Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a civil–military public airport 3 miles east of downtown Phoenix, in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. 

Phoenix Sky Harbor extends from Buckeye Road to Air Lane and runs between 24th and 44th Streets. More than 1,000 aircraft arrive and depart each day through its two terminals and 103 gates. For American and Southwest Airlines, which run roughly 250 and more flights each day, respectively, it serves as one of the busiest hubs.

Know Before You Go

Since the early 2000s, Phoenix Sky Harbor, also known as America's Friendliest Airport, has continuously grown in popularity. As a result, the Phoenix City Council has implemented a 20-year plan to develop and expand the transport hub. It will be able to accommodate 70 million visitors annually by 2040, and buses will transport visitors from their gates to the tarmac. The multi-decade plan's initial stage is to destroy Terminal 2, and its final is to rehabilitate Terminal 4.

The airport may become less effective than it would normally be while undergoing extensive development over the next few years, but once the project is finished, it may rank among the nation's most cutting-edge transport hubs.

Airport Terminal

The three and four PHX terminals are housed in different structures and connected by either the PHX Sky Train shuttle or covered walkways. Beginning at the Valley Metro Rail Station on 44th Street, the Sky Train travels east to Terminal 4 on the airport's east side, then stops in the East Economy Parking Lot, and ultimately stops at Terminal 3. It operates round-the-clock in both ways. The West Economy Park & Walk, a second cell phone lot, and the rental car centre across I-10 are all located on the west side of the airport.

The largest terminal, Terminal 4, with four concourses, is where Air Canada, American, British Airways, Southwest, Volaris, WestJet, and other airlines are located. Terminal 3 is home to Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, United, Spirit, and Sun Country. If traveling from one end of Terminal 4 to the other, expect to do some walking, maybe even keep a pair of sneakers in your carry-on.

Sky Harbor International Airport Parking

Parking at the airport is provided in long-term Economy Lots on Sky Harbor Boulevard as well as garages placed just outside of each terminal. Terminal 4 is separated into zones that correlate with various security checkpoints. The garages may be rented up to six months in advance for $4 per hour or $27 per day. 

Likewise, those who reserve their places at least a week in advance can receive discounted prices in the East Economy Surface Lot and East Economy Garage, both of which are accessible to the airport by the PHX Sky Train. While its matching uncovered lot only costs $12 per day, the East Economy Garages charge $4 per hour or $14 per day.

Driving Directions

Be advised that although Tucson being south of Phoenix, Tucson East is actually indicated on the signage leading to the airport on the I-10 from Downtown. The Red Mountain Freeway and the SanTan Freeway are the two Loop 202 exits that are also located on the I-10 and Loop 101. You should choose the first option.

• From the north, use I-10 East (toward Tucson) to the Sky Harbor International Airport exit, or take Loop 101 South to I-17 South or I-10 East to I-10.
• Take Loop 101 South (Pima Freeway or Price Freeway) to Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and then take Loop 202 West to Sky Harbor International Airport from Scottsdale, north Tempe, or north Mesa.
• From the south, travel west on U.S. 60 (Superstition Freeway) to Loop 101 (Price Freeway), then north on Loop 101 to Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway), and finally west on Loop 202 to the exit for Sky Harbor International Airport. An alternative route to get to the airport is to travel U.S. 60 West to I-10, then I-10 West (toward Phoenix) to State Route 143.

Public Transportation and Taxis

Making your journey downtown by train is simple and quick because the Valley Metro Rail Station is the last station on the PHX Sky Train. The Valley Metro Rail, a 28-mile light rail system serving Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa, has a direct link to this stop. The trip downtown costs $4 for a day pass (or $2 for one-way travel) and takes between 40 and 50 minutes. To determine the optimal route for you and your destination, utilize the online trip planner. 

There is also the Valley Metro bus as an alternative. Route 44 travels all the way up to Desert Ridge from the Valley Metro Rail Station, stopping often along the route so that passengers may connect to Downtown's westbound traffic. The fares for Metro buses and the light rail are the same.

In Terminal 3, outside Door 7 on the north curb, and in Terminal 4, outside Door 7 on the south curb or Door 6 on the north curb, taxis are available. The only firms authorized to pick up customers at the airport are AAA/Yellow Cab, Mayflower Cab, and VIP Taxi. For the first mile, they charge $5, and for each extra mile, they charge $2.30. The entry level cost is $15. Only the Car Rental Center off-site (on the west side across I-10), not the airport itself, offers rental automobiles.

Where to Eat and Drink

While Terminal 3 only offers a small selection of dining options, Terminal 4 offers a wide range of cuisines, including tacos, barbeque, burgers, and breakfast. Several fast food restaurants are available in Terminal 3, including SanTan Brewing Co. and The Habit Burger Grill. 

However, passengers may eat at any of the pre-security restaurants in Terminal 4, including Blue Mesa Tacos, Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar, Joe's Real BBQ, Lo-Chicken Lo's & Waffles, and Smashburger, if they don't feel like those selections.

After security in Terminal 4, there are restaurants such as Blanco Tacos & Tequila, Dilly's Deli, and the Scottsdale-based Mediterranean restaurant Olive & Ivy between Gates A1 and A14, Four Peaks Brewery, and Humble Pie Pizza between Gates A15 and A30, authentic Italian Focaccia Fiorentina, and Matt's Big Breakfast between Gates B1 and B14, Los Taquitos, Sir Veza's Taco Garage. It goes without saying that fans of Mexican food won't have any problems with the food at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Airport Lounges

The international terminal's Concourses A and B both house the American Airlines Admirals Club. Members get access to them, and guests who can provide evidence of an American Airlines ticket can pay for them at the door. In Terminal 3, the Delta Sky Club is next to Gate 8. On the eastern end of Terminal 4, a USO Lounge is also accessible to U.S. service members who are currently on duty and their families. Last but not least, the Escape Lounge's temporary site is close to Gate B15 in the international terminal.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Wi-Fi is free and unlimited on the Free PHX Boingo Wi-Fi network. Passengers can find charging points at the Get Plugged In kiosks and more than 30 charging tables throughout the airport (check the lobby of any terminal).

Sky Harbor Information

• Four-legged passengers can relieve themselves outside at the Paw Pad outside Terminal 3 and the Bone Yard outside Terminal 4.
• If you have some spare time, try the museums at either of the two terminals, which include changing displays of art and science.

FAQs about Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport