By Chanda Child
Are you attending the 2014 Summit in Phoenix? Read this article to learn about our airports and the public transportation options that can save you the expense of renting an automobile or taking taxis.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located near downtown Phoenix, is Arizona’s largest airport and serves major domestic and international airlines. Visit http://skyharbor.com to learn about the airport, transportation to and from downtown Phoenix, its history, and its art exhibits. You’ll also find a map for each terminal that shows the concourses, gates, restaurants, and shops.
While you’re at Sky Harbor, enjoy the Phoenix Airport Museum art exhibits. You’ll find them in all three terminals, at the rental car center, and at the PHX Sky Train stations. The exhibits are free and most are outside security.
If you find yourself in Terminal 4, you’re in for a treat. Many of the restaurants in the terminal are now some of the area’s most loved local ones. You’ll find local restaurants serving hamburgers, Mexican food, southwestern food, and pizza. But don’t worry—there are still some national restaurants. You won’t have to go without Starbucks coffee!
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
You can also fly to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). Gateway is located approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix. Currently, the only airline that flies into Gateway is Allegiant Air. It flies from many small U.S. cities in the Midwest and West. Visit www.phxmesagateway.org to learn about the airport, Allegiant Air destinations, and transportation to and from downtown Phoenix.
Transportation to Downtown Phoenix
If you arrive at Sky Harbor Terminal 2 or 3, take the free PHX Airport Shuttle to Terminal 4. From Terminal 4, take the free PHX Sky Train to the Valley METRO Light Rail station at 44th and Washington Streets. Board the westbound train for $2 and ride to the station at Third and Washington streets. The Hyatt Regency and Phoenix Convention Center West are less than a quarter-mile walk from the station. Visit http://skyharbor.com/pdf/TransGuide_Hotels.pdf to download a map and directions. Note that page 1 contains out-of-date information. When you return to Sky Harbor, board the eastbound train at Third and Jefferson Streets.
From Gateway Airport, there are several ways to travel to downtown Phoenix. The easiest may be to take the Inter Airport Shuttle for $24 to Sky Harbor Airport, followed by the Valley METRO Light Rail to downtown Phoenix. If you’re adventurous, consider planning a route using Valley METRO buses to get to the Valley METRO Light Rail station at Sycamore and Main streets in Mesa. Visit www.phxmesagateway.org/TaxisShuttlesAndBuses.aspx for a list of transportation options and contact information.
PHX Airport Shuttle
The PHX Airport Shuttle runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week between the Sky Harbor Airport terminals. Visit http://skyharbor.com/ transportationparking/ shuttledirections.html to learn how to use the shuttle to travel from Terminal 2 or 3 to Terminal 4, where you can connect to the PHX Sky Train. You can download a printable card that provides instructions for transferring between terminals.
PHX Sky Train
The PHX Sky Train also runs 24/7 between Sky Harbor Terminal 4 and the Valley METRO Light Rail station at 44th and Washington streets. You can board the train from two locations on Level 3 in Terminal 4—west of the C gates or east of the D gates. Visit http://skyharbor.com/PHXSkyTrain to learn more.
Valley METRO Light Rail
Light Rail trains run between Phoenix and Mesa about 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Take a train east to explore Tempe and Arizona State University or north along Central Avenue to Phoenix museums, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Visit http://routes.valleymetro.org/ timetables/ 785/ transit_route?type=1 to view the schedule and route map. To see maps showing places of interest within walking distance of the light rail stations, use your favorite search engine and search for Phoenix Light Rail.
As you travel the Light Rail, look at the artwork at each station. Visit www.valleymetro.org/images/uploads/misc_reports/METRO-Art-Book.pdf for photographs and descriptions of the artwork.
Arizona Pedal Cab
If you see an Arizona Pedal Cab, hail it for a ride. The cost of shuttle service is a fair tip for the driver. You can also call the company 15 minutes ahead for a ride when you see the cabs on the street. Visit www.azpedicab.com/shuttle.html for the telephone number to call.
