The Best Road Trips from Phoenix

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 by Kristin

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It’s hard not to find something to love in Phoenix, Arizona, a sprawling city set against a stunning backdrop of desert and mountains. Phoenix combines some of the best restaurants and shopping the Southwest has to offer along with unique outdoor activities. Visitors can hike Camelback Mountain for spectacular views of the city and be ready for dinner at one of Scottsdale’s chic restaurants in just a few hours. Along with all the fun things to do within city limits, Phoenix is also an excellent gateway for some of the best road trips in the entire country. Here are the best road trips from Phoenix.

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Fabulous Road Trips from Phoenix

Tucson, Arizona

115 miles/1 hr. 45 mins.

Hop on I-10 E and explore Tucson, Arizona’s second-largest city in the Sonoran Desert. One must stop is Saguaro National Park, which contains the largest cacti in the country. Tucson also has a variety of cultural attractions including the Pima Air & Space Museum, Trail Dust Town and the San Xavier del Bac mission.

Sedona, Arizona

116 miles/2 hr.

One of the most scenic routes in Arizona is up to the desert city of Sedona. With its breathtaking red cliff rock formations, Sedona is all about taking a moment to appreciate nature. The city is close to the trails of Red Rock State Park and natural waterslide in Slide Rock State Park. Sedona’s downtown is home to boutique hotels, art galleries, artisanal markets and restaurants with views of the surrounding canyons. >> Recommended hotels in Sedona

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

229 miles/3 hr. 40 mins.

The most well-known natural attraction in Arizona — and perhaps the entire country — is the expansive Grand Canyon. Head up I-17 and follow the signs for the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Most visitors enter the park through the South Rim entrance, which is closer to Phoenix. However, there is also a longer route to the North Rim of the canyon that takes about six hours and features a scenic drive. Due to its higher elevation, this area closes for the winter. The North Rim is usually open between mid-May and mid-October each year. On the way to the Grand Canyon, stop in Flagstaff and the small city of Williams, home to the Route 66 Museum.

Petrified Forest National Park via Route 66

256 miles/3 hr. 50 mins.

This Route 66 road trip takes you through a good chunk of Arizona to the Petrified Forest National Park in the northeastern part of the state. The park features unique petrified wood and sweeping views of the Painted Desert. While overnight stays are not allowed in the park itself, the nearby town of Holbrook features several hotels. Note that this is the longer, scenic route that passes through Flagstaff and cuts east on Route 66, arguably the holy grail of U.S. road trips.

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Las Vegas, NV

300 miles/4 hr. 45 mins

There may be no better way to prepare for a road trip to Vegas than to sit back and savor the quiet of Arizona’s desolate desert roads. The road between Phoenix and Las Vegas on US-93 is pretty barren, with the exception of one key destination — the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada. But the real fun happens once you arrive in Vegas. Besides casinos, Vegas is also home to world-class shows, exquisite fine dining and the vintage charm of Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas. >> Recommended hotels in Las Vegas

Related:

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) Car Rental Guide
The Best Hotel Pools in Phoenix
The Best Luxury Hotels in Scottsdale

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I rent a car in a different country?

This is best done by using an international rental agency, such as Hertz or Avis. These companies offer both short-term rentals or long-term leases. They have offices across Europe.

They provide customer support 24 hours a day, 7 nights a week.

No previous experience is required to rent from them. They handle everything, from insurance to breakdown cover. All you need to know about where to go, and when to expect to arrive is

What are the requirements to rent a car from Portugal?

Portugal has an international driving permit that is required for renting a car. For payment purposes, you will need proof of insurance and credit cards.

When making a booking, rental companies will often ask you for a passport/national ID card.

Two forms of identification may be required when renting a car in Portugal: passport or national ID card.

These are required by law to comply with the European Union regulations on road traffic safety. You may not be allowed to drive the vehicle if you are unsure of your identity.

If you do NOT have an International Driving License, you will need to obtain a translated copy from the Driver Licensing Authority of your home country.

