Scottsdale, Arizona, is a beautiful desert oasis with plenty to offer visitors—from upscale resorts and world-class golf courses to trendy shopping districts and scenic desert landscapes. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, getting around the city and its surrounding areas is essential to fully experiencing all that Scottsdale has to offer. Fortunately, Scottsdale has a variety of transportation options, including some innovative and convenient ways to travel around. Here’s a breakdown of the best transportation options when visiting Scottsdale, including Turo, a unique car rental service.

1. Renting a Car (Traditional Car Rentals)

Why it’s great: Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix metro area. With many popular destinations spread across the Valley, having your own car allows you to easily explore the city, nearby attractions, and beyond.

What to consider:

• Rental Locations: Major rental car agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, etc.) are available at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (about 15–20 minutes from Scottsdale), as well as local rental offices within Scottsdale.
• Parking: Scottsdale offers plenty of parking options, especially around resort areas, shopping districts, and golf courses. However, upscale locations like Old Town Scottsdale or Scottsdale Waterfront may require valet services, which could have additional fees.
• Flexibility: Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit remote attractions, like the Desert Botanical Garden, Pinnacle Peak, or the Grand Canyon (a few hours’ drive), all on your own schedule.

2. Turo (Peer-to-Peer Car Rental)

Why it’s great: Turo is a popular and increasingly convenient alternative to traditional car rentals. Often referred to as “the Airbnb of cars,” Turo lets you rent a car directly from local car owners. It’s especially great for travelers looking for something unique, like a luxury vehicle, a convertible, or even a vintage car.

What to consider:

• Wide Selection: Turo offers a wide variety of cars—ranging from compact cars and sedans to high-end vehicles like Teslas, convertibles, and luxury SUVs. If you want to drive a sports car or a classic car while cruising around Scottsdale, Turo is an excellent option.
• Delivery Options: Many car owners on Turo will deliver the car to your location (including Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or your Scottsdale hotel), making it convenient for travelers. Some hosts also offer flexible pick-up/drop-off times.
• Cost: Prices on Turo can vary depending on the vehicle type, time of year, and the rental duration. While sometimes pricier than traditional rentals for high-end or specialty vehicles, it can be more affordable for standard models.
• Insurance and Fees: Make sure to check Turo’s policies regarding insurance, delivery fees, and security deposits. Turo offers its own insurance options, or you can use your own, depending on the coverage.

How to Use Turo in Scottsdale:

• App/Website: Simply download the Turo app or visit their website, search for available cars in Scottsdale, and choose one that fits your preferences and budget.
• Flexible Options: You can rent cars for a day, a weekend, or longer, with easy access to pick-up and drop-off locations across Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area.

3. Ride-Sharing Services (Uber and Lyft)

Why it’s great: Uber and Lyft are widely available in Scottsdale, making them a convenient and affordable option for getting around, especially if you don’t want the hassle of renting a car or dealing with parking. Whether you’re heading to a fancy dinner, a golf course, or a local art gallery, you can easily request a ride.

What to consider:

• Availability: Both Uber and Lyft operate seamlessly in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Rides are available within minutes, making them a great choice for quick trips to local restaurants, shopping centers, or events.
• Airport Transfers: If you’re flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, you can easily catch an Uber or Lyft from the airport directly to your Scottsdale destination, which takes about 20 minutes.
• Cost: Prices may fluctuate depending on time of day, demand, and traffic. Costs tend to rise during peak times, such as during major events or festivals in Scottsdale (like the Waste Management Phoenix Open or Barrett-Jackson).

4. Public Transportation (Valley Metro)

Why it’s great: If you’re on a budget or prefer not to rent a car, Valley Metro offers public transportation services to and from Scottsdale. The public transportation system includes buses and light rail, connecting Scottsdale with Phoenix, Tempe, and other surrounding areas.

What to consider:

• Valley Metro Light Rail: While Scottsdale itself doesn’t have a light rail station, the Valley Metro Light Railstops in neighboring Tempe and Phoenix, making it easy to reach downtown Phoenix and other key areas in the Valley. You can easily reach the Arizona State University campus, Downtown Phoenix, or Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport via light rail.
• Bus Service: Valley Metro also offers bus routes that run through Scottsdale, although the system is more limited than in bigger cities. It’s a good option for getting around the central Scottsdale area, especially near Old Town Scottsdale and Scottsdale Waterfront.
• Timetable and Routes: Buses and light rail have regular schedules, but keep in mind they may not run as frequently as taxis or ride-sharing services, particularly on weekends or in less busy areas.

5. Shuttle Services (Hotel/Resort Shuttles)

Why it’s great: Many of Scottsdale’s high-end hotels and resorts provide shuttle services for their guests, making it easy to travel between your accommodations and popular local spots without the hassle of parking or driving.

What to consider:

• Resort Shuttles: Many upscale resorts in Scottsdale, such as The Phoenician, Four Seasons, and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, offer shuttle services to nearby attractions, golf courses, shopping areas, and sometimes even to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
• Scheduled Routes: Some hotel shuttles may run on a fixed schedule or offer transportation to specific events and attractions, so check with your hotel in advance to see if shuttle service is available for the locations you plan to visit.
• Airport Shuttles: If you’re staying at a resort or luxury hotel, many of them also provide complimentary or fee-based airport shuttle services.

6. Bicycles and Electric Scooters

Why it’s great: Scottsdale is a bike-friendly city with a variety of paths and bike trails. Renting a bike or electric scooter is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the downtown area, Scottsdale’s famous arts districts, or the nearby desert landscape.

What to consider:

• Bike Rentals: Many hotels and resorts in Scottsdale offer bikes to guests, or you can rent from local shops like The Bikery or Pedego Scottsdale (for electric bikes). Scottsdale has over 300 miles of bike paths, including scenic trails like the Arizona Canal Trail.
• Electric Scooters: Electric scooters from companies like Lime and Bird are available for rent via app, providing a quick, affordable way to get around Old Town Scottsdale and other nearby areas.
• Best for Short Distances: These options are great for short trips, like exploring Old Town or taking a leisurely ride through the Scottsdale Waterfront and adjacent parks.

7. Taxis

Why it’s great: Traditional taxis are still available in Scottsdale, although they are less commonly used than ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Taxis can be found at most major hotels, resorts, and transportation hubs.

What to consider:

• Availability: Taxis are often available at Scottsdale’s major hotels and resorts. You can also call a local taxi company to arrange a ride.
• Costs: Taxis are metered, and fares depend on the distance and time of day. Taxis tend to be more expensive than ride-sharing services but can be convenient if you need a ride in a hurry.

8. Walking

Why it’s great: Scottsdale has a vibrant and walkable downtown area, particularly in Old Town Scottsdale and around the Scottsdale Waterfront. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars.

What to consider:

• Walkability: Old Town Scottsdale, the Scottsdale Waterfront, and the Scottsdale Waterfront are all very walkable. Many visitors can easily navigate these areas on foot, especially when exploring the arts district or dining at local restaurants.
• Weather: While walking is ideal during cooler months (fall, winter, and spring), the summer heat in Scottsdale can be intense, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen if you’re walking outside.

Final Thoughts

Scottsdale offers a variety of transportation options to suit every type of traveler, whether you’re seeking convenience, flexibility, or a unique experience. Turo is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a distinctive car rental experience, allowing you to rent everything from luxury vehicles to electric cars. Other options like traditional car rentals, ride-sharing services, public transportation, and bicycles provide ample choices depending on your preferences and the nature of your visit. So, cruising in a convertible through the desert or hopping into a hotel shuttle to see the sights, getting around Scottsdale is easy and fun!