Payless Car Rental
Arizona

All rental car companies at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, including Payless, are located in the consolidated Rental Car Center. Regardless of which terminal you arrive at, you will not follow signs for a specific brand but rather for the "Rental Car Center" shuttle bus. These dedicated shuttles run continuously from the baggage claim curbside of every terminal. The ride to the center is typically short, and once you arrive, you can proceed directly to the Payless counter to complete your pickup process.

Navigating to the Rental Car Center late at night is generally straightforward as the airport is less crowded. After collecting your luggage, exit the terminal doors and look for the designated shuttle bus stops, which are clearly marked with purple signs for the Rental Car Center. The shuttles operate 24/7, so you can expect one to arrive within a few minutes even during late hours. The well-lit route and frequent service are designed to make the connection from any terminal to your rental car pickup simple and secure at any time.

The drive from the PHX Rental Car Center to downtown Phoenix is relatively short in distance but can be significantly affected by traffic. During weekday commute hours, typically from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., you should plan for the trip to take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes. The route often involves Interstate 10, which experiences heavy congestion during these peak times. For a less stressful start to your journey, it's wise to build in this extra buffer time or check a real-time traffic app just before you depart the rental facility.

For a straightforward drive to Scottsdale from the PHX Rental Car Center, the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway is an excellent choice. After exiting the rental center, follow signs to get on the Loop 202 East. This freeway offers a direct path, bypassing the more complex interchanges of downtown Phoenix. You can then take one of several exits, such as Scottsdale Road or Loop 101, to reach your specific destination within the city. This route is well-marked and generally easier for visitors to navigate than cutting through the city streets.

Getting to Tempe and the Arizona State University area from the rental car center is quite simple. The most direct route is to follow the signs for the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway heading east. You will only be on this freeway for a few miles before you see clearly marked exits for Tempe, such as Priest Drive, Center Parkway, or Scottsdale Road. Since the distance is so short, it's helpful to have your navigation set up before you leave the rental lot so you're prepared for the quick exit.

When driving to Mesa or Gilbert, you'll likely use either the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway or US 60, the Superstition Freeway. Both can be very busy, but US 60 often feels more congested and hectic for newcomers, especially during rush hour. The interchanges where US 60 meets Interstate 10 and Loop 101 can be particularly intense with fast-moving, merging traffic. The Loop 202 generally provides a slightly less stressful experience, though it's still a major urban freeway requiring your full attention.

For a Monday-morning flight, planning your departure from Scottsdale requires a generous time cushion. Morning rush hour traffic, especially on the Loop 101 and Loop 202, can easily double your travel time to the airport. It's wise to allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for the drive itself. Factoring in time to refuel, complete the rental return process, and take the shuttle back to your terminal, you should aim to leave Scottsdale about three hours before your flight's departure time for a low-stress experience.

A great strategy for a quick setup stop is to use the cell phone waiting lot located just east of Terminal 4 before you merge onto the main freeways. After picking up your car, you can follow signs for the East Cell Phone Lot, which offers a safe place to pull over for a few minutes. This allows you to program your GPS, adjust your mirrors, mount your phone, and get situated without the pressure of being in a busy gas station. Once you're ready, you can easily access the Loop 202 or other major routes from there.

The approach to the PHX Rental Car Center for returns can be confusing because multiple freeways and surface streets converge in the area. The key is to start looking for the "Rental Car Return" signs early, as they are distinct from general airport or terminal signage. As you get closer, the road splits to direct cars to the correct return garages, so pay close attention to the overhead signs for your specific rental company. Keeping your GPS active until you are at the garage entrance can help provide lane guidance and prevent last-minute, stressful maneuvers.

When parking a rental car in downtown Phoenix, be aware that many street parking spots have time limits and are actively enforced, especially during business hours. Pay attention to the signs and use the designated mobile apps or kiosks to pay. For longer-term parking, public or private garages are often a better choice, though their daily rates can vary. Note that some garages have compact spots that can be tight for larger vehicles, and be mindful of one-way streets when navigating to your chosen parking location.

During spring training from late February to March, expect significantly increased traffic around the various stadiums in Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, and Tempe. Game-day congestion can start more than an hour before the first pitch and last for an hour after the game ends. Plan your travel routes to either avoid these stadium zones entirely during game times or allow for substantial extra travel time. Parking can also be challenging and may require a bit of a walk, so arriving early is always the best strategy.

To have the best experience on a day trip to Sedona, aim to leave Phoenix very early in the morning, ideally before 7 a.m. This helps you miss the worst of the northbound traffic on I-17 and allows you to arrive in Sedona before the main tourist rush begins around 10 a.m. The primary traffic bottleneck in Sedona is the "Y" roundabout where Highways 89A and 179 meet. Arriving early ensures you can find parking at popular trailheads and navigate through town before the significant congestion builds up for the afternoon.

A realistic day trip to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix requires an early start, preferably departing by 6 a.m. The drive itself is about 3.5 to 4 hours each way. A good plan is to drive straight to the South Rim, entering through the main gate near the visitor center. Spend about 4-5 hours exploring key viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point, and perhaps walking a portion of the Rim Trail. On your return drive, you can plan for a dinner stop in Flagstaff or Williams to break up the journey and experience a different town.

