Introduction — Flying in or out of Philadelphia? Here’s What You Should Know
Whether you’re planning a trip to the historic heart of Pennsylvania or heading out of town for a vacation, knowing your airport options can save you time, stress, and even money.
While Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the primary hub for the region, it’s not the only airport within reach. There are several alternative airports near Philadelphia that might offer better fares, shorter lines, or more convenient routes depending on where you’re coming from or going to.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the major airports near Philadelphia, complete with pros, cons, distance from the city, transportation options, and insider tips — so you can make the smartest travel decision possible.
1. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) — The Main Hub
Location & Overview
- 📍 Distance from downtown: ~7 miles southwest
- 🛫 Airlines: American Airlines (main hub), Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit, and more
- ✈️ Type: International & domestic
PHL is the largest and busiest airport in Pennsylvania, and one of the busiest on the East Coast. It serves over 30 million passengers per year and offers non-stop flights to over 130 destinations, including international cities in Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Pros of PHL
- Extremely well-connected
- Easy access via public transportation (SEPTA Airport Line)
- Wide range of airlines and destinations
- Plenty of food and shopping options
Cons of PHL
- Can be crowded and busy, especially during holidays
- Occasional delays due to weather or air traffic
- Security lines can be long during peak hours
2. Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) — A Budget-Friendly Option
Location & Overview
- 📍 Distance from downtown Philadelphia: ~34 miles northeast
- 🛫 Airlines: Frontier Airlines
- ✈️ Type: Regional, domestic
Located in Ewing, New Jersey, Trenton-Mercer Airport is a small but growing airport that serves the Philly and Central Jersey region. It’s popular among travelers looking for cheap domestic flights.
Pros of TTN
- Small and easy to navigate
- Minimal lines and quick boarding
- Often lower fares for select routes
- Parking is cheaper and closer to terminals
Cons of TTN
- Very limited flight options (mostly East Coast and Florida)
- Only one airline (Frontier)
- No public transit access — must drive or take taxi/rideshare
3. Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) — Quiet and Coastal
Location & Overview
- 📍 Distance from downtown Philadelphia: ~56 miles southeast
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit Airlines
- ✈️ Type: Regional, low-cost domestic
ACY is a smaller airport located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, near Atlantic City. While not very busy, it offers low-cost flights to popular vacation destinations like Florida.
Pros of ACY
- Very short wait times
- Cheap airfare (especially to Florida)
- Stress-free boarding experience
- Great for South Jersey residents
Cons of ACY
- Limited destinations and flights
- Almost no international service
- Public transport is limited — driving is easiest
4. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — Major Hub Nearby
Location & Overview
- 📍 Distance from downtown Philadelphia: ~80 miles northeast
- 🛫 Airlines: United hub + dozens of international airlines
- ✈️ Type: Major international airport
Located in Newark, NJ, EWR is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and a gateway to the New York metro area. While it’s not exactly “next door,” it’s a solid option if you’re looking for international flights or specific routes.
Pros of EWR
- Huge selection of flights and airlines
- Great for international travel
- United Airlines hub
- Can sometimes find cheaper fares than PHL
Cons of EWR
- Around 1.5–2 hours from Philly by car or train
- Busy and crowded
- Traffic in NYC area can cause delays
5. Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) — Small But Mighty
Location & Overview
- 📍 Distance from Philadelphia: ~60 miles north (Allentown, PA)
- 🛫 Airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, United
- ✈️ Type: Regional
ABE serves the Lehigh Valley region and is a convenient alternative for northern Philadelphia suburbs. Though smaller, it provides good connections to major hubs like Charlotte, Chicago, and Atlanta.
Pros of ABE
- Easy, no-hassle airport experience
- Lower traffic, fast security
- Good for domestic business or leisure travel
Cons of ABE
- Fewer non-stop flights
- No international options
- Requires driving from Philly
Comparing Airports Near Philadelphia
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major options:
| Airport | Distance from Philly | Main Airlines | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHL | 7 miles | Multiple | Major travel, international, convenience |
| TTN | 34 miles | Frontier | Budget flights, no-frills trips |
| ACY | 56 miles | Spirit | Cheap Florida getaways, minimal crowds |
| EWR | 80 miles | United + Intl. | Global flights, alternate fares |
| ABE | 60 miles | Allegiant + Legacy | Small airport ease, quick domestic |
Tips for Choosing the Right Airport
Not sure which airport to fly from or to? Here are some quick tips:
- 💸 On a budget? Check TTN or ACY
- 🌍 Flying internationally? PHL or EWR are best
- 🕒 Hate long security lines? Try ABE or TTN
- 🛣️ Willing to drive a bit to save money? EWR and ABE may surprise you
- 👨👩👧👦 Traveling with kids or seniors? Smaller airports can be less stressful
Final Thoughts — Know Your Options Before You Fly
Philadelphia may only have one major airport, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with just one choice. Depending on your budget, destination, and flexibility, the airports surrounding Philly offer great alternatives that could make your travel smoother — or cheaper.
So the next time you’re booking a flight, don’t just go with default settings.
Check your airport options, compare travel time and prices, and make the choice that’s right for you.
Travel smart, fly smoother — and maybe even save a little money while you’re at it
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