Phoenix Airport (PHX) Terminal Guide 2026
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the 10 busiest airports in the US — American Airlines' major hub and the gateway to Scottsdale's resorts, Paradise Valley estates, and the sprawling Greater Phoenix metro. PHX now has just two active terminals (Terminal 2 closed in 2020), but they're packed with airlines. Here's everything you need: which terminal, which lounge, and how to reach every Phoenix-area destination.
Terminal 2 Is Permanently Closed
Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminal 2 was permanently closed on June 1, 2020 and is slated for demolition. Only Terminals 3 and 4 are active. If you see older references to Terminal 2 on maps, websites, or booking confirmations, those are outdated. All passengers use Terminal 3 or Terminal 4.
Which Terminal Is Your Airline?
All airlines at Phoenix Sky Harbor, organized by terminal.
| Airline | Terminal | Key Routes | Lounge |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Terminal 4 | DFW, ORD, MIA, CLT, PHL, JFK, LAX — hub airline | Admirals Club (multiple gates T4) |
| United Airlines | Terminal 4 | ORD, IAH, EWR, DEN, SFO, LAX, IAD | United Club (T4) |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal 4 | SEA, LAX, SFO, PDX, SAN, SJC | No lounge at PHX |
| JetBlue Airways | Terminal 4 | JFK, BOS, FLL, SJU, LGB | No lounge |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal 4 | Budget domestic — ORD, DFW, FLL, LAX | No lounge |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal 4 | Budget domestic routes | No lounge |
| Sun Country Airlines | Terminal 4 | Seasonal leisure routes | No lounge |
| British Airways | Terminal 4 | International — London Heathrow | No dedicated lounge |
| Air Canada | Terminal 4 | International — Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver | No lounge |
| Aeromexico | Terminal 4 | International — Mexico City, Guadalajara | No lounge |
| Volaris | Terminal 4 | International — Mexico | No lounge |
| VivaAerobus | Terminal 4 | International — Mexico | No lounge |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 3 | ATL, JFK, LGA, DTW, MSP, BOS, SLC, LAX | Delta Sky Club (T3) |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal 3 | All Southwest domestic routes | No lounge |
| WestJet | Terminal 3 | International — Calgary, Vancouver | No lounge |
Verify terminal assignment with your airline — assignments can shift seasonally.
Terminal 4 — American Airlines Hub & Primary Terminal
Terminal 4 is PHX's largest and busiest terminal, handling American Airlines, United, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and most international carriers. American operates PHX as a focus city (not a full hub like DFW), running nonstops to all major US cities and select international destinations. The terminal was expanded and renovated in recent years, with modern concourses B, C, and D.
American Airlines Admirals Club
Multiple Admirals Club locations in Terminal 4. Access with Admirals Club membership, Business/First class ticket on qualifying international AA flights, or AAdvantage Executive Platinum status.
- • Hot buffet, snacks, full bar
- • Shower suites at select locations
- • Business workstations + WiFi
American Express Centurion Lounge
The Centurion Lounge at PHX is in Terminal 4, widely considered one of the best Centurion Lounges in the US. Features food by a James Beard-nominated local Phoenix chef, open bar, spa treatments, and shower suites.
- • Access: Amex Platinum or Centurion Card
- • Guest fee: $75/person for Platinum cardholders
- • Local Arizona cuisine + craft cocktails
- • Showers available — reservation recommended
United Club
United Club in Terminal 4. Access with United Club membership or MileagePlus Premier 1K/Global Services status.
- • Snacks, light fare, full bar
- • Business workstations + WiFi
- • No shower suites at PHX United Club
Terminal 4 Quick Facts
- • Concourses B, C, D within Terminal 4
- • 90+ gates total in Terminal 4
- • PHX Sky Train connects to rental car center
- • International arrivals: Customs in Terminal 4
- • Food hall includes local Arizona brands
- • Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club (opening 2025/26)
Terminal 3 — Delta & Southwest
Terminal 3 is PHX's second active terminal, handling Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, WestJet, and several other carriers. Terminal 3 underwent a complete renovation completed in 2019, making it a modern, spacious terminal with better amenities than its age would suggest.
