Phoenix is a stunning city with numerous attractions for tourists. It boasts of having several iconic landmarks such as the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Art Museum. When traveling to Phoenix, one may wonder whether it’s necessary to rent a car. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of renting a car in Phoenix, as well as some tips to help you make an informed decision.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
Should I Rent A Car In Phoenix?
Yes, you should rent a car in Phoenix. If you plan on exploring areas outside of downtown or want more flexibility in your schedule, renting a car can be a great option. This is especially true if you want to visit some of the more remote areas of Phoenix or take day trips to nearby attractions like the Grand Canyon or Sedona.
However, if you’re only planning on staying in the downtown area and visiting the major tourist attractions, you may not need a car. Phoenix has a light rail system that connects many of the popular tourist destinations. Additionally, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in Phoenix.
Bottom line: Whether or not you should rent a car in Phoenix depends on your itinerary and how much flexibility you want during your trip.
The Benefits Of Renting A Car In Phoenix
There are several benefits to renting a car in Phoenix. First and foremost, it provides more flexibility in your schedule. You won’t be tied to public transportation schedules or have to worry about finding a ride to more remote areas of the city.
Renting a car also allows you to explore areas outside of Phoenix, such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Flagstaff. These areas are all within driving distance of Phoenix and offer beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, a rental car can be more comfortable and convenient than public transportation. It also provides you with privacy and autonomy that you may not have with public transportation.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Phoenix provides flexibility, allows you to explore outside the city, and can be more comfortable for groups and those with a lot of luggage.
The Cons Of Renting A Car In Phoenix
While there are benefits to renting a car in Phoenix, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the cost. Phoenix has some of the highest car rental rates in the country, and you may also have to pay for parking at your hotel or other attractions.
Phoenix is also known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. If you’re not used to driving in heavy traffic, it can be stressful and time-consuming. Additionally, parking can be a challenge in the city, especially in the downtown area.
Another consideration is the weather. Phoenix is known for its scorching summers, and if you’re not used to the heat, it can be uncomfortable driving around the city without air conditioning. It’s also essential to be prepared for sudden rainstorms during the monsoon season, which can make driving more challenging.
Bottom line: Renting a car in Phoenix can be expensive, and traffic and parking can be challenging, especially during rush hour. It’s also essential to be prepared for the heat and sudden rainstorms during the monsoon season.
Is It Better To Rent A Car At Phoenix Airport?
If you’re flying into Phoenix, you may be wondering if it’s better to rent a car at the airport or somewhere else in the city. Renting a car at the airport is usually more expensive than renting from a location in the city. However, it can also be more convenient, especially if you’re arriving late at night or have a lot of luggage.
It’s also important to note that many rental car companies have shuttles that will take you from the airport to their off-site locations, so you may not have to pay for a taxi or ride-share service to get to your rental car. However, keep in mind that the shuttles may have limited hours of operation, so it’s important to check with the rental car company beforehand.
If you’re willing to take the time to travel to a rental car location in the city, you may be able to save money on your rental. However, this may not be the best option if you’re only in Phoenix for a short time and want to maximize your time exploring the city and its surroundings.
Bottom line: Renting a car at the airport in Phoenix can be more expensive but more convenient. Renting from a location in the city may be cheaper, but it may not be as convenient, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are arriving late at night.
Tips For Renting A Car In Phoenix
If you decide to rent a car in Phoenix, here are some tips to help you make the most of your rental:
- Shop around for the best rental car deals: As mentioned earlier, car rental rates in Phoenix can be expensive. Therefore, it’s essential to shop around and compare prices to get the best deal.
- Consider renting a smaller car: If you’re traveling alone or with one other person, consider renting a smaller car. Not only will it be cheaper, but it will also be easier to maneuver through traffic and park in tight spaces.
- Be prepared for the weather: As mentioned earlier, Phoenix can get very hot, especially during the summer months. Make sure your rental car has air conditioning and be prepared for sudden rainstorms during the monsoon season.
- Check the rental car for damage before driving off the lot: Before you leave the rental car lot, inspect the car for any damage and make sure the rental company is aware of it. This will prevent you from being held responsible for any pre-existing damage.
- Get familiar with the traffic laws: If you’re not used to driving in Phoenix, make sure you’re familiar with the traffic laws and regulations. This includes speed limits, right-of-way rules, and parking regulations.
Bottom line: Shopping around for the best rental car deals, considering renting a smaller car, being prepared for the weather, checking the rental car for damage, and getting familiar with the traffic laws are all important tips to keep in mind when renting a car in Phoenix.
The Cheapest Way to Rent A Car In phoenix
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to rent a car in Phoenix, there are a few things you can do to save money.
- Book in advance: Booking your rental car in advance can save you money. Prices tend to go up as the rental date approaches, so the earlier you book, the more you can save.
- Compare prices: Don’t settle for the first rental car company you find. Take the time to compare prices from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Avoid renting at the airport: As mentioned earlier, renting a car at the airport can be more expensive than renting from a location in the city. If possible, consider taking a shuttle or public transportation to a rental car location in the city.
- Look for discounts: Rental car companies often offer discounts for various reasons, such as being a member of a particular organization or having a certain credit card. Make sure to check for any discounts before booking your rental car.
- Choose a smaller car: Renting a smaller car can be cheaper than renting a larger one. Additionally, smaller cars tend to be more fuel-efficient, which can save you money on gas.
Bottom line: To save money when renting a car in Phoenix, book in advance, compare prices, avoid renting at the airport, look for discounts, and choose a smaller car.
Rent A Car In Phoenix
Here are rental car companies to rent a car from in Phoenix:
- Alamo: starts at $52 per day
- Avis: starts at $60 per day
- Budget: starts at $48 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $51 per day
- Hertz: starts at $47 per day
- Thrifty: starts at $36 per day
- Dollar: starts at $40 per day
Gas prices in Phoenix will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $45 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.03 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Bottom line: renting a car in Phoenix can be a great option for those who want more flexibility in their schedule and plan on exploring areas outside of downtown. However, it can also be expensive, and traffic and parking can be challenging, especially during rush hour. Ultimately, whether or not you should rent a car in Phoenix depends on your itinerary and how much freedom you want during your trip.
Wrapping Up
Renting a car in Phoenix can be a great option for those who want more flexibility and autonomy during their trip, especially if they plan on exploring areas outside of downtown or taking day trips to nearby attractions. However, the cost of renting a car in Phoenix can be high, and traffic and parking can be challenging, especially during rush hour. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your itinerary before deciding whether or not to rent a car. Ultimately, whether you decide to rent a car or rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services, Phoenix has plenty of attractions and activities to offer visitors, making it a great destination for travelers of all types.