Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the primary airport for the Phoenix metropolitan area and the busiest airport in Arizona.
The airport is located just 3 miles (5 km) east of downtown Phoenix, making it one of the closest major airports to its respective city.
In 2024, PHX set a new record, surpassing 52 million annual passengers, marking a 7.5% increase over 2023. This ranked it among the first 15 airports in the USA.
Major Airlines - American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
PHX serves as a major hub for American Airlines, which operates more than 6000 flights per month, serving over 100 destinations.
Nonetheless, Southwest Airlines, of which Phoenix is an important operating base, carries more passengers monthly and thus commands a slightly larger market share. Southwest flies to more than 60 destinations from PHX.
Sky Harbor Airport is also an operating base for Frontier Airlines, which flies around 500 flights monthly to more than 20 destinations across the USA.
Other low-cost carriers at PHX include Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Allegiant Air, the Mexican Volaris, and the Canadian WestJet.
Legacy carriers like Delta, United, and Alaska also have a significant presence at Phoenix Airport and operate regular flights to their respective hubs throughout the country.
Top domestic routes include Denver, Seattle, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
Additionally, various international airlines link Phoenix to the world at large. These include British Airways, Air Canada, Aeroméxico, and Air France.
Click here to see a full list of airlines at Phoenix Airport.
Terminal Layout and Gates of PHX
PHX has two active terminals: Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Terminals 1 and 2 are retired, but the numbering convention still holds.
Terminal 3 has 27 gates and is used by most domestic or precleared arrivals. Carriers such as Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, United, Spirit, and Sun Country use Terminal 3.
Terminal 4, the larger of the two with 92 gates, is dominated by American Airlines and Southwest. It also receives all non-pre-cleared international flights.
The free PHX Sky Train, an automated people mover operating 24/7, links all terminals, plus the Rental Car Center, East Economy Parking, and the Valley Metro Rail station. Trains run every 3-5 minutes.
Note that the PHX Sky Train is landside and requires leaving the secure area of the airport to ride it if you have just landed.
Covered walkways also provide alternate pedestrian access.
Connecting Flights and Transit
Transfers at PHX are very easy within the same terminal. You may remain within the secure area (airside) if you have a connecting flight with the same airline. For flights with different airlines with a different PNR code, luggage recheck and re-security screening may be required.
For cross-terminal connections between T3 and T4, use the Sky Train. It will take you approximately 5 minutes plus a short walk to reach your new gate. However, the Sky Train is located landside and will require you to clear Security on your way out and the way in.
International arrivals must re-check luggage, even if the next flight is with the same airline. This excludes pre-cleared flights, which are treated like domestic arrivals.
Allow 60 to 90 minutes for connections under normal conditions.
During longer layovers, you can easily hop to the city and explore the sights. Click here to find out the best things to do in Phoenix.
WiFi at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, including public areas and lounges. The SSID is Free PHX Boingo WiFi. After you select the network, you need to launch your browser and complete the short registration procedure.
The network is not limited in time or bandwidth, but if you want a faster and more dedicated connection, lounges typically offer private networks.
Lounges at PHX
PHX offers 10 lounges, 7 of which are open to anyone who pays for a day pass.
American Airlines maintains 3 Admirals Clubs, all within Terminal 4:
Above gates A7 and A9, open from 5:30 AM until 12:30 AM.
Near gate A19, open from 3:30 AM until 8:30 PM.
Above gates B5 and B7, open from 5:30 AM until 8:30 PM.
Premium fliers with AA can enter for free, while everyone else can use AAdvantage miles or pay $79 in cash to enter.
Also in Terminal 4 are:
Centurion Lounge (7 AM - 8 PM, located across from gate B21). Accessible to eligible credit card holders.
Escape Lounge (5 AM - 10 PM, located across from gate B21). Its entrance fee is the cheapest of all lounges at PHX at just $45 at the door ($40 if pre-booked). Does not accept Priority Pass (the one in T3 does).
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (4:30 AM - 10:30 PM). Non-members can enter for a fee of $100. Accepts Priority Pass too.
USO for military personnel. Located on the east end of Level 2, landside (outside Security). Welcomes active military daily from 7 AM until 7 PM.
In Terminal 3, the following lounges welcome travelers:
Delta Sky Club (near Gate F8): Only for qualifying members.