A day trip to Antelope Canyon from Phoenix is a very long day, with over 4.5 hours of driving each way. To avoid driving in the dark, you must leave Phoenix at dawn, around 5 or 6 a.m. Most Antelope Canyon tours, which are mandatory for entry, occur mid-day when the light is best. By booking a tour around 11 a.m. or 12 p.m., you can finish by early afternoon and begin your drive back to Phoenix by 2 p.m. This timing should get you back into the well-lit metro area before it gets completely dark.

The drive from Phoenix to Monument Valley is long, so planning your stops is essential. Your first major town for a break will be Flagstaff, located about 2.5 hours into the drive, which has numerous options for food, gas, and restrooms. After Flagstaff, the next practical stop is the small town of Tuba City, which is a good place for a quick break before the final, more remote stretch of your journey. Past Tuba City, services become very sparse, so it's wise to make sure you're prepared before continuing on.

The drive from Phoenix to Tucson on Interstate 10 is relatively flat, straight, and stays at a low desert elevation. In contrast, the drive to Flagstaff on Interstate 17 involves a significant and steady climb of over 5,000 feet. This route features long, steep grades and winding sections as you ascend the Mogollon Rim. The I-17 drive is more scenic with its dramatic landscape changes, but it is also more demanding and requires more attention, especially with the heavy truck traffic and potential for winter weather.

For a single-day trip from Phoenix, visiting the west side of Saguaro National Park, the Tucson Mountain District, often fits better into a loop. This district is located just west of Tucson and is easily accessible from I-10. It features a dense saguaro forest and the popular Bajada Loop Drive. You can visit this section in the morning, have lunch in Tucson, and then begin your drive back to Phoenix. The east side, or Rincon Mountain District, is a bit further and can make for a longer, more rushed day trip.

The drive to Payson on State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, is a beautiful and popular scenic route. The highway starts in the flat desert and gradually climbs into the mountains, transitioning from saguaros to pine forests. While it is a modern, well-maintained highway, it does feature several long, uphill grades and some winding, curvy sections as you approach Payson. Drivers should be prepared for these changes in terrain and be mindful of their speed, especially on the downhill return trip to Phoenix.

Dust storms, often called haboobs, are most common during the summer monsoon season, from June through September. If you are caught in one and visibility drops dramatically, the official safety advice is to "Pull Aside, Stay Alive." You should pull your vehicle as far off the paved road as possible, turn off all of your lights including your headlights and brake lights, and take your foot off the brake. This prevents other drivers from following your lights and potentially causing a chain-reaction collision.

Before embarking on a longer drive in the Arizona summer heat, it's crucial to be prepared. Always start with a full tank of gas, as running the air conditioning can consume more fuel than you might expect. It is also essential to have plenty of water for yourself and your passengers in case of an unexpected delay or breakdown. Visually check the tires before you leave, as high road temperatures put extra stress on them. Never leave children or pets unattended in the car, as interior temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.

During monsoon season, be extremely cautious of sudden, heavy downpours that can create hazardous driving conditions. Watch for water pooling in the outer lanes of freeways, which can cause hydroplaning. Most importantly, never attempt to drive through a flooded wash or a road with running water, even if it looks shallow. Arizona has a "Stupid Motorist Law" for a reason, as the force of the water can be deceptive and easily sweep a vehicle away. It's always safest to turn around and find an alternate route.

The roads leading to both Lake Pleasant and Bartlett Lake are paved and generally well-maintained, though the final stretches can be winding. On weekends, especially during the warmer months, expect heavy traffic heading towards the lakes in the morning. Parking at the main marinas and boat ramps can fill up very early, sometimes by 9 or 10 a.m. It's best to arrive as early as possible to secure a convenient spot, otherwise you may face a long walk from overflow parking areas.

To reach the popular Echo Canyon or Cholla trailheads at Camelback Mountain, arriving extremely early is essential, especially on weekends. The parking lots are very small and often fill up before sunrise. The easiest approach is to use a GPS to navigate directly to your chosen trailhead parking lot. If the lot is full, you will have to find street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhoods, being very careful to obey all posted signs and restrictions to avoid being ticketed or towed.

For a low-stress multi-stop day in Scottsdale, plan your itinerary geographically to minimize backtracking. Start your day at Taliesin West in North Scottsdale, as tours are scheduled and it's furthest out. Afterward, drive south to explore Old Town Scottsdale for lunch and afternoon shopping, where you can park once and walk around. For sunset, a nearby viewpoint like Papago Park's Hole-in-the-Rock is a short drive away and offers great views without requiring a long trip out of the city.

Navigating Phoenix's large freeway interchanges, like the I-10 and SR-51 'Mini Stack', requires paying attention well in advance. The key is to know which lane you need to be in at least one to two miles before the interchange. Overhead signs will guide you, but be aware that sometimes your exit lane may be on the far left, not the right. Using a GPS with lane guidance can be extremely helpful, and it's always safer to miss your exit and reroute than to make a sudden, unsafe lane change.

