Should You Rent a Car in Phoenix? A Complete Visitor Guide

Phoenix Car Rental Guide: Best ways to Get Around Phoenix

Phoenix is always surprising. The largest city in Arizona and one of the biggest in the nation, Phoenix is less about sun-soaked deserts and rolling tumbleweeds than it is about thriving nightlife, fascinating neighborhoods, and a lively arts district. With that said, Phoenix is also known for its access to outdoor recreation, and with mild winters and blisteringly hot summers, it’s a place where you’ll want to see as much as you can.

One thing Phoenix doesn’t have, though, is the well-developed public transit network you’ll see in cities like New York or Boston. This is a place where the car is king, and renting a vehicle is the absolute best way to get around and experience everything Phoenix has to offer.

Phoenix is known for urban sprawl, and while downtown Phoenix is served by public transportation, including the Valley Metro Rail light rail system that runs through downtown and out to Tempe and Mesa, many visitors choose to rent a car to get around. In this article, we're going to look at your options for bus, train, and rental cars. Here's everything you need to know about getting around Phoenix.

Getting From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, often simply called Sky Harbor or PHX, is the gateway to the city for millions of travelers every year. The airport is close to downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and several freeways, making it one of the most convenient airports in the Southwest.

To reach the city from the airport, you have several options:

• A shuttle service
• Taxis
• Buses
• Valley Metro Rail
• Ride-hailing services like Uber, Lyft, and Waymo self-driving cars
• Rental cars

The PHX Sky Train connects the airport terminals to the rental car pickup area and the Valley Metro Rail station.

Using Light Rail from the Airport

It would probably be fair to call the Valley Metro Rail system the crown jewel of Phoenix's public transport system. It connects the airport not just to downtown, but also to Tempe, Mesa, and Arizona State University. That makes it a practical and affordable option for people who don't mind staying in the downtown area or don't want to deal with traffic and parking. However, relying only on public transit means you won't be able to explore outlying areas like Old Town Scottsdale, Chase Field, or greater Phoenix as easily.

Basically, the further you get from the urban core, the more limited public transit becomes.

Is Phoenix Easy to Navigate Without a Car?

You can get by in Phoenix without a car, but it depends on what you plan to do.

If you're staying downtown and intend to mostly visit restaurants, bars, museums, and sporting venues, you don't need to drive. The light rail system, buses, taxis, or even a rental bike may be all you need to get around.

But because the city sprawls so much, the distance between attractions can start to eat into your time. Plus, the cost of public transit will add up, even for short trips around downtown,

For those who want to enjoy the hiking trails or neighboring towns like Glendale and Scottsdale, a car makes more sense.

Ride-sharing in Phoenix

One way to bridge the gap between public transportation and car rental in Phoenix is to take advantage of local rideshare options. Uber, Lyft, and Waymo all operate in Phoenix alongside the city's taxi industry, and these services offer convenience for longer journeys or for visiting places not accessible by light rail.

However, these services are often not the cheapest option. Surge pricing is common during busy times, including sports events, and in this sprawling city, getting to and from the top attractions can mean spending a lot. If you're planning multiple day trips or want the freedom to get around town on your own schedule, a rental car can be an inexpensive and convenient way to cover the many square miles of the spread-out metro area.

Why We Recommend Renting A Car

Transportation options like the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offer a tourist-friendly option that makes it easy to get around. But there's no getting past the fact that Phoenix is a city built for cars. Outside the downtown core, it's one suburb after another, and many attractions don't lie along the light rail or public transit systems.

It's also true that Phoenix is a good city to drive in. The city's grid system makes it easy to navigate even for first-timers, and parking is easier to find than in places like LA or San Diego.

Hiring a car gives you access to places you might not reach any other way. Day trips and nature excursions become easier, and a rental car allows you to plan your trip on your own schedule, instead of being restricted to transit schedules.

And don't forget the heat. It can be ferocious in summer, and traveling in an air-conditioned car is far more pleasant than sweating at a bus stop.

Best Day Trips from Phoenix

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Phoenix is how many incredible Arizona destinations are just a few hours’ drive away. Renting a car opens up everything from red rock deserts to mountain towns and historic Wild West communities.

Sedona

Sedona might be the most popular day trip from Phoenix, known for its dramatic red rock scenery and scenic hiking trails. You can explore the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon or browse local art galleries. And the magnificent Red Rock Scenic Byway is the perfect end to a classic Arizona road trip.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff offers a completely different atmosphere from the desert around Phoenix. Sitting at a high elevation, it offers cooler temperatures, pine forests, breweries, and access to hiking trails that feel worlds away from the Valley heat.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale sits right next to Phoenix, but it works as an easy day trip if you’re staying in the metro area. Old Town Scottsdale is packed with restaurants, nightlife, boutique shopping, and resorts, so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon and evening.

Jerome

If you’re looking for a trip back in time, Jerome might be what you’re after. It’s a former mining town built into the mountainside between Phoenix and Sedona, and is known for historic buildings, quirky shops, wine tasting rooms, and sweeping desert views.

The Grand Canyon

Believe it or not, the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park is technically possible as a long day trip from Phoenix. Most visitors focus on the South Rim, stopping at scenic viewpoints and walking trails before returning south in the evening or staying overnight nearby.

Should You Rent a Car in Phoenix?

For many travelers, the answer is yes.

If your plans include:

• Day trips
• Multiple neighborhoods
• Hiking
• Resorts
• Surrounding cities
• Flexible scheduling

Then choosing a rental car is usually the easiest solution.

Travelers staying entirely within Downtown Phoenix or Tempe may be able to rely on transit, shuttle connections, Uber, Lyft, and the light rail system instead. But because attractions are spread around Phoenix rather than being concentrated in one compact center, having your own transportation can improve your overall experience dramatically.

Phoenix makes a perfect base for day trips, excursions, and further exploration of a fascinating part of the country. Renting a car just makes that so much easier. And with good deals available from major suppliers, renting a car can be surprisingly affordable, too.