Are you Renting a Car in Phoenix, Arizona? Here are Top Tips to Keep in Mind
Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona, which is often referred to as ‘the Grand Canyon state.’ As the fifth-largest city in the U.S., it is popular for its year-round sun, beautiful desert landscape, southwest culture, and world-class resorts. Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun, is a hotspot for tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and business people alike.
Phoenix, AZ, is a sprawling metropolis that is well-connected to the continental U.S. via highways. So, driving to Phoenix is super convenient for visitors from neighboring states. Using the interstate, the direct drive time from Las Vegas, Nevada, takes about five hours. It takes approximately six hours to drive from Los Angeles to Phoenix, 11.5 hours to drive from San Francisco, and six and a half hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
With the city’s layout being a grid system, Phoenix is easy to navigate. Visitors and locals rely on cars to get around.
Related Read: If you’re planning to check out California soon, be sure to check out my popular guide to the best small towns near San Francisco!
Why You Should Rent a Car When Exploring Phoenix
If you want to see a lot of Phoenix, a rental car is the best way to get around town. Availing of a rental car at Phoenix airport is a great way to explore the city.
1. You will save time
With a rental car, you’ll be able to maximize the things you want to see and do around the valley. The city is a huge urban sprawl that encompasses a whopping 500 square miles. The car can take you to many landmarks and fascinating destinations. These attractions are spread out, while most of the places are an easy 20-minute drive from one another.
2. You will have complete control over your travel
You can avoid the time constraints of public transportation and tours. While in Phoenix, you can go wherever you please, whenever you want. Car rental allows you to visit the places you want to explore more easily. It also lets you adapt to spontaneous changes in your plans.
3. You will have a personalized travel experience
Renting a car offers you comfortable seats, air conditioning, and personal space to make your journey more comfortable. Your privacy is maintained. You don’t have to share with a crowd as you would with public transportation.
4. You can experience the local culture more intimately
Traveling with a rental car can make your journey more memorable. It lets you discover Phoenix’s hidden gems outside of tourist areas. You could also savor authentic meals at local restaurants.
Related Read: You may also enjoy my Canadian road trip posts, such as the best stops on the drive from Whistler to Jasper or the best stops on the drive from Whistler to Banff and, finally, the best stops on the drive from Banff to Jasper!
8 Tips to Keep in Mind When Renting a Car in Phoenix, Arizona
Renting a car for a vacation or business makes sense. Cheap car rentals can save you money you’d otherwise be spending on taxi rides or ride-sharing platforms. It offers you flexibility and enhanced travel experience. Here are eight valuable things you need to know about renting a car.
1. Make sure you have your paperwork
Before renting a car, make sure you have your driver’s license and a valid credit card in your name. The Rental car company will require you to present a valid credit card as a guarantee to cover incidental charges such as traffic violations, parking tickets, missing fuel, etc.
2. Check the rented car exterior
Inspect the car for any scratches or dents before heading on your way. You don’t want to be held responsible for another person’s misuse of the car.
3. Register a minimum number of drivers
Whether you’re traveling with a group, keep the number of drivers to a minimum. You’ll need to pay a daily fee for every additional driver, whether or not they end up driving the vehicle during the rental period.
4. Young drivers cost more to drive rental cars
Even though young drivers can rent cars at 20 or 21 years old, they are likely to have to pay an additional fee if they’re younger than 25. Don’t add someone under 25 as an additional driver.
5. Shop around for car insurance
Getting insurance at a car rental shop is extremely high. Exhaust all options for vehicle insurance. Take a look at your personal vehicle insurance, as it could potentially cover rentals, too. Also, confirm if your credit card company offers car rental insurance as a card benefit.
6. Fill the tank up with gas before returning the car
Don’t bring the car back with an empty tank and let the rental shop fill it up for you. You could end up paying two, three, or four times the going price per gallon, spare 10 minutes, and top off the tank before returning the car.
7. Get back in time
Make sure you return your rental car on time, as late fees can really add up quickly! It might cost you a full rental day and some if you have not informed the rental company of the delay in advance.
8. Avoid the extras when possible
Rental car companies conveniently offer many extras, such as a GPS system, but these tend to be costly. So, instead of renting their GPS system, simply use the maps app on your phone to get you from A to B.
Car rental can make your travel experience more flexible, comfortable, and memorable. A cost-effective travel option, it enables you to make the most of your holiday plans or business trips.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for reading; I’ve got lots of other articles on the U.S., like this one about how to find the Lincoln Park Steps in San Francisco and the best things to do in San Francisco with kids. I’ve also written a very detailed post on the best things to do in Seattle!
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Last Updated on October 26, 2023 by snaphappytravel