Car Hire
Phoenix Airport

The most straightforward method is to use the PHX Sky Train, a free automated train that connects all terminals to the Rental Car Centre. After collecting your luggage, simply follow the prominent overhead signs for the Sky Train. The platforms are easily accessible via lifts and escalators from the main terminal levels. This train runs 24/7 and is the dedicated transit system, so you can be confident you are heading in the right direction. It’s a quick and efficient ride that eliminates any guesswork or the need to navigate airport roadways on foot.

Fortunately, the route to the Rental Car Centre is nearly identical and equally convenient whether you land at Terminal 3 or Terminal 4. Both terminals have dedicated PHX Sky Train stations located just outside the main building. You will follow the signs from baggage reclaim to the Sky Train platform, and the train will take you directly to the Rental Car Centre. Since the train serves both terminals along its route, your starting point doesn’t change the simple, streamlined process of getting to your car.

During a peak travel time like a weekend afternoon, it’s wise to allow plenty of time for the entire pick-up process. Factoring in deplaning, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for your luggage, and then taking the Sky Train to the Rental Car Centre can take a significant chunk of time. At the centre itself, you may encounter queues at the rental counter, which can vary by company and flight arrival patterns. A realistic expectation is to plan for over an hour from landing to driving, and potentially longer, to ensure a stress-free start to your trip.

The most convenient place to gather your group is in the baggage reclaim area of your arrival terminal. This allows everyone to collect their luggage in one central, pre-security location. You could also designate a specific spot, such as a coffee shop or seating area near the main escalators, as a landmark. Trying to meet at the separate Rental Car Centre can be more complicated, as it’s a large, busy facility. Bringing your group and luggage together at the terminal first makes the subsequent Sky Train trip much smoother.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with luggage and family gear, making the process quite manageable. After collecting your items at baggage reclaim, you can use a luggage trolley to transport everything. From there, look for the lifts to access the PHX Sky Train platform, which are designed to accommodate trolleys, pushchairs, and wheelchairs. The train cars themselves have ample open space for your belongings. This integrated system of trolleys, lifts, and the spacious train ensures a smooth, step-free journey to the Rental Car Centre.

The PHX Rental Car Centre is designed for easy navigation. After exiting the Sky Train, you’ll enter a large lobby with clear overhead directional signs for each rental car company. Once you have completed your paperwork at the counter, your rental agreement will specify which level of the garage your vehicle is on and the approximate bay or row number. The parking garage levels are colour-coded and have large, visible signage, making it straightforward to find the correct lift and locate your assigned vehicle row.

Rather than pulling over on a busy exit road, a much safer option is to use one of the airport’s cell phone waiting lots. These are located just a minute or two from the Rental Car Centre and provide free, designated parking spaces where you can get organised without pressure. Alternatively, you can drive a few blocks away from the airport complex to a nearby shopping centre or petrol station car park. This lets you adjust your mirrors, programme your sat nav, and secure your luggage before tackling major motorways.

Immediately upon exiting the Rental Car Centre, you will be directed towards major motorway interchanges for I-10, Loop 202, and SR-143. The most common point of confusion is the rapid succession of signs and lane splits for these different routes. It’s crucial to know which road you need beforehand and get into the correct lane early. Specifically, the merge onto I-10 East or West requires quick decision-making, so having your navigation app running before you leave the garage is strongly recommended to get audible turn-by-turn directions.

For a less stressful alternative to the immediate motorway interchanges, consider using surface streets to get to Downtown Phoenix. After leaving the rental facility, you can follow signs for the West Exit and take 24th Street north. From there, you can turn west onto major thoroughfares such as Washington Street or Jefferson Street, which lead directly into the heart of downtown. This route involves city traffic lights but lets you avoid the complex stack interchange and high-speed merges, offering a calmer introduction to Phoenix driving.

The most direct and user-friendly route to Old Town Scottsdale is via the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway. From the Rental Car Centre, follow the signs for the East Exit, which will guide you directly onto the 202 East. You’ll stay on this road for several miles and can take exits such as Scottsdale Road or Hayden Road, heading north into the Old Town area. This route is largely a straight run on a single motorway, minimising complex interchanges and making it an easy drive for visitors.

