Payless Car Hire
Phoenix

After collecting your luggage at Phoenix Sky Harbor, ignore signs for hotel or car park shuttles and look only for the purple signs directing you to the Rental Car Center shuttle. These dedicated buses run 24 hours a day and are the only transport to the facility where all rental companies, including Payless, are based. The shuttle pick‑up zones are clearly marked outside each terminal's baggage claim. Following those specific signs ensures you board the correct bus and arrive directly at the Rental Car Center, avoiding any late‑night confusion.

As you exit the PHX Rental Car Center, pay attention to the large overhead signs immediately. For Interstate 10 you will generally want to be in the left lanes, following directions for Downtown Phoenix or Tucson. To access the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway, typically for journeys to Tempe, Scottsdale or Mesa, you should position your vehicle in the right lanes. The key is to make your lane choice early, as the interchanges come up very quickly after leaving the facility.

To avoid the most congested parts of the motorway system during rush hour, the most straightforward route to most Scottsdale resorts is the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway eastbound. From the Rental Car Center, follow signs for the 202 East. This route generally has a more predictable traffic flow compared with trying to navigate the I‑10 interchange downtown. You can then take exits such as Scottsdale Road or Loop 101 North depending on your destination, keeping you on major thoroughfares.

For a successful day trip to Sedona, plan to be on Interstate 17 northbound from Phoenix no later than 06:00, especially at weekends. This allows you to clear the city's morning commuter traffic before it builds. Arriving in Sedona before 08:30 is crucial to secure a parking space at popular trailheads like Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge, which fill up very early. An early start helps with parking and lets you hike in the cooler morning hours.

A successful Grand Canyon day trip requires a very early start, ideally leaving Phoenix by 05:00 to maximise your time at the park. The drive itself is about 3.5–4 hours each way, so this timetable gets you to the South Rim by mid‑morning. Plan to visit three to four key viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Geology Museum and Grandview Point. Pack a lunch and snacks to save time, and aim to begin your drive back to Phoenix by 16:00 to avoid driving the whole route in the dark.

Many visitors staying downtown find that hotel‑affiliated parking garages offer the most convenience and security, even if there is a daily charge. These are generally well signed and designed for guest traffic. Alternatively, look for larger, city‑run public car parks which often have more spacious layouts than smaller private lots. Researching your hotel's parking situation ahead of time or using a parking app can help identify the best‑rated and most accessible options near your accommodation.

During Cactus League spring training in February and March, expect significant increases in traffic around all stadiums, particularly in the hour before and after a game. In Scottsdale and Tempe, surface street traffic can become heavily congested near the stadiums on match days. For games in Surprise or Glendale, motorway exits for the stadiums can back up considerably. Always add at least 30–45 minutes to your travel time if your route takes you near a ballpark on a game day.

Phoenix drivers navigate the freeway system by planning ahead and minimising last‑minute lane changes. It's wise to know your exit number well in advance and move into the right‑hand lanes at least two miles before you need to exit. Locals use the HOV lanes during designated rush hours to bypass congestion but are mindful of solid white lines that indicate where you cannot enter or exit. Staying aware and anticipating your next move is the key to a smooth freeway experience.

To best enjoy Saguaro National Park, plan to leave Phoenix early in the morning, around 06:30–07:00. The drive to Tucson via the I‑10 takes about two hours, allowing you to arrive at the park before 09:00. This timing lets you explore scenic drives and short trails during the more pleasant morning temperatures. Plan to leave the park in the early afternoon, well before peak heat and before Tucson's rush hour begins.

When driving before dawn for sunrise photography, exercise extra caution, especially on roads bordering desert preserves. Drive at or below the speed limit and use your main beams when no other cars are present to better illuminate the road ahead. Be particularly vigilant for wildlife such as coyotes, javelina and deer, which are most active at dawn and dusk. Choosing a well‑known, easily accessible location for your first few outings will help you get comfortable with pre‑dawn desert driving conditions.

The most reliable strategy for parking at popular trailheads like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak is to go on a weekday and arrive before 07:00. At weekends the lots can be full even earlier. An alternative is to use a rideshare service for drop‑off and pickup, which removes parking stress altogether. If you must drive, have a backup plan for a different, less crowded trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve in case your first choice is inaccessible.

Navigating the ASU campus in Tempe requires paying close attention to street signs indicating restricted access, bus‑only lanes or pedestrian‑heavy zones. When visiting campus, aim for a designated public parking garage rather than searching for street parking. Set your sat‑nav directly to a specific garage, such as the Fulton Center Garage or the Rural Road Garage. This prevents you from getting caught in the complex network of campus‑specific roads and drop‑off loops.

