The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is more than just an airport – it is the gateway to one of the most breathtaking American states. Regardless of whether you plan on visiting Sedona, exploring the Grand Canyon, or even feeling the rich vibes of Scottsdale, a car rental in PHX will enable you to travel around Arizona at ease. You can’t rely on public transport here in the Valley of the Sun.
Location for Renting a Car from PHX
All car rental agencies in Phoenix Sky Harbor are housed together in a Rental Car Center, which is located at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South, between 16th Street and 24th Street, right below Buckeye Road. There are no rental counters dispersed in the different terminals – all of the rental companies have their booths in one place, thus providing simplicity in the renting process.
Accessing this place is a piece of cake. Once you have picked up your luggage, simply follow the directions for the PHX Sky Train, which is a completely free, 24-hour-a-day train service with stations on Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 directly connected to the Rental Car Center. Trains come every 3 to 5 minutes, so you will not need to spend a lot of time waiting. There is also an Early Bag Check service offered at the Rental Car Center to drop your luggage before leaving the terminal.
It is worth noting that there are some limitations when it comes to the availability of cars for walk-ups, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
Rental Car Firms Serving Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)
Some notable rental car companies are serving PHX, all of which are based at the centralized Rental Car Center. The major firms include:
Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, E-Z Rent-A-Car, and Advantage.
These companies provide a variety of vehicle classes that go from economy cars, full-sized SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles, right through to convertible cars. In addition to the normal services provided by such companies, self-service services include automatic kiosks and mobile applications. Popular services offered include the Emerald Aisle service from National Car Rentals and Fastbreak service from Budget Cars.
The starting rates of economy cars are approximately $24/day, while the average daily rates of all types of vehicles are around $57/day. However, the rates vary according to season, type of vehicle, and how early the bookings are made.
Why a PHX Rental Car is Essential
PHX is an expansive desert city, and its surrounding areas are made for road trips. With immediate access to I-10, AZ-143, and Loop 202, you can immediately travel to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix Valley at large.
Here are the attractions that a PHX rental car can take you to:
- Sedona: 2-hour drive to the north of Phoenix; known for its amazing red rock formations and fantastic hiking sites such as Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge
- Grand Canyon South Rim: 3.5-hour drive to the north; a famous natural landmark
- Scottsdale: just 6 miles away from the airport, featuring luxury resorts, golf courses, and active nightlife
- Tempe: 4 miles away from PHX; home of Arizona State University and Tempe Town Lake
- Papago Park: just minutes away from the airport, featuring desert trails and Hole-in-the-Rock rock formation
- Desert Botanical Garden: a place where you can see thousands of unique desert plants including cacti and wildflowers
More than 22 million visitors come to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area each year, and most of them use cars to get around.
How To Get The Best PHX Car Rental Deal
Make reservations ahead of time: There is an influx of people who migrate to Arizona during the winter season (November – March), which causes a high demand for car rentals. Reserving ahead will ensure that you get cheaper rates.
Pick times outside peak morning: Congestion at PHX rental counters is usually high between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM because of the high demand by businessmen. If you can do so, opt to make reservations mid-morning or early afternoon.
Check total costs: You should check all fees such as taxes, airport fees, and other fees for optional services such as GPS and insurance.
Fuel policies: Full-to-full fuel policy applies in most cases where you pick up with a full tank and leave with the same. It may not be worthwhile purchasing fuel ahead of time since it will only make your bill higher.
Loyalty programs: National Emerald Club enables you to rent without stopping at the counter but to pick any car from the designated aisle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rental Cars Center is situated at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South, in a separate building away from the airport terminals. The shuttle bus PHX Sky Train is operating between the airport terminals and Rental Car Center 24/7, making stops every 3 to 5 minutes. Look out for the signposts in the baggage claim hall where you’ve just collected your luggage.
A valid driver’s license, a major credit card under your name, and, for foreigners, a valid passport are needed to rent a car. If your driver’s license issued by your home country uses a non-Latin language such as Arabic, Russian, or Japanese, then an International Driver’s License should be provided.
The minimum age for car rentals in PHX is 21 years, but there may be extra fees for young drivers who rent under the age of 25. The premium/luxury cars may require a greater minimum age for rental. Be sure to check the age requirements of your agency before making the reservation.
Prices are defined based on the class of the car, season, and time before the booking is made. Economy cars may cost about $24 a day, while the average daily cost is about $57. Higher prices are charged in winter due to the high tourism season. The best prices can be obtained through booking in advance via the agency’s website or comparing prices online.
Yes. Several agencies offer special needs cars at PHX airport. For instance, Avis rents hand controls and wheelchair accessible cars via the Avis Access program, while Enterprise rents wheelchair accessible vans.