The PHX Sky Train is a free, electric, automated people mover at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, linking Terminal 3, Terminal 4, East Economy Parking, 24th Street Station, the Rental Car Center, and Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street/Washington. Trains usually run every 3 to 5 minutes during normal service, making it one of the easiest public transport connections for airport passengers.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System type | Free automated airport train |
| Airport | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport |
| City | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Operating hours | 24 hours a day, seven days a week |
| Typical frequency | Every 3 to 5 minutes during normal service |
| Route length | About 8 km / 5 mi |
| Fare | Free |
| Main transit connection | Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street/Washington |
| Opening date | Initial segment opened April 8, 2013 |
PHX Sky Train Map
The PHX Sky Train map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the PHX Sky Train map in PDF format.
Route and Stations
The PHX Sky Train route connects the Rental Car Center with the 44th Street/Washington Valley Metro Rail station, serving airport terminals and parking areas along the way. For most travelers, the route plan is simple: ride between the terminals, parking, rental cars, and the regional rail connection without using an airport shuttle bus.
The system opened in stages. Phase 1 began service on April 8, 2013, between Terminal 4, East Economy Parking, and 44th Street/Washington. Phase 1a reached Terminal 3 on December 8, 2014. Phase 2 opened on December 20, 2022, extending the line west from Terminal 3 to the Rental Car Center.
The route includes a 100-foot-tall bridge over Taxiway R, about 30.5 m / 100 ft high, described as the first transit bridge in the world built over an active taxiway. It is tall enough for Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 aircraft to pass beneath it. The Phase 2 extension also runs through an underpass below the Union Pacific railroad, alongside 44th Street, and under future taxiways and Interstate 10.
Use this stations list as a quick stations map reference before you travel.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| 44th Street/Washington | Connection to Valley Metro Rail, bus routes, cell phone lot, ticket machines, and boarding pass kiosks. |
| East Economy Parking | Serves East Economy garages and uncovered parking, with boarding pass kiosks for participating airlines. |
| Terminal 4 | Airport terminal station with direct access toward security and terminal facilities. |
| Terminal 3 | Airport terminal station connecting Terminal 3 with Terminal 4, parking, rail, and rental cars. |
| 24th Street | West-side airport access point with economy parking, curbside pick-up and drop-off, and Route 13 bus service. |
| Rental Car Center | Western end of the current route and the main connection to rental car facilities. |
The current full route runs about 8 km / 5 mi from the Rental Car Center to 44th Street/Washington. Select airlines provide boarding pass kiosks at the 44th Street/Washington and East Economy Parking stations.
44th Street/Washington Station
44th Street/Washington Station, also known as PHX Sky Harbor Airport, is the main connection between the PHX Sky Train and Valley Metro Rail. Travelers can move between the light rail platform and the Sky Train station by escalator, elevator, and skyway; the Sky Train platform is on Level 5.
Station amenities include boarding pass kiosks, Valley Metro Rail ticket machines on Level 2, cell phone waiting lots, a pet relief area, and four-hour parking meters. The station is also served by Valley Metro Bus routes 1, 32, and 44, with FlixBus and Greyhound connections nearby. FlixBus boards from the north side of the station.
From 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., waits are typically about 3.5 to 7 minutes. Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., overnight maintenance can reduce frequency, and waits may be longer. During those hours, staged buses depart from the south side of the station to Terminal 3 outer curb by Door 8 and Terminal 4 Level 2 outside Door 22, while the Sky Train continues to operate.
East Economy Station
East Economy Station serves the East Economy parking area and gives travelers a practical alternative to driving closer to the terminals. The station connects with Terminal 3, Terminal 4, 24th Street Station, the Rental Car Center, and Valley Metro Rail via 44th Street/Washington.
Travelers can find participating airline boarding pass kiosks, a pet relief area, and circulator vehicles that help passengers reach the station from uncovered parking areas. Family-friendly ADA parking is located north of the station.
The platform is on Level 5. From Ticketing, take the escalators to Level 4, then continue up to Level 5. Before boarding, check the lighted destination display, since trains travel in both directions from East Economy Station.
Terminal 4 Station
Terminal 4 Station is part of the core PHX Sky Train path train route at Phoenix Sky Harbor. It links Terminal 4 with East Economy Parking, Terminal 3, the Rental Car Center, 24th Street Station, and Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street/Washington.