After leaving the PHX Rental Car Center, a convenient and popular option is to stop at one of the nearby supermarkets or large retail stores a short drive away. The area around the 44th Street and Washington light rail station, just north of the airport, has several options. Alternatively, heading east on the Loop 202 towards Tempe Marketplace provides access to numerous shops where you can stock up on water, suncream and provisions. These locations offer easy freeway access to continue your journey.

During a haboob, visibility can drop to near zero in a matter of seconds, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions. The official safety recommendation is to pull over immediately and safely as far off the road as possible. Once you have pulled over, switch off all your lights, including headlights and brake lights, and take your foot off the brake pedal. This prevents other drivers from following your lights and potentially causing a chain‑reaction collision. Only continue driving once visibility has clearly improved.

Monsoon storms bring sudden, intense downpours that can make roads slick with oil and create large areas of standing water. The biggest danger is flash flooding in underpasses and normally dry riverbeds known as washes. Never attempt to drive through a flooded roadway, as the water is often much deeper than it appears and can easily stall your vehicle or sweep it away. Be prepared to take an alternate route if you encounter a flooded area.

To combat summer heat in your rental car, a foldable windscreen sunshade is an essential tool for keeping the interior temperature down. Many drivers also use a small towel or an oven glove to handle a hot steering wheel or seatbelt buckle. To prevent your phone from overheating while using GPS, position it on an air vent mount so cool air blows on it directly. Never leave electronics, aerosol cans or plastic water bottles in a parked car, as interior temperatures can rise to dangerous levels very quickly.

Driving to and within South Mountain Park is generally straightforward, with paved roads leading to all major viewpoints. The most common point of confusion is the main entrance; set your navigation for the South Mountain Park and Preserve main entrance on South Central Avenue. Some visitors accidentally navigate to a trailhead on the back side of the mountain, which may not provide access to the scenic summit roads. The drive up to Dobbins Lookout involves some winding curves but is manageable for any standard vehicle.

The drive from Phoenix to Cottonwood is a simple, flat highway route. The challenge comes on the final stretch from Clarkdale up to Jerome via Highway 89A. This section is steep and winding with several sharp switchbacks and significant elevation gain. While the road is well paved and has guardrails, drivers who are nervous about heights or tight bends should be prepared to go slowly and use lower gears. The stunning views are a great reward for a cautious and focused drive.

The drive from Phoenix to Page is about 4.5 hours, and the most logical and popular place to stop is Flagstaff. Located roughly at the halfway point, Flagstaff offers numerous options for fuel, food and restrooms right off Interstate 17 and Interstate 40. This break allows you to refuel both yourself and the car before continuing north on Highway 89. The final stretch has fewer services, so ensuring you have a full tank of fuel before leaving Flagstaff is a wise decision.

When planning a drive to Flagstaff, always check the weather forecast for the high country, not just Phoenix, as conditions can change dramatically. The drive up Interstate 17 involves significant elevation gain, so be prepared for colder temperatures and potential winter weather from late autumn to early spring. For the smoothest trip, travel during daylight hours to better see road conditions. Ensure your rental car has good tyres and always pack an extra layer of clothing, even if it's warm when you leave Phoenix.

To comfortably do both, plan your Desert Botanical Garden visit for the morning or early afternoon to enjoy the best light and cooler temperatures. The Garden is located near Papago Park, a relatively short drive from downtown Phoenix. After your visit you can drive downtown, find parking for the evening and have dinner before the game. Aim to be parked downtown at least 90 minutes before the event starts to allow for traffic and walking to the arena.

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is conveniently located in North Phoenix, just off the Loop 101, making it easy to access. The museum has its own large, dedicated car park that is free for visitors, which removes the stress of searching for a spot. To avoid any potential congestion on the motorway, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving shortly after it opens on a weekend morning. The ample and straightforward parking is a significant convenience for drivers.

When visiting Old Town Scottsdale in the evening, your best option is to use the numerous free public car parks located throughout the district. Two of the largest and most convenient are the Craftsman Court Garage and the Old Town Parking Garage, both within easy walking distance of the main restaurant and gallery areas. Arriving a little before your dinner reservation can make finding a space easier. Many visitors also use the city's free trolley to get around once they've parked their car.

On Phoenix freeways the general flow of traffic is often slightly above the posted limit, but speed enforcement, sometimes from aircraft, is common. It's wisest to stay with the flow of traffic in the centre lanes and avoid excessive speeds. On surface streets speed limits are more strictly enforced, especially in residential areas and school zones. A common local courtesy is to allow others to merge, as the freeways have many on‑ramps in close succession.

