Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) anticipates approximately 400,000 enplaned (outbound) passengers will pass through its terminals during the peak Thanksgiving travel period, November 19-30. Although the holiday is still a few weeks away, the airport wants guests to prepare for their transportation to PHL now.
“Airports across the country are experiencing issues with parking—this is not a problem that is exclusive to PHL,” said PHL CEO Chellie Cameron. “Parking on-site at the airport is going to be a challenge for our passengers. The Economy Lot remains closed, and our onsite garages will fill up rapidly throughout the holiday season.”
Passengers are strongly encouraged to use offsite parking, ride share, public transportation or have a friend or family member drive them to the airport. Those who intend to park at the airport should plan on arriving at least three hours early to ensure enough time to look for garage parking or find an offsite location, while still having time to pass through security and board their flights.
PHL’s parking garages offer almost 12,000 parking spots and PHL's nine offsite parking partners have more than a combined 8,700. PHL’s garage rate is $16 per day when parking for 72 hours or more. Offsite parking partners may offer special rates for guests that register online and reserve space prior to travel.
The airport’s Economy Lot will remain closed and using the Economy Lot for the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is not practical. “Reopening the lot on a temporary basis for a short period of increased passenger demand is not financially or operationally feasible as it would require several months of preparation, including obtaining staff and shuttle buses that would be needed to transport passengers to ticketing,” said Cameron. “It is also not safe to open the lot and have passengers walk to terminals, especially when carrying luggage, traveling with children or traveling when it is dark.”
PHL Parking and Ground Transportation Options
Onsite Garages: Airport garages fill up rapidly, so make sure to plan alternate parking options.
Public Transportation: SEPTA provides convenient train and bus options.
Rideshare: With Uber and Lyft, schedule a ride up to seven days before your flight.
Taxis and Limos: Taxicabs are readily available and provide service from the Philadelphia metro area and surrounding counties.
Drop Off by Friends/Family: Departing passengers should arrive 3 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international.
Offsite parking: Nine private short and long-term lots are located in close proximity to PHL.
