US Airport · Arizona

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States by aircraft movements, handling around 48 million passengers a year across two active terminals (Terminal 3 and Terminal 4) — Terminal 2 closed in 2020 after 60 years of service. PHX is American Airlines' second-largest hub on the West Coast and Southwest's third-largest base. The airport sits four miles east of downtown Phoenix and is connected to the Valley Metro light rail by the PHX Sky Train people-mover, which makes it one of the most transit-friendly airports in the southwestern US. The desert setting means runway operations occasionally pause during summer when temperatures exceed 118°F (48°C) — the maximum certificated operating temperature for some regional jets.

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Terminals at PHX

Terminal 3
Delta, United, Alaska, Air Canada, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Sun Country
Recently rebuilt with a modern central concourse and the Phoenix Modern art installation. Connected to Terminal 4 by the Sky Train (free, 4 minutes).
Terminal 4
American, Southwest, British Airways, Volaris, WestJet, Hawaiian
Largest terminal — handles ~80% of PHX traffic. Concourses A through D, with American on A/B and Southwest on C/D. International arrivals via the FIS on the lower level.

Getting to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Mode Details Cost Frequency
PHX Sky Train + Valley Metro Light RailThe free Sky Train people-mover runs every 3-5 minutes between both terminals and the 44th Street/Washington station, where you transfer to the light rail running north-south to downtown Phoenix and north to central Phoenix.Sky Train free + $2 light railSky Train every 3-5 min
Valley Metro BusRoutes 13 and 44 stop at the airport from various Phoenix neighborhoods; less convenient than light rail but cheaper and slower.$2 single rideEvery 15-30 min by route
Taxi or rideshareDesignated rideshare pickup at the East Economy lot reached via the Sky Train. Downtown Phoenix is 10-15 minutes off-peak.$15-25 to downtownOn demand
Hotel shuttlesMany resort hotels in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix offer free shuttles to PHX. Confirm during booking.Free with hotel bookingVaries

Parking at PHX

Tier Rate Shuttle Best for
East Economy Lot$13/dayFree Sky Train to terminals (~5 min)Trips of 3+ days at the lowest on-airport rate
Terminal 4 Garage$25/dayWalk to Terminal 4Short stays and convenience
Terminal 3 Garage$25/dayWalk to Terminal 3Delta/United departures
Off-airport lots$8-12/dayOperator shuttles 10-15 minLong trips with valet options

Lounges at PHX

American Admirals Club
📍 Terminal 4, Concourse A and Concourse B
Admirals Club membership, AA Citi Executive cardholders, eligible international business
United Club
📍 Terminal 3, near Gate B14
United Club membership, eligible Star Alliance international business
The Club PHX
📍 Terminal 4, Concourse D
Priority Pass, LoungeKey, paid walk-up around $50
Centurion Lounge
📍 Terminal 4, Concourse D Mezzanine
American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders

Top destinations from PHX

Destination Country From
Los Angeles (LAX)United States$79Open route guide →
New York (JFK)United States$249Open route guide →
Miami (MIA)United States$169Open route guide →
Chicago (ORD)United States$169Open route guide →
Las Vegas (LAS)United States$79Open route guide →
Orlando (MCO)United States$169Open route guide →

Airlines at PHX

5 things you didn't know about Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Verified by the CompareFlights team

    Frequently asked about PHX

    How do I get from PHX to downtown Phoenix?

    Take the free PHX Sky Train people-mover from either terminal to the 44th Street/Washington station, then board the Valley Metro light rail south for $2. Total journey is around 25 minutes from gate to downtown. Taxis and rideshares run $15-25 and take 10-15 minutes off-peak.

    Which terminal is American Airlines at PHX?

    American Airlines operates from Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor, primarily from Concourses A and B. PHX is American's second-largest West Coast hub after LAX and the largest mainline operation between Texas and California.

    Why did Terminal 2 close at PHX?

    Terminal 2 closed permanently in February 2020 after operating since 1962. The terminal had become structurally obsolete and was no longer compatible with modern security and accessibility requirements. Its airlines moved to Terminal 3, which had been recently expanded to absorb the additional traffic.

    Can flights be delayed by Phoenix heat?

    Yes, occasionally. Some regional jets have a maximum certificated operating temperature of around 118°F (48°C), and flights can be delayed or canceled when the runway temperature exceeds that. Larger aircraft like the 737 and A320 have higher limits and continue operating in extreme heat. Most Phoenix heat-related delays occur in late afternoon between June and August.

    Nearby airports

    Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA)
    26 mi SE
    Allegiant base; budget alternative with limited national network
    Tucson International (TUS)
    115 mi SE
    Southern Arizona option; American and Delta connections
    Flagstaff Pulliam (FLG)
    145 mi N
    Northern Arizona regional; American connections only