How to get around in Phoenix?
What are the best ways to get around in Phoenix?
How to get around in Phoenix? One of the most common question when traveling to a new city. Figuring out how to get around efficiently and cost effectively is important when traveling to a new city. Visiting a new city can be a ton of fun, but pricey if you don't know your way around. We have created a list of some of the most popular transportation options available in Phoenix during your sports trip. Plan the ultimate trip with the help of our travel experts and don't get caught unprepared when traveling to a new city!
By far, the best way to get around Phoenix is by car. Many of Phoenix’s attractions are fairly spread out, as well as nearby tourist hotspots like Sedona which are just outside the city. This might not be a bad thing as the drives are very scenic. Not to mention that the city has organized its streets in a grid, making it simple to navigate. We definitely recommend renting a car while in Phoenix.
How to get around in Phoenix?
Here is a list of options on how to get around in Phoenix:
- Bus
- Valley metro - Not a great option for tourists as the bus system is small compared to how spread out the city is.
- Relatively cheap however, at $2 per ride, $4 for an all day pass
- Shuttle - Keep in mind that many resorts will offer free shuttle service to nearby shopping districts and mountain trails
- Scottsdale Trolley - Scottsdale's free trolley system links residents and visitors to entertainment, restaurants, shopping, schools, parks and health services. Riders can transfer between four trolley routes, the free Tempe Orbit Earth route and Valley Metro bus and routes.
- Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) - Specific bus route within Valley Metro - services Downtown Phoenix and many attractions, sports venues and bars.
- Free Local Area Shuttle (FLASH) - Operates buses around the Arizona State University area.
- Light Rail
- Valley Metro - Most tourist-friendly option if you aren’t renting a car.
- One, 26 mile line that connects Phoenix to Tempe and Mesa.
- Includes stops at top attractions such as the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, Chase Field, Talking Stick Resort Arena and Tempe’s Mill Avenue District.
- Cheapest way to get to Downtown Phoenix from the airport. $2 per ride, $4 for all day pass
- Valley Metro - Most tourist-friendly option if you aren’t renting a car.
- Bikesharing - Although the city is extremely wide, some concentrated parts are great for navigating by bike such as downtown’s Roosevelt Row Arts District.
- Grid Bike Share
- Stations in Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale.
- Bikes can be reserved for $7/hour
- Grid Bike Share
- Rideshare
- Uber
- Lyft
- Car Rental
- Elite Sports Tours can assist you with a car rental reservation during your trip. One of the more efficient ways to get around without racking up huge fees.
- Elite Sports Tours can assist you with a car rental reservation during your trip. One of the more efficient ways to get around without racking up huge fees.
- Taxis
- Can be difficult to hail on the street, best to get one at a hotel.
These are some of the best transportation options when trying to figure out how to get around in Phoenix.
Airport (PHX) to Downtown Phoenix
# of Major Phoenix Airports: 1
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
How to get to and from PHX
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a civil-military public airport 4 miles east of Downtown Phoenix, Arizona. PHX is Arizona's largest and busiest airport serving 46,288,337 passengers in 2019. PHX contributes more than $33 billion to Arizona's economy annually.
Located only a 10 minute drive from Downtown Phoenix, it is quite easy to get to and from PHX. If you are flying in for a Phoenix Suns game, or especially a Arizona Cardinals or Arizona Coyotes game be sure to give yourself some extra time, traffic around any major airport can be unpredictable and you don’t want to risk being late to the game!
Below are your best available options for how to get to Downtown Phoenix from PHX so you can start your sports getaway!
- Public Transit: PHX is served by two Valley Metro bus routes. Valley Metro bus Route 13 stops near PHX’s Operations building, west of Terminal 3 and Bus Route 44 connects with PHX at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. The PHX Sky Train is only minutes away from PHX terminals and it provides convenient airport connections to the Valley Metro Rail station at 44th Street and Washington. The PHX Sky Train is free and it runs regularly. The Valley Metro Rail offers access into Phoenix. One fare is only $2.00 USD and the Rail will get you downtown is just over 20 minutes.
- Taxi: There are only three taxi companies that pick up passengers: PHX, AAA/Yellow Cab, Mayflower Cab and VIP Taxi. Taxis can be found outside of Terminal 3 on the North curb, outside door # 7 and outside of Terminal 4 on Level 1, at the North curb outside door # 7 and on the south curb outside door #6. There is a $17 USD minimum charge for trips originating at PHX but the trip downtown shouldn’t run you much more than $30 USD. The first mile is $5 USD and each additional mile is $2.30 USD.
- Sedan Service/Limo: PHX is served by hundreds of car and shuttle service operators providing options ranging from vans to SUV’s and town cars. If you haven’t pre-arranged this service, please see a Guest Service Representative at an Information Counter or a Volunteer Navigator for information on getting a ride. We always recommend pre-arranging this service to make the most of it. Part of the luxury of having a private car is the ease of getting off your flight and going straight to your hotel, not having to stop by the Information Counter to wait. The cost of your journey will depend on a number of factors, but it will most likely be between $50 and $70 USD.
- Rental Car: Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative to secure a rental car for you before your trip! PHX offers a Rental Car Center. The Rental Car Center is located off-site with a shuttle making frequent stops at PHX. You can meet this shuttle every few minutes at the curb on baggage claim levels of each terminal. The cost of your rental car will vary on the length of your trip and your car selection.
- Ride Sharing: PHX is serviced by Uber and Lyft. These services pick up outside of Terminal 3 on the South curb at the west end outside of door #4 and outside of Terminal 4 on the north cub of Level 1 on the far west end outside of door #1 as well as on the south curb on the far east end outside of door #8 (you select either curb when you order). The cost of your ride will depend on a number of factors and it may not always be less expensive than a taxi. Be sure to check the current rate estimate on your app before confirming a ride.
- Airport Shuttles: Be sure to ask your Elite Sports Tours representative about your hotel’s shuttle service, if applicable. Pick-up times can be coordinated by communicating your flight information with your hotel. See a PHX Guest Service Representative at an Information Counter or a Volunteer Navigator for information on requesting a shuttle.
To get to Downtown Phoenix from PHX we highly recommend taking the free Sky Train to the Valley Metro Rail. When taking a ride sharing service or a taxi the price of your ride is dependent on surge charge rates and traffic conditions, as with a cab for each hour of traffic delay you are charged an additional $23 USD. The Valley Metro Rail is always $2.00 and it is always a 20 minute commute, no matter how much traffic may be on the roads.
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