Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has two active passenger terminals, and Terminal 3 is the home base for 14 airlines — including Delta, United, Alaska, and Frontier. If you're flying out of T3, here are the essentials up front: the security checkpoint is open 24 hours a day, standard waits typically run 10 to 20 minutes, the free PHX Sky Train stops at the terminal on Level 5, and nearby parking ranges from $16 to $43 per day depending on the lot. how early to arrive This guide covers T3's airlines, security options, train access, parking, and arrival and departure tips — plus how a door-to-door shuttle can simplify the entire trip. Tempe to Sky Harbor shuttle door-to-door shuttle options Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminal 4: Complete Traveler Guide
Which Airlines Fly From Terminal 3?
Terminal 3 serves 14 airlines. If your ticket is with any of these carriers, T3 is your terminal:
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Air Canada
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue
- Sun Country Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- Allegiant Air
- Porter Airlines
- Southern Airways Express
- Denver Air Connection
- Advanced Air
Flying with someone else? Terminal 4 hosts American Airlines — PHX's largest hub — along with Southwest, Aeromexico, Air France, British Airways, China Airlines, Contour, STARLUX, Volaris, and WestJet. Sky Harbor's former Terminal 2 closed in 2020, so T3 and T4 are the only terminals in operation. terminal tips and insider hacks Confirming your terminal before leaving home is the easiest way to avoid a wrong-terminal scramble.
Security at Terminal 3: Checkpoint Hours and Wait Times
Checkpoint hours
The Terminal 3 checkpoint is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — a genuine advantage for pre-dawn departures and late-night arrivals. For reference, Terminal 4's checkpoints run on staggered schedules: Checkpoint A is open 24 hours, Checkpoint B from 4:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Checkpoint C from 3:15 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and Checkpoint D from 3:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. And if one line is longer than another, you can use any checkpoint rather than standing in the longest queue.
Typical wait times
Under normal conditions, plan on 10 to 20 minutes to clear security at Sky Harbor. Waits climb to 30 to 45+ minutes during the 5 a.m.–8 a.m. peak, and similar slowdowns appear on holidays and during spring break. If your schedule is flexible, the quietest window is roughly 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Keep in mind that Terminal 4 is PHX's busiest terminal, so T3 screening tends to be the calmer experience.
PHX Reserve: a free reserved spot in the TSA line
PHX Reserve (phx.seamless.aero) lets you book a free TSA-line appointment — no fee, no membership. Reservations are available at the Terminal 3 checkpoint 24/7, and at Terminal 4's Checkpoint A around the clock (checkpoints B, C, and D follow the hours above). One note for trusted travelers: TSA PreCheck hours at PHX are posted for Terminal 4's checkpoints A through D, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., so PreCheck members flying from T3 should verify lane availability before travel day.
PHX Sky Train: Free Access to Terminal 3 on Level 5
The PHX Sky Train is free to ride and runs 24/7. Between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., trains arrive roughly every 3.5 to 7 minutes; overnight service (10 p.m.–5 a.m.) continues at reduced frequency. The T3 station sits on Level 5, connected directly to the terminal, which makes it painless to reach T3 from anywhere on the line.
Stations along the route include:
- 44th St/Washington — the connection point for Valley Metro Rail
- 24th Street — serves the 24th Street parking area
- Terminal 3 — Level 5
- Terminal 4 — Level 3
- Rental Car Center
For T3 travelers, the train answers three common needs: transferring to Terminal 4 without a car, reaching the Rental Car Center without hunting for a shuttle bus, and connecting with Valley Metro Rail at 44th St/Washington.
Parking Near Terminal 3: Rates and Options
Driving yourself? Drive-up parking at Sky Harbor starts at $6 for the first hour, with each additional 30 minutes adding $3. Here's how the daily maximums compare across lots:
- Terminal garages — $33/day, the most convenient self-park option
- Valet — $43/day
- East Economy Garages A & B — $19/day, covered
- East Economy (uncovered) — $16/day, the lowest daily rate
- 24th Street Station — $16/day, served by the Sky Train
- West Economy Garage — $19/day, with a seasonal Park & Walk rate of $10
Worth noting: even the cheapest uncovered lot costs $16 per day, so multi-day trips add up quickly, and the closest garages carry the steepest daily rate. Weigh that against the time spent driving in, hunting for a spot, and hauling bags — it's why many T3 travelers opt for a drop-off at the curb instead.
Tips for Departing From Terminal 3
- Confirm your terminal before you leave. Only T3 and T4 are active — Terminal 2 closed in 2020 — so a quick check of your confirmation email prevents a wrong-terminal detour.
- Plan around security patterns. Aim for the 10 a.m.–2 p.m. lull when possible, and build in extra time for the 5–8 a.m. rush, holidays, and spring break.
- Book a PHX Reserve appointment. It's free, available at the T3 checkpoint around the clock, and removes the biggest variable on crowded days.
