The ultimate guide to getting around Arizona

14.09.2023 - 16:57 / lonelyplanet.com

With 114,000 square miles of canyons, deserts and forests, Arizona is the sixth-largest state in the US, and the country's favorite Wild West wilderness. As you might expect, this is classic driving country, but with decent rail and bus links, there are alternatives to guzzling gas.

Most urban centers in Arizona have passable public transportation systems, but intercity links are more limited. Driving along empty, open roads through lonely ghost towns and landscapes made famous in classic Westerns is still the norm. However, a handful of long-distance buses, trains and light rail services allow for longer excursions by public transport, and taxis and ride-hailing services are great for getting around cities.

This said, traveling in your own car is still the easiest and most affordable way to experience Arizona, especially if you want to see the sights along Route 66 or seek out prehistoric cave dwellings deep in the desert. Here's our guide to the best ways to get around in Arizona.

All the major rental agencies and Turo (a car-sharing marketplace) operate in Arizona’s big urban centers and tourist hubs such as Sedona and Williams, giving you the freedom to roam this massive state’s most remote quarters. Be sure to shop around before booking; daily rates for renting a compact car (including taxes, fees and unlimited mileage) range from about $85 to an eye-watering $300. Chalk it up to supply and demand – there’s been a shortage of rental cars in some cities since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Arizona’s highways and roads are generally well-maintained but respect the weather. Searing summer temperatures can easily lead to engine overheating, especially when towing trailers uphill. Conversely, the monsoon season (around mid-June through September) can put a big damper on driving. A few dark clouds can suddenly turn into heavy rainfall, creating dangerous flash floods that have claimed the lives of many motorists in the past.

To add insult to injury, Arizona has what has been dubbed the "stupid motorist law." If you ignore warning signs and alerts (emergency messages are often pinged to cellphones) and drive into a flooded area, you may have to pay for the cost of your rescue.

For reasons that have more to do with history than safety, motorcyclists over 18 aren’t required to wear a helmet – and few do. And don’t be surprised to see someone cruising down the highway in a dune buggy; in Arizona, properly licensed and registered off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are street legal.

Most of Arizona’s larger cities have public bus networks, which can be handy, especially when it’s hot. Phoenix’s Valley Metro system has buses that connect with light rail services. Phoenix, Old Scottsdale and Tempe also have free local-area shuttle