The drive to Tortilla Flat along State Route 88, part of the historic Apache Trail, is a beautiful and scenic journey. The road is paved all the way to Tortilla Flat and features stunning views of Canyon Lake, but it is narrow and winds tightly through the canyon. Most standard rental cars are perfectly suitable for this section. Cautious drivers, and all rental agreements, require you to turn around at Tortilla Flat, as the road beyond becomes unpaved, much rougher, and is not suitable for passenger vehicles.

The biggest mistake is assuming all roads in the forest are paved or that your navigation app is reliable. Many forest service roads are unpaved and can be unsuitable for standard rental cars, so always check road conditions before you go. Another common issue is relying on your phone for navigation in areas with no mobile signal; download maps for offline use beforehand. Finally, always start your journey with a full tank of fuel, as service stations are sparse once you leave the main highways.

When booking your rental, it's sensible to set your pickup time for at least 60 to 90 minutes after your flight's scheduled arrival. This provides a comfortable buffer to disembark, use facilities and wait for checked bags at baggage claim, which can often take longer than expected. This extra time prevents you from feeling rushed getting to the Rental Car Center shuttle and allows for a more relaxed start to your trip, especially when managing children and equipment.

During major events like the Super Bowl or a large convention you'll notice much heavier foot traffic in the terminals and longer queues at baggage claim. The most obvious sign for drivers will be increased congestion on the airport's terminal roads and a longer wait for the Rental Car Center shuttle. The shuttles may be more crowded, and the journey to the rental facility could take longer than the usual 10–15 minutes due to the sheer volume of traffic leaving the airport.

The PHX Rental Car Center itself has a large lobby and outdoor areas where you can take a few minutes to fit car seats and organise your gear before getting into the car. For a more relaxed stop after you've picked up the vehicle, consider driving to nearby Papago Park. It's only a few minutes from the airport and has several large car parks where you can safely get everyone settled, have a snack and make final adjustments before joining the major freeways for a longer drive.

For a straightforward drive to Mesa or Gilbert from the airport area, taking the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway East is often the least complex option. This route avoids the more intricate downtown interchanges of I‑10 and I‑17. Alternatively, US‑60 East is another direct path, accessible from I‑10. The key is to choose one of these primary east‑west freeways and stay on it, paying close attention to your chosen exit number rather than trying to switch between routes.

To avoid parking issues in Glendale's sports and entertainment district, plan to arrive very early—at least two hours before the event's start time. Traffic on the Loop 101 and I‑10 leading to the stadium area becomes extremely heavy. It is highly recommended to pre‑purchase a parking pass online for a specific stadium lot. This guarantees you a spot and directs you to the best entrance, saving you from the stress of searching for cash lots on match day.

Before heading to Lake Pleasant or Bartlett Lake, be sure to fill your fuel tank and purchase water, ice and snacks in the northern Phoenix or Scottsdale suburbs. Services become very limited as you get closer to the lakes. To secure a good spot, especially at weekends, plan to arrive at the park entrance before 10:00, as popular areas can reach capacity. Remember you'll be driving on rural roads, so allow plenty of travel time.

Even if the car sits for a day or two, most visitors find the convenience of having it is worth it for the flexibility it offers. You can use it for short trips to nearby restaurants or shops, or for an impromptu drive without relying on other transport. Most resorts offer secure self‑parking or valet services. Just be sure to lock the vehicle and keep any valuables out of sight, treating it as you would your own car at home.

If you have an early flight and are driving from places like Mesa or Gilbert, allow at least 30–45 minutes more travel time than your sat‑nav suggests. Plan to have the car at the PHX Rental Car Center a full two hours before your flight's departure. This accounts for morning rush hour traffic, the time needed to refuel the car, the drop‑off process itself, and the shuttle ride back to your terminal. This buffer ensures a low‑stress end to your trip.

Before entering the return lane, do a thorough sweep of the car for all personal belongings, checking the glovebox, centre console, door pockets and boot. It's also good practice to gather any rubbish, such as empty water bottles or snack wrappers, and dispose of it. Rental companies expect cars to return with some exterior dust from desert adventures, but a tidy interior is always appreciated and helps ensure you haven't left anything important behind during the check‑in process.

A simple way to manage a group departure is for the driver to first drop off the passengers and the bulk of the luggage at the airline's departure curb. This allows them to proceed to check‑in while the driver returns the rental car alone. After dropping off the vehicle at the Rental Car Center, the driver can take the shuttle back to the terminal to rejoin the group. This splits the tasks and prevents everyone from having to manage luggage on the shuttle bus.