How to get to Sky Harbor Airport without driving and paying for parking
When flying for a vacation, it's possible to avoid one of the biggest expenses of the journey: parking a car.
It's possible to get to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport without their own car. That includes travelers flying from Phoenix avoiding parking a car at the airport, which costs from $10 to $37 per day, and people in town on business who aren't renting a car.
The automated PHX Sky Train system now connects the 44th Street and Washington Street light-rail stop to Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.
Sky Harbor offers numerous ways of getting around to and from the terminals and key transportation hubs along the free PHX Sky Train route.
Depending on a passenger's mode of transport, flight schedule and where they're traveling from, a taxi, Uber, Lyft, train or bus ride can be more economical than self-parking.
And there's an unexpected option that's free — but it's not for everyone.
Are there taxis at PHX airport?
Yes. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport contracts with three taxi companies: AAA/Yellow Cab, Mayflower Cab and VIP Taxi.
Newly increased taxicab rates take effect July 4. Rates for the three companies will be the same regardless of number of passengers and number of bags: $7 for the first mile and $2.60 for each additional mile, with a minimum fare of $18. Each hour of a traffic delay is $36.
Taxis offer a $20 flat rate to downtown Phoenix within the boundaries of Roosevelt Street to the north, Lincoln Street to the south, Seventh Avenue to the west and Seventh Street to the east.
Uber and Lyft at Phoenix airport
Here are the Uber and Lyft pickup locations at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport:
Terminal 3: At the far east end of the north outer curb; the entire south outer curb except for the far east end.
Terminal 4: At the far west end of the north outer curb outside Door 1; at the east end of the south outer curb outside Door 6 or Door 8; at the west end of the south outer curb outside Door 2.
Rental Car Center: At the visitor parking lot, accessible by exiting the lobby and taking the exterior elevator down to the lot.
PHX Sky Train Stations: On the north curb of the 44th Street station; on the south curb of the 24th Street station.
Does Phoenix light rail go to the airport?
Phoenix light rail riders can take Valley Metro light rail to the station at 44th and Washington streets. From there, it's a short ride on the airport's PHX Sky Train to Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor.
If someone is giving you a ride, they can drop you off and pick you up at the station instead of driving to the airport and dealing with that traffic.
You can also drop off and pick up passengers at the 24th Street Sky Train station to avoid driving into the airport, although that station does not connect to light rail.
Valley Metro also has two bus routes that serve Sky Harbor: Route 13, which stops near the operations building at 24th Street and Buckeye Road near the 24th Street Sky Train station; and Route 44, which stops near the 44th and Washington station.
Fares for the light rail and bus are $2 for a single ride and $4 for a day pass. You can buy them at the station. Multiday passes can be purchased at the station or online at valleymetro.org.
Free airport shuttles to Sky Harbor
If you're staying in a hotel near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, it probably has an airport shuttle. Hotel shuttles are typically free. A sampling of Phoenix hotels with airport shuttles include:
- Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix North.
- Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Phoenix/Tempe Airport.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport South.
- Residence Inn Phoenix Airport.
- Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix Airport.
- Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport.
Ride your bike to the Phoenix airport Sky Train station
The PHX Sky Train station at 44th Street has racks and lockers where cyclists can store their bikes before boarding the Sky Train to the terminals.
If you're traveling with lots of luggage, bicycling to the airport is not practical. But if you travel light and live nearby, it could be a cheap option. Make sure you're confident that you can ride your bike safely with whatever bags you'll need.
Bike storage at the 44th Street station is first come, first served. There's no charge to use a rack or locker. Per Sky Harbor's website, bicycles should be secured to the rack at all times and any locks left on the rack will be removed and disposed of after five days.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected].
