Phoenix to Tempe Airport Shuttle
Round Trips Save You 10%
How is Your Service Different?
- Any Address - We pick you up at your home, hotel or PHX.
- Better - most rides are non-stop in a nice car.
- Flexible - we pick you up on your schedule 24/7.
- Safer - we don't leave you at a bus stop and we have better drivers.
- Faster - most rides take half the time and it's just you in the vehicle.
- More Convenient - door to door and no need to arrange or pay for other companies to get home.
- Affordable - once you add it all up, it's the same price.
Our Daily Schedule
What is your daily schedule?
We pick you up on your schedule 24/7. Our professional drivers are normally 5-10 minutes early at your home, or right on time at Sky Harbor. You get to pick the time we pick you up.
What is my pickup time at the airport?
We normally pick you up 30 minutes after your plane lands for domestic flights, or 45 minutes after for international flights.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Pickup times automatically adjust to 30 minutes after you land if your flight is delayed for domestic flights, or 45 minutes after you land for international flights.
What happens if my flight arrives early?
Call or send us a text if you want us to pick you up early, and we will let your driver know that you are ready to be picked up. Otherwise, we will pick you up at the scheduled time on your reservation.
How soon should I make a reservation?
Although there is no set rule that prevents you from booking a Phoenix to Tempe Shuttle last minute, it's a good idea to make your reservation as soon as possible to make sure a driver is available and prevent any delays.
How long does it take to go from Phoenix or Tempe?
Trips to and from Tempe in normal traffic are about 10 minutes versus about 30 minutes on the bus or a shuttle with a bunch of people. Rush hour will normally add 15-45 minutes (30 minutes on the average).
What time should I be picked up?
2 hours before is normally enough time. PHX recommends you to be there 2 hours early to get through security and to your plane. Boarding usually starts 30 minutes before your plane takes off. However, one hour and thirty minutes is normally enough time. So if the drive from Tempe to Phoenix takes about 10 minutes, then 2 hours before your flight takes off is normally good.
Our Better Drivers
Who are your drivers?
Most of our drivers have been driving professionally with the public for more than 10 years. They have excellent people skills and are usually very knowledgeable about the area (what to do, best restaurants, history and attractions). Some of our drivers are also professional tour guides that go to the Grand Canyon, Tempe, Phoenix, and many other destinations.
We have high standards for our drivers including safety, reliability and customer service. They are very helpful with bags. They get the door for you. All drivers go through extensive background checks with Sky Harbor in order to pick up passengers.
We also train them by driving them through PHX, explaining all the rules, and showing them where to pick people up and drop people off.
Our Great Company
With more than 100,000 customers and more than 5 years in business, Airport Shuttle of Phoenix owns Phoenix to Tempe Shuttle, and has drivers all over the State of Arizona. Our main office is 5 minutes from PHX in Phoenix, AZ.
Main Office
4600 E Washington St Ste 300
Phoenix, AZ 85034
2018 - 2023 Travel and Hospitality Award Winner
Testimonials and Reviews
Click here to read lots of excellent reviews from real customers.
Phoenix AZ to Tempe AZ: Distance, Travel Options, and Practical Details
The short trip between Phoenix and Tempe is a common route for commuters, students, and visitors traveling between Arizona’s largest city and its neighboring college town. This guide consolidates the modeled data from public sources such as drivingdirections.com and distance-cities.com to give you a clear, estimate‑based picture of distance, drive time, fuel consumption, electric‑vehicle usage, and environmental impact. All numbers presented are labeled as estimates; no exact prices or guarantees are implied.
Route Overview and Core Metrics
According to the modeled route, the driving distance between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles). The straight‑line (as‑the‑crow‑flies) distance is shorter, at about 25 kilometers (16 miles). The reference driving time, calculated at a steady speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), is 55 minutes for continuous travel without stops. Some estimates in the source data note a non‑stop drive time of roughly 17 minutes, reflecting variations in the modeling assumptions; both figures are presented as estimates.
The trip profile supplied by the sources includes the following estimated consumption values:
- Fuel used: 2.9 liters (0.8 gallons) of gasoline.
- Electric‑vehicle energy use: 6.5 kWh for a typical EV.
- No scheduled break is recommended in the modeled plan.
These values are derived from the route distance and should be treated as rough guides for planning fuel stops or charging needs.
Driving Conditions and Major Roadways
The journey primarily follows major arterial roads and freeways that connect the two municipalities. Starting in central Phoenix, travelers typically join Interstate 10 (I‑10) heading west or southwest, depending on the exact origin. After a short stretch on I‑10, the route merges onto the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway (AZ‑202L), which runs east‑west through the northern part of Tempe. Exits along Loop 202 provide direct access to key Tempe destinations such as Arizona State University’s main campus, Tempe Town Lake, and the Mill Avenue District.
