Getting Around Phoenix
Phoenix is primarily a car-based city, but visitors have several public transportation options available through Valley Metro, the regional transit provider. The city's grid-based street layout makes navigation straightforward for drivers and pedestrians alike, with most streets running north–south or east–west from the central reference point of Central Avenue and Washington Street.
Public Transportation: Valley Metro
Valley Metro operates the city's public transit system, which includes buses, light rail, and a streetcar service. Public transit accounts for a small portion of commutes in the metropolitan area.
Light Rail
Valley Metro Rail is a light rail system consisting of the A Line and B Line. Extensions totaling more than 10 miles are planned to open by 2030. The light rail connects key areas of the metropolitan region and provides a reliable alternative to driving for certain routes, particularly between downtown Phoenix and surrounding neighborhoods.
Buses
Valley Metro operates an extensive bus network throughout the metropolitan area. Bus routes connect major destinations and transit hubs, including connections to the airport. Routes are identified by number, and service operates throughout the day.
Getting from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is centrally located near downtown Phoenix and several major freeway interchanges. For visitors using public transit, several options connect the airport to the city:
- The free PHX SkyTrain operates from Terminals 3 and 4 to the 44th & Washington Street Station, where you can connect to Valley Metro bus routes or light rail service
- The PHX SkyTrain connection at 44th & Washington provides access to bus Route #1, which runs west to downtown's Central Station or east toward Tempe and Mesa, and Route #44, which heads north to Deer Valley
- Light rail service is available from the 44th & Washington station, running east toward Tempe and Mesa or west toward Midtown and northern Phoenix along Central Avenue
- Valley Metro bus Route #13 provides westbound service along Buckeye Road, connecting the 24th Street SkyTrain station to areas west of the airport
Alternative transportation options from the airport include ride-sharing services, taxis, and rental cars. Several hotels and resorts also offer shuttle service to their properties.
Intercity Transportation
Train Service
Amtrak no longer serves Phoenix directly; the nearest Amtrak station is located in Maricopa, about 30 miles south of downtown. Passengers can access the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited trains from Maricopa via Amtrak Thruway shuttle bus service, which connects Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Maricopa station. Alternatively, visitors can travel to Flagstaff to connect with the Southwest Chief, or to Tucson to board trains heading north or south on the corridor.
Intercity Buses
Long-distance bus service connects Phoenix to destinations throughout the Southwest and Mexico. Greyhound operates service to Los Angeles, Tucson, El Paso, Flagstaff, and Sedona from stations on Buckeye Road and other locations. Flixbus provides service from multiple stops including the 44th Street SkyTrain Station near the airport and Buckeye Road. Amtrak Thruway buses connect the airport to Flagstaff for onward rail connections.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are available at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and throughout the city. Ride-sharing services also operate in the Phoenix metropolitan area and provide an alternative to traditional taxis or public transportation.
Driving and Road Network
Phoenix features an extensive freeway system that handles traffic efficiently. The city's major routes include Interstate 10, Interstate 17, US 60, and several loop highways (Loop 101, Loop 202, Loop 303). The street grid system means that major arterial streets are spaced one mile apart and divided into smaller blocks, making it easy to navigate by car. However, outside of peak periods, Phoenix freeways experience minimal congestion compared to other major U.S. cities.
Walking and Cycling
Downtown Phoenix and certain neighborhoods are walkable for visitors, though the city's car-oriented layout means walking is less practical for longer distances. Bicycle infrastructure is being improved through local planning efforts. The Maricopa Association of Governments has established a bicycle advisory committee to enhance conditions for cycling on city streets and off-road paths.
Alternative Airports
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, located east of Phoenix in neighboring Mesa, serves commercial traffic with airlines like Allegiant Air. This smaller facility may offer alternative flight options or convenient access for visitors heading to eastern parts of the metropolitan area. Smaller regional airports in Scottsdale, Deer Valley, and other communities primarily serve private and corporate aviation.