Whether you’re heading for the Grand Canyon or the golf and spa resorts of Scottsdale, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the main gateway for visitors to Arizona. Follow the ground transportation signs in Terminals 2, 3 and 4 or ask at the information desks to direct you to services for your onward journey.
Free Cell Phone Waiting Lots at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Of course, the ideal option when landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is to have a friend pick you up. The airport has two cell phone waiting lots, where drivers can park for free while waiting for arriving passengers to collect their bags and phone them from the curbside.
These lots have electronic displays giving flight information, and airline telephone numbers are also posted. The lots are located near terminals 2 and 4, and are meant to be used for half an hour or less.
Airport Shuttle Van Services to and from Phoenix Airport
The SuperShuttle is a shuttle van service that operates round the clock in the greater metro area. It provides door-to-door service to and from Phoenix airport, serving all three terminals. Because you share the van with other passengers, the costs are lower than a taxi or limousine fare.
Between 9am and 9pm, the blue and yellow vans leave every 15 minutes from the airport. It is not necessary to book in advance, but reservations are advised to reduce waiting time. You should also phone in advance to arrange pick-ups at your home or hotel, and for service outside the above hours.
For rates and local reservations, tel: (602) 244-9000 or toll-free 1-800-258-3826; or see the SuperShuttle website.
If you’re traveling beyond the Phoenix metro area, there are a number of shuttle van companies that offer statewide service. For example, the Arizona Shuttle operates regular service between Phoenix Sky Harbor airport and three locations in Tucson. It also has service to Flagstaff and beyond.
A list of other locations and shuttle services is available on the airport website.
Taxi and Limousine Services at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
There are taxi ranks at all three terminals. Apache Taxi, AAA/Yellow Cab, and Mayflower Cab all provide airport service and charge the same fares. At the time of writing, fares ranged from $15 and up, depending on your destination, with a $1 airport surcharge each way.
Several companies also offer limousine service to and from Phoenix airport. Prices range from $35 to $85, depending on where you’re going in the metro area. For more information on taxi and limousine services and rates, see the Phoenix Sky Harbor website.
Getting to and from Phoenix Airport by Public Transportation
Public transportation is also an option for getting to and from Phoenix airport. City bus route 13 runs along Buckeye Road to the airport.
There is also a free Phoenix Airport Shuttle that runs daily between all the terminals and the Metro light rail stop at 44th Street and Washington downtown. From here you can continue by light rail to stations in north-central Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.
Car Rental at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
All of the major rental car companies are represented at Phoenix airport. They are located at the Rental Car Center, which has its own separate building west of the airport, beyond I-10. A free rental car shuttle runs continuously, with stops every 5-10 minutes outside each terminal at the baggage claim level.
Always make an advance reservation for a rental car. Otherwise availability and choice of vehicle can be limited, as Arizona is a popular destination.
Visit the airport website for a full list of car rental companies and contact numbers, or phone the Rental Car Center Information Desk, Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm, tel: (602) 683-3741.
Cheap Flights to Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona on Low-Cost Airlines
With winter just around the corner, smart travelers are already planning a winter break to sunny Arizona. Several low-cost airlines offer cheap flights to Phoenix, Mesa and Tucson, Arizona’s gateway cities. They include Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air and JetBlue.
Whether you’re looking for an inexpensive package deal or simply the lowest fare, check out these budget airlines. But make your reservation early to snap up the best deals.
Cheap Flights on Southwest Airlines to Phoenix, Arizona
Southwest Airlines has long been the flagship of America’s budget airlines. And Phoenix is one of its most important markets. Southwest has 177 daily departures from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making it the airline’s third-busiest airport. It also has a customer support and service center located here.
Southwest offers nonstop routes between Phoenix and 45 cities around the country. Many more can be reached on connecting flights through other airports. With the forthcoming acquisition of AirTran Airways, Southwest’s network of flights will be greatly expanded to more than 100 markets.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor airport there are many ground transportation options to and from the city and the rest of Arizona.
Low-Cost Flights to Tucson, Arizona on Southwest Airlines
You can also find cheap flights to Tucson on Southwest Airlines. There is nonstop service to and from several cities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Albuquerque and Chicago Midway airport.
There is also service to Tucson from many more cities coast to coast, via connecting flights. From Tucson International Airport there are several ground transportation options to the city and surrounding region.
Booking Cheap Winter Flights to Arizona on Southwest Airlines
If you’re planning a winter vacation to Arizona, it’s worth checking the Southwest Airlines website regularly, or signing up for their email newsletter. Special seat sales are frequently on offer to select markets.
Discount fares can range from $49 to $109 one way. Plan on additional taxes and fees of up to $20 to be added to each segment of the journey.
You must book online – and book early – to ensure you get the lowest fares on these budget flights. There are only a certain number of the cheapest seats available on each flight and these fill up fast. Travel may only be valid on certain days of the week, and a 14-day advance purchase may be required.
Budget Flights on Southwest Airlines to Phoenix and Tucson
Southwest offers only one class of service – there is no separate business class. It does not allocate seats in advance, which first-time passengers may find disconcerting.
Passengers line up according to the number on their boarding pass, and choose their own seat on board. The process generally works smoothly, and the airline claims it speeds up boarding and the turn-around time between flights. Those who want to ensure an early boarding position can purchase an EarlyBird Check-In option or a higher Business Select fare.
Travelers especially like two particular advantages that Southwest offers over most other budget airlines and international carriers as well. It does not charge passengers for the first or second checked bag. And it does not charge fees to change your itinerary online, although a fare difference may apply.
Budget Flights on Other Low-Cost Airlines to Arizona
Other low-cost airlines also offer budget flights to Arizona. The popular east coast airline JetBlue has flights to Phoenix from Boston and New York City.
