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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands in Arizona, USA with no booking fees. Use our side-by-side PHX car rental comparison to land low airport rates with free cancellation, and remember pick up happens at the Rental Car Center just a quick ride on the 24/7 Sky Train.
PHX has a dedicated consolidated Rental Car Center housing all major companies:
Location: Off-site from main terminals, accessible via free PHX Sky Train
Hours: Most counters open 5am-midnight or 24 hours for major companies
Transport: Free PHX Sky Train runs 24/7, taking around 5-7 minutes from terminals
Companies: All major providers (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, Thrifty and others)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immediate access after landing | 11.1% airport concession recovery fee |
| 24/7 availability at major counters | $4.50/day facility charge |
| Large vehicle selection | Additional taxes totaling ~30% above base rate |
| Convenient return process | Long wait times during peak periods |
| Free PHX Sky Train connection | Higher base rates than off-airport locations |
| All providers in one facility | Walk-ups may not be accommodated during busy seasons |
On average, car rentals at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport cost around $68 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $16 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickups: PHX's Rental Car Center adds ~30 % in taxes and a $4.50/day facility fee. If you can Uber/Lyft to a downtown branch you might save 20-30 %, even after the ride cost.
Use flexible reservations and watch for drops: Make a free-cancellation booking, then re-check prices weekly. Phoenix summer heat (Jul-Aug) often triggers sudden discounts you can rebook into.
Peak-season hack: March (Spring Training) and Dec-Jan rates skyrocket up to 50 %. Lock in a refundable deal 2-3 months out, then keep comparing—early birds get choice, not always the cheapest, so keep tweaking.
Join the free loyalty programs: They let you bypass the counter (saving 30-60 min waits) and can unlock members-only rates or free upgrades—easy win with no commitment.
Play with trip length: Weekly rates at PHX often beat 5-6 day prices. Extend or shorten a day on our site and see if the total drops.
Skip pricey add-ons: Bring your own phone mount/charger and fill up at 44th St & Washington or 24th St & I-10 where gas is cheaper than the rental refuel charge.
Airport Area Parking: If you need to return to the airport during your stay:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental to drive to:
Downtown Phoenix – Phoenix Art Museum, Footprint Center
Scottsdale – Old Town, galleries
Tempe – Arizona State University, Mill Avenue
Sedona – Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim
Glendale – State Farm Stadium, Tanger Outlets
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at PHX?
When it's not busy, you'll spend about 20-30 minutes getting your car after you arrive at the terminal. During busy times (10 am-2 pm, holidays and March), you can expect to wait 45-90 minutes. You can use express programs to cut your wait time by 50%.
Can I pick up at PHX and return to another location?
Yes, rental companies usually don't charge extra if you return the car to another city in Arizona. If you drop it off in another state like California or Nevada, companies often charge a fee of $100 to $300.
What identification is required for international visitors?
You'll need to show a valid passport, your driver's license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in English. You also need a credit card in the driver's name to pay the security deposit.
Is there a shuttle between terminals and the Rental Car Center?
You can take the free PHX Sky Train to get from any terminal to the Rental Car Center. It runs 24/7 and the ride takes about 5-7 minutes. You won't need a shuttle bus.
What happens if my flight is delayed past rental counter closing?
Most major companies track your flight and will usually wait for you if you have a reservation. You should call them if your delay is more than two hours.
Do I need a special vehicle for desert driving?
A regular car is fine for all paved roads in Arizona. If you plan to drive on unpaved roads in desert parks, you should ask the rental company first. Driving off-road usually breaks the rental agreement.
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