Phoenix Information

Glittering like a jewel under the bright Southwestern sun, the dazzling surroundings and the eight months of nearly perfect weather in Phoenix have drawn people to this fascinating Arizona city. It is easy to understand why Phoenix was chosen as the capital of Arizona, Phoenix is an ideal travel destination. It is known for its warm temperatures and low humidity. Lying on flat desert and surrounded by mountains and green irrigated fields, it is a resort, convention, and government center as well as a thriving industrial area.

By day, the sun fairly sparkles, and as evening nears the sunsets splash purple and blazing orange across the vast horizon. It is because of these wondrous sights that Phoenix's metro area is called the Valley of the Sun. This once sleepy agricultural town is now increasingly active and constantly expanding.

Residents have no qualms about driving 200 miles for a picnic or a swim, and visitors should be prepared to follow their example by securing a rental car in order to get around. There is so much to see and do that you will want to explore in all directions. The highway system is easy to understand and to follow. Even if you don't venture beyond the downtown area, you will find a surprising energy and level of activity amid the buildings at Van Buren and Third streets in the newly restored and renovated Copper Square area. If you have not visited downtown Phoenix for awhile, the winning combination of quality restaurants, museums, shops, and nightclubs will surely exceed your expectations.

The area's awesome beauty, from the top of nearby South Mountain to the distinctive Camelback Mountain, eclipses any manmade building. As you stroll through the desert you will be surprised by the abundance of blooming vegetation, and moved by the grandeur of rolling hills that are criss-crossed by hiking trails.

The sun shines all day; the nights are pleasantly cool. There are so many activities and attractions to enjoy while visiting Phoenix. As a vacation spot it pleases both the sophisticated traveler and the casual vacationer.

Population: 1,321,154
Elevation: 1072 feet above sea level
Land Area: 474.9 square miles

Location: Located in the central part of Arizona, transected by Interstate 10 from the west and south and Interstate 17 from the north.

Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time (when it's noon in Phoenix, it's 11am in Los Angeles and 2pm in New York City). Phoenix does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so these time comparisons vary by an hour from the end of April through the end of October.

How to Get There:
By Air
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
3400 Sky Harbor Blvd.
Phoenix AZ 85034
602-273-8880
Located 10 minutes from downtown Phoenix and less than 30 minutes from Scottsdale, the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport lies at the heart of the southwestern United States. There are hundreds of nonstop and connecting flights from points around the globe each day. The airport is served by many of the national and international airlines as well as certain regional carriers.

Scottsdale Airport
15000 N. Airport Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-312-2321
Located close to Scottsdale, this regional airport is an ideal choice for leisure and business travelers, seeking close proximity to world class resorts, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and corporate centers, with an average of 360 VFR days yearly.

Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies, as well as taxi and limousine service is available at the Phoenix Airport. Limited services available at the Scottsdale Airport.

By Car:
The city is accessible via Interstate 10 from the west (Los Angeles) and southeast (Tucson) and Interstate 17 from the north (Flagstaff)

By Train:
Amtrak
3400 East Sky Harbor Blvd.
G.A.I.T. desk in each terminal
Phoenix, AZ 85034
800-USA-RAIL
This is a stop for Amtrak Thruway connecting bus service. only. Amtrak trains do not stop in Phoenix.

By Bus:
Greyhound
2115 E Buckeye Rd.
Phoenix AZ 85034
602-389-4200

How to Get Around:
The easiest and most convenient way to get around is by either personal or rental car. Other services are available:

Valley Metro - bus system
602-253-5000

Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH)
Bus service within the downtown area

Free Local Area Shuttle Service (FLASH)
Provides service around a loop for Arizona State University