Which Phoenix Airport is best to fly or closest to City?

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport(PHX) or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport(AZA)

Quick Jump links to Phoenix Airports

Phoenix, Arizona has two airports serving the city;Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).We summarize all the information you need to know about the airports, to make your next trip easy. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airportis the primary airport serving Phoenix and major airlines serve the airport with domestic and international flights. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airportis the secondary and reliever airport for PHX, it is used for scheduled flights by Allegiant Air and for general aviation purposes.The two airports good public transport and car rental services to assist travellers from the airport to the city centre in Phoenix.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Vs. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)

    Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport(PHX) Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport(AZA)
Airport Maps Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Map Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) Map

Getting To The Airports From The City Centre

Distance from City Centre 5.8 miles (9.4 kilometres) 31.9 miles(51.4 kilometres)
Public Transport Operating Hours 24-hours 24-hours
Train

Valley Metro PhoenixLTRL line runs every 15 minutes.

Fare: $2
Journey time: 13 min

https://www.valleymetro.org/

Taxi connects travellers to the nearby Valley Metro Phoenix LTRL station which every 20 minutes.

Fare: $40-$47
Journey time: 1h 12 min

https://www.valleymetro.org/

Bus

Valley Metro Phoenix1 bus line runs every 30 minutes.

Fare: $2-$4
Journey time: 15 min

https://www.valleymetro.org/

Valley Metro Phoenix bus line 184 connects to line 533 runs every hour and 4 times daily respectively.
Fare: $4-$7
Journey time: 2h 3 min

Valley Metro Phoenix 184 connects to line 40 to Valley Metro Phoenix
LTRL rail which runs every 20 minutes.

Fare: $6-$9
Journey time: 2h 14 min

https://www.valleymetro.org/

Private Transfers On demand from $45-$70, Journey time: 10 min On demand from $16-$180, Journey time: 37 min.
Taxi

Around $15 - $19,
Journey time: 10 min.

Around $70-$85
Journey time: 37 min

Uber

Available on demand $9-$12

Uber fare estimator

Available on demand $30-$45

Uber fare estimator

   

Which Airport Is Most Suitable For Me?

How Close to City Centre

This airport is closer to the city centre in Phoenix where all the top attractions are located at 9.4 km.

It takes 10-13 minutes from the airport to the central Phoenix, by train, shuttles and private transfer.

This airport is very far from the city centre at 51.4 km from the city centre, with affordable public transport options.

It is a journey of 37 minutes by taxi, 1h 12 minutes by taxi/train to the city centre.

Cost Factor

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a relatively cheaper airport in terms of transport, hotels, car rental and flights fares.

It is the primary airport serving Phoenix and is closer to the city centre with efficient public transport services.

This is a better airport for those who want to save money and time getting to the city centre in Phoenix.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is a farther airport to the city centre compared to PHX and it is relatively more expensive in terms of flight fares, public transport fares, hotel accommodation deals and car rental services.

It takes longer to get to the city centre but the airport is served by good public transport services as well.

In all, Phx is a better option to travel into Phoenix, Arizona.

 

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Airport Delays

Avg Security & Immigration Delays: Average

Avg Flight Arrival Delays:10 min.

Avg Security & Immigration Delays: Low

Avg Flight Arrival Delays:20 min.

Flight Fares This airporthas some cheap flight deals up 30%-40% than AZA. Flight fares from this airport are sometimes high and sometimes cheaper than at PHX.

Hotel Prices Per Day From (01-01-2018 to 02-01-2018) Searched on 12-12-2018

Hotel

Econo Lodge Phoenix Airport (2-star) - $78,

Days Inn by Wyndham Airport - Phoenix (1.5-star) - $113,

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Phoenix-Airport (2.5-Star) - $98.

Four Points By Sheraton At Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (3-Star)- $158,

Courtyard Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (3-star) - $135,

Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites (2.5-Star) - $114.


Car Hire Prices Per Week (01-01-2018 to 02-01-2018) Searched on 02-12-2018

Car Hire

Economy Cars: (Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Spark, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2) $74.12-$126.73

Intermediate Cars:(Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Vw Jetta, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Sonata) $74.91-$129.29

Luxury Cars: (Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac Cts,Cadillac Cts, Audi A8, Chrysler 300) $183.73-$361.18

Economy: (Ford Fiesta, Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Spark, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2) $114.89-$126.73

Intermediate : (Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze,Buick Verano, Ford Fusion,Buick Verano, Toyota Corolla, Vw Jetta, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Sonata) $111.07-$129.29

Luxury: (Ford Taurus,Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac Cts, Audi A8, Chrysler 300) $183.73-$361.18.

