By Air in Phoenix-Scottsdale

By Air

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is served by most major airlines; it's a hub for US Airways and Southwest Airlines. Just 3 mi east of downtown Phoenix, it's surrounded by freeways linking it to almost every part of the metro area. The "Stage & Go Lot," west of the Terminal 2 parking garage, allows drivers to wait in their cars free of charge as an alternative to circling the terminals. The new "pet park" with restroom facilities and water for Fido is outside the west-end baggage claim level at Terminal 4.

It's easy to get from Sky Harbor to downtown Phoenix (3 mi west) and Tempe (3 mi east). The airport is also only about 30 minutes by freeway from Glendale (to the west) and Mesa (to the east). Scottsdale (to the northeast) can be reached by AZ 101; depending on your destination and your time of arrival, expect the trip to take anywhere from 25 minutes to downtown Scottsdale to an hour to North Scottsdale.

Valley Metro buses can get you directly from Terminal 2, 3, or 4 to the bus terminal downtown (at 1st and Washington streets) or to Tempe (Mill and University avenues). With free transfers, the bus can take you from the airport to most other Valley cities (Glendale, Sun City, Scottsdale, etc.), but the trip is likely to be slow unless you take an express.

Red Line buses (part of Valley Metro) originate at the downtown terminal and run westbound to Phoenix every half hour from about 6 AM until after 9 PM weekdays. Saturday, take Bus 13 and transfer at Central Avenue to Bus 0 north. The Red Line runs eastbound to Tempe every half hour from 3:30 AM to 7 PM; 25 minutes later, it goes to downtown Mesa. Fares range from $.60 to $1.75.

The blue vans of SuperShuttle cruise Sky Harbor, each taking up to seven passengers to their individual destinations, with no luggage fee or airport surcharge. Wheelchair vans are also available. Drivers accept credit cards and expect tips. Fares are $7 to downtown Phoenix, around $16 to most places in Scottsdale, and $20 to $35 to places in far north Scottsdale or Carefree. SuperShuttle also operates the upscale and personalized ExecuCar service.

Only a few taxi firms (Checker/Yellow Cab and Courier Cab are good options) are licensed to pick up at Sky Harbor's commercial terminals. All add a $1 surcharge for airport pickups, don't charge for luggage, and are available 24 hours a day. A trip to downtown Phoenix can cost from $8 to $12. The fare to downtown Scottsdale averages about $25. If you're headed to the East Valley, expect to shell out more than $30.

A few limousine firms cruise Sky Harbor, and many more provide airport pickups by reservation. Scottsdale Limousine requires reservations but offers a toll-free number; rates start at $65 (plus tip).

Contacts

ExecuCar (602/232-4600 or 800/410-4444. www.supershuttle.com). Scottsdale Limousine (480/946-8446 or 800/747-8234). Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) (602/273-3300. www.phxskyharbor.com). SuperShuttle (602/244-9000 or 800/258-3826. www.supershuttle.com). Valley Metro buses (602/253-5000).