Enterprise Car Hire
Phoenix

On arrival at PHX, the most efficient way to reach your hire car is via the PHX Sky Train. This automated train runs 24/7 and connects all terminals directly to the Rental Car Centre, removing the need for a shuttle bus. Once you’ve collected your vehicle, have your navigation app ready before you leave the garage. Exit signs are clear, directing you towards major freeways such as the I-10 and Loop 202, which will be the primary routes to anywhere in the Valley.

While the drive from the Rental Car Centre to downtown Phoenix can be as quick as 15 minutes in light traffic, you should allow considerably more time during weekday rush hours. These typically occur from 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30, and congestion on the I-10 can easily double or even triple travel times to 30–45 minutes or longer. It’s good practice to check a real-time traffic app just before you depart for the most accurate estimate for your specific trip.

For a less stressful drive to Scottsdale that avoids some of the most complex interchanges, take the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway east from the airport area. This route is generally more straightforward than navigating the I-10 and SR-51 stack. You can then exit onto the Loop 101 Pima Freeway north, which runs along Scottsdale’s eastern edge. This path gives easy access to most of the city’s major resorts and attractions with fewer lane changes and complex merges than other central Phoenix freeway routes.

Driving in Tempe near the Arizona State University campus requires extra attention, especially during term time. Be mindful of the many one-way streets around the campus, such as those near Mill Avenue, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic is extremely heavy, so drive cautiously and always give way at crossings. When accessing hotel or public parking garages, note that some entrances are tight and may have specific entry points that are easy to miss if you’re not watching your navigation closely.

The most common point of confusion for visitors leaving the airport area is the series of rapid splits and merges where the Loop 202, I-10 and SR-51 converge, often called the 'Mini Stack'. The key is to know which freeway you need well in advance, as lanes divide quickly with little room for last-minute changes. To avoid issues, programme your destination into your GPS before leaving the rental facility and pay close attention to the overhead signs. Having a co‑pilot to help navigate this short but complex stretch can make the experience much smoother.

Driving from Phoenix to Sedona on a Friday or Saturday morning is a very popular trip, and the traffic reflects that. The primary bottleneck begins on Interstate 17 North as you leave the Phoenix metro area, particularly around Anthem and New River where the freeway begins its long climb. Expect heavy traffic and potential slowdowns starting as early as 08:00. To enjoy a more relaxed drive, consider leaving Phoenix before 07:00 or waiting until after 11:00 when the initial rush has eased.

From a logistical standpoint, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is significantly more manageable than one to Antelope Canyon if you’re starting from Phoenix. The drive to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim is about 3.5–4 hours each way, making for a long but feasible day. In contrast, Antelope Canyon is near Page, which is a much longer drive of around 4.5–5 hours each way. That makes a round trip in a single day very taxing and leaves little time for the required guided tour and exploration.

Roundabouts are increasingly common in newer neighbourhoods, particularly in North Scottsdale and parts of North Phoenix. The key rules are to give way to any traffic already circulating within the roundabout and to stay in your lane while manoeuvring through it. Enter the roundabout by turning right and proceed counter-clockwise. Signal when you intend to exit. Approaching them slowly and reading the directional signs for your intended exit will help you navigate them confidently.

Parking at Camelback Mountain’s popular trailheads, like Echo Canyon and Cholla, is extremely limited and fills up very quickly, especially for sunrise. To secure a spot you should plan to arrive at the car park at least 30–45 minutes before official sunrise. That means leaving your hotel or accommodation well over an hour before sunrise to allow for driving time and potential traffic. On weekends or holidays, arriving even earlier is advisable to avoid parking far away or missing the best light.

During busy dinner hours, the most common mistake visitors make in Old Town Scottsdale is underestimating pedestrian traffic. Drivers often fail to anticipate people crossing mid‑block or stepping out from between parked cars. Another frequent issue is circling for on‑street parking, which creates congestion; it’s often faster to head directly to one of the nearby public parking garages. Finally, be aware of the mix of cars, golf carts and pedi‑cabs sharing the same narrow roads, which requires reduced speeds and heightened awareness.