The station is located on Level 3, allowing passengers to get off the train and walk toward the security checkpoint and terminal services. The train is free, runs 24/7, and is useful for both airport passengers and employees.
During overnight bus operations from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., staged buses also serve Terminal 4 Level 2 outside Door 22 as an added option during maintenance periods.
Terminal 3 Station
Terminal 3 Station is on Level 5. To reach the boarding platform, take the escalators in Ticketing to Level 4, then continue by escalator to Level 5.
The station connects Terminal 3 with Terminal 4, the Rental Car Center, East Economy Parking, 24th Street Station, and Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street/Washington. It is especially handy for passengers changing terminals, since the ride to Terminal 4 is direct.
Overnight, staged buses between 44th Street Station and the terminals operate from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. as an additional travel option during maintenance windows.
24th Street Station
24th Street Station sits south of Buckeye Road, next to 1,600 parking spaces on the west side of the airport. It is between Terminal 3 and the Rental Car Center, making it convenient for travelers coming from the west side of Phoenix or downtown.
The station supports public and commercial pick-up and drop-off at the curb, plus access to nearby economy parking and airport terminals. Valley Metro Bus Route 13 stops near the northwest curb by Passenger Pick-Up 9.
The 24th Street Station and Rental Car Center Station feature artist-designed terrazzo floors. At 24th Street, the artwork Sonoran Essence by local artist Frank Gonzales is part of the station design.
Rental Car Center Station
Rental Car Center Station is the western end of the current PHX Sky Train route. Passengers arriving at Terminal 3 or Terminal 4 can use the train to reach rental car facilities without an airport shuttle bus.
The station connects the Rental Car Center with 24th Street Station, the terminals, East Economy Parking, and Valley Metro Rail through 44th Street/Washington. Trains typically arrive every 3 to 5 minutes during normal service, although overnight maintenance can lead to longer waits or train transfers.
Fares and Tickets
The PHX Sky Train fare is free. There is no ticket price, no onboard ticket, and no fare calculator needed for the Sky Train itself. The cost is $0 (USD) for all passengers.
If you transfer to Valley Metro Rail or bus service, Valley Metro fares apply. Fare information in the provided materials lists a 1-ride fare at $2.00 (USD), an all-day pass at $4.00 (USD), a 7-day pass at $20.00 (USD), and a 31-day pass listed as $64.00 (USD) in one section. Another listed basic 31-day fare is about $56 (USD), so check current pricing before riding.
Transit passes can be purchased from fare vending machines at light rail stations, at the Sky Train terminal area, or at participating retail locations. Machines accept cash, coins, and credit or debit cards, provide change, and offer voice instructions in English and Spanish.
Is the PHX Sky Train Free?
Yes. The PHX Sky Train is free to the public and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It connects the Rental Car Center, East Economy Parking, Terminal 3, Terminal 4, 24th Street Station, and 44th Street/Washington. During normal service, trains run every 3 to 5 minutes.
Tickets for Valley Metro Connections
To ride Valley Metro Rail after using the PHX Sky Train, buy a Valley Metro ticket or pass at the fare vending machines at the station. The machines include screen instructions, English and Spanish voice instructions, and payment by cash, coin, or credit/debit card.
Listed Valley Metro ticket prices include $2.00 (USD) for a one-ride pass, $4.00 (USD) for an all-day pass, $20.00 (USD) for a 7-day pass, and $64.00 (USD) for a 31-day pass. Reduced fares are available for seniors 65 and older, persons with disabilities, and youth 18 and younger, who qualify for a 50 percent reduced fare.
If you are returning to the airport by Valley Metro Rail, take an eastbound train to 44th Street/Washington, then use the escalator or elevator connection back to the PHX Sky Train.
Schedule, Frequency, and Travel Time
The PHX Sky Train schedule runs all day and all night. Its opening hours, closing time, and working hours are simple: the system does not close. Service continues 24/7 between the Rental Car Center, airport terminals, parking areas, and the 44th Street/Washington rail connection.
During the day, trains usually arrive every 3 to 5 minutes, with published waits of about 3.5 to 7 minutes between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Overnight, from 10:01 p.m. to 4:59 a.m., service continues, but maintenance may reduce frequency. Waits can be 15 minutes or more, and travelers may need extra time for delays or train transfers.
