Email this Page
Getting around
Navigation
Having a car is almost a necessity when visiting Phoenix. The city is very large and spread out. Phoenix has several highways and streets, but once visitors are familiar with the layout it is easy to get around. The east-west streets in downtown Phoenix are named after U.S. presidents. Central Avenue divides the north-south running Avenues (west side) and Streets (east side) in downtown and midtown. There is one exception: Grand Avenue darts northwest across the grid.
Driving Tip
Some of the Phoenix highways have High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. These lanes are reserved for vehicles with more than one person, motorcycles, and hybrid vehicles marked with a hybrid plate or sticker. These lanes can be recognized by their marked diamonds.
Driving Warning
Tire blowouts are common in Arizona. A combination of high summer temperatures, under inflated tires, and high driving speeds can easily lead to accidents. Please use caution when driving the hot Arizona highways.
Metro Bus
©Valley Metro
Buses
Valley Metro is the regional transit system for the Phoenix metropolitan area. While the bus system is wide spread it carries mostly local commuters. The Bus Book is a convenient guide to the Valley Metro bus routes that can be printed off of the Valley Metro Web site or found on the buses, transit centers, and other city locations.
Valley Metro's Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) services the State Capitol, Carnegie Center down to 6th Street. The DASH runs every six minutes.
Scottsdale Trolley
Located in the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale is the Scottsdale Trolley that offers rides between Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Fifth Avenue shops, the Main Street Arts and Antiques district, and the Old Town district. These buses only operate between November and May.
Bicycles
Phoenix and its surrounding communities are extremely bicycle friendly with over 500 miles bike lanes, routes and paths. The Valley Metro buses accommodate bicycles.
Handicap Access
Dial-a-Ride offers service to passengers unable to use the normal Valley Metro bus service. Seniors age 65 and older and persons with disabilities qualify to use Dial-a-Ride. Proof of age or disability may be requested by the driver. The minimum fare is $1.20.
Written by: Elizabeth Blair
Top Photo: Phoenix Skyline © USATourist.com
