Getting There
By Air
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX; www.skyharbor.com) is Arizona’s main airport. In 2010, more than 38 million passengers flew on 17 airlines to over 100 cities worldwide. Tucson International Airport (TUS; www.flytucsonairport.com) is much smaller, with 8 airlines used by more than 3.7 million passengers a year. Among the carriers serving these airports are:
From the US
American Airlines: tel: 800-433-7300; www.aa.com
Continental: tel: 800-525-0280; www.continental.com
Delta: tel: 800-221-1212; www.delta.com
Frontier Airlines: tel: 800-432-1359; www.frontierairlines.com
JetBlue: tel: 800-538-2583; www.jetblue.com
Southwest: tel: 800-435-9792; www.southwest.com
United Airlines: tel: 800-864-8331; www.united.com
US Airways: tel: 800-428-4322; www.usairways.com.
From Canada
Air Canada: tel: 888-247-2262; www.aircanada.com
WestJet: tel: 888-937-8538; www.westjet.com.
From Europe
British Airways: tel: 800-247-9297; www.britishairways.com.
Airport Taxes
Domestic flights include up to 20 percent in additional taxes to cover US Excise Tax (7.5 percent), post-9/11 security costs, and airport and facility fees. Airlines include this in the final total for the plane fare.
Important Note:
Expect delays departing US airports due to Homeland Security anti-terrorism rules. These are apt to change, so check before flying (www.dhs.gov). See also Visas and Passports, click here.
Passengers may take one resealable 1-quart (1 liter) size clear plastic bag on board, which can contain liquids or gels in containers of 3 fluid ounces (100ml) or less. The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and be completely closed/sealed and subjected to X-ray inspection separate from carry-on bag. Leave any gifts unwrapped, and take laptops out of bags for inspection by Transportation Security Administration (TSA; www.tsa.gov/travelers) personnel. Note that footwear must be removed and scanned by X-ray machines.
By Train
Amtrak offers more than 500 destinations across the US. The trains are comfortable and reliable, with lounges, dining cars, domed viewing cars, snack bars, and, in some cases, movies, live entertainment, and, on the Southwest Chief, interpretive programs organized by the National Park Service. Most routes offer sleeper cars with private cabins in addition to regular seating with pull-out foot rests that offer reclined sleeping.
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, across northern Arizona, with stops in Winslow, Flagstaff (bus service connects to the Grand Canyon), Williams Junction (bus service connects to Grand Canyon Railway), and Kingman, Arizona. The Sunset Limited runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles, across south-central Arizona, with stops at Tucson and Yuma.
Ask about senior citizen, military, AAA, student, and children’s discounts, and Amtrak’s package tours, including multi-day trips to the Grand Canyon. International travelers can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 15, 30, or 45 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak throughout the US.
Contact Amtrak (tel: 800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com) for detailed scheduling.
By Bus
One of the least expensive ways to travel in America is by interstate bus. The largest national bus company is Greyhound (tel: 800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com). The company routinely offers Discovery Passes for 7, 15, 30, or 60 days of unlimited travel.
Getting Around
To and From the Airport
Many hotels offer a free shuttle service to and from the two major airports. Several private shuttle companies offer service out of Phoenix Sky Harbor. A full listing can be found on the airport website (www.skyharbor.com). They include Arizona Shuttle (tel: 800-888-2749; www.arizonashuttle.com), serving Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson; Shuttle “U” Prescott (tel: 800-304-6114; www.shuttleu.com), serving Prescott; and Sedona Phoenix Shuttle (tel: 800-448-7988; www.sedona-phoenix-shuttle.com), serving Sedona. From Tucson International, groups can reserve a shuttle to the city and surrounding communities through Arizona Stagecoach (tel: 520-889-100; www.azstagecoach.com). Valley Metro operates a regular connection from its METRO Light Rail to Sky Harbor, while SunTran buses include routes from downtown Tucson to the airport. Both airports have several national rental car chains available and taxi stands with reasonable rates (base charge of approximately $5, then $2–3 per mile). For more detail information on rail, bus, and rental options, read further
If you venture into the desert, it is recommended to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
APA Richard Nowitz
Orientation
While Phoenix is not the geographic center of Arizona (that honor goes to Payson, 90 miles/145km northeast) it might as well be. Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, Kingman, and Grand Canyon Village are all within a 2–4 hour drive and less than an hour by commuter plane. It makes sense that most explorations begin by touching down in the capital. In the north, interstate I-40 connects Kingman to Flagstaff and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Interstate I-10 in the south-central region snakes its way east from Los Angeles, California, and passes through Phoenix and Tucson. The centrally located north–south Interstate I-17 links Flagstaff with Phoenix, then connects with I-10, or with I-8 to Yuma and San Diego, California. There are a number of paved state highways linking smaller towns throughout the state. The two Amtrak tracks run east–west and basically follow the routes of I-40 and I-10/I-8. Flying into Las Vegas, Nevada, is the quickest and easiest way to access the Arizona Strip and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
By Air
The following commuter airlines offer service within the region, including Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Tusayan (Grand Canyon), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Show Low, and Yuma:
Great Lakes: 800-554-5111; www.flygreatlakes.com
Scenic: tel: 866-235-9422; www.scenic.com
Mesa Airlines/US Airways Express: tel: 800-428-4322; www.usairways.com
Vision Airlines: tel: 800-256-8767; www.visionholidays.com.
By Rail
The METRO light rail service, provides visitors with convenient access from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the downtown area, serving Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix. Trains run every 10 minutes during rush hour and every 20 minutes during off-peak periods. Further expansion of the light rail service is planned over the next 15 years.
An especially memorable way to reach the Grand Canyon is aboard the Grand Canyon Railway (tel: 800-843-8724; www.thetrain.com), which runs one round-trip daily between Williams and the South Rim.
