Whether you're flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) for business or pleasure, you'll find plenty to enjoy during your stay. As the most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is located in Arizona's Salt River Valley near the Sonoran Desert and Sunnyslope Mountain. In the Valley, you'll find bustling Phoenix, lively student-centered Tempe, historic Mesa, charming Scottsdale and ritzy Paradise Valley.

Key Facts

With its cacti-lined boulevards, Phoenix has morphed from a one-time ranch town, into a large metropolis. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden or hike up Camelback Mountain. Laid-back travelers may enjoy touring the Phoenix Zoo, watching the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, seeing the exhibits at Heard Museum, or visiting the Arizona Science Center. You may also want to hop in your air-conditioned rental car to take the four hour trip up Interstate 40 towards the Grand Canyon.

Hints and Tips

Flight from Kansas City International Airport (MCI), to PHX will last around two and a half hours. Once you land, hop on an airport shuttle bus to the remote car rental terminal, and head down west on Interstate 10 towards downtown. Phoenix is famous for its very hot summers and mild winters, so be prepared to slip off your jacket and don some sunscreen.