Hertz Car Hire
Phoenix

After collecting your luggage at Phoenix Sky Harbor, the most efficient route to the Hertz desk is via the PHX Sky Train. This automated train runs 24/7 and is located outside the terminals, so you won’t need to navigate back through security or crowded gate areas. Simply follow the prominent overhead signs for the Rental Car Center from baggage claim. The Sky Train provides a quick, direct ride that delivers you to the facility where all the rental agencies are conveniently housed under one roof.

During the busy winter season, it’s wise to allow a generous amount of time for the whole arrival and pickup process. Factoring in deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for luggage, and taking the Sky Train to the Rental Car Center can take a while. Peak times usually mean higher passenger volumes and potentially longer queues at the rental counter. Planning for a relaxed, unhurried arrival will ensure a much smoother start to your Phoenix trip.

To reach Old Town Scottsdale with minimal fuss, exit the Rental Car Center and follow signs for the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway heading east. This major freeway quickly gets you away from the immediate airport traffic. Continue on the 202 for several miles until you reach the interchange for the Loop 101 Pima Freeway, which you will take north. From the 101 you can then take exits such as Indian School Road or Chaparral Road to head west straight into the heart of Old Town.

Driving from PHX to Downtown Phoenix is a short trip, but it requires some awareness once you leave the freeway. The downtown grid features many one-way streets, so it’s crucial to have your navigation active and pay close attention to signage. Be aware that major events at the convention centre, arenas or theatres can cause temporary road closures, especially in the evenings. Before you arrive it’s helpful to look up your hotel’s specific garage entrance, as it may be on a side street rather than at the main address.

Many travellers find it helpful to get organised before merging onto the busy freeways. A popular and safe option is to pull into the cell phone waiting lot, which you’ll see signs for as you exit the Rental Car Center area. These lots offer a convenient place to park for a few minutes free of charge. This allows you to programme your GPS, connect your phone to the car’s infotainment system, adjust your mirrors and get comfortable without the pressure of moving traffic.

When heading to Tempe or ASU, the key is getting on the correct freeway heading east. A common mistake is accidentally taking the I-10 West towards downtown Phoenix or Los Angeles instead of the Loop 202 East. As you leave the Rental Car Center, carefully follow the overhead signs specifically for Loop 202 East (Red Mountain Freeway). Once on the 202, stay in the middle or right lanes to avoid the express lanes and be prepared for exits like Priest Drive or Rural Road, which lead directly to the university area.

When you get to your assigned vehicle class, don’t just consider total cargo volume; pay close attention to the shape and accessibility of the space. For items like golf bags, a wider boot opening is often more important than deep vertical space. With strollers, check for wheel wells or other intrusions that might prevent it from lying flat. It’s a good idea to physically open the boot or rear hatch of a potential vehicle to visualise how your specific gear will fit before you finalise your selection and load your luggage.

In the intense Arizona summer, a vehicle’s air conditioning system is paramount, so ensure it’s blowing cold before you leave the lot. Beyond that, features like remote start can be a game-changer, allowing you to cool the car down a few minutes before you get in. Ventilated or cooled seats can also provide significant comfort on hot leather or cloth surfaces. While not a vehicle feature, having a reflective sunshade for the windscreen is essential for keeping interior temperatures manageable during any stop.

For sunrise hikes at popular spots like Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak, an early start is essential. Plan to arrive at the trailhead well before sunrise, as parking lots are often small and fill up extremely quickly, even on weekdays. Driving in the pre-dawn darkness requires extra caution, particularly on neighbourhood streets leading to the trailheads where wildlife like coyotes or javelinas can be present. Having your route programmed the night before will help ensure a smooth, stress-free drive in the dark.

Parking in Old Town Scottsdale is generally visitor-friendly, with a mix of free on-street parking and numerous public car parks. Most on-street parking has daytime time limits, but these restrictions are often lifted in the evening; always check the signs for specific hours. The multi-level car parks are a great option for longer stays and are typically free to use. Be aware that on busy weekend nights, even the car parks can fill up, so it’s wise to arrive a little early or be prepared to walk a few blocks.