For Valley Metro Rail connections at 44th Street/Washington, trains usually arrive every 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the day and time. Approximate Sky Train running time from 44th Street to Terminal 4 is five minutes, plus about two more minutes to reach Terminal 3.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Operating hours | 24 hours a day, seven days a week |
| Daytime service | 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Typical daytime frequency | Every 3 to 5 minutes, with approximate waits of 3.5 to 7 minutes |
| Overnight service | 10:01 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. |
| Overnight frequency | Reduced frequency possible; waits may be 15 minutes or more |
| 44th Street to Terminal 4 | About 5 minutes |
| 44th Street to Terminal 3 | About 7 minutes total |
| Valley Metro Rail connection | Every 12 to 20 minutes, depending on day and time |
If you are checking the train schedule today or timings today, plan around the same 24/7 service pattern, but allow more time late at night.
Daytime Service
Daytime service is the easiest time to use the PHX Sky Train. Between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., trains usually run often enough that most passengers simply arrive at the platform and board the next train.
Typical daytime waits are about 3.5 to 7 minutes. The starting time for this higher-frequency period is 5 a.m., and it continues until 10 p.m. before overnight maintenance conditions begin.
Overnight Service and Maintenance Delays
The PHX Sky Train does not have a last train in the usual sense, because it operates through the night. Still, overnight travel can take longer. Nightly maintenance takes place seven days a week, and from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. service frequency may be reduced.
During these hours, waits can reach 15 minutes or more. Delays, schedule changes, and train transfers may occur, so it is smart to build in extra time before a flight.
Staged buses are available on the south side of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. They provide direct transport to Terminal 3 outer curb by Door 8 and Terminal 4 Level 2 outside Door 22. The Sky Train continues to run during these hours; the buses are an extra option.
Airport Transfers and Ground Transportation Connections
The PHX Sky Train is one of the main ground transportation links at Phoenix Sky Harbor. It connects airport terminals, economy parking, the Rental Car Center, and regional public transportation without requiring passengers to leave the airport transit system.
Major connections include Terminal 3, Terminal 4, East Economy Parking, 24th Street Station, the Rental Car Center, and Valley Metro Rail at 44th Street/Washington. For city transport and local transport beyond the airport, the 44th Street station is the key transfer point.
Approximate waits are 3.5 to 7 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Overnight maintenance may reduce frequency between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., when waits can be 15 minutes or more. Staged buses are available during that overnight window from the south side of the 44th Street Station to Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.
Valley Metro Rail Connection
To reach Valley Metro Rail, ride the PHX Sky Train to 44th Street/Washington. From Terminal 3 or Terminal 4, follow signs to the Sky Train, ride to 44th Street Station, then use the Level 2 walkway with moving sidewalks to reach the elevator and escalator down to the rail platform.
Valley Metro Rail runs from early morning to late at night, with timings varying by day. Trains typically arrive every 12 to 20 minutes. This connection is useful for transportation in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
Short-term parking meters are available at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. Overnight parking is prohibited in Valley Metro park-and-ride lots.
Valley Metro Bus Connections
Valley Metro Bus routes 1, 32, and 44 serve the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. Route 13 stops at the 24th Street PHX Sky Train Station near the northwest curb by Passenger Pick-Up 9.
During nightly maintenance, staged buses run from the south side of the 44th Street Station from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. These buses provide direct transportation to Terminal 3 outer curb by Door 8 and Terminal 4 Level 2 outside Door 22.
FlixBus boards from the north side of the 44th Street station, and Greyhound connections are available in the station area. The PHX Sky Train replaced shuttle buses for internal airport travel, so bus service now works mainly as part of the wider regional transport network.
Parking and Pick-Up Options
Phoenix Sky Harbor has several parking and pick-up options connected to the PHX Sky Train. Parking charges vary by lot or garage. If you want the closest walk, the Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 garages are nearest the terminals. For lower official on-airport parking charges per day, East Economy Parking and 24th Street Station connect to the terminals by Sky Train.
| Parking option | First hour | Each additional 30 minutes | Daily maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Economy Garage | $6 (USD) | $3 (USD) | $19 (USD) |
| West Economy Park & Walk, seasonal | $6 (USD) | $3 (USD) | $10 (USD) |
| Terminal 3 Garage | $6 (USD) | $3 (USD) | $33 (USD) |
| Terminal 4 Garage | $6 (USD) | $3 (USD) | $33 (USD) |
| East Economy Garages A & B | $6 (USD) | $3 (USD) | $19 (USD) |
| East Economy Lot, uncovered | $6 (USD) | $3 (USD) | $16 (USD) |
| 24th Street Station | $6 (USD) | $3 (USD) | $16 (USD) |
| Valet Parking, Terminals 3 & 4 garages | $18 (USD) | Not listed | $43 (USD) |
| Premium Parking, Terminals 3 & 4 garages | Not listed | Not listed | $37 (USD) |
Free 24-hour Cell Phone Waiting Lots are available for drivers meeting arriving passengers. Drivers must stay with their vehicles, and waiting should be limited to 30 minutes or less.
