Every frequent flyer has a favorite airport story, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has a good one. Here is a fun fact to keep in your back pocket: the airport buys and shows art on purpose. A city law passed in 1986 lets Phoenix set aside a small share of its airport construction money for art. That is how a busy airport ended up with a museum inside it.
How the PHX Art Collection Grew
The airport says art collecting began in the early 1960s, with purchases made as terminals were built. The airport says art is still mostly bought with construction funds. The Phoenix Office of Cultural Affairs works with the Phoenix Airport Museum staff on commissions and purchases.
Today, the airport says the collection includes more than 1,000 works. They range from ceramic tile and mixed-media murals to metal sculptures, paintings and prints. The museum also runs exhibitions, and the airport says each one is usually on view for about six months. Check the airport's museum page for what is up now.
Finding the Art as You Travel
The airport operates through Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. Its museum guides point out art in both, including a desert garden and artist-designed floors in Terminal 3, and murals and mosaics in Terminal 4. The airport says you can see its art at Sky Harbor locations 24 hours a day. One gallery, the Terminal 4 Gallery, keeps set hours, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
- Check the airport's free museum guide for your terminal before you travel.
- Save the guide to your phone, so you can open it without a search once you are inside.
- Leave a few extra minutes after you reach the terminal, so a short walk past some art does not cut into your boarding time.
The Lots Listed for PHX on Tropical Airport Parking
Three lots are listed for PHX on Tropical Airport Parking right now. Listings can change, so this is what shows today.
Crowne Plaza
Address: 4300 East Washington Street, Phoenix. The listing says the lot is minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor and from downtown. The airport shuttle is included with purchase and runs 24/7, about every 30 minutes, with pickups on demand. It has a 24-hour front desk.
Howard Johnson
Address: 4120 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix. The listing says the lot is minutes from the airport and open 24/7. No room reservation is needed, and there are no extra charges for full-size vans, pickup trucks and large SUVs. You park in the lot behind the hotel.
La Quinta Inn and Suites Tempe University
Address: 1375 East University Drive, Tempe. The listing says the lot is just off AZ-101 and AZ-202, about seven miles from PHX, and open 24/7.
Our rate shows live on each lot page (from $3.99/day).
How the Free PHX Sky Train Fits In
The PHX Sky Train is the airport's own train. The airport says it is free to the public and runs 24 hours a day. It links Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and the Rental Car Center, among other stops. Overnight waits could be 15 minutes or more.
The train is separate from any lot. Read your listing for how that lot reaches the terminal.
How to Choose Parking Near PHX
Choosing a lot goes well when you take your time and read what each one lists. Lots near the airport are separate businesses, and every listing has its own rules, hours and details. Here is what to look at before you pick:
- Shuttle hours, and how long the ride to your terminal takes, if the listing shows a shuttle.
- Where the shuttle picks you up when you land, and how to request it.
- The total for your exact dates.
- Cancellation and change terms.
- Check-in and key steps, and what the listing says about each.
Giving Yourself Enough Time
The airport recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. If you park first, add time for the lot and the trip to the terminal.
Parking Through the Arizona Heat
According to the National Weather Service, Phoenix averages about 111 days a year at 100 degrees or more, and its average last 100-degree day is October 5. If your car will sit for days, have the battery, tires and coolant checked first.
Questions Travelers Ask About PHX Parking
Where Can I Find Long-Term Parking Near PHX?
Open the Phoenix airport parking page and enter your dates.
Does Every Lot Have a Shuttle?
Each listing shows its own details.
Is the Sky Train Free?
Yes, per the airport.
How Early Should I Get to the Airport?
Two hours before a domestic flight and three before an international one, per the airport.
Can I Park for a Week or Longer?
Many do. Check your dates in the listing.
Is the Airport Art Free to See?
Yes. The airport says no ticket is needed.
Review the current lots for your travel dates and pick the one that fits your trip.
Start your search with Tropical Airport Parking and review the details before you reserve. For lot locations and pickup points, see the Phoenix airport parking page.
Current pricing at PHX (from $3.99/day) — check live availability for your dates.