Transfer Options from Phoenix Airport to Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix is the bustling capital city of Arizona and is filled with exciting days and nightlife. During the day, you can enjoy the warm weather, explore the Desert Botanical Garden, shop until you drop or join one of the Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses. At night, you can let your hair down at one of the many vibrant nightclubs or enjoy a world-class meal in an amazing bar or restaurant.

There are three ways to get from Phoenix airport to downtown Phoenix; taxi, bus or train. Taking a Phoenix Airport taxi is the quickest and most convenient option as it takes just 15 minutes and costs $17 (€16). Taking the Route 13 bus is a good budget option as it costs just $2 (€1.80) one-way, but it takes 30 minutes to reach downtown Phoenix. Taking the Valley Metro Rail train is another cheap option, but it’s not direct and takes around 30 minutes to reach downtown, also.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Phoenix at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Bus	€3.60	30min	04:15–23:15
Taxi	€16	15min	24/7
Train	€3.60	30min	05:42–01:41

How to get from Phoenix airport to Downtown Phoenix by bus

Taking the bus from Phoenix airport to downtown Phoenix is a great budget option for those travelling light. The Metro bus Route 13 runs daily from PHX to downtown and costs just $2 (€1.80) one-way.

How much is the bus from PHX airport to Downtown?

A one-way ticket on the Route 13 bus costs $2 (€1.80). You can purchase your ticket from the driver as you get on the bus.

Cost

$2 (€1.80)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*There's a waiting time of up to 30 minutes for the Route 13 bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Route 13 Metro bus runs from 04:15 to 23:15.

Where do I get it from?

The Route 13 bus leaves from Terminal 2 at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. If you’re landing in Terminal 1, 3 or 4, you will have to make your way to Terminal 2 first to catch the bus.

Convenience

Although the bus is a cheap transfer option, it’s not very convenient. The bus only leaves from Terminal 2, there’s no luggage storage on the bus and once you reach downtown Phoenix, you will need to walk to your hotel or take another form of transportation.

Timetables

Metro Bus 13

Editor’s Note

Although taking the bus is a cheap transfer option, there's very limited storage space. If you're travelling with a lot of luggage I suggest looking at another transfer option.

Useful Tips

Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the bus departs to secure a seat.

You can purchase your tickets from the driver on the bus.

Be sure to check the number of the bus before getting on as many Metro buses look the same.

How to get from Phoenix airport to Downtown Phoenix by taxi

Taking a taxi from PHX airport to downtown is the fastest and easiest way to travel. The journey in a Phoenix Airport taxi will take just 15 minutes and the local drivers provide a flat rate of $17 (€16) to downtown Phoenix.

How much is a taxi from PHX airport to downtown?

The drivers at Phoenix airport provide a flat rate fare of $17 (€16) for the journey from PHX airport to downtown. If you’re travelling outside of the city ring, you will be charged using a taximeter instead.

Cost

$17 (€16)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Phoenix airport.

Where do I get it from?

Taxis are readily available outside all terminals at Phoenix airport. Simply look for the long line of taxis and join the queue.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Phoenix airport to downtown Phoenix is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel. Your driver will drop you off directly at the door of your hotel, whilst ensuring your personal belongings and luggage arrive at your accommodation safely and easily.

Editor’s Note

Although it’s the most expensive transfer option, taking a taxi is the most comfortable way to travel, especially if you have small children or lots of luggage.

Useful Tips

Many taxi drivers accept card payments; if you need to pay by card, it’s worth checking with your driver in advance.

Standard taxis at Phoenix airport can take up to 4 passengers.

It's customary to tip your taxi driver 15-20% of your fare.

How to get from Phoenix airport to Downtown Phoenix by train

There’s no train that runs directly from the terminal building at Phoenix airport to Downtown Phoenix. First, you will need to take the free PHX Sky Train® from Terminal 3 or 4 to the 44th Street and Washington train station and then take a Valley Metro Rail to Downtown. The total journey time is around 30 minutes.

How much is the train from PHX airport to downtown?

The cost of a one-way ticket for the Valley Metro Rail to Downtown is $2 (€1.80). You can purchase these tickets from the manned kiosk or the automatic ticket machines before getting on the train.

Cost

$2 (€1.80)

Trip Duration

12 Min.

*There's a waiting time of 12 minutes for the train.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Valley Metro Rail train runs from 05:42 to 01:41.

Where do I get it from?

To take the train to downtown Phoenix, you will first need to take the PHX Sky Train® from Terminal 3 or 4 to the 44th Street and Washington train station. This is where you will find the train into downtown Phoenix.

Convenience

As there’s no direct train from the terminal buildings at Phoenix airport, you’ll need to make a transfer at 44th Street and Washington train station, which adds time and effort to your journey. You will also need to carry any luggage items through multiple train stations which can be difficult and stressful.

Timetables

Valley Metro Rail Train

Editor’s Note

Taking the train is a good transfer option for those with large luggage items, however, if you're travelling with carry-on or are a solo traveller, the bus may be a more convenient public transfer option for you.

Useful Tips

The PHX Sky Train® is free to use and runs 24/7.

Be sure to keep your train ticket after purchase as random checks may be made during your journey.

If you plan to use the Valley Metro Rail more during your stay, you can purchase day or week passes to save money.

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20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How do you get from Phoenix Airport to Downtown?

There are three ways to get from Phoenix airport to downtown Phoenix, taxi, bus or train. Taking a Phoenix Airport taxi costs $17 (€16) and takes just 15 minutes, whereas the train and bus cost $2 (€1.80) one-way, but take 30 minutes to reach downtown.

How far is Phoenix Airport from Downtown Phoenix?

The distance from PHX airport to downtown is around 9 km. Taking a Phoenix Airport taxi will take 15 minutes, taking the Valley Metro Rail will take around 30 minutes and taking the Route 13 bus will take 30 minutes, also.

How much does a taxi cost from Phoenix Airport To Downtown Phoenix?

The cost of a Phoenix Airport taxi from PHX to downtown is a flat-rate fare of $17 (€16). However, if you travel outside the city ring, your journey will be charged using a taximeter.

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How to get from Phoenix airport to Downtown Phoenix by bus

How much is the bus from PHX airport to Downtown?

Cost

$2 (€1.80)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Route 13 Metro bus runs from 04:15 to 23:15.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

Metro Bus 13

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Phoenix airport to Downtown Phoenix by taxi

How much is a taxi from PHX airport to downtown?

Cost

$17 (€16)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Phoenix airport.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Phoenix airport to Downtown Phoenix by train

How much is the train from PHX airport to downtown?

Cost

$2 (€1.80)

Trip Duration

12 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Valley Metro Rail train runs from 05:42 to 01:41.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

Valley Metro Rail Train

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How do you get from Phoenix Airport to Downtown?

How far is Phoenix Airport from Downtown Phoenix?

How much does a taxi cost from Phoenix Airport To Downtown Phoenix?

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