East Economy Parking
East Economy Parking includes the uncovered lot and Economy Garages A and B. Follow signs to the East Economy Lot, then take the free PHX Sky Train to Terminal 3 or Terminal 4.
Trains run about every 3 to 5 minutes during normal service. If you park in East Economy, look for the sign at the shuttle stop and scan the QR code with your smartphone to receive text or email reminders of where you parked.
Accessible parking is available in all garages closest to the elevators. In the East Economy lot, accessible parking is north of the PHX Sky Train Station. Over-height or oversize parking is available in uncovered economy parking areas and in the Oversized Vehicle parking area east of Terminal 4.
24th Street Station Parking
24th Street Station is next to 1,600 parking spaces on the west side of the airport, south of Buckeye Road. It is a convenient station parking option for travelers heading to the terminals or meeting someone curbside.
The station has public and commercial pick-up and drop-off at the curb, nearby economy parking, and EV charging stations in the nearby parking area. Parking at 24th Street Station is listed at $6 (USD) for the first hour, $3 (USD) for each additional 30 minutes, and $16 (USD) per day.
Sky Train service runs 24/7. During the day, trains are frequent; overnight, maintenance may cause delays or transfers.
Cell Phone Waiting Lots and Drop-Off Areas
Sky Harbor offers three free 24-hour Cell Phone Waiting Lots where drivers can wait while passengers deplane, collect luggage, and reach the curb. The lots are east of Terminal 4, west of the West Economy Garage, and south of the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station.
The east and west lots each have about 90 parking spaces, electronic flight information displays, and portable restrooms. The 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station Cell Phone Lot has about 25 spaces, with restrooms inside the station.
Drivers must remain with their vehicles. These areas are meant for short waits of 30 minutes or less, and unattended vehicles may be towed or fined. For a smoother pick-up, drivers can meet travelers at the 24th Street or 44th Street PHX Sky Train stations instead of driving deeper into the terminal area.
How to Use the PHX Sky Train
Using the PHX Sky Train is straightforward. Follow airport signs to the PHX Sky Train, check the destination display before boarding, and ride to your terminal, parking area, rental car connection, or Valley Metro Rail transfer.
For Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, take an elevator or escalator to Level 4, follow signs to the PHX Sky Train, and board toward Terminal 4. For Terminal 4 to Terminal 3, take an elevator or escalator to Level 3, walk toward the center of the terminal, and follow signs to the train.
For Valley Metro Rail, ride to 44th Street/Washington. From there, use the Level 2 walkway with moving sidewalks, then take the elevator or escalator down to the rail platform.
Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., nightly maintenance can reduce frequency. Waits may be 15 minutes or more, and train transfers can occur. If you are catching a flight late at night or early in the morning, allow extra time.
- Check the lighted destination display before boarding.
- Use elevators or escalators if traveling with luggage.
- Allow extra time for terminal changes, baggage claim, re-checking bags, and security screening.
- Use staged overnight buses at 44th Street Station if they better fit your trip.
- Look for boarding pass kiosks at select stations.
- Valley Metro ticket machines are on Level 2 at 44th Street Station.
Rules and Safety Tips
The PHX Sky Train is generally described as safe, clean, and efficient. It can feel quick, especially if you are standing, so hold the rails and keep luggage secure during the ride.
If you are traveling with children, older passengers, or anyone who may be uncomfortable on a fast-moving airport train, board carefully and stand near a rail or seat. Seats are available, but many riders stand for the short trip.
At East Economy Station, check the destination display carefully because trains travel in both directions. Overnight, build in extra time because maintenance can affect frequency and transfers.
- Do not walk to terminals where train service is available; use the signed PHX Sky Train route.
- Hold onto rails when standing.
- Keep bags clear of doors and walkways.
- Follow station signage and staff instructions.
- Expect shorter waits during the day and possible delays overnight.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
Security guards are present at 44th Street Station, and the system is designed to move travelers quickly between airport facilities and the light rail connection.