Tempe and the Arizona State University campus are very close to the airport, making for a short drive. The most direct route is typically the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway east for just a few miles. As you approach the campus exits, be prepared for increased city traffic, especially if classes are in session. The area around ASU has a high concentration of pedestrians, cyclists, and one-way streets, particularly near Mill Avenue. Pay close attention to your navigation and be extra aware of your surroundings as you drive through the dense campus environment.

To reach East Valley cities like Mesa and Chandler, your best bet is to use the Loop 202 or US-60 freeways. From the Rental Car Centre, carefully follow the overhead signs for the East Valley or 202 East. Once you’re on the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway, you can continue east and then connect to the Loop 101 South for north Chandler or stay on the 202 as it loops south. Alternatively, you can connect to the US-60 East, which runs directly through Mesa and Chandler. The key is to commit to the eastbound signs early to avoid the airport’s circular traffic patterns.

Visitors are often surprised by the high speed limits on Phoenix motorways, which can be 65 mph even in dense urban areas. The city’s grid system of wide, multi-lane surface streets also means traffic moves quickly between traffic lights. Drivers should be prepared for frequent and fast lane changes from other vehicles. Additionally, the prevalence of HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes with specific time restrictions can be unfamiliar, so it’s important to pay attention to the signage to avoid improper use.

To experience lighter traffic after picking up your car, try to avoid the typical weekday rush hours. These generally run from about 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The calmest period for driving is typically late morning and early afternoon, roughly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Driving later in the evening, after 7:30 PM, is also significantly less congested. Weekends can have their own patterns, often related to events, but generally lack the intense commuter rush.

A great way to ease into Phoenix driving is by using the city’s grid of surface streets. From the airport, you can take major east–west roads like Washington Street or Jefferson Street, which run directly through downtown and central Phoenix. For north–south travel, streets like 24th Street, 32nd Street, or 44th Street are excellent corridors that connect you to different parts of the city. This approach is slower than the motorway but offers a much more controlled and less intimidating experience for your first drive in a new city.

When visiting the Roosevelt Row Arts District and the surrounding downtown area, you have several reliable parking options. While some metered on-street parking is available, it can be competitive to find an open space. A more predictable strategy is to use one of the many public parking garages or paid surface lots scattered throughout the area. These are well signed and often have hourly or daily rates, providing a secure place to leave your car while you explore the galleries, restaurants, and murals on foot.

Papago Park is very accessible from the airport and offers a straightforward parking experience. The main entrance is off Galvin Parkway, which is an easy drive from the Loop 202. For Hole-in-the-Rock, there is a dedicated car park right at the base of the short trail, making it extremely convenient. Other attractions within the park, like the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, also have their own large, clearly marked car parks. You can easily drive between these different points of interest within the park.

Getting to the Desert Botanical Garden is very straightforward. It is located within Papago Park, and you’ll find clear signage directing you from main roads like McDowell Road or Galvin Parkway. The garden has its own large, dedicated car park directly in front of the main entrance, which is free for visitors. The car park is well organised and, even during busy times, finding a space is usually manageable. The close proximity of parking to the entrance makes it easy to begin your visit right after you park.

Choosing a Camelback Mountain trailhead largely depends on your tolerance for parking challenges. The Echo Canyon Trailhead, for the more strenuous hike, has a very small car park that fills up extremely early, often before sunrise, especially at weekends. The Cholla Trailhead, a slightly less difficult route, relies on on-street parking along Invergordon Road, which can require a significant walk to the start of the trail. For a more predictable experience, arriving at Echo Canyon on a weekday well before 7:00 AM is your best bet; otherwise, be prepared to be flexible at Cholla.