Driving to a Spring Training game is a classic Phoenix experience, but it requires some planning. Traffic can become very congested on the freeways and local streets surrounding the stadiums, especially within the hour before the first pitch. Plan to leave with plenty of extra time to account for delays. Most stadiums have large, dedicated car parks, but they are often cash-only and can fill up. Following the signs and traffic attendants will make the process much smoother than trying to find on-street parking.

During the Phoenix Open, traffic around North Scottsdale and the Loop 101 becomes exceptionally heavy. It’s best to avoid driving near the TPC Scottsdale area unless you are attending the event. If you are going, give yourself a significant amount of extra travel time, as motorway exits and major roads like Bell Road or Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard will be backed up. Consider using ride-share services for drop-off to avoid parking challenges, or if driving, follow event signage to designated lots, which may be some distance from the entrance and require a shuttle.

Phoenix’s loop freeways are fantastic for navigating the sprawling metro area, but they require attention. Unlike a simple north-south or east-west highway, a loop’s direction can be confusing; for example, the Loop 101 North eventually becomes the 101 West. It’s essential to pay attention to the specific name of your exit rather than just the direction of travel. Lane changes can happen quickly, so it’s best to move into your exit lane well in advance, as missing an exit can result in a very long detour.

For a more enjoyable day trip to Sedona, aim to leave the Phoenix area no later than 07:00, especially at the weekend. This allows you to get ahead of the heavy northbound traffic on Interstate 17, which can build up significantly by mid-morning. An early arrival in Sedona also greatly increases your chances of finding parking at popular trailheads and in the main tourist areas of Uptown. Leaving early ensures you spend more of your day exploring the red rocks and less time sitting in the car.

The drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon offers several excellent places to stop. A common first break is in Camp Verde or Cottonwood for a quick coffee or snack. Further north, Flagstaff is a popular and logical stopping point for a full meal and to fuel up before the final leg. For a scenic detour, consider a stop at Sunset Crater Volcano or Wupatki National Monuments just east of Flagstaff. Williams, the last town before the park entrance, is another great spot to stretch your legs and grab supplies.

Visiting Jerome and Cottonwood is a fantastic side trip, but be prepared for different driving conditions. Cottonwood is in a flat valley and has relatively straightforward streets and parking. Jerome, however, is built on the side of a steep hill, featuring narrow, winding roads and very tight switchbacks. Parking in Jerome is extremely limited and consists mostly of parallel spots on steep inclines or small paid lots. A smaller vehicle can be easier to manoeuvre and park in this historic mining town.

The drive between Phoenix and Tucson is a straight shot south on the Interstate 10 and typically takes about two hours. To make it stress-free, try to avoid travelling during weekday rush hours when commuter traffic in both cities is at its peak. When you arrive in Tucson, be aware that the area around the University of Arizona has heavy pedestrian and cycle traffic. If your destination is downtown Tucson, have your navigation ready, as it features a grid of one-way streets similar to Downtown Phoenix.

A trip to Saguaro National Park from Phoenix is very manageable but requires planning for the heat. It’s best to leave Phoenix early in the morning to arrive at the park before the midday temperatures become extreme, especially from late spring to early autumn. The park is split into two districts, so decide beforehand whether you’re visiting the east or west side. Fuel and services are plentiful along the I-10 down to Tucson, but it’s wise to have a full tank of petrol and plenty of water before entering the park itself, as services inside are non-existent.

The drive to Payson on State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, is scenic but demands your full attention. The road involves long, sustained uphill climbs leaving the Phoenix valley and corresponding steep descents on the return trip. It has been significantly improved and is mostly a four-lane divided highway, but there are still winding sections. Be sure to use lower gears on the downhill portions to avoid overusing your brakes and watch for wildlife, especially deer, near the road at dawn and dusk.

Driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff in winter requires careful preparation due to the dramatic change in elevation and weather. You can easily leave a sunny, 18°C Phoenix and encounter snow, ice and freezing temperatures on the Interstate 17 as you approach Flagstaff’s 7,000-foot elevation. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions via the Arizona Department of Transportation’s travel site before you depart. Sudden snowstorms can cause significant delays or even temporary closures of the highway, so flexibility is key.

Dust storms, or haboobs, are a serious weather phenomenon in the Phoenix area, most common during the summer monsoon season. They can appear suddenly as a massive wall of dust, reducing visibility to near zero in a matter of seconds. If you see one approaching, the safest action is to pull your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible, turn off all your lights, and take your foot off the brake. This prevents other drivers from following your lights and potentially causing a rear-end collision.

While many downtown hotels have their own garages, there are numerous public car parks and surface lots scattered throughout the area that can be good alternatives. These are often used by commuters and event-goers and may offer competitive daily or hourly rates. Using a parking app can help you locate these options and compare costs in real-time. For shorter visits to an attraction, metered street parking is also available, but be sure to pay close attention to the time limits and hours of enforcement.

The Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo share a large parking area within Papago Park, and parking is generally free. However, on weekends, bank holidays and during special events these lots can and do fill up completely. To secure a spot it’s highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, ideally within the first hour of opening. If you arrive later on a busy day you may be directed to overflow lots and face a longer walk to the entrance.

Hole-in-the-Rock is an extremely popular spot for watching the sunset, which means the small car park at its base fills up very quickly in the late afternoon. Plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset to have a reasonable chance of finding a space. Be prepared for significant crowds on the trail and at the viewpoint itself. If the main car park is full you may need to park elsewhere within Papago Park and walk over, so factor that extra time into your schedule.

Driving to the trailheads for Camelback Mountain is straightforward, but parking is notoriously difficult. The car parks for both the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails are very small and fill up before sunrise, even on weekdays. Parking in the surrounding residential neighbourhoods is strictly prohibited and heavily enforced with fines and towing. If you are not there at dawn, your best options are to use a ride-share service for drop-off and pick-up or to be prepared to wait for a spot to open, which can take a very long time.

To avoid post-game traffic jams, consider parking in a garage that is a few blocks away from the arena or ballpark. This allows you to walk a short distance and access streets that are less congested when everyone leaves at once. Another strategy is to choose a garage with an exit that points you directly towards the motorway on-ramp you need to take. Arriving early not only gives you more parking choices but also lets you enjoy the pre-game atmosphere downtown without the stress of last-minute traffic.

Driving to State Farm Stadium involves navigating the West Valley’s Loop 101 motorway, which gets very busy on event days. Plan for significant delays and follow the electronic signs directing you to specific parking lots based on your direction of approach. The biggest challenge is the post-event exodus, where it can take an hour or more just to get out of the car park. Patience is essential; some locals prefer to relax in their car or visit the nearby Westgate Entertainment District for a while to let the initial traffic surge die down.

The most direct route from PHX to Mesa and Gilbert is the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway heading east. This freeway will take you directly from the airport area into the East Valley. If you are travelling during morning or evening rush hour, expect heavy, slow-moving traffic, particularly between the airport and the Loop 101 interchange. Outside of peak commute times the drive is typically smooth and straightforward, offering an easy connection to these popular suburban communities.

Monsoon season, typically July through September, brings unique driving challenges. Storms can develop rapidly, causing sudden downpours that create slick roads and reduce visibility. The biggest danger is flash flooding in low-lying areas and underpasses, which can happen with little warning. Never attempt to drive through a flooded wash or street, as the water is often deeper and faster-moving than it appears. It’s wise to check the weather radar before heading out and be prepared to pull over and wait for a storm to pass.

After leaving the Rental Car Center, you can use the surface streets around the airport for a quick shakedown of your vehicle. Roads like 24th Street or University Drive offer a mix of stop-and-go traffic and steady cruising speeds. This allows you to test the brakes, listen for any unusual noises, and confirm the air conditioning is running strong before you commit to a long motorway journey. It’s a simple step that can provide peace of mind before embarking on a longer road trip.