Airlines in Terminal 3
- Delta Air Lines: Nonstops to ATL, JFK, LGA, BOS, DTW, MSP, SLC, LAX, SFO
- Southwest Airlines: All Southwest routes — massive presence at PHX
- WestJet: Calgary, Vancouver (international)
- Seasonal/charter carriers
Terminal 3 Lounges
- Delta Sky Club: Terminal 3, post-security. Access with Sky Club membership, Amex Platinum on Delta flights, or day passes. One of the better Sky Clubs in the Southwest.
- The Club PHX: Terminal 3. Priority Pass access. Standard lounge with drinks and snacks.
PHX Sky Train & Valley Metro Rail
The PHX Sky Train is a free automated people mover that connects Terminal 3, Terminal 4, the rental car center, and the 44th Street/Washington Valley Metro Rail station. From the light rail station, you can reach downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
| Destination | How to Get There | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Phoenix (City Hall) | PHX Sky Train → 44th St light rail → west | ~25 min | $2.00 |
| Tempe / ASU campus | PHX Sky Train → 44th St → east via light rail | ~15 min | $2.00 |
| Chandler | PHX Sky Train → 44th St → south via light rail | ~35 min | $2.00 |
| Mesa | PHX Sky Train → 44th St → east via light rail | ~25 min | $2.00 |
| Scottsdale | No light rail — taxi, rideshare, or car service | 20–35 min | $65–$95 |
| Paradise Valley | No light rail — car service only | 25–40 min | $75–$110 |
| Sedona | No transit — car service or rental car | ~2 hrs | $200–$280 |
Light Rail Does NOT Reach Scottsdale
The Valley Metro Rail light rail system does not serve Scottsdale — Scottsdale has repeatedly declined to join the regional rail network. For all Scottsdale resort, hotel, and business destinations, your options are taxi, rideshare (surge pricing common), or pre-booked car service. Detailed Drivers covers all Scottsdale destinations at flat rates.
Resort & Luxury Transfers from PHX
Phoenix Sky Harbor is the gateway to some of America's most prestigious resort destinations — Scottsdale's 5-star resorts, Paradise Valley estates, and Sedona's red-rock retreats. Car service is the appropriate ground transportation for these destinations.
| Destination | Distance | Sedan | SUV | Sprinter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Scottsdale / Hotels | 12 mi | $65–$80 | $85–$110 | $140–$175 |
| Scottsdale Fashion Square area | 13 mi | $65–$80 | $85–$110 | $140–$175 |
| North Scottsdale (DC Ranch, Kierland) | 18 mi | $75–$95 | $95–$125 | $155–$195 |
| Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 22 mi | $80–$100 | $105–$135 | $165–$205 |
| Four Seasons Troon North | 25 mi | $85–$110 | $110–$145 | $175–$215 |
| The Phoenician | 10 mi | $60–$75 | $80–$100 | $130–$160 |
| Paradise Valley (Sanctuary, Hermosa Inn) | 14 mi | $70–$90 | $90–$115 | $145–$185 |
| Andaz Scottsdale at Camelback Inn | 12 mi | $65–$80 | $85–$110 | $140–$175 |
| Downtown Phoenix / Convention Center | 5 mi | $45–$60 | $60–$80 | $100–$130 |
| Tempe / ASU / Tempe Marketplace | 7 mi | $50–$65 | $65–$85 | $110–$140 |
| Mesa | 15 mi | $65–$80 | $85–$105 | $140–$170 |
| Chandler / Gilbert | 20 mi | $75–$95 | $95–$120 | $155–$190 |
| Glendale / State Farm Stadium | 18 mi | $70–$90 | $90–$115 | $145–$180 |
| Sedona | 115 mi | $200–$260 | $255–$320 | $360–$440 |
| Tucson / Westward Look | 120 mi | $215–$270 | $270–$330 | $375–$455 |
Rates are estimates. Contact Detailed Drivers: (888) 420-0177.