Piestewa Peak is an extremely popular urban hike, and its car parks are known to fill up quickly. To secure a space without difficulty, especially at weekends or during cooler months, it is strongly recommended to arrive before sunrise. On weekdays, arriving before 7:00 AM generally gives you a good chance of finding a space in one of the main lots. If you arrive later, you may need to park further down the access road and walk up, so building in that extra time is a sensible plan.

The drive to Sedona is quite simple and scenic, primarily using one major motorway. From Phoenix, take Interstate 17 (I-17) North for about 90 miles. For an easy break, consider stopping at the Sunset Point Rest Area, which has facilities and beautiful views. Another great option is to exit at Camp Verde to stretch your legs and grab a snack. Once you reach exit 298 for AZ-179, you’ll take that scenic road the rest of the way into Sedona. This route is well signed and keeps navigation simple.

The most common and straightforward route for first-time visitors is well paved and clearly signposted. You’ll start by taking I-17 North from Phoenix to Flagstaff. Once in Flagstaff, you’ll transition to I-40 West for a short distance to the town of Williams. In Williams, exit onto AZ-64 North, also known as the Grand Canyon Highway. This road takes you directly to the South Rim entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, making the whole journey easy to follow.

The drive to Page is beautiful but takes planning, as services become sparse after you leave the Flagstaff area. The primary route is I-17 North to Flagstaff, followed by US-89 North. It’s crucial to leave Flagstaff with a full tank of fuel and any snacks and water you’ll need. There are very few towns or service stations along the long stretch of US-89. A good planned stop is the Cameron Trading Post, which offers toilets, food, and a chance to see the Little Colorado River Gorge.

Visiting Horseshoe Bend by car is very well organised. Just south of Page on US-89, you’ll see clear signs for the Horseshoe Bend Overlook, which leads to a large, dedicated car park. There is a parking fee, which also covers entry to the site. From the car park, there is a wide, accessible pathway that is about a 1.5-mile round trip to the viewing area. The walk is relatively flat with a gentle slope, making it manageable for most visitors to reach the iconic overlook.

A day trip to Tucson is very simple from a navigation standpoint. You’ll take Interstate 10 (I-10) East for the entire drive, which takes about two hours. Once you arrive in Tucson, exiting near the University of Arizona area is a great strategy. The university has numerous public parking garages that are easy to find and centrally located. From there, you can explore the campus, nearby 4th Avenue, and downtown Tucson on foot or by using the Sun Link streetcar, avoiding the need to find new parking at each stop.

Saguaro National Park is split into two districts on either side of Tucson. For visitors driving from Phoenix, the West District (Tucson Mountain District) is generally more convenient to reach first. You can take I-10 East and exit onto roads that lead directly to the park entrance. The main attraction here is the Bajada Loop Drive, a scenic unpaved road with numerous pull-offs and trailhead parking areas. Parking is typically easy at the Red Hills Visitor Centre and at various points along the loop for short walks.

Driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff in winter requires careful preparation, as you will be gaining significant elevation. While Phoenix may be mild, the I-17 corridor can experience snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, especially north of Cordes Junction. Visitors are often caught off guard by how quickly conditions can change and the potential for sudden motorway closures during a major storm. It’s essential to check the forecast and road conditions with the Arizona Department of Transportation before you set off, and to drive cautiously.

Dust storms, or haboobs, can develop quickly during the monsoon season and create extremely dangerous driving conditions by reducing visibility to near zero. If you are caught in one on the motorway, the recommended safety procedure is known as "Pull Aside, Stay Alive". You should pull as far off the paved carriageway as possible, switch off all your lights (including headlights and brake lights), and take your foot off the brake. This prevents other drivers from following your lights and causing a chain-reaction collision.

During the summer monsoon season (roughly June to September), the weather can change in an instant. Sudden, intense downpours can lead to slippery roads and greatly reduced visibility. The most critical danger is flash flooding in low-lying areas and washes, which are normally dry creek beds. Never attempt to drive through a flooded road, as the water can be much deeper and faster-moving than it appears. It’s wise to allow extra time in your plans so you can pull over and wait for a storm to pass.

