City in Arizona, United States
Getting around Scottsdale
How to get around Scottsdale
Old Town is walkable and a free trolley serves the core; most other trips need a car or rideshare. Valley Metro buses link the wider Phoenix area.
Ways to get around Scottsdale
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale Trolley | Free | Neighborhood routes through Old Town, Fashion Square and the Waterfront |
| Valley Metro buses | 2 USD | Regional network; light rail runs in Phoenix, not Scottsdale |
| Rideshare | 12–25 USD | Most visitors' main option for longer trips |
| Rental car | 40–90 USD per day | Useful for desert hikes and day trips |
Ride-hailing apps in Scottsdale
A 5 km ride costs about $13–22 ($13–22).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Most drivers; airport pickups |
| Lyft | Reliable alternative |
| Waymo | Driverless rides in parts of the Phoenix area, including Scottsdale |
- Taxis are available but expensive; apps are cheaper. Plan rides back from Old Town bars rather than driving.
Arriving in Scottsdale
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Rideshare or taxi to Old Town 25–40 USD, about 20–30 min; Valley Metro bus is slower.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Shared e-scooters are available in Old Town; heat and car traffic limit use.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
- Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Scottsdale?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, Lyft, Waymo.
What's the best way to get around Scottsdale?
Old Town is walkable and a free trolley serves the core; most other trips need a car or rideshare. Valley Metro buses link the wider Phoenix area.
How do I get from the airport to Scottsdale?
Rideshare or taxi to Old Town 25–40 USD, about 20–30 min; Valley Metro bus is slower.
Is Scottsdale walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Scottsdale
Going to Scottsdale solo?
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Sources
- Amtrak
- Greyhound
- FlixBus
- City of Scottsdale
- Valley Metro
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- Experience Scottsdale
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.