Downtown Phoenix features the Convention Center, Chase Field (Diamondbacks), Footprint Center (Suns), Roosevelt Row arts district, and Heritage Square.

About Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix has undergone a renaissance in recent years, transforming from a primarily business district into a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination. Roosevelt Row (RoRo) is the creative heart, a walkable arts district filled with murals, galleries, independent boutiques, and restaurants in converted mid-century buildings. First Friday Art Walks draw thousands to the area monthly.

The downtown cultural corridor houses major institutions including the Phoenix Art Museum (the largest art museum in the southwestern U.S.), the Heard Museum showcasing Native American art and culture, and the Arizona Science Center. Heritage Square preserves some of Phoenix's few remaining Victorian-era buildings, including the Rosson House Museum, offering a glimpse into the city's territorial-era history.

Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks) and the Footprint Center (Phoenix Suns) anchor the sports scene, while the renovated Civic Space Park provides a shaded urban oasis with Janet Echelman's suspended net sculpture "Her Secret Is Patience" floating overhead. The food scene has exploded with James Beard-nominated restaurants, craft breweries along the "Hops on Birch" brewery row, and innovative Southwestern cuisine.

Nearby Landmarks

Roosevelt Row Arts District Heard Museum Phoenix Art Museum Chase Field Heritage Square

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost USD 15-22
Time 10-15 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost USD 12-18
Time 10-15 minutes

Uber/Lyft pickup from designated rideshare areas at each terminal

Train (Valley Metro Rail)

Cost USD 2
Time 15 minutes
Frequency Every 12-15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take PHX Sky Train from terminal to 44th St/Washington station. 2. Board Valley Metro Rail westbound. 3. Exit at any downtown station (3rd St, Jefferson, etc).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi USD 15-22 10-15 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare USD 12-18 10-15 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train USD 2 15 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Valley Metro Rail runs until approximately 11:00 PM (later on weekends — midnight Friday/Saturday). After that, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is readily available at PHX, costing just $8-15 to downtown given the short distance. Downtown Phoenix has active nightlife on weekends, keeping rideshare available.

Luggage Tips

The PHX Sky Train and Valley Metro Rail are spacious and easily accommodate luggage. Downtown Phoenix is walkable from the light rail stops to most hotels. Note that Phoenix sidewalks can be extremely hot in summer — wheel luggage quickly if temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F).

Accessibility

PHX Sky Train and Valley Metro Rail are fully ADA accessible with level boarding and wheelchair spaces. Downtown Phoenix has modern, accessible infrastructure. The Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum have full wheelchair accessibility. Most downtown hotels are ADA compliant.