While fixed speed cameras on freeways have been removed, some individual cities within the metro area, like Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, are known for using mobile photo radar enforcement. These are often set up in areas where the speed limit changes, such as on major arterial roads. The best practice for any driver is to remain aware of the posted speed limits and adhere to them. Paying attention to the flow of local traffic can also be a good indicator of enforcement zones.

When using a short on-ramp to merge onto a fast-moving Phoenix freeway, the key is to be decisive and match the speed of traffic as quickly as possible. Use the full length of the ramp to accelerate so you are moving at or near the speed of the cars on the freeway by the time you merge. Check your mirrors and blind spot early to identify a gap in the traffic. It's generally expected that drivers on the freeway will make space if they can, but the responsibility to merge safely rests with you.

To explore downtown Phoenix on foot, a good strategy is to park in a central garage for the day. Many visitors choose a garage near the Phoenix Convention Center, the Arizona Center, or CityScape. These locations put you within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, museums, and sports venues. Once parked, you can also utilize the Valley Metro Rail, which runs directly through downtown, to reach attractions that are a bit further away without needing to move your car.

When major events at Chase Field and Footprint Center end simultaneously, downtown traffic can become gridlocked. The best plan is to either leave the event a little early or be prepared to wait patiently. Pre-booking parking in a garage that is a few blocks away from the venues can make your exit much easier, as you'll avoid the immediate congestion right at the arenas. Alternatively, you can find a nearby restaurant or cafe to relax at for an hour after the event until the worst of the traffic has cleared.

Driving to State Farm Stadium for a major event requires significant time planning, as traffic on Interstate 10 and the Loop 101 can be extremely heavy. From Phoenix or Tempe, you should plan to leave at least two to three hours before the event's start time. The area immediately surrounding the stadium, known as the Westgate Entertainment District, becomes very congested. Following the official parking directions and arriving early is the best way to minimize stress and avoid missing the start of the event.

The simplest route to Arizona Mills from the PHX Rental Car Center is to take Interstate 10 East for a few miles to the Baseline Road exit. The mall is located right off the freeway, making it a very quick and easy drive. Arizona Mills has a massive surface parking lot that surrounds the entire mall, so finding a space is generally not an issue, even on busy weekends. However, it's a good idea to make a note of which entrance you parked near to easily find your car later.

The Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum are located close to each other in the Central Arts District, an area with a mix of one-way streets and metered parking. Central Avenue, which runs between them, is a major two-way thoroughfare, but many of the smaller adjacent streets are one-way. Both museums have their own dedicated parking lots, which is the most convenient option. If you park on the street, be sure to carefully read the signs for any time restrictions or permit requirements.

The most direct route to Las Vegas is via US-93, which is a straightforward desert drive. For a more scenic and historic experience, consider taking a detour onto a portion of old Route 66 near Kingman. This allows you to visit classic roadside towns like Oatman, known for its wild burros roaming the streets. This detour adds significant time and includes a winding mountain pass, but it offers a completely different and more memorable journey than the main highway.

For drivers unaccustomed to mountain driving, I-17 presents a few challenges. The route involves a continuous, steep climb out of the Phoenix basin, with several significant grades that can slow down traffic. The highway is also a primary corridor for commercial trucks, so you will be sharing the road with many large vehicles. It's advisable to stay in the right-hand lane, maintain a consistent speed, and allow faster traffic to pass on the left. The scenery is beautiful, but it requires more concentration than a flat, straight interstate.

During winter storms, road conditions on I-17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff can become hazardous and may even lead to temporary closures. Snow and ice are common at the higher elevations near Flagstaff. The road up to Arizona Snowbowl is particularly steep and will require a vehicle with good traction; sometimes snow chains or four-wheel drive are mandated by officials. It is absolutely essential to check the weather forecast and road conditions with the Arizona Department of Transportation before you begin your trip.

The key to securing parking at popular Sedona spots like Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge is to go on a weekday and arrive very early in the morning, ideally before 8 a.m. Another effective strategy is to use the Sedona Shuttle service, which runs from designated park-and-ride lots to several of the most popular trailheads that have limited parking. This eliminates the stress of searching for a spot. Visiting in the late afternoon can also sometimes work, as the morning crowds may have started to depart.

When driving in rural Arizona during dawn and dusk, it is crucial to be highly alert for wildlife, particularly deer, elk, and javelina. These animals are most active during these twilight hours and can suddenly appear on the road. Reduce your speed, especially on two-lane highways that pass through forested or open range areas. Using your high beams when no other cars are present can help you spot the reflection of their eyes sooner, giving you more time to react safely.

For a stress-free early morning departure, plan to arrive at the Rental Car Center at least one hour before you want to be at your terminal check-in counter. Follow the "Rental Car Return" signs and proceed to the designated area for Payless. After a quick vehicle inspection, gather your belongings and head to the shuttle bus waiting area. The shuttles run 24/7 and will take you directly to the departures curb at your specific terminal, ensuring a smooth transition from car to airport.