| Getting Here
Phoenix, Arizona has excellent highway and rail links.
It is also served by the popular Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport.
Arriving by Air
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is five
miles southeast of the city's downtown area. PHX is
used by a large number of domestic and international
airlines.
Arriving by Car
If driving from Tucson, Phoenix is a relatively short
journey due north on the I-17. There are three major
interstate highways coming into Arizona from California
- I-40, I-10 and I-8. All of these roads have intersections
with the I-17, which leads into Phoenix.
Getting Around Phoenix
Once in Phoenix, there are a number of efficient and
reliable ways to get around town. There is an efficient
bus service that operates within downtown Phoenix. Car
rental is also a good idea as most attractions and famous
tourist spots are within driving distance. A drive up
to Pinnacle Peak or Squaw Peak Park provides an excellent
view of the desert.
SuperShuttle vans serve the whole Phoenix metro area.
Follow the "van services" sign and there will
be a SuperShuttle attendant to help you. The vans will
take you to your specific destination and can cost between
7 USD and 15 USD within the city and up to 35 USD to
other Valley communities such as Scottsdale, Mesa and
Tempe. These fares are for the first person in your
party; additional members pay between 5 USD and 15 USD
each.
Phoenix City Facts
Phoenix Population - 2,607,000 (Source:
UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
Currency - US Dollar ($) = 100 cents
Time Zone: 7 hours behind Greenwich
Mean Time (-7 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Language - English
Area Codes - 928 for most of Arizona,
except the Phoenix metropolitan area.
602 for central Phoenix, 480 for east Phoenix and 623
for west Phoenix.
Business Hours - Store hours are generally
10am - 6pm. Malls: 10am - 9pm. Banks: 9am - 5pm. Monday
through Friday. Most bars are open 11am - 1am.
Passport/Visa Requirements: Canadians
need to show proof of citizenship accompanied by a photo
ID. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your
carrier prior to departure.
Climate of Phoenix City
One thing you can always count on in Phoenix is the
weather. The Valley enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine
a year. Phoenix boasts a pleasant yearly average temperature
of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for an array
of outdoor activities and attractions. The city is at
its best in the cooler months, October-April, when warm,
sunny afternoons (mid 60s F/high teens C to mid 80s
F/high 20s C) give way to nights that cool off considerably.
Occasional rain and thunderstorms occur during the winter,
but snow is unknown in these parts, and there are long
stretches with little rain.
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