Getting to and Getting Around Arizona

Planes, trains and public transportation

Arizona may not have an extensive subway system like those in New York or San Francisco, but our metros still boast a healthy public transportation system served by planes, buses, streetcars (above-ground rails), and rental services such as Uber and Lyft.

Airports

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: Arizona's main airport, providing nonstop service to more than 100 cities in the U.S. and around the world.
• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway: Near ASU's Polytechnic Campus in Mesa, and the Arizona home to Allegiant and other low-cost airlines.
• Tucson International Airport: Southern Arizona's main airport, providing nonstop service to 23 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
• Yuma International Airport: Offers flights primarily to Phoenix and Dallas-Ft Worth on American Airlines.
• Flagstaff Pulliam Airport: American and United airlines offer several flights daily to Phoenix, Denver and Dallas-Ft. Worth.

The state also boasts more than 60 public and private airports. For information about these airports, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation—Airport Development.

Trains

Passenger train service is primarily offered by Amtrak on three routes through the state—Southwest Chief (primarily serving northern Arizona), Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle—with common transfer points in Chicago, New Orleans and Los Angeles. Though not all routes make stops at each one, Amtrak operates the following stations in Arizona:

• Benson (Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle)
• Flagstaff (Southwest Chief)
• Kingman (Southwest Chief)
• Maricopa (Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle)
• Tucson (Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle)
• Winslow (Southwest Chief)
• Yuma (Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle)

Find information on the specific routes and purchase tickets at Amtrak.com.

Driving in Arizona

Driving in Arizona is no different than driving in any other state. Be sure to wear your seat belt and follow the traffic signs. To ensure your safety, be aware of the following information:

511 Traveler Information Service

Traveling in Arizona is as easy as calling 5-1-1! Get the latest information on road conditions, public transit services, major airports, state and national park information, and weather from AZ 511, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all for free.

• Within Arizona, dial 511.
• Outside Arizona, dial direct (602) 523-0244, or toll-free (888) 411-ROAD (7623)

Keep Arizona clean

Report litterers by calling the Arizona Litter Hotline at 877-3LITTER (877-354-8837), or going online to litter.az.gov. Litterers receive a letter discouraging littering, as well as a car litter bag.

Driving in dust storms & monsoons

Dust storms are caused by high winds sweeping across fields or dry desert terrain, sometimes blowing dust onto nearby highways. You've seen the pictures—Arizona dust storms are stunning and usually brief but should be taken seriously because they can quickly decrease visibility. In a similar vein, while most people associate Arizona with the desert, the state also experiences occasional heavy rainstorms, particularly during the summer monsoon season.

If you find yourself driving during a dust or monsoon storm, keep these safety tips in mind:

• If you can safely avoid it, do not enter a dust storm.
• Turn on your headlights and slow down.
• If your visibility is impeded by heavy rain or dust, slowly pull off to the side of the road as far to the right as possible. Turn off the car and headlights, set the parking brake, and keep your foot off the brake pedal.
• Pay attention to hazard signs and roadblocks. If you see a sign that says "Do Not Cross When Flooded," take it seriously and find another way.
• Don't cross rain-swollen washes. You could get caught in a flash flood.