attention. This guide explains each of the options you have in the airport, whether you're looking for a covered garage or an affordable off-site one, and helps you select the best location for the duration of your trip, your budget, and your terminal. By now you should be ready to select your next parking spot at Philadelphia airport if you're traveling to another destination this year, for a short weekend getaway, or for a very extended trip.
Types of Parking at Philadelphia Airport
Philadelphia Airport provides numerous options for parking, covering every type of traveler from budget-conscious to those looking for premium services. Here are the types of parking at PHL Airport:
Garage Parking (Garages A, B, C, D, E/F): Covered, multi-level structures with an enclosed walkway to the associated terminal, so customers never leave the terminal when it rains.
Economy Parking: An uncovered surface lot located a bit further from the terminals to which a free round-the-clock shuttle bus is available.
Short-Term Parking: Spaces located on the ground level for parking and pick-up/drop-off within an hour.
Valet parking: Give keys to the attendant at the parking terminal curb and avoid the walk.
Off-Site Private Lots: Lots run by private owners and located off the airport property, typically on longer routes.
It's ultimately a question of which option you prefer: covered parking or the expense of a few dollars per day, and whether you are willing to take a short shuttle ride to get to the terminal doors on the morning of your departure.
Philadelphia Airport Parking Rates
The prices are significantly different across different lots, and the nearer the lot is to the terminal doors, the higher the price. Here are some examples of daily fare for the most popular choices available at the airport, so you can consider the convenience before you book. Published Philadelphia Airport parking rates may vary slightly depending upon the season.
| Parking Option | Approx. Daily Rate | Coverage | Terminal Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Term (ground level) | Up to $38/day | Covered | Direct walkway |
| Garage A–F (upper levels) | Up to $20/day | Covered | Direct walkway |
| Economy Lot | $15/day flat | Uncovered | Free 24/7 shuttle |
| AAdvantage Cardmember Lot | Discounted rate for eligible cardholders | Covered | Located within Garage B |
| Off-site private lots | Roughly $7-$18 | Mostly uncovered | Free shuttle, 2–10 min ride |
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Free | Uncovered | Not applicable, pickup only |
Make sure to double-check the parking rates on the PHL’s official page before heading towards the airport, especially during peak season or events.
Philadelphia Airport Long-Term Parking
When traveling for a week or more, travelers typically prefer a flat rate, as opposed to an hourly rate that is continuously running when you are away. Philadelphia Airport economy parking is designed around this need, one consistent daily rate regardless of whether your stay is three days or three weeks, and no hidden fees at check-out when you arrive home to pick up your car.
This is the most sought-after long-term option that has a flat rate of $15 for every 24 hours and no additional extras added after the fact.
When the length of stay is five days or more, and the booking is done on-line in advance, the off-site operator may achieve a better rate.
When pricing a specific trip length, be sure to factor in any weekly caps that may alter the math for certain lots.
If you're considering airport parking in Philadelphia, there are several long-term options available, so cost shouldn't be the only consideration. But if you're away for several days in a row, the frequency of the shuttle and the security of the lot are just as important and can differ significantly from one shuttle operator to another near the terminals.
Off-Site Parking Options Near Philadelphia Airport
When low costs are the primary concern, you will likely get the best deal by parking near Philadelphia airport directly with an independent parking operator. These lots are located just outside the airport limits along Essington Avenue and Island Avenue, with almost all of them offering a free shuttle service, which eliminates the hassle of having to travel short distances to either side of the airport.
Off-site lots are usually well lit, well fenced, and manned 24 hours a day to maximize security and peace of mind.
Except in the case of a fixed-loop, shuttle pick-up is typically on demand, thus noticeably reducing waiting time.
Lots of off-site operators have perks such as luggage help, car washes, or loyalty points for repeat users.
Reservations through the action's website or app are nearly always cheaper than picking up the phone on the drive-up line.
Oversized vehicles that are taller than the limits inside the airport's garages are allowed to park at some off-site lots.
If you are on a tight budget, it will be worth your 5 minutes to compare 2-3 operators offsite before booking.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
Are you visiting the airport to pick up someone? Philadelphia Intl Airport parking offers a dedicated cell phone waiting lot, where you can wait for your family or friends for free. Here are the details:
Free parking, and it accommodates about 150 cars at a time, even on the busiest pickup days.
It is only about a one-minute drive from any of the baggage claims areas located off the airport entry road.
Drivers are required to stay in their vehicle, and the average hold time is 30 minutes per trip.
An arrivals board keeps you up to date on your passenger's flight without having to constantly check your phone.
There are vending machines, trash receptacles, and restroom facilities onsite for drivers to use while waiting.
This free lot is a quick drive to any terminal after your passenger texts you, and you've picked up their bags.
Advantage Credit Card Member Lot
Eligible cardholders are awarded a special bonus with American Airlines, which accounts for a significant portion of PHL's schedule. The AAdvantage Credit Cardmember Lot is a covered parking area that gives qualifying travelers (AAdvantage Mastercard and Citi AAdvantage card members) discounted parking rates, compared to the regular rate at the parking lot, as they prepare to travel outbound on American Airlines. The details are explained below:
It is located in Garage B on the lower level, nearer to Terminal B than to the main entrance of the garage.
Access is via the Garage Access Road, before the on-site Marriott hotel close to the terminals.
The discounted rate is only offered to people who hold an AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard card in good standing with AAdvantage. The discounted rate available is for individuals who carry an AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard card and are in good standing with AAdvantage.
PHL's parking office will accept a request for a refund if a standard charge is accidentally applied.