During spring training, the areas with the most challenging game‑day traffic are typically Scottsdale, Mesa and Glendale. Scottsdale, home to the Giants and Diamondbacks/Rockies, sees significant congestion around the Loop 101 and Old Town. In Mesa, roads near Sloan Park (Cubs) become very crowded, especially at weekends. Glendale’s Camelback Ranch (Dodgers/White Sox) also causes major backups on Camelback Road and the Loop 101. Plan to arrive at least an hour before game time and check traffic maps before you head out.

The great thing about these three attractions is their close proximity within Papago Park. The most efficient plan is to choose one central car park and walk between them. A good strategy is to park at the Phoenix Zoo, which has a large lot. From there you can easily walk to the Desert Botanical Garden entrance. Many of Papago Park’s famous buttes, like Hole‑in‑the‑Rock, are also a short walk from these main lots, allowing you to explore all three destinations with your car securely parked for the day.

Choosing a larger vehicle like an SUV or a people‑carrier is particularly advantageous in several common Phoenix travel scenarios. If you’re on a golf trip, the extra cargo space is essential for multiple sets of clubs. For families, the room for buggies, child seats and other gear makes travel much more comfortable. Also, if your group plans long day trips to places like Sedona or the Grand Canyon, the added legroom and storage for coolboxes and hiking equipment can significantly improve the overall experience.

For drivers unaccustomed to large metropolitan areas, Phoenix freeway driving can feel intense because of the high speeds and the number of lanes, which in places can be five or six across. The most stressful interchanges are typically the I-10/I-17 stack near downtown, known as 'The Stack', and the aforementioned 'Mini Stack' near the airport. The key is to stay calm, keep to your lane as much as possible and give yourself plenty of time and space to make your exit. Avoid last‑minute lane changes, as these are a common cause of accidents.

Downtown Phoenix has a robust network of public and private self‑parking options if you prefer not to use hotel valet services. You’ll find numerous multi‑storey parking garages and surface lots throughout the downtown core, especially near major venues like the Phoenix Convention Centre and the Footprint Center. Many of these garages offer reasonable daily or hourly rates. Using a parking app on your smartphone can help locate the nearest and most affordable options in real time, often just a short walk from your hotel.

At weekends, parking at prime trailheads like Piestewa Peak and the main lots at South Mountain Park can be extremely challenging. Lots often fill to capacity very early in the morning, sometimes before 07:00, especially when the weather is pleasant. At Piestewa Peak you may need to park in the surrounding residential area and walk a considerable distance. At South Mountain, if the main lots are full you can often find space at a lower‑elevation lot and start your hike from there, so it’s wise to have a backup plan.

Planning fuel stops for the drive to the Grand Canyon is straightforward with a little foresight. The best strategy is to depart Phoenix with a full tank. A reliable and easy place to refuel is Flagstaff, about two‑thirds of the way, which has numerous large, easily accessible petrol stations right off I-40. This ensures you have more than enough fuel to reach Grand Canyon Village, drive around the park and get back to a major town without relying on the limited and often pricier options nearer the park entrance.

When heading north on I-17 from Phoenix, be prepared for significant, long‑term construction zones, particularly between Anthem and Sunset Point. Works involve lane restrictions, reduced speed limits and occasional traffic shifts that can cause major delays, especially at weekends and on holidays. It’s crucial to check the Arizona Department of Transportation’s travel advisory site (AZ511) before you depart for the latest updates on closures or restrictions. Allow extra travel time and remain alert for construction vehicles and changing traffic patterns in these areas.

Phoenix’s extreme summer heat can noticeably affect a vehicle’s systems. High temperatures cause the air inside tyres to expand, which can sometimes trigger the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light. While a quick visual check is sensible, this is often a normal fluctuation. Also be aware that the car’s air‑conditioning works very hard, so it’s a good idea to let the car idle for a minute or two before driving to allow the system to cool gradually and reduce strain on the engine.

After picking up your hire car there are several convenient grocery stores a short drive from the airport. A popular option is Fry’s Food and Drug on 44th Street and McDowell Road, just north of the Loop 202 and easy to access. Alternatively there’s a Safeway and a Target with a grocery section a bit further east in Tempe, near the Loop 202 and Loop 101 interchange. These locations let you stock up on water, snacks and essentials before you check into your accommodation.

