Visiting Phoenix, is a car required? (Tempe: rental car, rental, hotels)

[Toxic Toast]

Hello Phoenix

My wife and I are planning a vacation on Labor Day weekend. One place we have talked about visiting in Phoenix. When we go out of town, we prefer to use public transit as opposed to renting a car. I admit, I know just about nothing about Phoenix. Does Phoenix have a good transit system, and are there forumers who regularly use the system? Could we survive a week in Phoenix without a car, assuming we are staying downtown or somewhere along a rail line/bus route?

Yes, I know, I can go to a website for Valley Metro and look at info. I am more interested in hearing from actual users of the system about how good or bad it is.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

Hello Phoenix

My wife and I are planning a vacation on Labor Day weekend. One place we have talked about visiting in Phoenix. When we go out of town, we prefer to use public transit as opposed to renting a car. I admit, I know just about nothing about Phoenix. Does Phoenix have a good transit system, and are there forumers who regularly use the system? Could we survive a week in Phoenix without a car, assuming we are staying downtown or somewhere along a rail line/bus route?

Phoenix is a city that exists because of the automobile (and AC) . You absolutely must have a car to enjoy your trip. Don't even consider not getting one!

[observer53]

Rent a car. Period.

If you're staying around downtown, and want to take a ride out to downtown Tempe/ASU, ride the rail if you like. But you will need a car to fully enjoy your experience, attractions here are VERY spread out, and it's too hot on Labor Day weekend for most public transit (public transit buses are markedly reduced in service on weekends, and many areas don't have good coverage).

[ReadyFreddy]

I think Phx over Labor Day with no car would be a punishment, not a vacation.

[LBTRS]

As others have said, you can't visit Phoenix and not have transportation because nothing is close and for the most part our public transit system is lacking to non existent. You HAVE to drive everywhere.

No question, get the car.

[Toxic Toast]

Bummer. Thanks all.

[khuntrevor]

rental cars are a rip-off. You could have a nice trip on the Light Rail.

[ReadyFreddy]

I figure all-day light rail passes for two will cost $7/day? A rental car can be found for under $20/day. For the cost of plane fare (I'm assuming), I'd rather spend a little more for comfort and access to places off the light rail line. The rail serves such a tiny portion of the area. A week is a long time.

[Xica_da_Silva]

Phoenix is a great place to visit for much of the year, but imo (having lived here 10+ years) Labor Day is just about the most miserable time climate-wise that you could choose to visit. There's no way I would do that to my wife! lol
If you are seeing cheap hotel and resort rates for that time of year, there's a reason for that. I once visited Egypt during late August to save money when I was a budget-conscious college kid, but while it was fantastic overall, the heat was brutal and I would never recommend anyone else doing it that way.

If you don't mind spending more money, then I'd head for San Fran or Seattle to get the best of the weather and the light-rail options. Of course, for Labor Day it will probably be expensive and crowded. But so will anywhere that has decent climate.

Here in Phoenix light-rail is fine during the non-infernal months, but I don't think you'd enjoy waiting outside for trains in 110F+. I'd try to come back here during Nov-April...that's when the climate and beauty conspire to make Phoenix worthwhile.

[rational1]

You could book at one of the resort-type hotels and stay at the hotel the entire time. Many have shuttles to the airport. This is pretty much the only way I could imagine visiting Phoenix without a car.

I was at one of the resort hotels that offered bargain room rates during the summer, with all the golf you can stand included.

For a non-car visit to the west, about the only places I can think of are SF, Portland, and Seattle.