Old Town Scottsdale features art galleries, upscale dining, nightlife, and the famous Fashion Square mall. A popular tourist area about 15 miles northeast of the airport.

About Scottsdale (Old Town)

Old Town Scottsdale is the cultural and entertainment core of this affluent Phoenix suburb, blending Western heritage with contemporary sophistication. The original downtown area features the rustic charm of 5th Avenue with its bronze cowboy sculptures, Western-themed shops, and the Scottsdale Museum of the West, while just blocks away, the Scottsdale Arts District houses over 100 galleries, making it one of the largest art markets in the country.

The dining scene in Old Town Scottsdale rivals any major American city, with an extraordinary concentration of restaurants spanning farm-to-table fine dining, innovative Mexican cuisine, craft cocktail bars, and upscale steakhouses. The Entertainment District along Saddlebag Trail and Scottsdale Road comes alive after dark with rooftop lounges, live music venues, and a fashionable nightlife scene.

Scottsdale's identity is deeply tied to the Sonoran Desert landscape. The city sits at the edge of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve — the largest urban preserve in the U.S. at 30,500 acres — offering world-class hiking among saguaro cacti and desert wildflowers. Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, his winter home and architecture school, is a must-visit landmark in the nearby foothills, showcasing his organic desert architecture philosophy.

Nearby Landmarks

Scottsdale Arts District Taliesin West Fashion Square Mall Camelback Mountain Old Town

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost USD 28-40
Time 25-35 minutes

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

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost USD 18-28
Time 25-35 minutes

Uber/Lyft from terminal rideshare zones

Step-by-Step Directions

1. PHX Sky Train to 44th St station. 2. Light rail to Scottsdale Rd station. 3. Bus Route 72 north to Old Town Scottsdale.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi USD 28-40 25-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare USD 18-28 25-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

There is no direct public transit to Scottsdale from PHX after dark. Uber and Lyft are the most practical options at any hour, costing $15-25 from the airport. Scottsdale's nightlife district is very active Thursday through Saturday, keeping rideshare available late. Traditional taxis are also at PHX.

Luggage Tips

Rideshare or taxi is the best option for Scottsdale with luggage, as public transit requires transfers and walking. Old Town Scottsdale is compact and flat, but summer heat (often 40°C+) makes walking with luggage unpleasant from April through October.

Accessibility

PHX airport is fully accessible. Old Town Scottsdale has modern sidewalks and curb cuts. Most Scottsdale restaurants, galleries, and hotels are ADA compliant. The Scottsdale Arts District is flat and walkable. Desert hiking trails vary in accessibility.