The most direct and simplest route from Phoenix to Saguaro National Park is to take Interstate 10 East all the way to Tucson. This is a straight, well‑maintained motorway drive taking approximately two hours. Once you reach the outskirts of Tucson, your sat‑nav will guide you to either the western (Tucson Mountain District) or eastern (Rincon Mountain District) section of the park. The I-10 avoids any complex city navigation until you are very close to your final destination, making for a low‑stress road trip.

This popular loop involves significant elevation changes that affect driving conditions. The drive from Phoenix (around 1,100 ft) up to Sedona and Flagstaff (4,500–7,000 ft) is a long, steady climb on I-17, which can make your vehicle work harder. Roads around Sedona and the scenic route up to Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon (SR 89A) are winding and require slower speeds. On the return from Flagstaff to Phoenix you’ll have a long downhill descent, so avoid riding your brakes; downshift where necessary to help control speed.

Dust storms, known as haboobs, are most common during the summer monsoon season, from June to September. If you’re caught in one while driving and visibility drops dramatically, official advice is to pull over as far to the right as possible. Turn off all 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 rear‑end collision. Wait until the storm passes and visibility improves before resuming your drive.

For events at the Footprint Center or nearby venues, the most convenient parking options are the large multi‑storey garages attached to or adjacent to the arena. The Jefferson Street Garage and the Chase Field Garage are both excellent, well‑lit choices that are easy to access from the freeway. While close to the venue, arriving early is still recommended. Many visitors also find it easy to park at a Valley Metro Rail park‑and‑ride station in a suburb like Mesa or Tempe and take the light rail directly to the downtown stop, avoiding traffic altogether.

Driving to State Farm Stadium for a major event requires significant planning due to heavy traffic. Main routes like the Loop 101 and Cardinals Way become extremely congested. To avoid the worst of it, plan to arrive at least two to three hours before the event starts. This allows time to navigate the traffic, find your designated parking area and walk to the stadium without rushing. Following electronic signs and traffic marshals is crucial, as they often guide vehicles along specific routes to fill the large lots efficiently.

To avoid the heaviest commuter traffic from East Valley suburbs like Mesa and Chandler, it’s best to travel outside peak hours. The morning rush into Phoenix on the US‑60 or the Loop 202 is typically worst between 06:30 and 09:00. The evening surge heading back east is most intense from 16:00 to 18:30. For a much smoother drive, plan to travel either before 06:00, between 10:00 and 14:00, or after 19:00 on weekdays.

Visitors will be pleased to know that trip planning in Arizona is simplified by the near‑total absence of toll roads. The Phoenix metropolitan area and the major interstates and state highways throughout Arizona are toll‑free. You will not need a special pass, transponder or cash set aside for tolls during your travels. Some freeways have designated HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes with specific rules for use during rush hour, but these are separate from tolling systems and are clearly marked.

The most practical and responsible approach is to use your hire car for daytime explorations and then switch to other transport for brewery visits. Park your car at your hotel for the evening and use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, which are widely available in Phoenix and Tempe. Another excellent option is the Valley Metro Rail, with stops conveniently located near brewery districts in downtown Phoenix and along Mill Avenue in Tempe. This lets you enjoy the evening safely without worrying about driving.

Several cities in the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler, use photo enforcement for both red lights and speeding. These cameras are typically well signposted, so be alert for notices. Speed limits on freeways are generally 65 mph but can drop in construction zones or central corridors. State troopers and local police actively patrol major arteries like the Loop 101, SR-51 and I-17. The best practice is to always adhere to posted speed limits and come to a complete stop at red lights to ensure a safe and ticket‑free trip.

The drive to Lake Pleasant is straightforward, taking about 45–60 minutes from central Phoenix via I-17 North and then west on Carefree Highway (SR 74). The route is well‑paved and clearly signed. On entering the regional park you’ll pay an entrance fee per vehicle. The main marinas, Scorpion Bay and Pleasant Harbor, have large paved parking lots, but they can fill up quickly on hot summer weekends. Arriving early, especially before 10:00, is the best way to secure a convenient spot close to the docks.

