Navigate Planes, Trains and Automobiles in Tempe
Located within 5 miles of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — America’s Friendliest Airport — Tempe is a convenient destination to get to. Once you’re here, you’ll find navigating this 42-square mile city by public transportation, rental car or rideshare is a breeze.
Those staying in Downtown Tempe will be welcomed to a compact and walkable destination where transportation is entirely optional. Micromobility options, including as electric scooter rentals, are also available.
To make the most of your time in Tempe, check out these transportation options.
Airports
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Tempe is located just 4 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Sky Harbor is served by 24 airlines flying nonstop to more than 120 domestic locations and 24 international destinations. In 2024, the airport welcomed 52.3 million travelers to the Valley of the Sun, ranking it as one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
Tempe connects to the airport terminals via the PHX Sky Train accessed from the 44th Street Valley Metro Rail Station. Many Tempe hotels also provide complimentary shuttle service.
3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85034 | 602-273-3300
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport
Located approximately 20 miles southeast of PHX, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) serves more than 45 cities with nonstop service via Allegiant, WestJet, Flair, Sun Country and Swoop Airlines. In 2024, over 593,000 passengers passed through the airport between May and August which set a summer travel record for the Charles L. Williams passenger terminal.
Passengers in need of transportation from the airport will find Alamo National, Enterprise, and Hertz located on-site in baggage claim, this airport is also services by rideshare operators.
6033 S. Sossaman Road, Mesa, AZ 85212 | 480-988-7600
Rental Car & Rideshare
Rental Car Center at PHX
For visitors seeking a rental car, vehicle reservations from Sky Harbor International Airport are located at the Rental Car Center. For those flying into Phoenix, the PHX Sky Train seamlessly connects Terminals 3 and 4 to the Rental Car Center. For drop off reference, the Rental Car Center is located at 1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle South (between 16th Street and 24th Street, south of Buckeye Road).
Taxis & Rideshare
Whether you’re heading to Tempe from the airport, or just navigating the city once you’re here, visitors will find all varieties of taxi and rideshare options available. Worth noting: The Valley of the Sun was an early adopter of Waymo’s self-driving technology, becoming the first city to offer a fully driverless ride-hailing service to the general public (2020). If a trip around town in a teched-out, fully-electric Jaguar I-PACE is on your bucketlist, download the Waymo app and make it happen in Tempe.
Public Transportation
The Valley Metro transportation system exists to connect communities and enhance lives by promoting regional mobility and generating economic activity. Travel with Valley Metro on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit their website.
Valley Metro Rail
Valley Metro Rail | 602-253-5000
Valley Metro Rail is a 28-mile system that connects the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. Trains stop at stations every 15 to 20 minutes, and Tempe is home to 9 stations. Connection from the Valley Metro Rail to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is available via the PHX Sky Train (located at the 44th St/Washington station, which is just 4 stops west of the Mill Ave/3rd St station in Downtown Tempe.
Fares are $2 for a single ride or $4 for a 1-day pass. Download the Valley Metro app to plan your trip and track your train in real time and pay fares digitally.
Tempe Streetcar
Tempe Streetcar | 602-253-5000
The Tempe streetcar makes 14 stops along a three-mile route on Mill and Ash avenues — from Rio Salado Parkway and Marina Heights to Dorsey Lane and Apache Boulevard — connecting riders to hotels, major business centers and regional events and destinations. The streetcar travels as a single car and can hold up to 125 people. Each car is wheelchair accessible and bicycles are welcome on board.
The Tempe Streetcar operates seven days a week (Monday-Saturday from 6 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 8 a.m. to midnight) and arrives at stops every 15-20 minutes.
Valley Metro Bus, Tempe Transit & Orbit
Tempe Transit | 480-350-4311
Tempe has bus service on most major streets with 13 bus routes, two express routes, one free Flash route and six free Orbit neighborhood circulator routes. Tempe bus service operates seven days a week from approximately 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Mon.-Sat., and from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sun. The regular fare is $2 for one ride. All buses are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to three bicycles.
Additionally, the Tempe Transportation Center is, where all bus connections take place with an easy connection to Valley Metro Rail, is conveniently located in Downtown Tempe at 200 E. Fifth Street (near Forest and College avenues).
Tempe ORBIT | 602-253-5000
ORBIT is a free neighborhood circulator shuttle that offers six routes. The buses mainly run on smaller streets, connecting connect Downtown Tempe and the ASU Tempe Campus with neighborhoods and shopping areas throughout Tempe. All routes operate 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 15 minute intervals (30 minutes on Sundays) on most routes.
Valley Metro Bus | 602-253-5000
Services run 365 days a year with easy connectivity throughout Tempe, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the surrounding metro areas. In Tempe, bus routes run along all major arterial streets.
Group Transportation
For information or vendor referrals for group transportation, including shuttles and motorcoaches, please contact Olivia Hall, Tempe Tourism business development manager, at 480-305-1390 or [email protected].
