The easiest way to reach the largest city in Arizona is to fly into PHX/Sky Harbor International Airport. Other smaller airports serving the Greater Phoenix region include the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (which primarily deals with Allegiant Air) and the Phoenix Deer Valley airport (located 15 miles north of downtown). Those traveling by car can easily drive into Phoenix via I-10 (East/West) and I-17 from the North.

Flying to Phoenix

Flights from major cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the globe land at Sky Harbor International Airport. Transportation options from the airport include light rail, buses, and taxis. Travelers can also make arrangements for a shuttle van.

The free PHX Sky Train takes passengers from the airport to a nearby Valley Metro station. From there, visitors can take the light rail or a bus from this station to downtown Phoenix. This trip takes approximately 20 minutes. Guests who are staying in the nearby city of Scottsdale can take a bus from this station and transfer to a bus that will take them directly to Scottsdale. The bus ride from the airport to Scottsdale takes between 45 minutes and an hour.

Tip: Taxis stop at each of the airport’s terminals.

By Car

Visitors who want their own transportation while in the area can easily rent a car from one of the several rental car companies at the airport. The PHX sky-train, as well as a rental car shuttle, can take passengers directly from the airport terminals to the rental car offices. Downtown Phoenix is a 10-minute drive northwest of the airport, and the town of Scottsdale is 20 minutes northeast of the airport.

People who are getting to Phoenix by car will find it easy to navigate. Interstate 10 runs through the city from east to west, and Interstate 17 runs through the city from north to south. Both highways connect to other major highways. Travelers driving around Phoenix during their vacation can get around the city without too much difficulty. Several major roads in the metropolitan area go through and around the periphery of the city. Tip: Central Avenue runs north-south through the city. Roads to the east of Central are labeled as Streets, and roads to the west of Central are Avenues.

Public Transportation

Travelers who have vacation rentals near downtown Phoenix can drive to attractions in the area. Light rail and buses also travel from downtown to many of these attractions.

Those who have chosen vacation rentals near Scottsdale’s golf courses and upscale shops will find that most area attractions are within a 30-minute drive. Downtown Phoenix is approximately 12 miles southwest of Scottsdale. Free trolleys run through downtown Scottsdale. Downtown Scottsdale and Old Town Scottsdale are both near Scottsdale Road. Travelers can take Scottsdale Road through the city.

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