Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is Arizona's largest and busiest airport, serving the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and the entire state. Located just 4 miles east of downtown Phoenix, it is one of the most conveniently situated major airports in the United States. PHX handles over 50 million passengers annually and serves as a major hub for American Airlines and a significant focus city for Southwest Airlines.

The airport has three terminals numbered 2, 3, and 4 (Terminal 1 was demolished in 1990):

• Terminal 2: Smaller terminal serving select carriers (Alaska, Hawaiian, Sun Country)
• Terminal 3: Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier, and other domestic carriers
• Terminal 4: American Airlines hub, largest terminal with 8 concourses (A-D North and A-D South)

All terminals are connected by the free PHX Sky Train, an automated people mover that also links to the Valley Metro Rail and the Rental Car Center. Terminal 4 is by far the largest, handling approximately 80% of all passengers.

PHX is known for its efficient operations and relatively short security wait times compared to other major US airports. The desert climate means summer temperatures can exceed 110°F (43°C), which occasionally affects flight operations during extreme heat.

PHX enjoys an enviable location just 4 miles from downtown Phoenix, making it one of the closest major airports to its city center in the United States.

Travel times:

• Downtown Phoenix: 10-15 minutes by car, 15 minutes by light rail
• Scottsdale: 20-30 minutes by car
• Tempe: 10-15 minutes by car, 20 minutes by light rail
• Mesa: 20-30 minutes by car

The Valley Metro Rail light rail provides a direct, traffic-free connection to downtown Phoenix and beyond. During rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM weekdays), light rail is often faster and more reliable than driving.

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.

The Valley Metro Rail light rail connects PHX directly to downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.

Getting to the Light Rail Station

1. Take the PHX Sky Train to the 44th Street Station
2. Exit and cross the platform to the Valley Metro Rail station
3. The connection is seamless and covered

Fares and Schedule

• Fare: $2 one-way, $4 day pass (as of 2025)
• Travel time to downtown Phoenix: 15 minutes
• Frequency: Every 12 minutes (peak), every 15-20 minutes (off-peak)
• Hours: Approximately 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (extended hours on weekends)

Purchase tickets at vending machines on the platform or via the Valley Metro app. Cash and credit cards accepted.

Journey to Downtown Phoenix

1. Take PHX Sky Train from your terminal to 44th Street Station
2. Transfer to Valley Metro Rail (northwest platform)
3. Ride toward 19th Ave/Dunlap or 19th Ave/Montebello
4. Exit at any downtown station (Jefferson/1st Ave is central)
5. Total travel time: 20-25 minutes (including Sky Train)
6. Total cost: $2

Destinations on the Light Rail

The Valley Metro Rail connects to:

• Downtown Phoenix (15 min): Government offices, convention center, sports arenas
• Tempe (25-30 min): Arizona State University, Mill Avenue entertainment district
• Mesa (40-50 min): Downtown Mesa

Bus Service

Valley Metro buses connect to areas not served by light rail, including Scottsdale (no direct rail service). Routes 44 and other buses depart from the 44th Street transit hub.

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

Terminal Parking

Location	Daily Rate	Notes
Terminal 2 Garage	$28/day	Adjacent to terminal
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 2:

• Limited options (smaller terminal)
• Grab-and-go snacks and coffee available

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).