Car Hire Companies Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Firefly, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Silvercar, Sixt and Thrifty. Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz.
Online car hire Car Hire Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport(PHX) Car Hire Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport(AZA)

Airport Facilities

Shopping and Dining

A to Z Kid, AZ Fairways, AmAZing, Arizona Highways, Azcentral.com, Barrio Avion, Barrio Cafe, Blanco T & T, Brighton Collectables, CNBC News, Camelblack 1881, Canyon News, Cartel Coffee, Caved lnn, Chelsea's Kitchen, Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Copper Plate Grill, Cowboy Ciao, Delux, Desert Breeze, Desert News & Gifts, Dilly's Deli, Earth Spirit, El Bravo, El Portal Express, Explore Arizona, Farmer's Market, Focaccia Fiorentina, Four Peaks Brewery, Hudson Booksellers, Hudson News, Humble Pie, Humble Pie Pizza, In Motion Entertainment, Incredibly Arizona, Indigenous, Joe's Real BBQ, Ju-elry, La Grande Orange, La Madeleine, Landmark News, Lo Lo 's Chicken & Waffles, Lola Coffee, Los Taquitos,Matt's Big Breakfast, McDonalds, Mid City Kitcken, Mini Express, Modern Burger, Mosaic, NYPD Pizza, News Travels Fast, Nocawich, Olive & Ivy, PGA Tour Shop, PHX Market, Panda Express, Paradise Bakery Cafe, Peets Coffee & Tea, Pei Wei, Prairie News & Gift Shop, Premiere Grab and Go, Press Coffee Food & Wine, Press Express, Pueblo Spirit, Red Canoe, Sauce, See's Candies, Sir Veza's Taco Garage, Smashburger, Starbucks, Sweet Indulgences, Sweet Republic, Taberna Express, Talking Hands, Tammie Coe Cakes, Team Shop USA, Wendy's, Wildflower Bread Company, World Duty Free, Yogurtology, and Zinc Brasserie.

Copper Plate, Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Arizona Highways, and The Phoenix.
Lounges United Airlines United Club, USO Lounge, The Club at PHX (British Airways), The Club at PHX, and American Airlines Admirals Club. N/A
Wi-Fi Services Free Unlimited WiFi available. Free Wi-Fi available.
Transfer in and Around The Airport The airport has 3 terminals T2, T3, & T4. PHX Skytrain offers free transfer between terminals fro passengers. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport has one main terminal and it is easy to navigate the airport on foot.
Currency Exchange & ATM cash Points Travelex offers currency exchange services at the airport in Terminal 4, level 3. There are ATM cash points in all the airport terminals. There are ATM cash points in the gate area, near gate gates 5-8
Important phone numbers PHXAirport: +1 (602) 273 3300, Lost & Found: +1 602-273-3333, Airport Police 215-937-6817. AZAAirport: +1 480-988-7600,Lost & Found: +1 480-988-7565.
Major Operating Airlines

Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Boutique Air, British Airways, Condor, Contour Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, United Express, Volaris, and WestJet.

Allegiant Air, California Pacific Airlines, Flair Airlines, Swoop, and WestJet.
Major Connecting Destinations

Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago-O'Hare, Seattle/Tacoma, Dallas/Fort Worth, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, San José del Cabo, Calgary, Vancouver, London-Heathrow, Toronto-Pearson, Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, Edmonton, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Mazatlan, Hermosillo, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, San Jose, Regina, Culiacán, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Kelowna, Manzanillo, Victoria, Frankfurt, Montréal, and many more.

Provo, Sioux Falls, Fargo, Cedar Rapids,Bellingham, Rapid City, Peoria, Oakland, Bismarck, Idaho Falls, and many more.
Tourist Info Centres Info centres are located in all the domestic and international arrivals area. For tourist information, check the info centres in the arrivals hall.
Official website https://www.skyharbor.com/ http://www.gatewayairport.com/

PHOENIX AIRPORTS

Which Phoenix airport is closest to central Phoenix?

