Surprise to Phoenix Airport Shuttle
Round Trips Save You 10% Phoenix to Surprise shuttle
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 shuttle drivers are normally 5-10 minutes early at your home in Phoenix and Surprise, or right on time at PHX. 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 mins 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 mins 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 shuttle 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 Surprise Shuttle last minute, it's a good idea to make your shuttle 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 Surprise?
Trips to and from Surprise in normal traffic are about 35 minutes versus about an hour and 15 minutes on the bus or a shuttle with a bunch of people. Rush hour will normally add 15-45 mins (30 mins on the average).
What time should I be picked up?
2-2.5 hours before your flight 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 mins is normally enough time. So if the drive from Surprise to Phoenix takes about 35 mins, then 2-2.5 hours before your flight takes off is normally good.
Our Better Drivers
Who are your drivers?
Most of our shuttle 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 shuttle drivers are also professional tour guides that go to the Grand Canyon, Surprise, Phoenix, and many other destinations.
We have high standards for our Phoenix shuttle 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 Surprise to Phoenix 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 to 2023 Travel and Hospitality Award Winner
Testimonials and Reviews
Click here to read lots of excellent reviews from real customers.
Traveling from Surprise, AZ to Phoenix, AZ: Your Complete Guide
Surprise and Phoenix are two of the fastest‑growing communities in Maricopa County, linked by a short but scenic drive that showcases the desert landscape, suburban neighborhoods, and key attractions of the Greater Phoenix area. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting, catching a flight at Sky Harbor International Airport, or exploring the cultural offerings of downtown Phoenix, understanding the route, travel times, and alternatives can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. This guide draws on publicly available data to provide clear, estimate‑based information about driving distance, fuel consumption, environmental impact, and convenient stops along the way. All figures are presented as estimates unless otherwise noted.
Driving Distance and Time
According to publicly sourced calculations, the non‑stop drive from Surprise to Phoenix takes about 41 minutes. The halfway point along the most direct route lies roughly 11.2 miles from each city, which puts the total distance between the two communities at approximately 22.4 miles. Travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak commuting hours on major arteries such as Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) and I‑17. Drivers often report that the journey feels shorter when using the toll‑free Arizona State Route 74 (Bell Road) to connect with Loop 101 westbound, then following signs toward downtown Phoenix.
Primary Route Options
Most travelers choose one of three main corridors:
- Loop 101 South – Enter Loop 101 at the Surprise Parkway exit, travel south past Glendale, and continue into Phoenix. This route offers consistent flow and direct access to downtown via the 7th Street or Van Buren Street exits.
- I‑17 South – Take Loop 303 east to I‑17, then head south toward the Phoenix metropolitan core. This option is useful for those heading to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport area or the South Mountain Park preserve.
- Surface Streets via Grand Avenue – For a more local experience, follow Grand Avenue (US‑60) southeast through Sun City and into Phoenix’s historic districts. Expect slower speeds due to traffic signals and pedestrian crossings.
Real‑time traffic apps can help you decide which corridor offers the best flow on the day of travel.
Comparison of Travel Modes
| Mode | Typical Duration* | Estimated Fuel Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Vehicle | 41 min (no stops) | ≈ 0.79 lb CO₂ per mile (≈ 17.6 lb total) | Most flexible; cost depends on vehicle efficiency. |
| Rideshare (e.g., Uber/Lyft) | 45‑55 min | Similar to personal vehicle (shared) | No parking worries; surge pricing possible. |
| Airport Shuttle Service | 50‑60 min | Shared‑ride emissions lower per passenger | Direct to Sky Harbor; fixed schedule. |
| Public Transit (Valley Metro Bus) | 70‑90 min | Lower per‑passenger footprint | Requires transfers; check Route 104 and Route 72. |
| *Durations are estimates based on typical off‑peak conditions; actual times may vary. | |||
Environmental Impact
The same data source estimates that an average gasoline‑powered vehicle will emit about 0.79 pounds of CO₂ per mile** traveled on this route. Over the roughly 22.4‑mile journey, that amounts to approximately 17.6 pounds of CO₂**. These figures are estimates based on average vehicle fuel efficiency and the average U.S. regular gasoline price used in the original calculation. Choosing a higher‑occupancy mode such as a shuttle or public transit can reduce the per‑passenger carbon footprint.
Halfway Point and Nearby Attractions
The midpoint between Surprise and Phoenix is located near the city of Glendale, AZ. Public facts indicate that this point is about 11.2 miles** from each city and takes roughly 20 minutes** to reach from Surprise and 14 minutes** from Phoenix. Glendale offers several convenient stops for travelers:
- Arrowhead Towne Center – A large regional shopping mall with dining options, ideal for a quick break.
- State Farm Stadium – Home of the Arizona Cardinals NFL team; check event schedules if you’re interested in a tour or game.
- Desert Diamond Arena (formerly Gila River Arena) – Venue for concerts and occasional hockey games.
- Historic Downtown Glendale – Features antique shops, art galleries, and the popular Glendale Glitterfest during the holiday season.
If you prefer a natural setting, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park lies just west of the Loop 101 corridor and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and striking desert vistas—accessible via a short detour from the highway.
Best Times to Travel
Travel times between Surprise and Phoenix are most predictable during mid‑morning (9 am–11 am) and mid‑afternoon (2 pm–4 pm) on weekdays, when commuter traffic is lighter. Rush hour periods—typically 6 am–9 am** and 4 pm–7 pm**—can add 10‑20 minutes to the drive, especially on Loop 101 southbound approaching the I‑17 interchange. Weekend travel is generally smoother, although special events at State Farm Stadium or the Phoenix Zoo may increase congestion on nearby arterial roads.
Weather Considerations
The Sonoran Desert climate means hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 100 °F (38 °C), which can affect vehicle performance and increase the need for air conditioning, thereby slightly raising fuel consumption. Winter months (November–February) offer pleasant daytime highs in the 60‑70 °F range, making for comfortable driving conditions. For a car averaging 25 mpg, the 22.4‑mile trip would use just under 1 gallon of gasoline.
Is public transportation a viable option?
Valley Metro operates several bus routes that connect Surprise to Phoenix, though travel times are longer (approximately 70‑90 minutes) and may require transfers.
Where can I stop for food halfway through?
Glendale offers many dining choices, from fast‑casual chains along