Phoenix Events & Airport Transportation
Phoenix hosts several major annual events that create significant airport congestion and surge pricing.
Super Bowl (when in PHX/Glendale)
February (rotates)
Extreme — 2023 Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Airport overwhelmed. Pre-book car service months in advance.
WM Phoenix Open (Waste Management)
Late January / early February
High — world's most-attended golf tournament. 700,000+ attendees. TPC Scottsdale is 22 miles from airport.
Spring Training (Cactus League)
February–March
Moderate sustained — 15 MLB teams, 20+ stadiums across Phoenix metro. Snowbirds + baseball fans flood the valley.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
Third week of January
Moderate — WestWorld of Scottsdale. High-net-worth attendees, private aviation + commercial arrivals peak simultaneously.
PHX Airport FAQs
How many terminals does Phoenix Sky Harbor have?
Phoenix Sky Harbor has two active terminals: Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Terminal 2 was permanently closed in June 2020. Terminal 4 is the primary terminal handling American Airlines, United, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and most international carriers. Terminal 3 handles Delta, Southwest, and WestJet.
What terminal is American Airlines at PHX?
American Airlines is in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor. American is PHX's dominant carrier with nonstops to all hub cities. The Admirals Club has multiple locations in Terminal 4, and the Amex Centurion Lounge is also in Terminal 4.
Is there a light rail from Phoenix airport?
Yes — the PHX Sky Train (free people mover) connects Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 to the 44th Street/Washington Valley Metro Rail station. From there, the light rail reaches downtown Phoenix (~25 min), Tempe/ASU (~15 min), and Mesa. Note: the light rail does NOT serve Scottsdale.
How do I get from Phoenix airport to Scottsdale?
Scottsdale is 12–25 miles northeast of PHX (depending on your hotel). The drive takes 20–35 minutes. There is no direct light rail to Scottsdale. Options: taxi, rideshare (surge pricing common), or pre-booked black car service. Car service from PHX to Old Town Scottsdale runs $65–$80 for a sedan. North Scottsdale resort area runs $85–$110.
How much does car service from PHX to Scottsdale cost?
Car service from Phoenix Sky Harbor to Scottsdale costs $65–$80 (sedan) to Old Town Scottsdale and $85–$120 (SUV) to the North Scottsdale resort corridor (Fairmont Princess, Four Seasons Troon North). Detailed Drivers offers flat-rate transfers at (888) 420-0177.
What happened to Phoenix Airport Terminal 2?
Terminal 2 was permanently closed on June 1, 2020. The closure was accelerated by COVID-19 and the completion of Terminal 3 renovations. Terminal 2 opened in 1962 and was one of the oldest in-use airport terminals in the US. Only Terminals 3 and 4 are now active.
What lounges are at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
Terminal 4: American Airlines Admirals Club (multiple locations), Amex Centurion Lounge (one of the best in the US), United Club. Terminal 3: Delta Sky Club, The Club PHX (Priority Pass). Terminal 4 has superior lounge options overall.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at PHX?
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) pickup at PHX is in the TNCs (Transportation Network Company) lot adjacent to each terminal. At Terminal 4, follow signage to the TNC staging area outside baggage claim. Surge pricing is common during Super Bowl week, Spring Training weekends, and WM Phoenix Open. Pre-booking car service avoids surge entirely.
Book Your Phoenix Airport Transfer
Detailed Drivers provides premium black car and chauffeur service from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to every Scottsdale resort, Paradise Valley estate, Tempe hotel, and Greater Phoenix destination. Flat-rate pricing, flight tracking, professional chauffeurs — available 24/7. Especially important during Super Bowl, WM Phoenix Open, and Spring Training when rideshare surge pricing skyrockets.