When heading out from Phoenix in summer, preparing for extreme heat is critical for safety. Always pack more water than you think you’ll need—at least one gallon per person is a good rule of thumb for a day trip. It’s also sensible to bring a cool box with extra drinks and snacks, a fully charged mobile phone, and a portable power bank. A windscreen sunshade is essential for keeping the car’s interior temperature down while parked. Finally, let someone know your travel plans and expected return time.

The parking garage at the Rental Car Centre provides a safe, shaded environment to get your family settled. Once you locate your assigned vehicle, it’s best to pull it forward slightly within the bay if needed to give yourself more room. This allows you to open the doors fully and install car seats without being in the direct path of other moving vehicles. Taking a few extra minutes in the relative quiet of the garage helps ensure everyone is buckled safely before you head out into traffic.

Before loading all your kit, do a quick assessment of the vehicle’s boot space. Open the boot to confirm it can accommodate your largest bags, and if you have an SUV, check how the rear seats fold down. You want to ensure there’s a configuration that fits all your equipment while still allowing clear visibility out of the rear window. Checking this before you’re fully packed saves you from having to rearrange everything later or return to the counter.

A mid-size saloon or a compact to mid-size SUV often provides the best balance for a typical Phoenix-area trip. These vehicles are large enough to be comfortable and stable for longer motorway drives to places like Sedona or Tucson. At the same time, they’re still manoeuvrable enough to handle tighter parking garages in areas like Old Town Scottsdale or downtown Phoenix without much hassle. This versatility makes them a popular and practical choice for visitors planning a mix of city and nature.

Before you even load your luggage, it’s important to test the vehicle’s infotainment system. Connect your phone to the car’s USB port to ensure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto launches correctly on the screen. Take a moment to open your preferred navigation app and confirm it’s working properly. Verifying this connectivity while still parked is much safer and less stressful than discovering an issue once you’ve already merged into busy airport traffic.

To stock up without getting tangled in airport traffic, head just north of the airport complex. Driving north on 44th Street takes you to a large shopping area with major supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants near the intersection with McDowell Road. Another good option is to take Washington Street east or west for a few miles, where you’ll also find numerous retail centres. These areas are only a 5–10 minute drive from the Rental Car Centre and sit on the main city grid, making it easy to get back on route.

The area immediately around the airport is well served by petrol stations geared towards rental car returns. You’ll find many along 44th Street and Washington Street, just north of the Rental Car Centre entrance. Many are on corner plots with multiple entrances and exits, making access easy whichever direction you approach from. Using one of these before you join the final airport access roads helps keep refuelling quick and stress-free.

As you approach the airport, start looking early for the large overhead signs specifically for "Rental Car Return". These are distinct from signs for terminal drop-offs and parking. The key is to stay in the lanes designated for rental returns, which are often the left or centre lanes as you get closer to the facility. Following these specific signs will guide you onto a dedicated access road that bypasses the congested terminal loops and leads straight to the return garage entrance.

The most efficient method is to do the passenger drop-off first. Follow the signs for the correct terminal (Terminal 3 or 4) and use the departures kerb to drop off your passengers and their luggage. After they are safely at the kerb, rejoin the main airport roadway and complete the loop. On your second pass, follow only the "Rental Car Return" signs, which will direct you to the correct facility without confusion or backtracking.

The return process is just as simple as the arrival. After you’ve returned your vehicle and finalised your rental agreement, walk from the garage into the main lobby of the Rental Car Centre. From there, follow the signs for the PHX Sky Train. The train stops at both Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, so you can board any train and get off at the correct stop for your departing flight. Once at the terminal, proceed to your airline’s check-in desk or straight to security.

After a flight and the rental pick-up process, setting off on a multi-hour drive can be tiring. A good strategy is to plan a shorter first leg. For example, if you’re heading north, consider driving just one hour to the Black Canyon City or Cordes Junction area for your first overnight stop. This breaks up the drive to Sedona or Flagstaff. If heading south, an overnight in the Chandler or Casa Grande area can be a good stopping point before continuing to Tucson, so you can start the main part of your road trip fresh the next morning.