This document needs to be translated in Portuguese and must be presented along with any other documentation. Although the cost of this document will vary depending on where it is located, it generally runs between $20-30 USD.

You may not be allowed to enter the vehicle if you fail to provide a copy your official translation.

Which car rental company has the best locations?

Hertz was the obvious answer but they are not listed in the service provider directory as a location-based provider.

Do Europe's rental cars come with automatic transmissions

Yes. The reason rental agencies won't rent vehicles without an auto transmission is that they are expensive to repair if you drive them around. It would be too expensive to replace all the parts every time you damage the bodywork.

You can rent a car with an automatic transmission in Europe if you wish to.

Do I need separate car insurance to drive in Europe?

If your insurance does not provide coverage for you while driving abroad, it may be worth adding additional coverage to your policy.

This is because different rules may apply to who is liable if an accident happens between cars from different countries.

You should carefully read all the fine print before you sign up for this additional cover. Some policies may exclude certain types.

Also, verify if your existing policy covers international travel. This is usually called 'extended warranty, and you might find it cheaper to buy it separately.

Can I rent an automobile and drive around Europe by renting it?

Yes, you can. You'll need an organized tour booking and separate payment for each day. These types of tours can be booked by many companies.

You might consider hiring a car through a primary travel agent if you want more flexibility. These agencies often offer a variety of services including car rentals and transfers within the city.

They often work with local suppliers who are experts in providing high-quality vehicles and competitive pricing.

What documents is required to drive around Europe?

You will need all documentation for each country you visit.

Also, copies of your passport, driving record, and insurance policy are required. It will be necessary to have your insurance policy cover you when driving in Europe.

In certain countries, proof of ownership may be required. This could be a bill of sale or registration papers.

Some countries require drivers from their home countries to have a valid driving license.

Statistics

Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 3 percent cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations (terms apply), and the Citi Premier® Card earns three points per dollar at gas stations, too. (afar.com)
If you're a member of AAA, you might also be able to snag discounts of 10 percent at Thrifty, and 8 percent at Dollar. (afar.com)
You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
In 2019, the most crucial factor is the cost and fees of the rental (accounting for 28% of overall satisfaction with the rental experience), followed by the rental car itself at 25% and the pick-up process at 23%. (cnet.com)

External Links

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How To

10 Tips on How to Rent a Car Cheapest

Renting a car is one of the cheapest ways to travel around your town. Many different companies are offering their services online and offline. You should be aware of the type of service offered by each company before you rent a car. You can choose private cars, vans, minivans, SUVs, luxury cars, etc. There are some companies that offer discounts for two people traveling together. It is a good idea to read online reviews before you choose a company to rent a car. To save money, book at least a month before your rental car is due. You won't have to pay any extra for booking last-minute. It's always good to compare prices among multiple companies.

You should also check to see if insurance is required by the company.

You should ensure that you have enough gas if you plan to drive your own car. Most companies charge higher prices per gallon. If you are driving outside of major cities, it is possible to get stuck in traffic jams. If this happens, public transportation might be an option. It would be more convenient to take a taxi or a van shuttle if you have heavy luggage. If you do decide to take a cab, make sure to find a reputable company. Ask for recommendations and read reviews from customers.

Remember that car rental agreements usually stipulate a mileage limit. Make sure you read the contract thoroughly and check whether you can exceed this limit. Know how much each mile will cost.

Most companies permit you to use the GPS navigation system at no cost, but you may need to pay additional for satellite radio.

Another thing to remember is that you might not be able to return your vehicle until after certain hours. Take care not to leave anything in the car.

Your driver's permit, credit card and passport are necessary to obtain the rental car. Make sure you fill in all the information correctly. A confirmation email will follow with details regarding the pickup date and times. Once you've picked up the car, be safe and follow the directions.

You should ensure your car rental is safe once you reach your destination. Many companies require that the keys are dropped at the office. Keep the receipt handy just in case you lose something while driving. Return to the office once you are done. Now you are free to enjoy your vacation!

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