Two airports serve Phoenix, Arizona; Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is theclosest to central Phoenix just 5.8miles (9.4 km), using its fast LTRL train link will get you to the city in 13 minutes. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airportis thefurthest, located 31.9 miles (51.4 km) from central Phoenix and the fastest public transport link takes 72 minutes and is not convenient for travellers with a lot of luggage or travelling with children because the nearby train station is linked by taxi from the airport.

Compare airport distances and transfer times to the center of Phoenix by public transport below.

Distance to Central Phoenix:

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: 5.8 miles / 9.4 km
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport:31.9 miles / 51.4 km

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Central Phoenix Journey Times:

By Train: 13 minutes
By Bus (Valley Metro Phoenix1): 15 minutes
By Taxi: 10 minutes

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to Central Phoenix Journey Times:

By Train (Taxi + Valley Metro LTRL): 72 minutes
By Bus (Valley Metro Phoenix 184): 123 minutes
By Taxi: 37 minutes

What is the best airport to fly into in Phoenix?

The best airport really depends on where you are flying into from and which airline you fly with, but based on proximity to central Phoenix, Sky Harbor airport is the best to fly into in Phoenix. It is the main airport in the city and is served top airlines with both domestic and international flights within the United States and other countries. Airlines that operate from the airport include Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Boutique Air, British Airways, Condor, Contour Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and many others. It takes 13 minutes from the airport the the city centre where you can see most of its attractions but as the primary airport, long queues, flight delays and lots of crowd should be expected at the airport.

AZA (Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport) is further away and is served by low-budget airlines such as Allegiant Air, California Pacific Airlines, Flair Airlines, Swoop, and WestJet with limited flight destinations meaning less queues, crowd and flight delays. It takes over an hour to get into central Phoenix from the airport by taxi connecting the nearby Valley Metro train, which can be slightly inconveniencing for travellers with plenty of luggage and those travelling with young children. It is a smaller airport with a single terminal compared to PHX airport's 3 huge terminals. It depends where you are flying into from, this airport is cheaper but for long haul flights from Europe, and other places PHX is the best.

Is Phoenix Sky Harbor airport better than IAH?

Phoenix Sky Harbor airport is the primary hub for international travel in Phoenix, so it handles more flights which can cause delays at the airport but is served by good public transport services that are comfortable and fast. This is a better because it has enough facilities to make your journey worthwhile such as lounges, free Wi-Fi, airport shopping and dining, inter-terminal Skytrain for ease of movement between the 3 terminals and many more. Top flag airlines serve the airport with both domestic and international flights compared to AZA which handles mostly domestic flights and as a reliever for PHX, it is also closer to the city centre making sightseeing for passengers easier from the airport with cheap and fast transport links.

Which airport is closest to the attractions in Phoenix, Texas?

Phoenix is known as the Valley of the Sun because it is located in the Salt River Valley and Phoenix Sky Harbor airport is closest to the top attractions in Phoenix such as the Hole in the Rock located 4.4 km by train and takes 6 minutes from the airport for just $2. Phoenix is known for its natural beauty and a lot of outdoor attractions and activities such as Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Phoenix Zoo, South Mountain Park, Piestewa Peak, Heard Museum, Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Art Museum, Tempe Town Lake, OdySea Aquarium, Fashion Square, Talking Stick Resort, North Echo Canyon Drive, Piestewa Peak Park, Big Surf, Pueblo Grande Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix, Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain, Castles N' Coasters, Butterfly Wonderland, Arizona Capitol Museum, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Encanto Park, Tempe Butte, Tempe Beach Park, Westgate, Wrigley Mansion/Geordie's Restaurant, Mystery Castle, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, Dolphinaris Arizona, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, and many more.

How much it Cost from Phoenix Sky Harbor or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway to Central Phoenix?

From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by:

Train (Valley Metro Phoenix LTRL line):$2 - https://www.valleymetro.org/ Train runs every 15 minutes 24/7 daily.

Bus (Valley Metro Phoenix 1):$2-$4 - https://www.valleymetro.org/ Bus runs every 30 minutes from 4:05 - 12:07 daily.

Taxi: $15 - $19 - https://www.paulstaxi.com/ Available 24/7.

Uber: $9-$12- https://www.uber.com/en/gb/ Available on demand.

Lyft: $12-$15- https://www.lyft.com/ fare-estimateAvailable on demand.
But Private taxes are cheaper than Airport taxis, here to Book at

From Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport by:

Bus (Taxi + Valley Metro Phoenix LTRL): $40-$47 - https://www.valleymetro.org/ Bus runs every 20 minutes from 5:03-12:59 daily.