Brief History
The PHX Sky Train opened in phases as Phoenix Sky Harbor expanded its airport transportation system. The first segment opened on April 8, 2013, connecting Terminal 4, East Economy Parking, and 44th Street/Washington. It replaced shuttle buses for travel within that part of the airport property.
The first extension opened on December 8, 2014, extending service from Terminal 4 to Terminal 3. A covered walkway connected the Terminal 3 station with Terminal 2 until Terminal 2 closed in February 2020. Inter-terminal shuttle bus service ended on January 15, 2015.
The second extension opened on December 20, 2022, extending the train from Terminal 3 to the Rental Car Center. With that phase, rental car shuttle buses were discontinued.
Ridership grew quickly. In its early months, the system carried about 70,000 people per week, above initial expectations. Cumulative ridership reached 1 million in 2013 and 10 million in 2015.
The system uses Innovia APM 200 vehicles and was built to support high-capacity airport travel between terminals, parking, rental cars, and the regional rail connection.
Future Plans and Airport Development
The PHX Sky Train was designed for airport expansion. Stage 2, opened on December 20, 2022, links Terminal 3 to the Rental Car Center and includes provisions for future infill stations.
One future station is planned to serve a future West Terminal on the site of the West Economy Parking lots. Another is planned as a new ground transportation center just east of 24th Street. Both projects are currently unfunded and are included in the airport’s 20-year Comprehensive Asset Management Plan.
The Stage 2 guideway was also built around future airport development. Two depressed sections pass underneath future taxiways and Interstate 10, and aircraft bridges will carry two future taxiways over the train system without disrupting train operations.
24th Street Station is expected to play an important role in future airport growth, supporting parking, ground transportation, and possible adjacent development as the west side of the airport evolves.
Nearby Destinations by Public Transit
The PHX Sky Train makes nearby destinations easier to reach by public transit because it connects directly to Valley Metro Rail and several bus services. For trips beyond the airport, the main transfer point is 44th Street/Washington.
From 44th Street Station, travelers can connect to Valley Metro Rail for Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. Bus Route 13 serves 24th Street Station, while routes 1, 32, and 44 serve the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. FlixBus and Greyhound connections are also available in the station area.
For late-night travel, staged buses operate from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the south side of 44th Street Station, serving Terminal 3 and Terminal 4 while the Sky Train continues to run.
Downtown Phoenix
To reach downtown Phoenix, ride the PHX Sky Train to 44th Street/Washington, then transfer to Valley Metro Rail. This is the main public transport route from the airport into downtown.
The Sky Train runs 24/7, but Valley Metro Rail timings vary by day and time. If you are traveling between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., allow extra time because PHX Sky Train maintenance may reduce frequency.
Tempe and Mesa
To reach Tempe or Mesa, take the PHX Sky Train to 44th Street/Washington and transfer to Valley Metro Rail. From the airport connection, rail service runs westbound toward downtown Phoenix and in the opposite direction toward Tempe ASU and Mesa.
Valley Metro Rail is listed as a 45.4 km / 28.2 mi light rail line serving Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. The provided materials list the full trip from the terminal to the rail station at about 34 minutes, with a one-way fare of $2.00 (USD) or a day pass at $4.00 (USD). A Copper Card or the Valley Metro app can be used to pay.
Regional Bus Connections
The PHX Sky Train connects with several regional bus services around Phoenix Sky Harbor. Valley Metro Bus routes 1, 32, and 44 serve the 44th Street station, while Route 13 serves 24th Street Station near Passenger Pick-Up 9.
FlixBus boards from the north side of the 44th Street station. Greyhound service is available through the PHX Sky Train station area, with the Greyhound Bus Station located about 1.6 km / 1 mi west of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
During nightly maintenance windows, staged buses operate from the south side of 44th Street Station from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., with direct service to Terminal 3 outer curb by Door 8 and Terminal 4 Level 2 outside Door 22.
| Connection | Service | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Metro Bus | Routes 1, 32, 44 | Serves 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station |
| Valley Metro Bus | Route 13 | Stops at 24th Street PHX Sky Train Station |
| FlixBus | Regional bus service | Boards at the 44th Street station |
| Greyhound | Regional bus service | Connects through the PHX Sky Train station area |
Wheelchair-accessible travel options include bus service at the 24th Street and 44th Street stations, the free PHX Sky Train, and Dial-A-Ride pickup locations at Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.