Getting Around in Arizona

You’re in Arizona. Now what?

Metro Phoenix has aggressively pursued public transportation options to help residents and tourists get around the city with ease and good timing. However, since you’re new to the city, there are a few things you need to know.

LIGHT RAIL

The Valley Metro light rail connects Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to downtown Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix. Frequency between trains changes by time of day. Monday through Thursday, rails run between 4 a.m. and midnight. On Friday and Saturday, the trains run nearly 24 hours. On Sundays, trains stop around 2 a.m. Tickets: $2 one way, $4 all day; purchase them at kiosks at station platforms and present the ticket to rail security if they board your car. Tip: If you have a ticket for an event downtown, such as a basketball game, you can ride the rail for free to and from the event.

To find a nearby station and schedules: Download the Ridekick app

LYFT AND UBER

Phoenicians are increasingly using Uber and Lyft ridesharing apps to get around the city. All you have to do is download the app to your phone and enter payment information that will automatically pay your driver at the end of the trip. An added bonus is that fee estimates are provided via the app before you even request a ride. This takes the element of surprise out of your ride. Drivers are also incentivized to be good stewards because patrons can rank their drivers after a trip concludes.

To reserve: Download the Lyft or Uber app

TRAVEL IN STYLE

If you’re looking for a step up in style and service from Lyft and Uber, The Driver Provider has you covered, whether you’re traveling alone or need a party bus to carry your crew.

To reserve: Visit driverprovider.com GRID BIKE SHARE PROGRAM

Those neon green bikes aren’t meant to just brighten the streetscape around Phoenix. They’re bikes you can rent and ride around downtown in lieu of driving or taking the rail. There are 500 bikes at 50 locations around the city. The fee is $5 per hour for nonmembers. Tip: If you’re worried a bike won’t be available, you can reserve one up to 15 minutes prior to pickup via the SoBi app.

To reserve: Download the SoBi app

SCOTTSDALE SEGWAY TOURS

Want to explore Scottsdale in a unique way? Look no further than Scottsdale Segway Tours, which offers daytime, sunset and holiday tours of Old Town Scottsdale. Hop on your segway, put on your headset, receiver and helmet, and take plenty of photos as you discover Scottsdale.

To reserve: Visit scottsdalesegwaytours.com

ON FOOT

If you’re flaunting your pedestrian prowess by hitting the sidewalks of Phoenix, look for the extraordinarily cheerful Downtown Phoenix

Ambassadors. They’re usually in flourescent

T-shirts and wearing an “Ask Me” button. This isn’t a trick. These ambassadors are volunteers of Downtown Phoenix Partnership and are more than happy to help lost travelers or to suggest things to do. Think of it as Siri in human form.