Buses to and from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Philadelphia International (PHL) is one of the best gateways to the city of Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. It has all the facilities needed by passengers and a large number of ground transportation options are available. The airport is also located quite nearby to the city centre, and has a few large roads in its vicinity for easy access. The Philadelphia International Airport buses, both local and private, are an excellent way to travel to or from the airport. They are reasonably priced and offer a quick and stress-free journey. A variety of bus services are available, from and to several convenient locations in the city.

PHL is an airport with seven terminal buildings which are recognised as seven concourses. Many are quite close by to one another, however, shuttle buses are required as well for transfers. Buses are therefore used on the airport grounds as well, and not only for transport into the city. They are free of charge and operated by US Airways, one of the airline companies for which the airport is a hub location. The shuttles are found on the secure-side of the airport, and run between Terminals A-East/A-West and Terminal F, since that Terminal F is further from the other airport buildings. There are also shuttle routes available between Terminal F and Terminals B and C, and from the terminals to the Economy Parking Lot.

If a terminal transfer is required from Terminal F, passengers will make their way to Gate F-14 for a connection to Terminal C (Gate 16). This shuttle is also convenient for Terminal B and for Gate A-1 for connections to Terminals A-East and A-West. In the alternative direction, passengers will wait nearby Gate C-16 and Gate A-1 for the free shuttle travelling to Terminal F. Passengers in wheelchairs have access to special airport buses that are able to accommodate for their needs. These buses are operated by First Transit, which can be contacted at 215-365-3477. The airport buildings are also completely accessible to persons with disabilities, as there are suitable restroom facilities, elevators and pavement ramps to higher levels and special parking areas. Assistance is possible to arrange with the airline company concerned as well.

Public Bus Services

SEPTA, or the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, is the company that manages the local transit services of the Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. There are a couple of SEPTA bus routes that are convenient for passengers of the airport. Route 37 travels between the airport and South Philadelphia and the Eastwick and Chester Transportation Centres, while Route 108 is convenient for access to the 69th Street Terminal. A third bus (Route 115) is available to Suburban Square in Ardmore. From all transportation centres served by the airport buses, there are many possible connecting bus routes to various other areas. In the alternative direction as well, the public buses run frequently to the airport.

The SEPTA buses are found in Zone 1 outside of the baggage reclaim areas, and a one-way fare will cost $2.00 per person. Transfers are available for $1.00. Passengers are to pay the exact fare, as no change can be provided, and in cash only. Up to two children under the age of four who are travelling with a fare-paying adult may usually ride for free. The public airport buses are therefore the cheapest form of ground transport available, when compared to private bus services and taxis. However, there are also railway services that are considered very convenient as well, and provide another reasonably priced means of transport.

The SEPTA buses are accessible to persons with reduced mobility challenges, however, in the city of Philadelphia, CCT Connect (Customized Community Transportation) provides a paratransit service to persons who are still unable to use the ordinary buses. A shared-ride program is available as well for senior citizens (over the age of 65) for travel to any area within the city, or within three miles of the city’s border. The Customer Service Division of CCT can be contacted on weekdays at 215-580-7145. In addition, as a benefit to students, transport services from various schools in the area may provide transport to and from the airport during heavy travel periods such as Spring and Thanksgiving Breaks. These schools include the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Swarthmore College, Haverford College and Saint Joseph’s University.

Further details regarding SEPTA’s airport transportation services can be found online, at http://www.septa.org.

Private Bus Services

There are many companies offering private transport from and to Philadelphia Airport. although the Ground Transportation Information representatives of the airport cannot recommend a particular service, they are able to provide a list of all companies that are entitled to offer transport at the airport. Ground Transportation Information desks are found in all the terminal’s baggage claim areas, or they can be contacted at 215-937-6958. A few of the transport services available include AAA Airport One Direct, Call-First Transit, Dave’s Best, Delaware Express, Lady Liberty, Rapid Rover and Tropiano. Advanced reservations are ideal for these services.

Alternatively, passengers who have hotel reservations may like to find out if their place of accommodation provides any transportation services to and from the airport. Hotels nearby airports often have free shuttle services.

Contact the Ground Transportation Information desk for further details regarding Philadelphia International Airport buses.