Getting around Phoenix

Public transport

Valley Metro (tel: +1 602 253 5000; www.valleymetro.org) operates the city's buses and light rail. The light rail service provides access to the airport, the convention centre and other main city locations. Day and weekly passes are available. Craigslist also runs a local rideshare forum (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/rid).

Taxis

You need to book taxis in advance by telephone. The main operators are Camelback Taxi (tel: +1 480 939 3366; www.camelbackcab.com) and Yellow Cab (tel: +1 602 455 4500; www.yellowcabaz.com).

Driving

Phoenix is built on a grid system and is divided into smaller districts that are treated as individual towns. The easiest way to navigate the area is by car. Downtown Phoenix has thousands of parking spots and public garages. Metered parking is enforced seven days a week from 0800-2200.

Car hire

The minimum hiring age ranges from 21 to 25, depending on rental companies. Major companies include Alamo (tel: +1 888 826 6893; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: +1 602 261 5900; www.avis.com), and Hertz (tel: +1 602 267 8822; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire

Phoenix's bikeshare system is called Grid Bike Share (tel: +1 602 753 4743; www.gridbikes.com). There are more than 500 bikes across 50 locations, and you can pay by the hour.

Alternatively, Cactus Bike Rental, 4747 East Elliot Road (tel: +1 480 785 7433; www.cactusbike.com), rents a variety of bikes and helmets.