How to make the most out of your layover in Phoenix

Layovers can be a drag, but they can also be fun in the right situation. It all depends on where you’re heading and what mindset you have. 

If you’re routed through Phoenix, absolutely do not despair. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is a world-class facility situated just outside of downtown. It provides easy access to explore the city, even for a few hours. And whether you're visiting the temporary exhibits at the Musical Instrument Museum, grabbing a meal, or wandering through the Japanese Friendship Garden, a short or long layover is much easier without any added bags.

Luckily, Bounce offers plenty of Phoenix luggage storage locations to help you travel as lightly as possible while you maximize your time in the city.

Things to keep in mind before leaving Phoenix Airport

Visa requirements in the US

Americans will only need a valid state-issued ID or passport, but international travelers will need to apply for a visa-free entry to the U.S. or a valid visa. It's highly important to make these arrangements before you travel. 

Minimum layover times in Phoenix

It's recommended that you have a minimum of five hours between arrival and your next flight if you want to leave the airport. It takes some time to get through security (especially on international flights), so anything less will be too risky. 

What to do in Phoenix during a layover

If your layover is five hours or longer, you’ll have time to do just a few things. You can get into the city via the PHX Sky Train that runs from the airport to the 44th Street and Washington Light Rail stations. Otherwise, it's about a 15-minute drive to downtown, with rush hour bumping the commute up to about 35 minutes. Valley Metro Rail also connects the airport to Central Phoenix and Tempe. 

If you're planning on exploring the city for a few hours during your layover, you'll absolutely want to stash your bag either at the Bounce location serving the airport or the dozen or so spots in the city center. You'll be able to use the mobile app to find the most convenient location for your itinerary, and each booking is protected.

Morning layover in Phoenix

This might be the best time to head into Phoenix as the temperatures will be more comfortable, and the crowds at museums or attractions will be a little more manageable. By noon, the sun will be beating down and you'll want to be eating brunch inside or on your way back to the airport. 

• Situated just a short drive from the airport, the Desert Botanical Garden is the perfect place to head if you have limited time before your next flight. This sprawling complex features gorgeous desert flora and is a great way to get some steps in. 
• Phoenix Zoo is the perfect place to head if you're on a layover in Phoenix with the family. Having to corral the kids will be difficult enough, so save yourself some stress by conveniently storing the bags with Bounce. 
• For superb coffee and elegant breakfast staples, head to Essence Bakery Cafe on Indian School Road. If your sweet tooth hasn't been satisfied, the trendy BoSa Donuts is right down the street.  
• For an unfussy morning pick-me-up, downtown’s Welcome Diner on Garfield serves up classics like buttermilk fried chicken with homemade biscuits and their iconic fried green tomato sandwich.

Afternoon layover in Phoenix

If you're heading into Phoenix during the afternoon, you want to find indoor activities to beat the heat. You also want to budget a little more time for your trip back to the airport as traffic will pick up slightly.

• If you’re pressed for time, you can pop into the Phoenix Airport Museum, which features vibrant indigenous art from the American Southwest along with fascinating aviation exhibits. 
• If you have enough time to pop into town, head to the Heard Museum. This world-class institution is an authority on the indigenous culture of the southwest. You'll get to learn about the fascinating Hopi people and other tribes through artifacts and interactive exhibits. 
• The premier gallery in the city, Phoenix Art Museum is perfect for getting a bit of culture in during your layover and is a favorite for seeing works by local artists. 
• For a quick lunch, head to Andreoli Italian Grocer for incredible sandwiches and trattoria favorites in a fun old-school setting. 

Evening layover in Phoenix

As soon as the sun sets, you'll start to feel a little more comfortable walking around Phoenix. The restaurants might start to fill up, but you should be able to find a table for dinner or a place at the bar. 

• The Sonoran hot dog is the southwest answer to the Chicago-style hotdog. This staple is wrapped in bacon and served with unique toppings. The best place to get a cheap dinner is El Caprichoso Hot Dogs; there's a family-friendly atmosphere on the patio. 
• For something a little more elegant, head to Nelson's Meat + Fish for the city’s best seafood. You'll be able to cool yourself down with poke or ceviche. 
• If you have time to kill but don't want to hit the bar, the Phoenix comedy scene is highly underrated. Spots like Tempe Improv, Stand Up Live, CB Live, House of Comedy, and Stir Crazy Comedy Club are worth checking out for a few laughs.

Overnight layover in Phoenix

Depending on how eager you are to get to your final destination, an overnight in Phoenix is ideal as you'll be able to experience the wonderful nightlife scene without having to worry about getting back to the airport. 

• Home2 Suites, GreenTree Inn & Suites, and the Hampton Inn are all within a short drive from the airport, and all of these will have shuttles for easy access to Sky Harbor. 
• For the best nightlife, downtown Phoenix is slightly more accessible than Scottsdale, especially hotspots like the Roosevelt Row Arts District. The Churchill, Barcoa Agaveria, Ghost Donkey, Palma, Sazerac, and Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company are just a few of the best spots to hit. 
• Christopher’s is a James Beard Award-winning fine dining institution at the historic Wrigley Mansion that offers panoramic views of the city and classic French cuisine. It's perfect for a romantic evening or celebrating a special occasion.
• Hana Japanese Eatery Covers the full spectrum of this wonderful cuisine, with stellar sushi, katsu, tempura, noodles, and nabe. The only blind spot is the lack of ramen, but spend any time outdoors in Phoenix and you probably won't be craving a steamy bowl of miso broth. 

Tips to make the most out of your time in Phoenix

• Basically, any time of the year will find scorching temperatures in the city, so it's advisable to pack lighter clothing if you're planning on heading out of the airport during a Phoenix layover.  
• Museums and other attractions will be crowded during the weekend, but you’ll still be able to visit these places along with grabbing a table at a restaurant. Planning ahead is key!
• Everything is in USD, but everywhere at the airport and the vast majority of places in the city will take credit cards. There are not many situations where you'll absolutely need cash in Phoenix, so you can probably skip the currency exchange or ATM. 
• Downtown Phoenix and areas like Scottsdale are generally quite safe, just stick to streets you know if you're exploring at night. 
• English is the most common language in Phoenix, but you'll have an easy time finding Spanish speakers. 

After you pop into Phoenix for a couple of hours, you'll likely be planning a full trip here for your next vacation. Whether you're trying to escape the snow or explore the southwest’s cultural gem, Phoenix doesn't disappoint. Just don't let your bags slow you down!