For Salt River tubing, the operation in season is run by a single concessionaire. You drive your hire car to their main facility off North Power Road in Mesa. There you’ll park in a large designated lot for the day. After parking you rent your tubes and board a shuttle bus that takes you upriver to the drop‑off point. The system is arranged so you float back down towards where your car is parked, making logistics very simple and removing the need to coordinate multiple vehicles.

A day trip along the Apache Trail to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat is a beautiful scenic drive. The key is to take your time, as State Route 88 becomes narrow and winding past Canyon Lake. Start early to avoid crowds and allow plenty of time for stops. The paved portion of the road to Tortilla Flat is manageable for a standard hire car, but it demands full attention due to sharp curves and steep drop‑offs. Drive slowly, use pull‑outs to let faster traffic pass and enjoy the desert canyon views.

Jerome is a historic mining town built on the side of a steep hill, and both the drive up and the parking reflect that. The road into town, Highway 89A, is winding but well maintained and offers spectacular views. Once in Jerome, parking is the main challenge; it’s extremely limited and mostly consists of tight, angled bays along the main streets. Be prepared to use a designated lot at the bottom of town and walk up steep hills, or to circle a few times to find a space. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring.

The drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley is long—over five hours—so breaking it up is a good idea. A useful and easy stop is Flagstaff, about two hours from Phoenix, which is a good place for lunch and to stretch your legs. From Flagstaff you can continue north on Highway 89. Another interesting stop is the historic Cameron Trading Post, near the turnoff for Highway 64 to the Grand Canyon. It’s a good spot to see the Little Colorado River Gorge and browse Native American art before continuing.

For an early morning flight, a conservative timeline is sensible. Plan to arrive at the Rental Car Centre at least two and a half to three hours before your flight. This allows about 15–20 minutes for car return, another 10–15 minutes for the PHX Sky Train ride back to your terminal, and then a solid two hours to check in and clear security. During peak travel seasons or holidays, adding an extra 30 minutes to this timeline provides a comfortable buffer against unexpected delays.

After returning your car at the Rental Car Centre you’ll take the PHX Sky Train back towards the main airport. The train stops at both Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, which service all airlines at PHX. It’s important to know which terminal your airline uses before you board. If you alight at the wrong one, don’t worry; you can simply hop back on the Sky Train, as it runs in a continuous loop between the terminals and the rental centre, making it easy to correct your route.

Finding EV charging in Phoenix is becoming progressively easier, especially in popular tourist areas and at major hotels. Many larger hotel chains and newer properties now offer Level 2 charging stations for guests, sometimes as a complimentary amenity. It’s best to call your hotel directly in advance to confirm availability and any associated fees. Additionally, the Phoenix metro area has a growing network of public fast chargers from various providers, which can be located using smartphone apps like PlugShare.

For families with children, several Phoenix attractions are particularly easy to access with a hire car. The Phoenix Zoo and the Arizona Science Center both have large, dedicated car parks right next to their entrances, minimising long walks. OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale also features a massive, convenient parking structure shared with the surrounding entertainment complex. These venues are designed for high visitor volumes, making parking and entry with pushchairs and other gear relatively straightforward for parents.

When it rains in Phoenix, particularly during a heavy monsoon storm, streets can flood quickly because the hard, dry ground absorbs little water. The most important thing for visitors is to never drive through a flooded wash or a low‑water crossing, even if it appears shallow. Arizona has a 'Stupid Motorist Law', and you could be charged for the cost of your rescue. Many crossings are signed, but treat any flowing water over a roadway with extreme caution and find an alternate route.

The most direct driving route from Phoenix to Las Vegas is to take US‑93 North. The drive typically takes about four to five hours without major stops. A popular and worthwhile stop along this route is the Hoover Dam, located just before you reach the Las Vegas area. You can also make a quick stop in Kingman, Arizona, to see classic Route 66 memorabilia. The drive is mostly through open desert, so ensure you have a full tank of petrol and water before leaving Phoenix.