United Club (near Gate E3): Day pass costs $59.
Escape Lounge (at the E/F intersection, 4:30 a.m.–10 p.m.). Accepts Priority Pass, otherwise same entrance fee as the other one - $45/$40.
Dining Options Phoenix Sky Harbor
Many dining options exist at PHX, both before and after Security. Few are open 24/,7 especially within the Secure area, as they usually remain open only while there are flights leaving and landing.
You will find some restaurants and grab-and-go food stations open 24 hours on the landside, although choices are much more limited than airside.
Both terminals have a lot of options for different budgets and tastes. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink at Phoenix Airport:
In Terminal 3, notable spots include:
Ajo Al’s: Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, near Gate E4.
Scramble: A wide selection of breakfast and lunch favorites near Gate E4.
Tarbell’s The Tavern: An upscale restaurant with some surprising and unique meals on the menu. Find it near Gate F6.
SanTan Brewing Company: A local beer and pub cuisine near Gate F6.
Half Moon Empanadas: Located near Gate E7.
In Terminal 4, some of the best options are:
Blue Mesa Tacos: Fast-casual Mexican joint where you build/customize your own meal. Find near Departures on Level 3.
Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar: Browse their global list of wines to enjoy before Security.
Wildflower Bread Company: Also before Security, it’s worth checking out their deep selection of breads and sandwiches.
Zinc Brasserie Grab and Go: If you’re in a hurry and want something easy, take a pit stop near Gate A1.
Olive and Ivy: A good option for brunch located near Gate A4.
Dilly’s Deli: A nice cafe serving sandwiches, salads, desserts, and more. Find it near Gate A17.
Transportation to and from PHX Airport
The PHX Sky Train is central to the airport’s transportation connectedness. It links the terminals with the Rental Car Center, parking lots, and the Valley Metro Rail at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train station. The Sky Train is accessible 24/7 and operates free of charge.
The Valley Metro Rail serves Alhambra, Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, with single tickets costing $2. A day pass for unlimited rides costs $4.
An alternative is Route 13 of the Valley Metro Bus. It connects the Airport’s Operations building west of Terminal 3 and Buckeye Road near the Estrella Commerce Center, where you can change for bus route 0 to Downtown Phoenix.
Valley Metro bus route 44 runs from the 44th Street PHX Sky Train station north to Desert Ridge, serving Washington too.
Standard options like taxis, rideshare, and shuttles operate curbside at both terminals. The taxi rate to downtown Phoenix is a flat $17. For information about private transfers, click here.
Lastly, car rentals are available at the Rental Car Center, located within its own building at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South. Discover good deals for renting a car.
Parking at PHX
PHX offers multiple parking garages, connected to the terminals via the Sky Train or walking paths.
The first hour costs $6 at any of the parking lots, with each additional 30 minutes costing $3. Long-term rates differ depending on the garage (see below).
The parking options include:
West Economy Garage: daily maximum $19.
Park & Walk: Seasonal garage open depending on demand. Daily maximum capped at $10.
Terminal Garages (for T3 & T4): Close to their respective terminals and convenient for short stays. The high daily rate of $33 makes them a bad choice for long stays.
East Economy Garages: Daily rate capped at $19.
East Economy Lot: An uncovered economy option costing $16 per day.
24th Street Station Garage: Daily rate $16.
There is also valet service at $18 per hour or $43 per day, and premium parking in the T3/T4 garages at $37 per day.
If you’re just picking up passengers and waiting under 30 minutes, take advantage of the three free Cell Phone Waiting Lots. They are open 24 hours and are located east and west of the airport, as well as near the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station.
Hotels near Phoenix Airport
There are no hotels located within the airport grounds. Still, the closest accommodation option is just over a mile away, and most airport hotels offer a courtesy shuttle bus to/from the terminal anyway.
Most airport hotels around PHX have 2- or 3-star ratings. Many are located just southwest of the intersection between State Routes 143 and 202, just north of the airport. Examples there include the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport and the Residence Inn Phoenix Airport.
You can also find hotels south of the airport, just after the Salt River bridge. A standout example is the Hilton Phoenix Airport, which receives good reviews from most travelers.
Phoenix, AZ, USA
