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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Scottsdale, Arizona. Compare prices and book in one place. Skip airport surcharges by picking up in Old Town or North Scottsdale, or snag 24/7 service right at Phoenix Sky Harbor. We show live rates, vehicle types and hours for every branch. Lock in a convertible for desert drives or an SUV for golf gear, then cruise to Camelback Mountain, Fashion Square or even Sedona on your own schedule.
Scottsdale offers several convenient car rental options:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town Scottsdale |
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| PHX Airport |
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| North Scottsdale |
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Premium Selection: Scottsdale locations often offer a better selection of luxury vehicles than other suburban areas, reflecting the upscale nature of the community.
On average, car rentals in Scottsdale cost around $92 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Compare PHX Airport vs. Scottsdale branches – Local desks in Old Town or North Scottsdale skip the 11% concession fee and $4.50/day facility charge. Even after a $30-45 rideshare from Sky Harbor, week-long rentals can end up 20-30% cheaper.
Peak season = plan ahead – January-April (plus events like Barrett-Jackson and the Phoenix Open) sees price spikes and sell-outs. Booking 4-6 weeks early locks in lower rates and better vehicle choice. In the hot summer you can usually wait and snag last-minute deals.
Tweak pickup-return dates – Weekly rates often beat daily math. Shifting a five-day trip to a seven-day "weekly" plan or returning on a weekday can shave serious dollars.
Limit paid drivers – Arizona lets spouses drive free on most contracts. Skip the $5-15/day extra driver fee by keeping it in the family or choosing one main driver.
Old Town Scottsdale: Plenty of free public spots in garages and lots
Fashion Square: Free garage spaces (valet available for fee)
Kierland Commons/Scottsdale Quarter: Free spots (valet available)
Resort Areas: Most resorts offer free self-parking for guests, valet for fee
Trailheads: Limited spaces at popular hiking spots; arrive early in peak season
Grid System: Scottsdale follows the Phoenix metro grid system. Major streets are at one-mile intervals.
Rush Hour: Morning (7-9am) and evening (4-6:30pm) congestion on major roads
Tourist Season: January-April sees much heavier traffic, especially near resorts
Special Events: Major events (Barrett-Jackson, Phoenix Open, Arabian Horse Show) create localized congestion
A rental car lets you comfortably reach desert parks, premier golf courses and nearby Arizona highlights.
McDowell Sonoran Preserve – trails
Camelback Mountain – hike
Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter – shopping
TPC Scottsdale – golf
Sedona – landscapes
Apache Trail – desert views
What's the difference between renting at PHX Airport vs. in Scottsdale?
You can usually save about 20-30% if you rent in Scottsdale instead of at the airport. This is because you won't have to pay airport concession fees (11.1%), the customer facility charge ($6.00/day) and other airport taxes. But, you will need a ride from the airport to the rental office, which is often a rideshare or taxi that costs about $30-45. If you're looking for a luxury or premium car, you might find a better selection at some Scottsdale locations than at the airport.
Is it necessary to have a car while staying in Scottsdale?
That depends on what you plan to do and where you are staying. If you stay at a resort in Old Town and plan to mostly explore that area, you can probably get by using rideshares sometimes. Many resorts also offer shuttle services for short distances. However, if you want to explore beyond Old Town, visit several golf courses or get to desert parks and trails, a rental car makes getting around much easier and more flexible. This is especially true because Scottsdale has limited public transportation.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring Scottsdale?
Most visitors find that a mid-size or full-size sedan is comfortable and works well. If you plan to golf, make sure the trunk has enough space for your clubs. When the weather is nice (October-May), many people like renting convertibles to enjoy the desert scenery. A small SUV is a good all-around choice if you plan to take trips into the desert or visit many different attractions.
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale by car?
You'll find the best driving conditions from October through May because the temperatures are pleasant. January through April is the busiest season. The weather is perfect, but you'll see heavier traffic and pay higher rental rates. In the summer (June-September), you can find much lower rates, but the heat is extreme (105-115°F). You will need a car that has good air conditioning and you should plan any outdoor activities carefully.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Scottsdale?
If you visit during the busy season (January-April), you should book 4-6 weeks in advance. This is especially true if your visit is during a big event like Barrett-Jackson, the Phoenix Open or Spring Training. For summer visits, booking 1-2 weeks ahead is usually enough. If you want a specific premium or luxury car, you should book it even earlier, no matter the season.
Are there any driving regulations unique to Scottsdale?
You should know that Scottsdale police strictly enforce traffic laws, especially for speeding and running red lights. Some intersections use cameras to catch drivers who run red lights. The city is also very strict about enforcing DUI laws, so you should plan for a different ride if you drink alcohol. During big events, police may change traffic patterns and close roads. This often happens near WestWorld during Barrett-Jackson or TPC Scottsdale during the Phoenix Open.
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