Taxi: $70-$85 - Available 24/7 at the airport.

Uber: $30-$45 - https://www.uber.com/en/gb/ Available on demand.

Lyft: $35-$42 - https://www.lyft.com/fare-estimate Available on demand.
But Private taxes are cheaper than Airport taxis, here to Book at

How much are Hotels at Phoenix Sky Harborand Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airports?

Hotel prices can vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book, the demand for rooms, and which hotel you book but the prices below will give you a rough idea and you can do further research and hotel booking at https://www.tripindicator.com/hotel.html

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Hotels:From $78 per night
Phoenix-Mesa GatewayAirport Hotels:From $114 per night

How much doe car hire cost at Phoenix Sky Harbor or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airports?

All of the airports mentioned offer competitive prices and a range of cars to suit your needs. Prices are based on the type of car, driver age, length of hire, and demand but you can get a rough idea for each airport below.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Car Rental:
Budget Cars (Ford KA, Fiat Panda etc) Prices starting at $74.12 per day
Compact Cars (Ford Focus, VW Golf, etc) Prices starting at $74.91 per day
Luxury Cars (Cadillac Cts, Audi A8, etc): Prices starting at $183.73 per day.

Compare prices here - https://www.tripindicator.com/car-hire/phoenix-airport.html

Phoenix-Mesa GatewayAirport Car Rental:
Budget Cars (Ford KA, Fiat Panda etc) Prices starting at $114.89 per day
Compact Cars (Ford Focus, VW Golf, etc) Prices starting at $111.07per day
Luxury Cars (Cadillac Cts, Audi A8, etc): Prices starting at $183.73 per day.

Compare prices here - https://www.tripindicator.com/

Which Is The Main International Airport Serving Phoenix?

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is the primary hub for international travels in Phoenix. The airport handles domestic and international flights to many destinations across continents.

How Many Terminals Does Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Have?

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) has 3 terminal buildings T2, T3 & T4 which are all connected by the PHX Skytrain for free passenger transfers between terminals.

Which Airport Is Closer To The City Centre?

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the closest to the city centre in Phoenix, it is 9.7 km and takes just 10-13 minutes to see the major attractions in the city.

What Best Hotels Are Near The Airports?

At PHX, Econo Lodge Phoenix Airport (2-star),Days Inn by Wyndham Airport - Phoenix (1.5-star), and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Phoenix-Airport (2.5-Star).
At AZA, Four Points By Sheraton At Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (3-Star),Courtyard Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (3-star), and Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites (2.5-Star).

What Things To Do Near Phoenix Airports?

Phoenix has a lot of amazing places to be and see, some of which can be seen at the airport such as riding the airport sky train, eating at the numerous airport restaurants, and learning from the Phoenix airport museum for art lovers. If you wish to take a tour around the city, then these places should be on your list the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Phoenix Zoo, Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona Renaissance Festival, Dobbins Point on South Mountain in Phoenix, Cactus League spring-training, Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale, Golf at TPC in Scottsdale, Ostrich Festival in Chandler, Soleri Bridge and Plaza in Scottsdale, Kayaking with Fort McDowell Adventures, Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park in Phoenix, White Tank Mountain Regional Park trail, 'LOVE' sculpture in Scottsdale, Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction, 'Bat Cave' in Phoenix, Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park, Heard Museum in Phoenix, Roosevelt Row, Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale, Cattle Track Arts Compound in Scottsdale, Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake, Tovrea Castle in Phoenix, Arizona Science Center's Bed of Nails, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Arizona Capital in Phoenix, Open-Mike Night at Tempe Center for the Arts, Rosson House in Phoenix, Orpheum Theater in Phoenix, Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Native Trails in Scottsdale, Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Japanese Friendship Garden, and eat at Carolina's in Phoenix, Durant's in Phoenix, Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, James Beard Dinner in Scottsdale, Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe in Phoenix, Quiessence in Phoenix, and Compass Arizona Grill at the Hyatt Regency and many more.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) & Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) Terminal Maps

For Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Terminal Maps visit https://www.tripindicator.com/phx-phoenix-sky-harbor-airport-terminal-map.html

For Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) Terminal Maps visit https://www.tripindicator.com/aza-phoenix-mesa-gateway-airport-terminal-map.html

 

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