Getting Around Phoenix: Do You Need a Rental Car?

Transportation in Phoenix is Different from Other Major Cities

Phoenix didn't have the luxury of building up around a dense urban core, and with limited landscape obstructions, the obvious choice was to build outward. The result? Significant sprawl.

The spread here is good and not-so-good for visitors.

Why Phoenix's Sprawl Can Actually Be a Good Thing

• Wider roads = easier driving for visitors unfamiliar with the city
• Parking is generally abundant
• Overall, the city feels less crowded

The Challenges of Getting Around a Spread-Out City

• Long distances to cover = added time
• Unless you're staying centrally, public transportation is tricky
• Relying too heavily on rideshares can mean escalating costs

Getting To and From the Phoenix Airport

The first thing you need to think about is getting to your accommodation from the airport. Here are the main options:

Light Rail

To get into the city, ride the SkyTrain from Terminal 4 (level 3) or Terminal 3. And the best news? It's free.

Exit the Skytrain at 44th St/Washington light rail station. From here, you can connect to any station on the Valley Metro's A Line light rail system.

Rideshares and Taxis

In Phoenix, the most popular rideshare services are Uber and Lyft. Waymo's self-driving cars operate here, too.

At Terminal 3, rideshares are permitted to pick up on the north and south curbs in designated areas. The best bet is the far east end of both.

At Terminal 4, head to level 1 and the area outside door #1, 2, 6, or 8 and follow the signs.

Phoenix Airport Car Rentals

At PHX Airport, the car rental center is a separate building between 16th and 24th Street.

So, What Are the Best Ways to Get Around Phoenix?

1. Car Rentals

Think of it this way: if you don't have a rental car in Phoenix, you'll have a hard time getting to sought-after spots like:

• Resorts and golf courses in Scottsdale (and other day trip destinations)
• Out-of-the-way Cactus League spring training stadiums for baseball fans
• Scenic desert hiking trails, like Echo Canyon and Camelback Mountain
• The Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, Tempe nightlife, and Scottsdale shopping

Luckily, Phoenix car rentals don't have to break the bank, so there's no excuse not to explore.

Choose a Phoenix car rental if:

• You want the ultimate in flexibility
• You're staying outside downtown
• Day trips to nearby cities appeal to you
• You're traveling in a group

2. Public Transportation

We need to set expectations here: Although Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the US, the public transportation system doesn't compare to heavyweights like New York or Chicago. Other than the DASH system (the Downtown Area Shuttle) that operates, you guessed it, Downtown, your choices are the light rail and buses, both operated by Valley Metro.

Pay your fare in a variety of ways:

• At the light rail station ticket machines
• In cash on the bus (no cards accepted)
• Through the Valley Metro app
• Using a reloadable Copper Card (maximum fare of $4/day on regular routes)

The Valley Metro system will work fairly well if:

• You're staying primarily in Downtown Phoenix
• You're not pressed for time and don't mind the heat
• You don't plan to visit many suburban areas or hiking trails

3. Relying on Rideshares

Getting by with Uber or Lyft is workable for shorter stays centered around downtown Phoenix. Note that although Phoenix is spread out, traffic and surge pricing still happen. Prices might also seem high to get from A to B because they're based on distance.

Go the rideshare route if:

• You don't want to pay hotel parking fees
• You're planning nightlife (including a few drinks) in Scottsdale or Tempe
• You expect minimal trips per day

Driving in Phoenix: What Every Visitor Should Know

When you picture big city traffic, it's a relief to know that in Phoenix, traffic tends to be more manageable. Rush hour times are typical here: 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6:30 pm.

Nearby freeways help you get where you're going faster without the added expense of tolls:

• Loop 101 (Arizona State Route 101), which “loops” the Phoenix metro area.
• Loop 202 (Arizona State Route 202), which circles the southern and eastern metro areas.
• I-10, which connects Phoenix with southern Tucson.

Parking in Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale

In the suburbs, parking is straightforward, and in Scottsdale and Downtown Phoenix, use hotel garages, paid lots, and metered street parking ($1.50/hour).

Dealing with the Desert Heat

Until you've experienced the extreme heat in Arizona, you may be tempted to downplay it. Don't. Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F (43°C). That's hard on you, but it's also hard on your Phoenix rental car.

• Always bring water
• Don't leave electronics in direct sunlight
• Expect extremely hot steering wheels and seats
• Check that the AC works properly
• Keep an eye on your battery; the hot, dry conditions can wreak havoc

Popular Destinations Around Phoenix

The area around Phoenix is rich with day (and road) trip opportunities. There are six different lakes within about a 75-minute drive, and even the Grand Canyon can be reached at a stretch.

Tempe

Without traffic, you can be enjoying the sights of Tempe within a 20-minute drive of Phoenix. Tempe Town Lake is a fantastic way to beat the heat, and the city has a drool-worthy international food scene.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a popular destination because it has everything. Exciting nightlife, relaxing spas, a quaint Old Town, and plenty of golf. As a bonus, the San Francisco Giants have spring training here.

You'll get to Scottsdale from Phoenix by car in about 20 minutes. The appeal of Scottsdale is one of the main reasons visitors book a car rental in Phoenix. Otherwise, public transportation involves 2 different buses and takes 80 minutes.

Road Trip North: Sedona and the Grand Canyon

Sedona is a two-hour drive from Phoenix, where you can live it up in the outdoors by renting ATVs, hiking in red rock scenery, and stargazing.

Sedona is a two-hour drive from Phoenix, where you can live it up in the outdoors by renting ATVs, hiking in red rock scenery, and stargazing.

Book a fun RV in Sedona for the night and head out the next day to the Grand Canyon. Or travel in your accommodation with an RV rental in Phoenix. From Sedona, it's another two-hour drive north from Sedona to reach the Southern Rim, but it's totally worth it. And plan a stop in Jerome on the way back. This old copper mining town will transport you to another era entirely.

Does Renting a Car in Phoenix Make Sense?

For most travelers, yes. A car rental in Phoenix offers the freedom to go where you want, not just where public transportation allows. For multiple trips, it's often much cheaper than rideshares and can make sense for groups or even solo travelers. Find the best car and even motorcycle rentals in Phoenix, and once you hit the road, you won't look back!