Phoenix freeways have High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, typically the far-left lane, which are restricted during weekday rush hours. The signs will clearly state the hours of operation and the minimum number of occupants required, which is usually two or more people. It’s crucial to only enter and exit these lanes at the designated dashed-line points. Crossing the solid white lines that separate the HOV lane from general traffic can result in a hefty fine, so always be aware of your entry and exit points.

To efficiently visit multiple suburbs, locals often plan their route to avoid cross-town travel during peak rush hours (roughly 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00). A good strategy is to group your destinations by geography, tackling all your East Valley stops in one part of the day and West Valley stops in another. Using the loop freeways, like the 101 and 202, can help you bypass the central city core. Planning your longest drives for the middle of the day, between 10:00 and 14:00, will almost always save you time and frustration.

Returning your car during the morning rush means you should plan for extra time. As you approach the airport, follow the signs for Rental Car Return, which will guide you directly to the facility. The return garage can be very active, but the process is designed for efficiency, with staff directing traffic and quickly checking in vehicles. After dropping off your keys, it’s a short walk inside to the PHX Sky Train, which will take you to your departure terminal.

For a very early flight, a conservative timeline is your best friend. Plan to have the car back at the Rental Car Center at least two and a half to three hours before your flight’s departure time. This buffer accounts for the time to return the vehicle, ride the Sky Train to your terminal (which can take 5–10 minutes), check any luggage with your airline, and clear security. During peak travel seasons or holidays, adding even more time is a prudent measure for a stress-free departure.

Many travellers find it convenient to drop off passengers and luggage at the terminal kerbside before returning the car. Simply follow the signs for Departures and your specific airline. After your family and bags are safely on the kerb, the driver can then follow the signs for Rental Car Return. This approach saves everyone from having to manage luggage on the Sky Train and streamlines the check-in process, especially when travelling with children or lots of gear.

The drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas is about 4.5 to 5 hours. The most common route is US-93 North, which you can access from the Loop 101 in the West Valley. Good places to stop for fuel and a break are Wickenburg or Kingman. Be aware there is a long, remote stretch between Kingman and the Hoover Dam with very few services. To avoid arriving in Las Vegas during its peak check-in rush, try to time your departure from Phoenix to get there either in the early afternoon or later in the evening.

A trip to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a journey into a remote and beautiful part of the Sonoran Desert. From Phoenix you’ll drive through Gila Bend and Ajo. It’s essential to start with a full tank of fuel, as petrol stations become scarce south of Ajo. Also carry plenty of extra water and snacks, as there are no services within the monument itself. Mobile phone service can be unreliable, so it’s a good idea to download maps for offline use before you go.

To enjoy a Route 66 day trip, focus on one or two key towns rather than trying to see everything. A popular option is to drive north on the I-17 to the I-40 and exit at Williams, exploring its historic downtown before continuing west. The stretch of Route 66 between Seligman and Kingman is one of the longest remaining, offering a classic experience. To avoid feeling rushed, consider making it an overnight trip with a stay in Williams or Kingman, allowing you to explore at a more leisurely pace on both days.

To protect your rental car’s interior, a little preparation goes a long way. Bringing a few large bin bags or a small tarp is an excellent way to create a liner for the boot or cargo area, protecting it from dirt, mud and moisture from coolers. Keep a separate bag for muddy hiking boots so you can change into clean shoes before getting in the car. A small towel or two is also invaluable for wiping down gear or protecting seats from wet clothing after a trip to a lake or river.

A common strategy is to group your driving-intensive activities together. Plan your day trips to Sedona, Tucson or hiking trailheads on consecutive days to make the most of your rental. For days when you plan to stay within a concentrated area like Old Town Scottsdale, which is very walkable and well-served by ride-share and local trolleys, you can leave the car parked at your resort. This approach saves you the hassle of finding parking for short trips and allows for a more relaxed local experience.