Phoenix Airport Guide

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is Phoenix's principal airport, about four miles east of downtown. It has two active passenger terminals:

• Terminal 3: North and South concourses.
• Terminal 4: The larger terminal, with A, B, C, and D concourses and international-arrivals processing.

Terminal 2 closed in February 2020. The missing Terminal 1 number is also historical; passengers should choose only Terminal 3 or Terminal 4 in current airport directions.

The free PHX Sky Train links 44th St/Washington, East Economy, Terminals 3 and 4, 24th Street, and the Rental Car Center. It runs 24 hours, although overnight maintenance can reduce frequency. Airline assignments can change, so confirm the terminal for the specific flight.

Terminals 3 and 4 are connected landside by the PHX Sky Train, not by a passenger airside corridor. A terminal change therefore requires leaving the secure area and completing security again. Within either terminal, follow post-security signs between that terminal's concourses.

Terminal Layout

Terminal 3 has North and South concourses. Terminal 4 has eight concourses grouped under letters A through D; all Terminal 4 gates are accessible through any of its four security checkpoints. Use the airport's live map and flight display rather than a fixed gate-range table.

Getting Between Terminals

Use the PHX Sky Train for a terminal change. Terminal 3's station is on Level 5, reached through Level 4 from ticketing; Terminal 4's station is on Level 3. The service is free and 24/7, with longer waits possible during nightly maintenance.

Do not use generic walk-time or minimum-connection tables. Confirm the operating terminal and baggage arrangement with the airline. If the flights use different terminals, account for leaving security, the train ride, and re-screening; separate tickets may also require baggage collection and a new check-in.

International Arrivals (Terminal 4)

International flights arrive at Terminal 4 (concourse areas vary by airline). If arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight:

1. Exit plane at Terminal 4
2. Clear immigration at the Federal Inspection Services facility
3. Collect checked bags as directed
4. Clear customs
5. Re-check bags at the connecting flights desk
6. Re-clear security at TSA checkpoint
7. Proceed to the gate in Terminal 4, or leave for the Sky Train and re-clear security if the onward flight is in Terminal 3

PHX is about four miles east of downtown Phoenix. For public transport, take the free PHX Sky Train to 44th St/Washington and transfer to Valley Metro's A Line. The A Line serves downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa; use the Downtown Hub to transfer between the A and B Lines for north or south Phoenix. Taxis, rideshare, and buses are also available from designated areas.

Uber and Lyft are available at PHX. Pickup is on the curb of each terminal at designated rideshare zones.

How to get picked up:

1. Exit baggage claim to the curb
2. Follow signs for "Rideshare" (purple signs)
3. Request your ride in the app
4. Meet your driver at the designated pickup area

Terminal 4 rideshare pickup is on the north curb, outside doors 5-8.

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown Phoenix: $15-25
• Scottsdale (Old Town): $25-40
• Tempe (ASU area): $15-25
• Mesa: $25-35

Taxis: Available outside each terminal's baggage claim. Metered rates apply:

• Downtown Phoenix: $18-25
• Typical rate: $2.50 base + $2.30/mile

Tip: PHX's proximity to major destinations keeps rideshare fares relatively low compared to other major airports.

Valley Metro's A Line connects 44th St/Washington with downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. The airport terminal connection is the free PHX Sky Train.

Getting to the Light Rail Station

1. Take the PHX Sky Train to the 44th Street Station
2. Follow signs to the adjacent 44th St/Washington light-rail platforms.
3. Buy or activate the correct Valley Metro fare before boarding and check the live trip planner for service hours.

Journey to Downtown Phoenix

1. Take PHX Sky Train from your terminal to 44th Street Station
2. Transfer to a westbound A Line train toward the Downtown Hub.
3. Exit at the downtown stop closest to the destination, or transfer at the Downtown Hub to the B Line for north or south Phoenix.

Destinations on the Light Rail

The Valley Metro Rail connects to:

• Downtown Phoenix: convention centre, arenas, government and cultural destinations
• Tempe: Arizona State University and Mill Avenue
• Mesa: downtown Mesa and east-valley connections

Bus Service

Valley Metro lists Routes 1, 13, 44, and 70 as airport-connection options. Use its trip planner for the current stop and transfer pattern, including trips to areas not served directly by rail.

PHX offers multiple parking options at varying price points (as of 2025):

Terminal Parking

Location	Daily Rate	Notes
Terminal 3 Garage	$28/day	Adjacent to terminal
Terminal 4 Garage (East and West)	$28/day	Short walk to terminal

Economy Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Transport to Terminal
East Economy	$12/day	Free shuttle every 10-15 min
West Economy	$12/day	Free shuttle every 10-15 min

Short-term rates: Terminal garages charge $4/hour with a $28 daily maximum.

Tips:

• Pre-book online at skyharbor.com for potential savings
• Economy lots can fill during holidays and major events
• For trips over a week, off-site lots on 24th Street and Sky Harbor Boulevard offer rates from $7-10/day with shuttle service
• Covered parking available in terminal garages (important in Phoenix heat)

PHX has significantly improved its dining options in recent years, with a focus on Arizona and Southwest cuisine.

Terminal 3:

• Barrio Cafe (Post-security): Acclaimed Mexican cuisine by Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza
• Four Peaks Brewing Company: Local Arizona craft beer
• La Grande Orange Grocery: Sandwiches and healthy options
• Chelsea's Kitchen: Southwest-inspired American fare
• Starbucks, Einstein Bros. Bagels

Terminal 4:

• Blanco Tacos + Tequila (South Concourse): Upscale Mexican
• The Parlor Pizzeria (North Concourse): Wood-fired pizza
• Cowboy Ciao (D Concourse): Contemporary Southwest
• Four Peaks Brewing Company: Multiple locations
• Wildflower Bread Company: Bakery and sandwiches
• Shake Shack (A Concourse): Burgers and shakes
• Scramble (B Concourse): Breakfast and brunch
• Multiple grab-and-go options throughout concourses

Late-night dining: Options become limited after 9-10 PM. Look for 24-hour news stands with packaged food.