By Bus
Greyhound bus services and shuttle buses (see above) link cities in Arizona. Once there, city bus lines can be an excellent and inexpensive way of getting around. Valley Metro (tel: 602-253-5000) provides public transportation in the Greater Phoenix Area. Sun Tran (tel: 520-792-9222; www.suntran.com) serves the metro Tucson area and has transit centers at major destinations throughout the city. Open Road Tours (tel: 855-563-8830; www.openroadtoursusa.com) serves the South Rim of the Grand Canyon once daily, connecting in Flagstaff. The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park provides free shuttle buses, including service from nearby Tusayan, to attractions within the park with paid entrance. The only shuttle connecting the North and South rims is provided by Transcanyon Shuttle from mid-May to mid-October (tel: 928-638-2820; www.trans-canyonshuttle.com)
By Road
Driving is by far the most convenient way to travel in Arizona, especially outside the major cities. Major roads are well maintained, although backcountry roads are frequently unpaved and some may be impassable using a regular passenger vehicle. If you plan on driving into remote areas or in heavy snow, mud, or severe weather, it’s a good idea to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle with good clearance.
Maps and Information
Your greatest asset as a driver is a good map. They can be obtained from tourism offices, service stations, supermarkets, and convenience stores. If you’re traveling across the Indian reservations in northern Arizona, purchase the top-rated Indian Country road map, which is so detailed it is used by local residents.
Maps of national parks, forests, and other natural areas are usually offered as part of your entrance fee. For hikers, topographical maps are available through Trails Illustrated (www.trailsillustrated.com); these maps are often in bookstores. The most detailed topographical maps are available from the US Geological Survey (www.store.usgs.gov).
Although roads are maintained even in remote areas, it is advisable to listen to local radio stations and to check with local tourism offices for the latest information on weather and road conditions, especially in winter or if planning to leave paved roads. The Arizona Department of Transportation offers the 511 Traveler Information Service, allowing you to get information about closures, construction, delays, public transit, weather, and more by dialing 511 or logging on to www.az511.gov.
Driving in Remote Areas
If you plan on driving in uninhabited areas, carry a spare tire and extra water – at least a gallon (4 liters) per person per day. A cell phone is a good idea, too, although some areas will be out of range. Service stations can be few and far between. Not every town will have one, and many close early. It’s always better to have more fuel than you think you’ll need.
A word of caution: If your car breaks down on a back road, do not strike out on foot. A car is easier to spot than a person and provides shelter. If you don’t have a cell phone or your phone doesn’t work, sit tight and wait to be found. A compact disk may be used as a signaling device in place of a mirror. Keep cool, do not exert yourself, ration water prudently, and eat lightly.
Car Rental
Most rental agencies require you to be 21 years old or over (25 at some locations) and have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. Many take debit cards, too, and some will take cash in lieu of a credit card, but this might be as high as $500. Non-English speaking travelers must produce an international driver’s license from their own country.
You will find rental car companies in most cities and airports. Rental vehicles range from economy cars to luxury convertibles, vans, and 4WD vehicles. Rates are cheap, and most companies offer unlimited mileage. But you should still shop around, preferably online, for the best rates and features. Local rental firms outside the airport are often less expensive than the national companies because they don’t charge high airport fees.
It’s cheaper to arrange car rental in advance. Look out for package deals that include a car: rental rates can be reduced by up to 50 percent if you buy a “fly-drive” deal.
Go over the insurance coverage provisions carefully with the agent before signing the rental agreement. Loss Damage Waiver, or Collision Damage Waiver, can be expensive, but is essential if your credit card or personal car insurance does not already include it. Without it, you’ll be liable for any damage done to your vehicle in the event of an accident. You are advised to pay for supplementary Liability Insurance on top of standard third-party insurance. Insurance and tax charges can add a lot to an otherwise inexpensive rental – assume about $25–35 per day.
Watch out for wildlife.
APA Richard Nowitz
Safety Tips for Motorists
When you arrive, ask for advice from the car rental agent about the best route from the airport to your hotel. Better still, arrange to pick up your rental car from an agency near your hotel on the morning after you arrive, rather than tackle unfamiliar routes when very tired. Many car rental agencies will deliver your car to your hotel at no (or only a small) extra charge.
Use a map to plot out your route before you begin any journey, to stop you going astray. Avoid taking short cuts in urban areas. If you get lost, drive to a well-lit and preferably busy area before stopping to look at a map.
Ignore any pedestrian or motorist who tries to stop you, for example by indicating some supposed fault on your vehicle or even by ramming your car from behind. The police should always be contacted if an accident occurs.
Always keep your car doors locked, windows closed, and valuables (including GPS units) out of sight while driving.
Major rental car companies are:
Alamo: tel: 800-462-5266; www.alamo.com
Avis: tel: 800-331-1212; www.avis.com
Budget: tel: 800-527-7000; www.budget.com
Dollar: tel: 800-800-4000; www.dollar.com
Enterprise: tel: 800-736-8222; www.enterprise.com
Hertz: tel: 800-654-3131; www.hertz.com
National: tel: 800-227-7368; www.nationalcar.com
Thrifty: tel: 800-847-4389; www.thrifty.com
RV Rentals
No special license is necessary to operate a motor home (or recreational vehicle – RV for short) but they aren’t cheap. When you add up the cost of rental fees, insurance, gas, and campground fees, renting a car and staying in motels or camping may be less expensive. Cruise America (tel: 800-671-8042; www.cruiseamerica.com) has RVs for rent in a variety of sizes (from 19–30ft/6–9 meters). For additional information about RV rentals, call the Recreational Vehicle Association (tel: 888-467-8464; www.rvra.org).