The road surface is generally well‑maintained, with multiple lanes in each direction and regular signage. Traffic volumes can increase during weekday rush hours (approximately 6 – 9 am and 3 – 6 pm), which may affect actual travel time compared to the modeled 55‑minute estimate. Real‑time traffic apps are recommended for the most current conditions.
Fuel Consumption, Cost Estimates, and Emissions
Based on the average fuel consumption figures supplied by the sources, a typical gasoline‑powered vehicle covering the 35 km (22 mi) route would consume about 2.9 L (0.8 gal) of fuel. Using the cited national average gasoline price of $4.35 per gallon, the estimated fuel cost for the trip works out to roughly $1.77. This figure is explicitly labeled as an estimate; actual costs will vary with the vehicle’s efficiency, current local fuel prices, and driving style.
Regarding emissions, the sources indicate that an average automobile would emit approximately 7.97 pounds of CO₂ over the course of the trip. On a per‑mile basis, this translates to about 0.79 pounds of CO₂ per mile. These numbers are modeled estimates and should be used for general awareness rather than precise accounting.
Electric‑Vehicle Considerations
For drivers of electric vehicles, the modeled energy consumption is 6.5 kWh for the 35 km (22 mi) drive. Charging needs will depend on the vehicle’s battery capacity and the efficiency of the charging infrastructure used. Public charging stations are available at various locations in both Phoenix and Tempe, including shopping centers, municipal lots, and workplace garages. As with fuel costs, any monetary estimate for electricity would depend on local utility rates and is not provided here.
Environmental Impact and Travel Choices
Choosing a mode of travel with lower per‑passenger emissions can reduce the overall carbon footprint of the Phoenix‑Tempe corridor. Options such as carpooling, using high‑occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, or selecting a fuel‑efficient or electric vehicle can lower the estimated CO₂ output. While the page does not provide a comparative emissions table for transit versus driving, the underlying principle remains: fewer vehicles on the road generally lead to lower total emissions.
Points of Interest Along the Way
Although the drive is relatively short, the corridor passes several notable landmarks that travelers might want to notice:
- Sky Harbor International Airport – located just east of downtown Phoenix, visible from I‑10 as you head west.
- Arizona State University (ASU) Tempe Campus – a major educational institution whose distinctive buildings line the southern edge of Loop 202 near University Drive.
- Tempe Town Lake – a recreational waterway offering parks, trails, and occasional events, accessible via several Loop 202 exits.
- Mill Avenue District – a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife, situated a short distance south of the lake.
- Phoenix‑Tempe Border Markers – subtle signage indicating the transition between the two municipalities, often noticed near the Loop 202/University Drive interchange.
These features are not required for navigation but can serve as informal waypoints for those interested in sightseeing or a brief pause.
Comparison of Travel Modes (Estimate‑Based)
The following table summarizes the primary travel options between Phoenix and Tempe, using the estimate‑based figures provided by the sources where applicable. All values are labeled as estimates; actual experiences may differ.
| Mode | Distance (est.) | Time (est.) | Energy/Fuel Use (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Gasoline Vehicle | 35 km / 22 mi | 55 min (modeled) | 2.9 L / 0.8 gal gasoline | Assumes average fuel economy; subject to traffic. |
| Electric Vehicle | 35 km / 22 mi | 55 min (modeled) | 6.5 kWh electricity | Charging infrastructure availability varies. |
| Ride‑Share / Taxi | 35 km / 22 mi | Variable (typically 45‑70 min) | Depends on vehicle type | Includes driver wait time; no fixed fare quoted. |
| Public Transit (Bus/Light Rail) | 35 km / 22 mi (approx.) | Variable (typically 60‑90 min) | N/A – passenger‑level | Requires checking current schedules; transfers may be needed. |
| Cycling | 35 km / 22 mi (approx.) | Variable (90‑120 min for average cyclist) | Human power | Relies on bike‑friendly routes; weather dependent. |
| Walking | 35 km / 22 mi (approx.) | Variable (7‑8 hours) | Human power | Not practical for most travelers; included for completeness. |
Best Times to Travel
Because the route is short, minor variations in departure time can noticeably affect overall duration. Traveling outside of the typical weekday peak periods (before 6 am or after 7 pm) often yields travel times closer to the modeled 55‑minute estimate. Weekend mid‑morning periods also tend to experience lighter congestion. Travelers who are sensitive to heat may prefer early‑morning or evening departures during the summer months, when temperatures in the Phoenix metropolitan area can exceed 100 °F (38 °C).
Practical Tips for the Journey
- Check real‑time traffic via a navigation app before departure; incidents on I‑10 or Loop 202 can add minutes to the drive.
- If driving a gasoline vehicle, consider filling up before entering the urban core to avoid higher‑priced station corridors.
- EV drivers should verify charging station availability along Loop 202 or near major destinations such as ASU or Tempe Town Lake.
- For those using ride‑share services, confirm the estimated arrival time in the app, as driver proximity can fluctuate.
- Keep an eye on construction alerts; occasional lane closures on Loop 202 for maintenance can affect flow.
