Air

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., 602/273-3300, www.phxskyharbor.com) is a short, 15-minute ride from downtown Scottsdale’s restaurants, bar, and hotels. The airport serves as important regional hub for national and international flights, including direct flights to and from New York, London, and Mexico.

If you’re able to fly by private jet, Scottsdale Airport (15000 N. Airport Drive, 480/312-2321, www.scottsdaleaz.gov/airport) is a handy, headache-free option. The North Scottsdale airpark, a frequent choice of celebrities, is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the country.

Car

Rental Cars

In all likelihood, you’ll need a vehicle to get around Scottsdale, especially if you want to explore both Old Town and North Scottsdale’s attractions. Take the free shuttle from any of the terminals to the Rental Car Center (1805 E. Sky Harbor Circle, 602/683-3741). You’ll find major companies, like Budget (602/267-4000, www.budget.com), Hertz (602/267-8822, www.hertz.com), and Enterprise (602/489-6898), which has convenient drop-off centers around Phoenix and Scottsdale and offers free pickup service. It can be hard to find a gas station near the rental car center, so be sure to fill up before returning your vehicle.

Limos, Shuttles, and Taxis

Join a shared-van ride to your resort or hotel with the reliable SuperShuttle (602/232-4610, www.supershuttle.com). Its bright blue vans are easy to spot at all of Sky Harbor’s terminals.

AAA Sedans (602/454-7433) has a fleet of town cars that can ferry you to Scottsdale for about $50, plus tip. Desert Knights Sedans & Limousines (480/348-0600, www.desertknights.com) provides taxis, sedans, limos, and luxury minibuses, which can be a practical option for families or groups.

Also, you can grab a taxi at Sky Harbor with one of three contracted companies: AAA Cab (602/437-4000), AllState (602/275-8888), and Discount (602/266-1110). And if you want to hit the town at night, try Courier Cab (602/232-2222).

Public Transportation

Trolley

If you’re tired of driving or walking around downtown, the free Scottsdale Trolley (480/421-1004, www.scottsdaleaz.gov/trolley, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. daily) shuttles visitors throughout the area, with stops along 5th Avenue, Marshall Way, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Bus

Scottsdale is a part of the Valley Metro (602/262-7433, www.valleymetro.org) public transportation network, which connects the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its buses run throughout the city, but the new light-rail system, which links the communities of Mesa, Tempe, and Central Phoenix, doesn’t stop in Scottsdale. Fares start at 1.25 for a single ride, and multiday passes are available. Visit the website for a comprehensive schedule and map.

© Jeff Ficker from Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona, 1st edition