Cheap Flights to Phoenix

When to fly to Phoenix

Peak Season:
The best time to book cheap flights to Phoenix is between October and April. This is when temperatures are comfortable and there are plenty of cultural events taking place such as the Coors Rodeo Showdown, Cowboy Artists of America Sale and Exhibition and Phoenix Open (Scottsdale).

Off Season:
The high summer temperatures make visiting Phoenix a challenge. Locals move from one air-conditioned space to the other, venturing out either early in the morning or late at night. Late summer is monsoon season too. Visitors can expect late-afternoon thunderstorms and flash floods are a possibility.

More than 325 sunny days a year, an average temperature of nearly 30 degrees, and a name evoking a legendary firebird, it’s no wonder Phoenix is a hot destination.

Overview

Thousands of snowbirds and golfers seek cheap flights to Phoenix for its near-perfect climate and endless fairways. It’s no resthome destination however, Phoenix has a fiery cultural side too. The United States’ fifth-largest city – made up of almost 24 smaller cities – has a wealth of art tours, museums, galleries and festivals, sizzling cuisine and excellent shopping.

Culture vultures will know it as the home of the the Heard Museum, which preserves Native American culture, and the Phoenix Art Museum, the Southwest’s largest museum. Its 17,000 pieces of artwork span centuries and disciplines – from Asian to European art, fashion design to photography.

To get out into the non-conditioned air, visit the Desert Botanical Garden or climb Piestewa Peak, part of the Phoenix Mountains Park. Open between 5am and 11pm, a dawn stroll or sunset hike will help you escape the sun at its hottest.

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How long is the flight to Phoenix?

Flights to Phoenix from cities in Canada range from about 3h-9h. The length of your flight will depend on your departure city as well as the number and length of any stopovers. If you’re flying into Phoenix from Calgary, you can expect your flight to be on the shorter end of the range, while those traveling from as far east as Montreal can expect a lengthier flight with a stopover or two.

Where can you get direct flights to Phoenix from?

You can enjoy direct flights to Phoenix from several cities in Canada. Montreal, Edmonton, and Calgary international airports all offer one or two direct flights to Phoenix daily, while Vancouver and Toronto offer four and seven daily nonstop flights to Phoenix respectively. If you prefer a direct flight to Phoenix from one of these cities, keep an eye out for airlines that regularly service these direct flights, including Air Canada and American Airlines. If you have a flight with a stopover or two, you’ll likely make these layovers at airports in Chicago, Boise, Denver, Los Angeles, or Salt Lake City.

How do you get from Phoenix airport to the city centre?

Phoenix has one major airport – Sky Harbor International Airport, which is about 9km from Phoenix city centre. You have several options to choose when travelling from the airport to downtown Phoenix. PHX Sky Train provides efficient service from terminals 3 and 4 of the airport to Phoenix METRO light rail station at 44th Street and Washington. The Sky Train is free to ride, although you’ll have to purchase tickets at the METRO station if you need to continue your journey from there. Rental cars are also available outside of terminal 2.

Taxis are also available outside of all three airport terminals. The ride into Phoenix via taxi takes about 10 minutes and will cost around C$23. SuperShuttle provides shuttle service from all three terminals to points in the city centre. They depart every 15-20 minutes and cost about C$16-60 depending on your destination, per passenger.

What are some things to do in Phoenix?

Phoenix is an exciting place to visit thanks to its incredible desert climate, beautiful natural scenery, and thrilling cultural attractions. Enjoy an endless array of cacti, flowers, and art installations at the stunning Desert Botanical Gardens. Explore Native American textiles, paintings, and sculptures at Heard Museum. If you love biking and hiking, spending an afternoon at Papago Park is sure to delight. Peruse indie shops and chill at local cafés during a visit to Roosevelt Row. Spend a day at Castles ‘N Coasters if you love rollercoasters, rides, and gaming alike.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Phoenix?

Canadian citizens do need a valid passport to travel to the USA. A visa is not required as long as your visit is limited to under 90 days and you’re travelling for tourism or business purposes.

Phoenix climate

The climate is arid, with very hot summers and mild winters. For almost a third of the year – from June through September – temperatures exceed 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Not much rain falls on Phoenix, but those considering booking cheap flights to Phoenix should note that high humidity levels between July and mid-September can result in heavy showers and flooding.

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Getting around Phoenix

You’ll want a car to get around Phoenix, since the city and its surrounding towns cover more than 644 square kilometres. Parking is free outside of downtown Phoenix, although it may take you a while to find a spot in Old Scottsdale or popular shopping areas. Make sure you read the fine print when you’re renting your car. Taxes and surcharges can increase your rental rate nearly 50 percent. Get around town for free on the city’s Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) service. These free buses cover downtown routes during the week from 6:30am to 5:30pm. DASH is meant for downtown commuters, not tourists, but the buses do go by Heritage Square and the Arizona Capitol Museum. The public buses, Valley Metro, are more useful for commuters than it is for tourists.  

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