Phoenix · airport guide

PHX Airport guide

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has Terminals 3 and 4. The quickest way from PHX to downtown Phoenix is the PHX Sky Train (free) and Valley Metro Rail (about 30 minutes, $2).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown Phoenix
30 min

PHX Sky Train (free) and Valley Metro Rail, $2

Taxi
10–20 min

about $20–$30

Connecting here
50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover
3 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from PHX to downtown Phoenix is the PHX Sky Train (free) and Valley Metro Rail (about 30 minutes, $2). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include American, Southwest, Delta, United and Alaska.

Terminals
Terminals 3 and 4
Taxi
10–20 min, about $20–$30
Connecting
At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
Lounges
American Admirals Club (Terminal 4); Amex Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4)

Getting from PHX to downtown Phoenix

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

Inside PHX

Terminals and connections

The PHX Sky Train links Terminals 3 and 4, but only outside security, so switching terminals always means another TSA check.

How long a layover you need at PHX

Lounges

  • •American Admirals Club (Terminal 4)
  • •Amex Centurion Lounge (Terminal 4)

Sleep, showers and hotels

  • •No hotel inside the terminals; hotels near the airport run shuttles

Parking at PHX

  • •Economy lots, linked by the PHX Sky Train
  • •Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 garages

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check PHX's official site.

PHX tips

  • •American and Southwest both use Terminal 4, so most connections on those airlines stay in one terminal.

Can you leave PHX on a layover?

With at least 3 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

  1. Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
  2. To downtown Phoenix and back, the fastest way20 min
  3. Time in town worth the trip1 h
  4. Back through security to your gate1 h
  5. Layover you need3 h

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at PHX

Major airlines that fly from PHX (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

PHX airport FAQ

The quickest option is the PHX Sky Train (free) and Valley Metro Rail to downtown Phoenix: about 30 minutes for $2. A taxi takes 10–20 min (about $20–$30).

Cheap flights from Phoenix (PHX)The latest fare drops we've found from PHX.

Cheap flights from Phoenix

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