- Skip the parking garage. A drop-off at the T3 curb means no $6 first-hour meter, no $16–$43 daily rates, and no searching for your parking level on the way home.
- Use the Sky Train for connections. It's free, runs 24/7, and the Level 5 station connects directly into the terminal.
Tips for Arriving at Terminal 3 — and Picking Someone Up
If you're the one traveling, arriving at T3 is straightforward: follow signs to baggage claim, and use the Level 5 Sky Train station if you're heading to a rental car, Terminal 4, or a Valley Metro Rail connection.
If you're picking someone up, use one of Sky Harbor's three free 24-hour Cell Phone Waiting Lots:
- East Cell Phone Lot — about 90 spaces
- West Cell Phone Lot — about 90 spaces
- 44th Street Station lot — about 25 spaces
Each lot displays real-time flight information so you can time your move to the curb, and drivers are asked to stay with their vehicles. Wait for the arrival status to change, then head over for a quick pickup — no circling the roadway, no meter running.
How a Door-to-Door Shuttle Simplifies the Trip
Everything above — terminal confirmation, security timing, parking math, train transfers — disappears when someone else does the driving. Airport Shuttle of Phoenix provides door-to-door shuttle service to and from PHX, picking you up at your home, hotel, or office and dropping you at the Terminal 3 curb (or meeting you there when you land).
The service covers the Valley and beyond: Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona, and Prescott. Rather than navigating pre-dawn freeway traffic, paying daily parking rates, or rolling luggage onto the Sky Train, you ride from your door to the terminal and back — with no parking fees, no first-hour meters, and no trying to remember where you parked on day six of a trip.
For travelers flying from T3, it's a simple trade: hand off the logistics and start your trip at the front door instead of the parking garage.
Traveling from outside Phoenix proper? Airport Shuttle of Phoenix provides door-to-door service across the Valley and beyond — including the Tempe airport shuttle, the Scottsdale airport shuttle, and the Mesa airport shuttle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly out of Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor?
Terminal 3 hosts 14 airlines: Delta, United, Alaska, Air Canada, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country, Hawaiian, Breeze, Allegiant, Porter, Southern Airways Express, Denver Air Connection, and Advanced Air. American Airlines, Southwest, and carriers such as Aeromexico, Air France, British Airways, and WestJet operate from Terminal 4.
Is the Terminal 3 security checkpoint open 24 hours?
Yes — T3's checkpoint never closes, and PHX Reserve appointments are accepted there 24/7. Typical waits run 10–20 minutes, with 30–45+ minute waits possible during the 5–8 a.m. peak, on holidays, and during spring break.
How do I get between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4?
Ride the free PHX Sky Train, which runs 24/7. The T3 station is on Level 5 and the T4 station is on Level 3; trains arrive roughly every 3.5–7 minutes between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., with reduced frequency overnight.
How much is parking near Terminal 3?
Drive-up parking costs $6 for the first hour and $3 for each additional 30 minutes. Daily maximums range from $16 (uncovered East Economy and the 24th Street Station lot) to $19 (East Economy Garages A & B and the West Economy Garage, with a seasonal $10 Park & Walk rate) to $33 (terminal garages), with valet at $43/day.
When is the best time to go through security at PHX?
The quietest stretch is roughly 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waits are longest between 5 and 8 a.m. and on holidays and spring break — often 30 to 45+ minutes. A free PHX Reserve booking at phx.seamless.aero is the easiest way to shorten the wait.
Can a shuttle pick me up or drop me off at Terminal 3?
Yes. Airport Shuttle of Phoenix offers door-to-door service between Sky Harbor and Valley cities including Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and Surprise, plus longer routes to Tucson, Flagstaff, Sedona, and Prescott. You're picked up at your door and dropped at the terminal curb — no parking fees and no Sky Train transfer with luggage.
Related reading: Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminal 4: Complete Traveler Guide and PHX TSA Wait Times by Hour in our PHX travel series.
Terminal 3 at a Glance: Quick Facts
Short on time? Here's the fast reference most travelers want before they book anything:
| Quick Fact | Terminal 3 (PHX) |
|---|---|
| Airlines | 14 carriers, including Delta, United, Alaska, and Air Canada |
| Security checkpoint | Open 24/7; typical waits 10–20 minutes |
| Sky Train station | Level 5, free to ride, runs 24/7 |
| Light rail connection | Free Sky Train to 44th St/Washington, then Valley Metro Rail |
| Lounges | Delta Sky Club, United Club, Escape Lounge |
| Driving access | Exit Sky Harbor Blvd toward Loop 202; follow Terminal 3 signs |
| Distance to downtown Phoenix | Roughly 4 miles |
| Distance to Scottsdale | Roughly 12–25 miles northeast, depending on your hotel |
Numbers like these change, so treat the table as a planning starting point and confirm details with Sky Harbor's official site on travel day.
