Quick route snapshot: On busy Saturdays, Scottsdale Road and Indian School Road funnel visitors into Old Town’s garages. From PHX, it’s a 20–25 minute hop via AZ‑202 or AZ‑101, but event days can double that.
Short answer: Your simplest move is to target signed city garages and lots; street spaces often flip to time limits. Arrive before noon to snag lower levels and avoid circling. If you’re shopping or dining, keep your ticket handy—some venues validate.
If you’re picking up at the airport, start with car rental to keep options open. You can also book via the car hire page. For value‑focused fleets near the Rental Car Center, scan Budget deals at the Rental Car Center; for flexible weekend mileage, check Thrifty promotions for weekend trips.
Approach Old Town from the south via Scottsdale Rd or from the east via Indian School to avoid the tightest turns around 5th Ave. Garages marked ‘Public Parking’ generally allow overnight stays; always review posted hours before leaving the vehicle.
Park once, then walk: the Arts District, Civic Center, and Fifth Avenue shops sit within a compact grid. If you’re dining, aim for lots near Main St to shorten your stroll in summer heat. On Sundays, brunch crowds peak from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; arrive earlier for a smoother start.
Garage rates can be flat after 5 p.m. on event days. Keep small bills or a card ready for unmanned exits. If your hotel charges high valet fees, compare a nearby city lot for overnight parking and walk the last block.
Light, compact items—like a fold‑up sunshade—make the cabin more comfortable in Arizona heat. A reusable water bottle is a must for any stroll between galleries and restaurants.
Practical tips
- Choose garages on the perimeter; it’s easier to exit after dinner.
- Snap a photo of your level and stall to speed up departure.
- Avoid leaving bags or gadgets in view, even for a few minutes.
- Use your phone’s map pin to remember the garage entrance.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
With Hola Car Rentals, you get transparent pricing and friendly support tailored to Arizona drives. These traveler‑favorite perks give you more confidence on the road:
- Maximum liability coverage ($300,000 on selected itineraries).
- Cashback on tolls.
- All-Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up.
FAQs
Is overnight parking allowed? Yes, where posted. Look for garage signage that explicitly states overnight permissions.
How tight are spaces? Compact spaces are common; a midsize or compact car reduces stress in narrow aisles.
Can I rely on street parking only? Street spots exist but rotate to time limits; garages are more predictable on weekends.
Do garages accept cards? Most do; bring a back‑up payment method just in case.
Before returning to PHX, consolidate shopping bags and discard receipts you don’t need. Refuel a few miles from the Rental Car Center to avoid last‑minute detours.
Local etiquette & safety
Arizona drivers generally hold steady speeds on long freeway stretches. Keep right except to pass and leave extra following distance in dust or rain. At scenic pullouts, fully exit the roadway before stopping and use hazard lights only when truly stationary. When opening doors in tight garages, watch the wind—desert gusts can surprise you.
Time‑saving moves
Batch errands so you’re not retracing ramps during rush hour. If your day includes a national‑park stop, pack snacks and a small cooler to reduce queueing at busy cafes. Refuel when your tank hits half—stations thin out across the desert—and check your route for special events that can change traffic patterns by the hour.
Add five extra minutes to every freeway interchange near the airport; clear signage still surprises first‑timers, and calm lane changes save time and stress. Keep water in the cabin and take quick stretch breaks to stay alert in dry heat.
