Commuting from Tempe to Sky-Harbor, Light-rail and Sky-train (Phoenix: living, bus)

[ihgtrhonda]

Hello all.

I am starting a new job at Sky-Harbor soon but I'd like to get info on the best commute routes. I don't currently drive, I rely mostly on the bus system and Light-rail. I have a Metro bus and rail book and noticed the rail doesn't go directly to the airport. Also seeing the bus routes to the airport aren't th4 best connections.

I live in Tempe near Apache and McClintock. My work schedule will vary between morning and mid-shifts and some weekends. Would it be possible to take the Light-rail train from Tempe to 44 th and Washington then get on the airport Sky-train? I know the Sky-train is used mostly by travelers but does it get enough airport employees using it too? How is the Light-rail and Sky-train on Saturdays and Sundays?

It looks like that Sky-train runs often and goes about where I need to so would this be the best route for me? If not what would some other options be? Seems as though I'm among the few that doesn't have my own car to drive to work.

Thanks ever so much.

[43north87west]

I see a lot of employees on the Sky Train. It only goes to Terminal 4, so you have to take a shuttle to the others. If the schedules work for you, it's probably the most convenient to use the light rail.

[azdr0710]

I think you'll be in luck if you're near a Light Rail station in Tempe!

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Providing Public Transportation Alternatives for the Greater Phoenix Metro Area | Valley Metro |

wish I had a job where I didn't have to drive!

[special mixx]

I used the sky train and really liked it, couldn't get over how clean and smooth it seemed.
Not sure how good it is for airport workers but it sure works for travelers.

[exit2lef]

I see airport employees on the Sky Train all the time. The transit center at 44th Street & Washington serves not only light rail, but also bus routes 1 (Washington Street) and 44 (44th Street). Use whichever of those is best for you and then connect to the Sky Train to reach Terminal 4.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

I see airport employees on the Sky Train all the time. The transit center at 44th Street & Washington serves not only light rail, but also bus routes 1 (Washington Street) and 44 (44th Street). Use whichever of those is best for you and then connect to the Sky Train to reach Terminal 4.

If the OP is living near McClintock and Apache, light rail to the Sky Train is the way to go.

To the OP- The light rail runs slightly less often on Saturday and Sunday, but not enough to make much difference. Just check the schedule to see what the right departure time would be to allow you to get to work on time.

[exit2lef]

Originally Posted by observer53

If the OP is living near McClintock and Apache, light rail to the Sky Train is the way to go.

.

Definitely. I missed that detail.

[caryberry]

OP - you are so lucky. Not being car dependent is a wonderful thing. Good for you!

[ihgtrhonda]

Not being car-dependent is more of a money matter in my situation, but avoiding the traffic fight is something I like.

Anyways, thanks to all for the responses. Off hand, does anyone know if that Sky-train runs just as often on weekends as on weekdays or is it less-frequent on weekends like the Light-rail is?

[pbenjamin]

It looks like it runs less frequently during off-peak hours, but since it runs every 3 minutes at peak hours and the light rail runs every 12-20 minutes I can't imagine it making much of a difference.