Lounges at Terminal 3: Where to Relax Before Your Flight
Terminal 3 hosts three lounges: the Delta Sky Club, the United Club, and the Escape Lounge. United flyers get a small perk here — the United Club is in Terminal 3, not Terminal 4, so American's Admirals Club and the Amex Centurion Lounge live across the airport in T4. The Escape Lounge accepts walk-ins and one-time passes from eligible card programs, which makes it a practical option if you're flying an airline without its own club. Lounge access rules and hours shift, so check your card benefits or the airline app before you count on a pre-flight shower or meal.
Where Pickups Happen at Terminal 3
Every pickup at T3 follows the same logic: arrivals happen on the lower level outside baggage claim, and departures happen on the upper ticketing level. Knowing which curb you need saves a loop around the block on Sky Harbor Blvd.
Rideshare and taxi pickups
If you request an Uber or Lyft, the app will direct you to the designated pickup area outside baggage claim — follow the TNC signage after you collect your bags. Taxis queue at marked stands on the arrivals curb. Peak times push these lines outside quickly, especially when several Delta and United banks of flights land back to back.
Pre-booked shuttle and car service pickups
Pre-booked services work differently: your driver meets you inside at Terminal 3 baggage claim and walks you out, which is the core of the door-to-door shuttle advantage. No circling the arrivals curb, no surge pricing, no dragging luggage across a garage. Flight tracking means the driver adjusts if your inbound flight is late — a real benefit on Arizona-bound routes where delays are common in summer monsoon season.
Getting to Terminal 3 by Shuttle: The Door-to-Door Math
Here's how the trip actually adds up for the most common routes:
- Tempe / ASU: The ride down Loop 202 or the 202 loop around Tempe Town Lake takes roughly 15–20 minutes off-peak. Our Tempe to Sky Harbor shuttle covers this route daily.
- Downtown Phoenix: About 4 miles via the 202, but surface streets like Washington Street offer a backup when freeway traffic stacks up.
- Scottsdale: Roughly 12–25 miles northeast depending on whether you're at Old Town or north Scottsdale, typically via SR 51 or Loop 101.
The math that matters: add up parking costs, the drive in, and the walk from the garage versus a flat-rate door-to-door ride. For multi-day trips, the numbers often favor the shuttle — and someone else handles the 5 a.m. I-10 merge.
How Much Are Resort Transfers from Terminal 3?
Sky Harbor is the gateway to some of Arizona's most famous resort destinations — Scottsdale's five-star resorts, Paradise Valley estates, and day-trip access toward Sedona. As rough estimates (always confirm current pricing when booking), a Business Sedan transfer from PHX to Old Town Scottsdale runs about $190 all-in, with a First Class SUV around $230. Compare that to a week of terminal-garage parking plus a rental car, and pre-booked transfers start looking sensible — especially for resort stays where you won't need a car anyway. Options and tradeoffs are covered in our Sky Harbor tips guide.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Terminal 3 Trip
- Book PHX Reserve for a free TSA appointment if you're traveling during the morning peak.
- Verify PreCheck lanes at T3 before relying on them — posted PreCheck hours at PHX apply to Terminal 4's checkpoints.
- Use the Sky Train between terminals. If you're connecting to an American Airlines flight, the free train runs 24/7 between T3 and T4.
- Check gate changes in your airline app. Gates on both the North and South concourses can shift, and the modernized concourses are a longer walk than the old layout.
- Don't trust old Terminal 2 references. Terminal 2 closed permanently on February 4, 2020, so any map, booking confirmation, or old guide pointing you there is outdated.
- Build in monsoon-season buffer. Summer afternoon storms can slow ground travel across the Valley — pad your arrival window.
Terminal 3 FAQ
How many terminals does Phoenix Sky Harbor have?
Two active terminals: Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Terminal 2 opened in 1962 and was permanently closed on February 4, 2020, following T3's modernization.
What terminal is American Airlines at PHX?
American operates from Terminal 4, along with Southwest, British Airways, and WestJet. Delta and United fly from Terminal 3.
Is there light rail from Phoenix airport?
Not directly — but it's close. Ride the free PHX Sky Train to the 44th St/Washington station, then transfer to Valley Metro Rail. From there, light rail reaches downtown Phoenix in roughly 25 minutes and Tempe/ASU in about 15.
Which airlines fly out of Terminal 3?
Fourteen carriers, including Delta, United, Alaska, Air Canada, Frontier, JetBlue, Sun Country, Hawaiian, Breeze, and Allegiant.
Can I walk between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4?
The terminals are not connected by an indoor walkway — use the free PHX Sky Train, which runs 24/7 with trains every 3.5 to 7 minutes during daytime hours.
Does Terminal 3 have lounges?
Yes — the Delta Sky Club, United Club, and Escape Lounge all operate in Terminal 3.
How far is Terminal 3 from Scottsdale?
Roughly 12–25 miles northeast depending on your destination, with Old Town Scottsdale on the closer end via SR 51 or Loop 101.