Unlike some specialty lots, this lot is not limited in the length of time you can stay.
Cardholders are advised to have their card with them when exiting the gate, as this will verify that they are eligible for the reduced fare.
Parking Lot Distance from Terminals and Shuttle Options
When you are arriving at the airport with your bags and need to rely on distance or shuttles, it may be more important than the cost. To get an idea of what to expect when you pull into each major parking area and get ready to walk or wait for a ride to your parking spot, here's how they compare to the layout of PHL's terminals:
Garage A-F: Connected directly to their corresponding terminal via covered walkway, no shuttle is required—rain or no rain!
Economy Lot: further away, but a free shuttle is available 24 hours a day and makes a continuous, round-the-clock loop to each individual terminal.
AAdvantage Cardmember Lot: Located in a convenient, easy walk to Terminal B, and NO shuttle is required at all.
Off-site private lots: They are located within 2-10 minutes of the property by free shuttle, typically not scheduled but available by request.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Approximately 1 minute from any of your bags' areas once you are on the ground.
This lot is best for you if you can walk a moderate distance, especially if you are carrying heavy bags or small children.
EV Charging Stations at PHL Airport
Philadelphia International Airport parking also welcomes EV owners. Charging stations are located throughout the garages on site, so you can charge your vehicle while you travel, but before you are going to build a structure or upgrade to a higher level on your next trip, it is important to know where they are:
Level 1 of Garage C and D has charging stations near elevators.
They can support multiple EVs charging at once for normal peak traffic times.
There is no charge for parking during charging time, just standard parking rates.
If you have a specific need for a charging bay, arrive early, as busier travel days can fill quickly.
If you need to get back to a charged battery for a return trip, verify charger availability directly with PHL.
How to Book a Parking Spot Online
Booking in advance is only a few minutes and will eliminate most of the guesswork on arrival day. The official reservation system takes you through the entire process online, and you can reserve a spot in the economy lot, garage, or valet well before you leave your home on the day of your departure. Here is the process to book a parking spot online:
Go to the official page of Philadelphia Airport parking and click on the "Reserve" button for the kind of parking you want.
Make entries for the planned arrival and departure dates, and fill in some basic vehicle information requested.
Select from economy, garage, or valet parking options, according to budget and terminal requirements.
Payment can be made online with a major credit card or a contactless means of payment that is available.
Save your confirmation email or QR code to use later at both entry and exit.
Plans changed? Changes to most reservations are possible and can be fully refunded up to two hours before your arrival.
Benefits of Online Prebooking
The benefit of booking ahead is that, apart from being a convenience, it can also be a better economic and practical decision. You will get a guaranteed spot and a fixed price, and you'll have one thing less to worry about as you pack your bags at home the night before your flight takes off. Read below to know the benefits of prebooking:
Available all the time: Your space is reserved for you, even on holidays and travel weekends.
Fixed rate: No hidden rate increases at the gate; you can rest assured you are charged the same.
Easier Entry & Exit: QR codes & confirmation numbers get you in and out faster at any staffed or unstaffed lane.
Free changes: Most platforms offer free changes or cancellations within a certain time period before the day of arrival.
Occasional discounts: Prebooking sometimes means access to other promotions or loyalty discounts that aren't offered to walk-up parkers.
People who have prebooked always seem to have less come as a surprise when compared to those choosing parking at Philadelphia Airport options on the spur of the moment.
Tips for Parking at Philadelphia Airport
Being well organized is invaluable at a busy location such as PHL. From choosing the correct lot for your flight time to not needing to run for money or a parking spot when you arrive on the airport property, these are some of the practical tips you can use to avoid common headaches.
Reserve online, particularly during holidays, in summer months or in the lead up to significant local events. The following tips will help you park at Philadelphia Airport:
Avoid a long walk or another shuttle transfer onto your lot by matching your lot with your terminal before you arrive.
Allow additional time to get on and off I-95 near the airport, especially during weekday rush hour.
When you park your car in a parking lot or garage, take a picture of it so you don't have to search for it after a long flight.
Some lots may have better weekly prices; not just daily prices.
If you are thinking about paying for parking, find out if your credit card or airline membership has a parking benefit.
Doing a little research the night before to find out the Philadelphia Airport parking rates can save real money, particularly on longer trips.
Conclusion
Philadelphia airport parking can be stressful, unless you are familiar with the options and the layout. From a garage door just outside the terminal to the Economy Lot or a private, off-site operator to a specialty lot such as the Cell Phone Waiting Lot or the AAdvantage Cardmember Lot, PHL has a lot to offer travelers of all kinds and budgets. It's best to plan ahead, compare prices, find out about the shuttle time, and reserve a spot online before your travel date. Investing a few minutes in research can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress the next time you fly out of Philadelphia International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
The economy lot is normally the most affordable on-airport choice with at this time $18 per day, and free 24-hour move-on to any terminal.
Parking rates at the various facilities in PHL are different: Economy charges $18 per day, garages up to $32 per day and short term parking charges up to $54 per day.
The most convenient parking will depend on your journey. Economy is best for budgeting purposes, and garages each provide covered parking and direct access to terminals via pedestrian walkways.
PHL reports that Garage C is closed for upgrading; alternate parking should be used and extra time should be given when arriving at the airport. Garages A, B, D, E/F, and Economy Parking are currently open.
Yes, economy is the most budgeted parking option at PHL Airport and thus fills quickly. It has 4,200 spaces, and it is first come first served. You can book online to ensure that you have a seat at PHL.
There is a flat daily rate for up to 24 hours of parking at PHL Economy Parking, which is ideal for short and long-term stays.