How to Navigate Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Inside & Out
Phoenix Airport Guide
PHX is one of the country’s busiest airports, but it’s also one of the most manageable once you understand the Phoenix airport layout. In this Avis guide, you’ll learn how to navigate the Phoenix airport inside and out, discover unique things to do while you wait for layovers, and more.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Quick Facts
Official name: Named by original owner J. Parker Van Zandt, the name was chosen as a poetic nod to the idea of a “harbor” for aircraft.
Official website: https://www.skyharbor.com/
Airport code: PHX—short for Phoenix
Airport history: Phoenix Sky Harbor opened in 1928 on former farmland east of downtown and became the city’s main airport by the 1930s. In recent years, the airport has completed a full redesign of Terminal 3—now called the John S. McCain III Terminal—and continues phased upgrades and improvements in Terminal 4. In 2024, the development of a new terminal was announced, with an expected opening circa 2033.
Number of terminals: Phoenix Sky Harbor operates two terminals:
- Terminal 3, also known as the John S. McCain III Terminal
- Terminal 4, the airport’s largest terminal, serving most major airlines
Tricks to Navigating PHX
Knowing how to navigate the Phoenix airport ahead of time will help you avoid common surprises that first-time travelers run into.
- Terminal transfers: Terminal 3 and 4 are separate buildings. If you’re switching terminals, you’ll need to use the PHX Sky Train and re-enter security.
- Bag rechecks can occur: Switching airlines or terminals may require claiming and rechecking bags.
- The Sky Train is a must: This automated train runs frequently, is available 24/7, and connects terminals, parking garages, and the Rental Car Center. It does not stop at every concourse, so pay attention to signs and audio directions.
Outside the Terminals
Driving into Phoenix Sky Harbor is pretty straightforward, as you can easily connect to it from various highways. I-10 runs just south of the airport, while SR 143 and Loop 202 act as direct funnels into the terminal area.
Roadways split cleanly as you approach: One set feeds curbside drop-offs and the other handles pickups, so paying attention to overhead signs early keeps you from circling twice.
Rental cars are just as straightforward. Avis and other agencies operate from PHX’s centralized Rental Car Center on the west end of the airport.
There are no public gas stations on airport property, but you’ll find plenty of fuel options clustered just outside the airport, making it easy to refuel before returning a rental car.
Inside the Terminals
Fortunately for travelers, the Phoenix airport layout is clean and intentionally designed, so moving between terminals, concourses, and gates feels relatively straightforward. PHX operates two terminals that function independently rather than branching from a central hub.
Each terminal has its own ticketing area and TSA checkpoints, so you’ll go through security based on your airline. Concourses aren’t terribly long, so walking distances are reasonable. Baggage claim sits below ticketing in each terminal, making arrivals quick and easy once you land. To transfer between terminals or reach the Rental Car Center after you land, you must use the PHX Sky Train.
How to Change Terminals at PHX
No, you can’t walk between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The terminals are separate buildings with roadways between them, so moving between them requires using the PHX Sky Train or ground transportation.
Yes, the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is home to the PHX Sky Train, a free, automated people mover that runs 24/7 between Terminals 3 and 4, the Rental Car Center, parking lots, and the Valley Metro Rail Station.
Hidden Gems at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
If you’re looking for unexpected things to do in the Phoenix airport, Sky Harbor offers a few unique stops worth seeking out:
- Culture Corner: Located in Terminal 3, this dedicated space highlights Arizona’s diverse communities through rotating displays, cultural storytelling, performances, and local history.
- Phoenix Airport Museum: Both terminals feature curated exhibits focused on Southwestern art, aviation, and regional design—easy to enjoy while walking between gates. There’s even a mural at the Rental Car Center.
- Private Airport Lounges: Calm, low-traffic spaces offer a break from terminal noise, especially helpful on long travel days. Your airline miles or affiliation with other groups may give you access to these quieter areas away from the concourses.
Beyond the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
A long layover at PHX gives you enough time to see more than just the runway. The Valley of the Sun is home to world-class attractions for every interest, including Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Arizona Science Center, the downtown Phoenix Arts District, and the Heard Museum.
Looking for more ideas? Our Things to Do in Phoenix Guide and our Business Travel in Phoenix Guide are great starting points. With convenient Avis locations throughout Phoenix and at PHX, stepping out for a few hours is affordable and hassle-free.
Rent a Car at PHX from Avis
Now that you know how to navigate the Phoenix airport, you’ll be all set for your upcoming travel dates. Whether you’re visiting Phoenix or looking for things to do during a longer layover, Avis gives you the freedom to explore the Valley of the Sun and other nearby attractions without relying on public transportation or ride-shares.
Book a PHX Car Rental