Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is 5km (3 miles) from downtown Phoenix, and is the biggest and busiest airport in Arizona. It's a hub for both US Airways and Southwest Airlines, which offer flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International from a large number of airports across the US and Mexico.
Phoenix itself is a sprawling metropolitan area in the Sonoran Desert, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. It has a number of sports attractions, museums, golf courses and even an aquarium.
If you're heading into town, consider hiring a car – although the Metro line is fairly user-friendly, the city is very car-centred and you'll probably find it easier to have your own wheels.
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There are three terminals – Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Terminal 4 has more than 90 gates and handle 80 per cent of passenger traffic through the airport, including all US Airways and Southwest Airlines flights and all international travel. If you need to get from one terminal to another, you can catch the airport Metro shuttle or a public bus.
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Train: There's a free airport shuttle bus to the 44th Street and Washington Metro light rail stop, with one or two stops at each terminal building. The shuttle runs regularly and should take about 15 minutes. Once at the station, you can buy tickets for the train. Check the Transit Book, available at the station or at information desks at the airport, for routes, times and fares.
Bus: There are several buses travelling between the airport and Phoenix. Pick up a Transit Book at any of the information desks for more information about routes, times and fares. Buses tend to leave every half hour or so and should cost about $1.50 to get into town.
Taxis: There is a small number of authorised airport taxis. Rates are the same regardless of company, number of passengers or number of bags. The first mile is $5 and each additional mile is $2.10. There is an airport surcharge of $1.
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There are two free cell phone waiting areas just east of Terminal 4 and west of Terminal 2. Otherwise, there are several economy car parks. Each cost $4 an hour, although with different daily maximums depending on how close they are to the terminals. There's a free shuttle service that operates every ten minutes, although these can get quite full. If you'll just be a couple of hours, a good spot to park is on the roof of the Terminal 2 garage. It costs about as much as the outlying economy car parks, but is next to Terminal 2 and a short walk or bus ride from Terminal 3.
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Money and communications: ATMS throughout all three terminals and currency exchange in Terminal 4.
Luggage: There are no left-luggage facilities at the airport due to security concerns. For lost-luggage queries, contact your carrier or ask at one of the information desks.
Conference and business: Some airlines have their own lounges with business facilities. Otherwise, several nearby hotels such as the Airport Hilton have conference facilities and well-equipped business centres.
Other facilities: There's a “Pet Park” outside each terminal building for pets to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. An Interfaith chaplaincy is on level 3, Terminal 4.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building.
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