Free WiFi is available throughout all PHX terminals.

Network name: PHX Free Wi-Fi

To connect:

1. Select PHX Free Wi-Fi from your device
2. Open browser and accept terms
3. No registration or payment required

Quality: Generally reliable for browsing, email, and streaming. Speeds average 15-25 Mbps. For faster connections, use airline lounges.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment (Terminals 3 and 4)
• Best Buy Express kiosks
• Hudson News stores (may carry prepaid SIMs)

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid plans starting around $30-50 for basic data packages.

Tip: For better prices, order an eSIM before arrival or purchase a SIM at a carrier store in Phoenix after landing.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals, typically near food courts, newsstands, and restrooms.

Banks represented:

• Chase
• Wells Fargo
• Bank of America

Out-of-network withdrawal fees typically run $3-5 per transaction.

Currency exchange: Travelex operates a location in Terminal 4 (near the international gates). As with most airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Using your bank's ATM or a service like Wise typically offers better value.

PHX offers decent shopping options, concentrated in Terminal 4.

Duty-Free: Limited duty-free shopping available in Terminal 4 for international departures.

Notable stores:

• Arizona Highway Magazine & Gifts: Local Arizona souvenirs and gifts
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials (all terminals)
• InMotion: Electronics, headphones, chargers
• Kiehl's: Skincare products (Terminal 4)
• MAC Cosmetics: Makeup (Terminal 4)
• Brighton Collectibles: Jewelry and accessories

Local Phoenix gifts: Look for shops selling Arizona-themed items, Native American crafts, and Southwestern decor.

Priority Pass Lounges

The Club PHX (Terminal 4, Concourse A)

• Location: A Gates, near gate A17
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, or ~$50 day pass
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi, workstations

Note: This is the only Priority Pass lounge at PHX. It can get crowded during peak American Airlines departure times.

American Airlines Admirals Clubs

American Airlines operates Admirals Clubs in Terminal 4:

Location	Hours	Notes
A Gates (near A19)	4:30 AM - 9:45 PM	Largest location
B Gates (near B24)	5:30 AM - 9:15 PM	Convenient for B/C gates

Access: Admirals Club membership, Citi AAdvantage Executive card, AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, or day pass ($79).

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X, and Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get Priority Pass access for The Club PHX
• No Centurion Lounge at PHX (nearest is LAX or DFW)

Other Lounges

• United Club (Terminal 4, B Gates): For United status holders and members
• Alaska Lounge: Not present at PHX; Priority Pass access at The Club instead

At the Airport:

PHX does not have an on-site hotel connected to the terminals. The closest options are a short drive or shuttle ride away.

Near the Airport:

• PHX Marriott Tempe at The Buttes (3 miles): Resort-style hotel with mountain views, pool
• Hilton Phoenix Airport (2 miles): Full-service with free 24-hour shuttle
• Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel (2 miles): Reliable choice with shuttle
• Hampton Inn Phoenix Airport North (2 miles): Mid-range with free breakfast and shuttle
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Phoenix (3 miles): All-suite option
• Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport (2 miles): Full-service with shuttle

Most airport-area hotels offer free 24-hour shuttle service. The shuttle pickup area is on the curb at each terminal.

In Downtown Phoenix:

Given PHX's proximity to downtown (15 min by light rail), staying downtown is a viable option:

• Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
• Hyatt Regency Phoenix
• Westin Phoenix Downtown

Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun offer year-round sunshine and outdoor activities:

From the Airport

• Downtown Phoenix: 15 min by light rail ($2), 10-15 min by car
• Scottsdale: 20-30 min by car (no direct rail)
• Tempe/ASU: 20-25 min by light rail
• Sedona: 2 hours by car
• Grand Canyon (South Rim): 3.5-4 hours by car

Phoenix Highlights

• Desert Botanical Garden: Stunning desert plant displays
• Heard Museum: Native American art and culture
• Camelback Mountain: Iconic hiking with city views (Echo Canyon or Cholla trails)
• Papago Park: Red rock formations, hiking, and the Phoenix Zoo
• Roosevelt Row (RoRo): Arts district with galleries, murals, and restaurants
• Old Town Scottsdale: Shopping, galleries, dining, and nightlife

Outdoor Activities

• South Mountain Park: Largest municipal park in the US, hiking and biking
• Piestewa Peak: Challenging summit hike with 360-degree views
• Salt River: Tubing in summer (northeast of the city)
• Golf: Phoenix is a golf destination with 200+ courses in the area

Day Trips

• Sedona (2 hours): Red rock formations, hiking, art galleries, vortexes
• Grand Canyon (4 hours): One of the world's natural wonders
• Saguaro National Park (2.5 hours via Tucson): Iconic saguaro cactus forests
• Montezuma Castle (1.5 hours): Ancient cliff dwelling

Getting Around Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, car-centric city. Rent a car for maximum flexibility if exploring beyond downtown and the light rail corridor. Uber/Lyft are widely available throughout the metro area.

Climate note: Phoenix summer temperatures routinely exceed 100°F (38°C) and can reach 115°F+ (46°C) in June-August. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid midday outdoor activities in summer. Morning hikes (before 9 AM) are recommended. Winter and spring (October-April) offer ideal weather with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F.

Arizona classics to try: Sonoran hot dogs (bacon-wrapped), chimichangas (invented in Arizona), prickly pear anything (margaritas, candy), Mexican food (Arizona has excellent Sonoran cuisine).